The Lowdown with Matt Munoz / 2015

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 8, 2015

Eye Street The Lowdown

Bluegrass jam: Go and banjo Festival features pros and amateurs alike Matt Munoz

T

here will be no strings left unstrung when the Great 48 bluegrass jam picks its way back to the DoubleTree Hotel this weekend.

Now in its sixth year, the popular four-day festival will stick to its tradition of non-stop music and jamming for everyone in attendance. From the professional to the novice, it’s one of the few music festivals where hands-on participation is encouraged.

“The first few years we had several hundred people, and it’s never stopped growing since then,” said Gary Young, bluegrass music aficionado and co-organizer of the Great 48 with the California Bluegrass Association. “I think a big part of that has to do with the schools and colleges going back to the guitar, mandolin and banjo sound, and more students taking those instruments up.”

Bluegrass was invented by the working poor in rural Appalachia for communal gatherings like dances, family reunions or just hanging around. Yet despite those humble roots, the music is revered by purists and musicians, who consider it among the hardest techniques and styles to master. Bluegrass’s distinct sound comes from its primary instrumentation: banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dobro, guitar and stand-up bass.

After enjoying a major resurgence by the college crowd in the 1960s, bluegrass was reintroduced to a younger generation over the past decade by artists like Old Crow Medicine Show, Punch Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, performers

The Great 48 bluegrass weekend DoubleTree by Hilton, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; for tickets and information: cbaonthewab.org Today: Showcase Showdown contest at 7:30 p.m. Free admission.

Friday: Jamming throughout the day. Free. Concert featuring Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper at 8 p.m. $25 at the door. Can be purchased at Rosedale Music (10715 Rosedale Highway) or by calling 979-0786.

Saturday: Jamming throughout the day. Free. Various instrument instructional workshops midafternoon; bluegrass band scramble and open mic starting at 7:30 p.m.

who have added a “hip” factor to the music’s hallowed traditions.

“There’s definitely a resurgence happening in this area, especially with guitar players seeking to learn bluegrass-style playing to what they do,” Young said.

The weekend begins early, this afternoon, when the festival’s guests begin checking in and strolling through the lobby with instrument in hand. By early evening, the assigned wings of the DoubleTree become ground zero for all things bluegrass before Bakersfield’s Barton Brothers face off in an onstage competition with a visiting act to be announced in the hotel’s Presidential Suite. The competition show is one of many free events offered during the Great 48.

“This has always been primarily for people who want to come out and jam,” Young said.

“Our regulars help spread the word about how things run. Everyone shows

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL CLEVELAND

Award-winning bluegrass quintet Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper will be performing during the Great 48 bluegrass jam on Friday night.

up ready to go.”

Following tonight’s fiery jamfilled welcome, the music and festivities continue Friday as soon as the sun rises or another cutting session kicks off. In between playing time, a number of workshops will be held throughout the hotel, aimed at musicians of every skill level to get instruction from some of the best players in the current bluegrass scene.

“We’ve been finding a lot of young groups along the coast at schools like Cal Poly and we’d really like to see the same type happen here,” Young said.

“Everyone who stops in will find something to enjoy.”

Friday evening, the weekend’s featured concert, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, will take place in the hotel’s main ball-

FEB. 5TH

Please see PAGE 25

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILLIONAIRES

Electro-dance duo Millionaires headlines at Jerry’s Pizza on Friday.

FEB. 26TH

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25

Thursday, January 8, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street FIERI

Coming Sunday

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

ersfield, California, about a block away from the famous Padre Hotel, the place I’m staying,” Fieri said.

He went on to rave about the city’s many dining options, including one of his personal favorites, Johnny Garlic’s — his own restaurant scheduled to open at The Marketplace this year. But the star of this triple-D spot is Mama Roomba, he told the camera.

After six takes — some of them full run-throughs, others aborted halfway, all of them starting with that door closing — the production crew called it a wrap on that scene and moved their work inside, where a few loyal diners ate and told Fieri what makes Mama Roomba so special.

“I think (Mama Roomba) fits the profile of the show,” said Katy Auffant, one of the customers invited to dine for the show. “It’s local, family-run, low-key and has good food.”

Auffant was there with her husband, Alberto Auffant, and friend Melissa Ortega. The three couldn’t decide on just one menu

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

room. The quintet is led by Cleveland, a nine-time U.S. fiddle champion, considered one of the premier fiddlers of his generation despite his blindness. The concert is a paid event with funds earmarked for local music scholarships through the CBA. On Saturday, the all-day jamming continues before the band scramble and open-mic night takes shape at 7:30 in the hotel’s California Room, also free to the public. Throw your name into the mix for a chance to take the stage and show off your talents in front of an audience of fellow bluegrassers.

If three days isn’t enough to wear your fingers and ears down, you can always keep the jamming going into the wee hours, through checkout on Sunday afternoon. Who knows? You might just form your very

What does Californian dining critic Pete Tittl think of the Guy Fieri hubbub? Pick up Eye Street to find out.

recommendation that Fieri should try. Since the food is tapas-style, Katy Auffant noted he could try a variety.

The next stop on Fieri’s culinary adventure reportedly was Muertos Kitchen & Lounge, closed for the afternoon. A sign on the door cited “unexpected kitchen repair” as the reason. In a text message to The Californian, Muertos owner Shawna HaddadByers denied her restaurant was involved with the show. Moo Creamery was also reportedly contacted and though the owners declined an interview with The Californian, KBAK-TV confirmed the restaurant’s involvement.

Fieri’s visit to town has excited more than a few locals, if Twitter and Facebook are an accurate gauge, and fans outside Mama Roomba Wednesday morning were hoping for a glimpse of the famous peroxided locks.

“I think it’s great promotion for our town,” said Julie Montanio,

own bluegrass outfit and hit the scene like greased lightning.

“This is a very good family event and we encourage people of all ages to enjoy all the music.”

Matt’s picks The Devil Wears Prada at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 7 tonight. $17, all ages.

397-7304. Not to be confused with the best-selling novel and film starring Meryl Streep, this Ohiobased Christian metalcore quint has been growling their message of anti-materialism on the Vans Warped Tour almost as long as their formation nine years ago.

Razor sharp, loud and rhythmically pounding onstage, the wildly energetic band has agreed to perform in an unusually intimate setting. With additional performances by My Dear Insanity and Dawning of a Massacre, expect the cozy

who works near Mama Roomba at State Farm. “We have a lot of great eateries here, so why not?”

Montanio, a big fan of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” saw Fieri when he first entered Mama Roomba and stuck around for about an hour before being called back to work, missing Fieri’s intro spot. The crew was at Mama Roomba since at least 8:45 a.m. when she went to work.

Montanio, too, heard that Muertos was to be filmed later in the day, and said both restaurants were good representatives of Bakersfield’s culinary scene. She also said that Fieri’s seal of approval is worth a lot.

“The way he describes food and goes into the process of making the food (makes) you want to eat there.”

Other Fieri stops Although most of Fieri’s stops have been in Bakersfield, the Food Network star went wildcatting in the oil town of Taft Tuesday night, taking his crew to Asian Experience — just for the adventure, not for the show.

Housed in a 1920s brick building, the Center Street restaurant was happy to stay open a bit late for Fieri and crew, who called an

confines of B Ryder’s to drip with sweat. Profusely.

David & Olivia at Texas 28, 1517 18th St., 8 tonight. $5. 327-7625. It’s been some time since we’ve heard from singer-songwriter David Rosales, former lead-vocalist for SoCal grunge rockers Silent Treatment, who performed regularly at Fishlips. Now on the road as a soloist, he makes his return to town joined by vocalist Olivia May. Together the duo bring a mix of sounds root-

hour before arriving, according to co-owner Niki Schertz.

“I was really, really happy. I was jumping last night, said Schertz, who runs the restaurant with husband Dennis. “We’re a small tiny restaurant in Taft. We were so happy.”

Schertz said Fieri and a party of 10 came in around 8:30 p.m. for low-key dinner after a day of filming.

“We let him kick back and talk.

We all had a good time. Me and the cook and all my crew. He’s a super-nice guy.”

Schertz said Fieri had shrimp pad Thai, seafood salad and tom yum kung, a spicy shrimp soup she recommended. The dishes had heat but not enough to burn down Flavortown.

“The dishes had medium spice, a little bit hot. I tried not to kill him.”

Schertz said he loved the noodles and soup — every last bite.

“He finished everything on the plate. We were very happy.”

It’s a surprise Fieri could put it all away considering the big meal he enjoyed Tuesday afternoon at KC Steakhouse downtown.

Owner Missy Pelton, who runs the F Street restaurant with daughter Cassie Bittle, said it was

ed in acoustic American folk, blues and country.

Millionaires at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 7 p.m., Friday, $12 to $15, all ages, 633-1000. If you were to consult a social networking history book and look up MySpace, you’d find electro dance misfits Millionaires, who became one of that website’s biggest success stories. After forming as an experiment through a series of homemade videos and self-produced songs composed on

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their laptops, sisters Melissa and Allison Green have since built a cult following around the globe. The event also marks the second anniversary for promoter Art Machuca, who handles entertainment operations at Jerry’s. Also

appearing are Eryn Woods, Caramel Carmela, DJ Risk Letter, Pill Cosbee, Afta, Dynomit3.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

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clear that Fieri enjoyed the lobster mac and cheese and stuffed pork chop he prepared with chef Forest O’Sullivan.

“He ate both of them and took it to the table and finished them,” she said of the Gouda-packed dish created just before last year’s Macaroni & Cheese Festival and the pork stuffed with apples and topped with scratch-made cranberry sauce.

“That man can put some food away.”

After the kitchen segment with O’Sullivan, Fieri interviewed diners then filmed a spot with Pelton and Bittle.

“My daughter did most of the talking because I’m not really good at that,” said Pelton, who added that the restaurant was closed about a day and a half for filming but reopened for dinner last night.

Along with chatting with Fieri, who she said made everyone feel comfortable, she learned about the work it takes to film a television program.

“We learned a lot of behind the scenes (details) — a lot of lights and a lot of cameras. They light it up like it’s the Fourth of July.”

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Californian dining critic Pete Tittl shovels a lot of food for the benefit of our readers in the course of a year. But what were his best bites of 2014? Pete looks back and ranks Bakersfield’s premier restaurants in a dozen categories, including fine dining, casual, Mexican, Italian, burgers and breakfast spots. He also gives a well-deserved shoutout to the talented “food artists” who have elevated Bakersfield’s restaurants to four-star status. $1 additional subscription charge could affect your easy pay renewal date.

Please call 661-392-5777 if you have any questions or concerns with account balance.

Look for the year in dining on Jan. 24th in

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 22, 2015

Eye Street The Lowdown

Ruby remains a Bakersfield gem Singer will unveil latest CD on Tuesday night at Jazz Lounge Matt Munoz

H

oned by years of performing, Kama Ruby’s talent for charming audiences has served the popular Bakersfield chanteuse well.

The singer, whose voice sets the mood for an evening of elegance and romance, will showcase her latest CD release, “Rock Dreams in Jazz,” at the Jazz Lounge on Tuesday.

The veteran says she approached the project — a collection of pop standards, with a set of classic rock hits set to jazz — fully aware of what’s required to properly honor the originals.

“The bulk of the material was picked because they had become part of my set list for live performances and I felt that they were pieces I did well,” said Ruby, who has become a fixture during the monthly First Friday gatherings downtown, lending her vocals to a number of art openings at Metro Galleries. “What you hear is what you will hear live.”

Silky smooth and playfully seductive on the mic, Ruby has paid her dues in Bakersfield mostly on the jazz circuit, but as one of that genre’s most active performers, she added that there are plenty of other women making similar moves.

“There are a lot of excellent female rockers here in town that I admire greatly.

Maybe there are one or two female singers that do something closer to what I do. We just don’t hear about them as much because our style and genre does not seem to get the publicity and few venues seem to hire us.”

Independently produced at Bakersfield Music & Recording Studios and other locations between California and Oklahoma beginning in 2013, “Rock Dreams in Jazz” features an all-star lineup including Glen Fong on bass; Ray Zepeda, saxophones; Kyle Burnham, drums; and Jeff Rosburgh, piano.

“All players on this CD are not only phenomenal players, they are also tasteful and listen to what is going on around them. This makes the collaboration that occurs in the pieces

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAMA RUBY

Bakersfield’s Kama Ruby will celebrate the release of her new CD, “Rock Dreams in Jazz,” at the Jazz Lounge.

Punk metal quartet Revolution Mother, featuring pro skateboarder Mike Vallely, appears Sunday at Jerry's Pizza.

easy and peaceful,” she said.

“I pick musicians that are strong sight readers and are, more importantly, fun and easy to collaborate with. Sight reading gets frowned upon by many players, but possessing that skill set allows me to explore off-the-beaten path and less familiar tunes no one else performs.”

Opening with the Gershwin classic “Embraceable You,” Ruby is comfortable in her element, conveying a touch of friskiness with each verse, before switching to a more passionate tone for Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child.”

In keeping with the CD’s title, her reworking of the Eagles’ “Hotel California” from subtle reggae/rock to mild Latin is an eclectic choice, but Ruby’s version has made it enjoyable once again to jaded ears.

As with the Gershwin and Holiday picks, the inclusion of “Nature Boy,” famously recorded first by Nat King Cole, is another solid choice, falling within Ruby’s range while not straying too far from the essence of the original.

Like “Hotel,” Ruby’s blending of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” and “Sisters of the Moon” is slowed down to an almost torch-song tempo, planned by Ruby after she noticed a distinct similarity between both songs.

“The mashup came to me by accident during a performance at the Padre Hotel, when I realized both songs were in the same key and I started to play with combining the two.”

The singer rounds out the collection with Billy Barnes’ “Something Cool” and The Motels’ “Total Control.”

Ruby said Tuesday’s performance will hew close to the studio recordings — along with a few surprises.

“Although I won’t have all the musicians on this evening, you will hear a live band and I will be performing tracks from both of my albums in an intimate venue where I think the music is best appreciated. It is not a dance album. It is a pretty mellow and relaxing CD.” CDs of “Rock Dream in Jazz” are available at the show for $20 or for download at iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby.com.

Tuesday’s show is at 7 p.m. at the Jazz Lounge, 1718 Chester Ave.

Bakersfield College Baseball

PHOTO COURTESY OF REVOLUTION MOTHER

Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

For more information, call 310-210-2775 or visit kamaruby.com.

Matt’s picks Revolution Mother at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 7 p.m. Sunday. $8$10. All ages. 633-1000.

Fronted by pro skateboarder and new Black Flag lead vocalist Mike Vallely, the group and its self-described “fire-breathing rock ’n’ roll” sound will definitely please the local punk and metal crowd. This marks the group’s return after a four-year hiatus, and judging by the response on online fan forums, Vallely and crew should expect a sea of open arms at Jerry’s Pizza welcoming them back to the mosh pit.

Also appearing: Crooked Folk, Jesus Christ Muscle Car and Elephant Skin.

Dub Seeds, The Easy In at Sandrini’s Bar, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Friday. $5. 3228900.

Local Cali reggae act Dub Seeds flow on after saying goodbye to longtime drummer Anthony “Gizmo” Rodriguez, who exited after six years with the group.

Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 25

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25

Thursday, January 22, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street TICKET ROUNDUP fees.)

Thursday: Tyler Farr, 7:30 p.m., $35-$43.

Jan. 29: Craig Wayne Boyd, 7:30 p.m. $15. **SOLD OUT.

Rabobank 1001 Truxtun Ave. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000. (Listed ticket prices do not include additional fees.)

Today: So You Think You Can Dance — Live Tour, 8 p.m. $37-$63.

Friday and Saturday: Monster X Tour, 7:30 p.m., $10-$40.

Sunday: Alex Depue with Miguel De Hoyos, presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 3 p.m. 40, $60 for four concerts. 589-2478.

Monday: “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” 7:30 p.m. $32-$52.

Feb. 10: Harlem Globetrotters, 7 p.m. $21-$88.

Feb. 12: Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull, 7:30 p.m., $27.50-$127.50.

Feb. 15: “Memphis” The Musical, 4 p.m. $32-$52.

Feb. 26-27: Shen Yun, 7:30 p.m., $50-$120.

March 6-7: CIF State Wrestling Championships, 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. Saturday, $13$69.

March 29: “Sister Act,” 7 p.m. $32-$62.

April 1-5: “Cirque du Soleil: Verekai,” 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday, $35-$150.

April 6: Fleetwood Mac: On With The Show, 8 p.m.

Fox Theater

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION

Singer Pitbull will appear with Enrique Iglesias on Feb. 12 at Rabobank. $47.50-$177.50.

April 30-May 3: 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.

BC 1801 Panorama Drive. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Feb. 4: Michael Wesch: The Changing World of Learning, 6 p.m., $20, $10 students.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

(Listed ticket prices do not include additional

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Although it’s unclear what the future holds for the band, fans have no reason to feel un-irie.

The group already had plenty of shows lined up for 2015, beginning with this weekend’s, which will include Bakersfield ska ensemble The Easy In. Oi! The Aviators at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m. Saturday. Free. 3977304.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Simpson, who worked with her fiance at a Nashville health food store until recently blowing the doors off the country music world with “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music,” and the single “Turtles All the Way Down.” (Simpson plays Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on April 11.)

“In Sturgill’s case, it’s so cool and heartwarming

2001 H St. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Prices listed are for the Box Office window only.

Jan. 30: Travis Tritt, 8 p.m., $48-$68.

Feb. 5: Tribal Seeds 2015 Winter Chillin' Tour, with Leilani Wolfgramm, 8 p.m., $20, $23 day of show.

Feb. 12: Bill Cosby, 7:30 p.m., $49-$89.

Feb. 13: E-40 with Baby Bash, 8 p.m., $30-$55.

Feb. 26: Chicago, 8 p.m., $69.50-$369.

March 7: Iration: Tales from the Sea Tour, 8 p.m., $27, $29 day of show.

April 16: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, 8 p.m., $45$85.

April 25: Merle Haggard, 8 p.m., $47-$97.

May 9: The Sylistics and The Dramatics, 8 p.m., $43-$83.

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

Feb. 13: Sylvia Browne Remembered, 8 p.m., $30, $40 reserved.

With a gig nearly every weekend, The Aviators play all over Kern County to enthusiastic, heavy-partying fans, with club shows reaching a fever pitch before the second set.

They may take requests, and always make sure to give their audience hearty helpings of Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones and everyone in between, but it’s their originals that will have you pumping your fists at midnight.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer and more deserving guy,” Shera said.

Born in New York, Shera grew up in Monterey with two sisters and a brother.

She was home-schooled by her mother. Her father was a musician and a booking agent and the house was always filled with music.

Shera skipped college and went straight to the prestigious Old Town

School of Folk Music in Chicago for a year.

When she moved to Nashville, so did her parents. Shera and her mother have a business called Haulin-Oats, which features organic oatmeal blends in Mason jars.

Who knows. If Simpson can rise from the aisles of a health food store, Shera may have a healthy chance herself.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE LIVE!

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FRIDAY AND SATURDAY! BROADWAY IN BAKERSFIELD

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HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS FEBRUARY 10

VALENTINE’S SUPER LOVE JAM FEBRUARY 14

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VAREKAI BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL APRIL 1-5

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 5, 2015

Eye Street The Lowdown

Dancers bring China to Kern master.com. Prices are $62.30 to $133.70, plus service charges.

Rabobank Theater is located at 1001 Truxtun Ave. For more information call 8527777 or visit shenyunperformingarts.org.

Shen Yun will appear at Rabobank on Feb. 26-27 Matt Munoz

E

ast meets west as traditional Chinese culture, dance and music makes its way to Kern County, when acclaimed performance troupe Shen Yun appears at Rabobank Theater on Feb. 26 and 27.

Leeshai Lemish, Shen Yun’s master of ceremonies, said the original intent of the dance group was to revive the overlooked myths and stories throughout China’s 5,000-year history, through a colorful display of folklore, legend and history set to traditional music and amazing acrobatics.

“The idea was to create an alternative to the performances that were put on by the Chinese consulate and embassies and bring back real, actual Chinese culture,” said Lemish, who has been with Shen Yun since its inception in 2006.

Some of that history covers the transition from a China led by emperors and time stamped by dynasties to the People’s Republic of China and the ruling Communist party — a problem for the Chinese government, Lemish said.

Chinese nationals who attend Shen Yun performances while overseas have been threatened with a denial of entry back into China and sponsors have been threatened, among other coercive tactics, Lemish said.

“In extreme cases they’ve tried to slash our tires. They’ve also tried monitoring us, following us in the lobby of the hotel to see what we’re up to, very bizarre things.

There’s been a couple things they’ve tried to do during the show like using a kind of universal remote to mess with

Iglesias/Pitbull show sold out

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEN YUN

Tickets are currently on sale for a performance by critically acclaimed Chinese dance company Shen Yun at Rabobank Theater on Feb. 26 and 27.

projections.”

Efforts to derail the tour have not been successful, Lemish said, and it is important to the cast and crew that the portion of the show depicting the oppression of Chinese citizens remain intact.

“In our company we do have people who have been persecuted in China. Some of our musicians have had people tortured in front of them, as well as have family who are missing,” Lemish said. “So when we portray that type of persecution in the performances, those are real experiences that are very real to them. “ While the historical portions of the performance are important, Shen Yun’s production contains a variety of stories and legends, some dating back thousands of years.

The stories from

life in ancient China are told using vibrant colors, amazing costumes and the art of dance.

The performers themselves are skilled athletes who work tirelessly to perfect their routines.

“You really have to start at an early age. You really have to really be ready, before you hit the stage,” Lemish said. “We are looking for long legs, flexibility, good athleticism for jumping, spinning and balancing. They also have to have a sensitivity for the culture to bring out the stories and feel that we’re looking for.”

Whether it’s a monkey king fighting demons, a trip into the heavens or the exploration of the dynamics of family, Lemish said the performance will not disappoint.

“As soon as the curtain rises, they can expect to be transported to another world, a world of myths and legends, heavenly palaces and divine beings, and magic. Every piece is a different story.”

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION VIA AP

Singer Pitbull appears with Enrique Iglesias on Feb. 12 at Rabobank Arena.

Reserved seating for both shows is available at the Rabobank box office and Ticket-

Fans who purchased tickets for the Feb. 12 concert featuring Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias and rough-and-ready Miami rapper Pitbull at Rabobank Arena should consider themselves lucky: The show is officially sold out.

Currently two of the biggest Latin crossover music forces in the world, Iglesias and Pitbull have joined forces for an international tour that’s making a major pit stop right in Bakersfield.

Known for their individual successes in the national and global radio markets, it was only a matter of time before the pair combined those powers for a tour sure to drive fans loco.

The son of legendary Latin crooner Julio Iglesias, Enrique stepped out of his father’s shadow in the ’90s to become the biggest seller of Spanish-language albums in the United States during that decade, surpassing his father’s previous records.

His transition from Spanish to English was just as successful, and he’s now claimed the title of best-selling Latin artist ever with 137 million albums sold worldwide.

While Iglesias has been dubbed the “King of Latin Pop” and the “King of Dance,” tour partner Pitbull rules the hearts of a very different set of Latin music fans.

Born to Cuban expatriates in Miami, Pitbull rose from the South Florida music scene as a rapper, first appearing on a solo track on Lil John’s 2002 effort, “King of Crunk,” and over the course of more than a decade has released a string of hit singles and best-selling albums that have been major success worldwide.

Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 27

TONIGHT!

SAT. MARCH 28TH

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27

Thursday, February 5, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Juanes to sing ‘McFarland’ song at Grammys THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

C

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY STUDIOS PUBLICITY

Juanes will perform “Juntos,” or “Together,” from the film “McFarland, USA” at the 57th annual Grammy Awards Sunday.

olombian pop superstar Juanes will put the most highly anticipated film in Kern County on an international stage Sunday when he performs his song from “McFarland, USA.” Juanes sang an EnglishSpanish version of Elton John’s “Your Song” in 2013, but Sunday’s Grammys performance of “Juntos,” or “Together,” will be entirely in Spanish.

“I'm very excited,” the Miami-based singer told the Associated Press Monday.

“I can't believe this is going to happen. You know,

CHEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

My recommendation is enjoy the plated composition, then put the waffle aside (or give it away, it tastes good) and then eat the cupcake like those “you’ve been eating this wrong” Internet videos tell you to do.

If the cake isn’t too saturated, slice it in half horizontally and sandwich the chicken in between the two halves, with the frosting on the inside. You will thank me or start questioning all your life decisions. Either way, it breaks up a workday.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Meanwhile, Nothing Bundt Cakes is already making its mark near Coffee Road and Truxtun Avenue in the Fountain Plaza shopping center. Opened Saturday, this store is the first Bakersfield location for the Las Vegas-based chain, which has 121 bakeries in 23 states focused exclusively on the classic domed cake.

The shop serves cakes in various sizes, from the eight- and 10-inch varieties suitable for events to smaller bundtlets and cupcake-size bundtinis, sold by the dozen.

Flavors include chocolate turtle, red velvet, lemon, pecan praline and white chocolate raspberry.

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

To date, Pitbull claims 20 No. 1 spots on various music charts in countries stretching from the U.S. to India.

Expect a night of hot Latin beats, dance grooves and international flair, that promises to raise the temperature at Rabobank Arena and the heartbeats of every lucky ticket holder.

According to Rabobank Arena, there are no plans to release any more tickets.

For more information, visit ticketmaster.com.

Matt’s pick Tribal Seeds at Fox Theater, 2001 H St. 7 tonight, $20, 324-1369.

Mark this as a major score for fans of the

Coming Sunday Don’t miss our preview of the 57th annual Grammy Awards, which airs at 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.

I've been waiting for this moment for many years and we are very excited now that it's about to come, to happen.”

Juanes filmed the video for the song in McFarland in December, on the day of the city’s Christmas parade.

Hundreds of fans turned out to catch a glimpse of the Latin star.

Chiral Desai, who owns the bakery with husband Dixit, said in a news release she knows Nothing Bundt Cakes is a good fit in town.

“We have known for a long time that the people of Bakersfield appreciate delicious food and treats and we are excited to share Nothing Bundt Cakes with them,” she said.

Although officially open, the store will roll out events this month starting Feb. 13 with JJ’s Legacy “Have a Heart” Benefit Day. The Dixits will contribute 20 percent of sales that day to benefit the local organ and tissue donation advocacy organization. And you don’t need a valentine to receive a sweet treat on Feb. 14. Starting at 10 a.m., the first 50 customers who make a purchase will win free bundtlets for a year (one per month for 12 months).

Bring the kids by from noon to 2 p.m. for the Cake-A-Palooza Valentine’s Event to sample popular Valentine’s flavors red velvet, chocolate chocolate chip and white chocolate raspberry. Plus enter to win abundt-ant prizes of bundtinis, bundtlet towers and Love You To Pieces decorated bundt cakes.

Nothing Bundt Cakes is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

California roots music scene, when dreadlocked San Diego-based reggae outfit Tribal Seeds makes the jump to the Fox Theater.

Well-versed in the ways of all things roots, rock and rasta, the group has proved to be a major draw rising out of the West Coast.

If you don’t believe me, close your eyes and you’ll think you’re listening to a young Bob Marley, if he grew up straddling the U.S. and Mexican border. Also appearing are female reggae songstresses Hirie and Leilani Wolfgramm. Contact high not included with admission to this punky reggae party on the eve of Bob Marley’s 70th birthday. Check out music and more at tribalseeds.net.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

The Disney film follows the unlikely cross-country dynasty begun at McFarland High in the late 1980s.

Kevin Costner stars as coach Jim White in the film, due for release Feb. 20.

“Juntos” debuted at No.

30 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.

— Information taken from a Disney Studios media release

Just Arrived!!!

• NEW COLORS • NEW SHAPES • NEW SIZES

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COLOURS is a celebration of the Arts in Shafter, California. This is a four-day event at several venues from Thursday, February 19th through Sunday, February 22nd. The COLOURS event will showcase “Transformed Art” in many forms ranging from Canvas, Sculpture, Film and Stage to Wine, Food and Music THURSDAY FEB 19th FRIDAY FEB 20th Spaghetti Dinner Silent Movie ART Gallery “College” w/Organ-Buster Keaton Ford Theater-“The Pew” Ford Theater - “The Pew” Coffee House w/mus

SATURDAY FEB 21st 5-K Colours Run Chalk It Up For COLOURS Art Gallery Shafter Museums Roger Thompson Book Signing *FRIDAY FEB 27th SUNDAY FEB 22ND Children’s Art Workshop ART Gallery Shafter Symphony Orchestra Silent Movie: “The Immigrant” with Wine Tasting & Meet the Artist w/Maestro Stephen PennerCharlie Chaplin “The Goat” with Buster Keaton Fred L. Starrh Chili Cook-Off & Tasting Performing Arts Centerl *SAT-SUN FEB 28th-March 1st Music In the Park Play: “The Pew” Play: “The Pew”

Art Gallery, Museums, Music in the Park are free. Pricing varies for other venues with combination passes available. Individual and corporate sponsorships available. Proceeds go to the promotion, production and development of COLOURS. Fifty percent of net proceeds go to Scholarships and grants.

For locations ticket prices and ticket purchase go to

www.shaftercolours.com

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 19, 2015

The Lowdown

Latin groove permeates city Bouncy beats abound at serveral Bakersfield spots

Matt Munoz

L

ast week’s soldout, hipshaking spectacle with Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull at Rabobank Arena proves that Bakersfield music fans love to get their Latin groove on. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for the platinum-selling touring acts to do it.

There are longstanding nightclubs Aldo’s and La Movida that cater to fans of regional Mexican banda and norteno music, and the DoubleTree Hotel, where the tropical sounds of salsa, merengue, cumbia and bachata reign supreme on regularly scheduled weekly dance nights.

The rhythm will always find a way to getcha.

But if clubbing isn’t always your thing, take a short trip to Mercado Latino in east Bakersfield on any given Saturday or Sunday afternoon, where you’ll find all of those spicy sounds and more.

Designed with the welcoming feel of a cultural marketplace, the ‘Mercado’ (Spanish for market) offers a daylong itinerary of shopping, feasting on authentic delicacies and sweets, or just enjoying a beverage on the patio with free live music resonating from the center of the plaza, where the dance floor is always open.

“We not only want to offer services to our customers but also entertainment,” said Erica Arias Vargas, marketing manager for Mercado Latino.

“Give them a reason to leave home and enjoy a day of relaxation or dancing with no purchase necessary.”

Open since 1994, Mercado Latino is one of the most popular shopping centers for Bakersfield’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF MERCADO LATINO

Banda Tierra Brava is among those who perform at Mercado Latino.

Spanish-speaking and bilingual community, with more than 100 shops selling an array of goods and services: jewelry, clothes, furniture, computer repair, restaurants, tattoo and barbershops, music and videos, soccer wear and more. Two of my favorite stores: the botanicas, which sell religious candles and statues, legal herbs and folk medicines to help you get rid of bad juju, and the shops that sell lucha wrestling masks. Add in the music and you’re off on a mini-vacation just a few minutes from home. Pass the lemon and salt.

“We have featured live music for about 15 years,” said Vargas, who noted the venue hosted an early show with Pitbull in the Mercado’s original rear staging area, years before the rapper began selling out arenas.

“We started with bigger concerts, with (Mexican Latin rockers) Enanitos Verdes and Pitbull in the beginning, but now we only feature more controlled music in the plaza area.”

Mercado Latino

hosts mostly regional Mexican music with a rotating roster of acts like Banda S3, Tierra Brava, Santa Lupe and Perla Del Sur, all of whom perform with energy and intense precision, donning tailored, brightly colored suits.

The entertainment factor is always off the Richter. During each show, fans of every age can be found in the audience bouncing to the waves of clarinets, trumpets, the pulsating low-end tuba and the bombastic drum section, whose beats dare you not to move. For those who enjoy the traditional, less frantic edge of the musical spectrum, Mercado Latino also offers a number of mariachi groups.

Vargas noted that since music is a universal language, the marketplace will be expanding the musical offerings to include more youth-oriented fare such as Spanish rock, ska, reggae, cumbia and more beginning in March.

“We are adding a little more diversity to better suit our changing customer base. As our customer base is changing, we want to fulfill their needs as well so we are adding more types of bands and music on Saturdays,” she said. “It’s been relatively easy to

fill spots. We have tons of great talent here in Kern County. Latin music has a rhythm and creates a danceable atmosphere that makes you want to get up and move regardless of ethnicity.”

For first-timers planning a visit to Mercado Latino, Vargas has some suggestions.

“I recommend a walk through the inside to see the variety of items. We carry anything from imported items from Mexico, and many more countries, then grab a Chamango (a refreshment made with mangos, tamarind and chamoy) of many flavors from Flores Ice Cream, take a walk to the plaza and get a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, then sit down, relax and enjoy one of the many live music groups.

Don't forget to grab one of the many delicious desserts on the way out. That's a true Mercado Latino experience.”

Live music at Mercado Latino is held from 4 to 8 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday; starting times during the hotter months are later. Mercado Latino is located at 2105 Edison Highway. For more information, visit mercadolatinobakersfield.com.

ECNO at Sandrini’s Eclectic Los Angeles luchafied Latin alternative music outfit ECNO (El Conjunto Nueva Ola) makes its downtown debut Friday at Sandrini’s.

Sworn to conceal their identity the way masked Mexican wrestlers “El Santo” and “Blue Demon” have for years, ECNO agreed to an interview only if we withhold their public identities.

Try and stay with me on this; it’s all show biz.

“When we started playing we noticed that the mostly female audience were fainting due to our looks,” said ECNO vocalist Urbano “El Rey” Lopez, during a phone interview. “It was then that we decided to wear amazing wrestler masks. We needed people to concentrate on the message and the music.”

POTO COURTESY OF ECNO

Eclectic Los Angeles Latin alternative music sextet El Conjunto Nueva Ola appear Friday at Sandrini's.

ECNO’s music and live show is a Latin cumbia-fueled, Spanglish dance party, combining both tradition with alternative rock and plenty of over-the-top stage theatrics. Head to YouTube to check out their music videos for “El Jom Dipo” (“El Home Depot” — get it?), “El Luchador,” and their rendition of A-Ha’s “Take On Me.” “I scouted the most unreputable places of Mexico City and its surroundings,” said Lopez of the group’s origins in 2012. “After such extensive search and a series of outrageous incidents, I collected the most outlandish characters the world has seen, but their rock music was not happening.

Instead, a beautiful and familiar rhythm was the undertone of our sleek keyboard and guitar sounds, the inner essence of the cumbia.”

While their act remains shrouded in mystery, what we do know is that the group has attracted quite a following, hitting clubs of every size and making appearances at numerous large music festivals. Next month the group makes their return to South By Southwest in Austin.

“The concept behind the band Please see LOWODWN / PAGE 26

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26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 19, 2015

Eye Street

YOUTH JERSEY GIVEAWAY SATURDAY NIGHT!

SHEN YUN 2015 FEBRUARY 26-27

STATE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS MARCH 6-7 BROADWAY IN BAKERSFIELD

SISTER ACT MARCH 29

VAREKAI FROM CIRQUE DU SOLEIL APRIL 1-5

PHOTO COURTESY OF YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Hip-hop rockers Year of the Dragon, featuring Walter Kibby of Fishbone, appear Saturday at Sandrini's.

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

is a nihilistic approach to the art of art. We are deeply influenced by the Dadaists and the Cabaret Voltaire scene, as well the cavern hieroglyphics of Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa in Guerrero, Mexico.”

Joining Lopez are lucha bandmates Primitivo Rios, bass; Luzio Nava, guitar; Tacho, drums; Raio Manzares, keys; and Hipolito Madero, the “persecussionist” aka percussionist.

“People don’t even have the time to react to our show, although sometimes people go through exorcisms and mantras.

El Conjunto Nueva Ola is a tsunami of joy,” Lopez said.

Friday’s show kicks off at 9 p.m. Also appearing are local reggae act Main Street and deejay Da-Mezz. Admission is $5. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. For more information call 322-8900 or visit elconjuntonuevaola.com.

Year of the Dragon returns

TRACE ADKINS MAY 9

Another SoCal act making a return to downtown is afro-punk-metal brethren Year of the Dragon at Sandrini’s on Saturday.

“I love playing Bakersfield for the crowds that love music,” said YOTD co-vocalist Roderick Palmer, one half of the group’s vocal duo that also features Walter “Dirty Walt” Kibby of Los Angeles ska funk legends Fishbone.

“You're pretty much gonna get the same thing every time, which is that we are gonna show up and be hardcore and play some loud rock and roll,” said Kibby of the group’s live show. “Love the crowds here though — very lively!”

Fiercely independent, YOTD have never held back punches when it comes to sharing their views on current hot topics such First Look with Scott Cox, streamed live on Bakersfield.com and broadcast on 1180 KERN weekdays from 7 to 10 a.m.

A MEMBER OF THE

TBC MEDIA FAMILY

as race.

“We tend to write not just injecting the rage about these things but offering solutions and ways to positively go forward,” Palmer said. “But the rage is definitely there because in 2015 we should be way evolved beyond all this basic BS.” YOTD also knows how to have a good time. Having witnessed the group in action, it’s impossible to resist the mayhem, which owes a lot to Kibby’s connection to Fishbone and an edgy hip-hop attitude weaving through each verse.

“With YOTD, I'd say in terms of how the punk-metal vibe is played we capture something that's unique to us, gangsta, and West Coast-oriented, 100 percent,” Kibby said.

Saturday’s show time is 9 p.m. Admission is $5. Also appearing is Three Red Flags and Redadare. For more info visit: yotd.la.

Matt’s picks Club Heresy at Cielo 9 Bar, 4208 Rosedale Highway, 10 p.m., Friday, $10, 633-1116.

After losing its residency at Club Replay, Bakersfield’s only goth and alternative lifestyle returns from the grave in time to hold its fourth annual Vampyre Ball. Formerly Club Skybar, the Cielo 9 design might be a little tight for the Heresy crowds, but that shouldn’t deter them from showing up in full goth regalia. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, and always keep an open mind. At the turntables are resident deejays Princess Darkness and Risk Letter, plus a live performance by Carved Souls. More info at facebook.com/heresyentertainment.

C4 at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 8 p.m., Saturday, all ages, $8 to $10, 633-1000. Local rappers, backed by a live band? Sounds righteously hip. Organized by local independent hip-hop collective C4, the event will bring 20 MC’s together for an evening of freestyle rhyming fellowship. Touting messages of unity among the competitive nature found at these types of events, rhymeologists will no doubt bring their top game to the mic, as long as the band and artists can lock in together cohesively. Hosted by local neosoul singer Marlon Mackey, expect the creativity to flow. More info at facebook.com/C4Cyphers.

19

Thursday, March 5, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street The Lowdown

‘Frank, make people happy’ Downbeat? Not this soulful but happy guy

Matt Munoz

F

rank Trimble approaches his audience like a soulful architect.

The popular Bakersfield vocalist and entertainer understands that adapting to the room, no matter how big or small the crowd, is as important as the notes emanating from his vocal chords.

“I have always been impressed with the artist who stretches our expectations, utilizing different languages, styles, sounds,” said Trimble, who appears Friday night at The Mark, one of several steady gigs the dapper singer has scheduled all over Bakersfield. “I want to embody the world’s music and have it do the same for me.”

Singing and playing drums in church as a youth growing up in Pasadena, Trimble recalled being “freaked out” after getting a standing ovation from the congregation. But since that overwhelming reception, Trimble has tried to include an element of music as a source of everyday joy.

“I mainly just hummed to myself the rhythms and sounds I heard. In high school, being a singer wasn’t cool. Either you played sports or you were a gangster, a rapper, a hustler or all the above, but no one sang songs. But when I got to junior college and started coming into my own, I decided to use every talent I had to try and get something going in my life.”

After moving to Bakersfield in 2000 and attending CSUB, where he ran track as a 400-meter hurdler, Trimble returned to his love of music, forming his first band, Fat Bob. “I have always

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIA DEL PILAR

Los Angeles Latin alternative singer songwriter Maria Del Pilar appears on Friday night at Sandrini’s.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK TRIMBLE

Bakersfield vocalist and musician Frank Trimble appears on Friday night at The Mark.

loved the behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry so I took on the business management of the band in addition to the lead vocalist role, and I have been in and out of the music ever since,” Trimble said.

The vocalist’s preferred repertoire: anything to make you dance, sway, step, get funky or just chill.

“I like to call it ‘classic soul’: everything from Nat King Cole, The Doobie Brothers, James Brown, to John Legend. I hear and feel everything,” he said.

“Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway are my all-time favorites along with countless

others such as Marc Anthony, Kurt Elling and Sade. The list could go on and on. I’m honestly inspired by life. All the music I listen to combined with everything that I am seeing and learning, be it good or bad, is what is really inspiring.”

After parting ways with Fat Bob in 2005, Trimble, backed by a rotating lineup of skilled musicians, became a full-time solo performer in 2012.

“I look for as well-rounded cats as I can find, who I know can be positive, punctual and professional, my three P’s. I don’t like switching out cats because it changes the sound and feel of the music.”

Trimble’s current live schedule is as packed as ever between weekly and monthly regular appearances at The Mark, the

Petroleum Club, and The Jazz Lounge. He’s also made appearances at the Bakersfield Jazz Festival, and a number of community events.

“I do jazz, blues, pop, funk and R&B, and I am really interested in touching on some salsa grooves and techno as well. I don’t want to be seen as just an, ‘urban artist.’ I would like to one day be viewed simply as an ‘artist.’”

Trimble credits being a father to 13-year-old son Decentea and 6-year-old daughter Nadia for helping keep his outlook on life and creative approach in tune with his goal of keeping audiences in the pocket.

“A cat once told me, ‘Frank, make the people happy. Don’t play sad or dragging music that’s going to bring them down. Lift their spirits and stay positive on

it.’ All I could say was, ‘Right on.’

And that’s what I try to do.”

Friday’s show at The Mark begins at 7:30 p.m. The Mark is located at 1623 19th St. information: 322-7665, or visit facebook.com/trimbleinc.

Maria Del Pilar at Sandrini’s Also on First Friday is the return of Los Angeles Latin alternative pop experimentalist Maria Del Pilar, who will be stopping by Sandrini’s for a warmup show on the way to this year’s Vive Latino mega-music festival in Mexico City next week. (Full disclosure: My band, Mento Buru, is also on the bill Friday.)

“I was at home, answering emails when I got the email invite from my booking agent,” said the multi-instrumentalist and eclectic singer songwriter, whose real name is Pilar Diaz, recalling her inclusion in Vive Latino.

“I did my happy dance in the middle of my kitchen.”

Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 21

Pat Benatar April 16th

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

21

Thursday, March 5, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN

Mexico electro-cumbia genius Camilo Lara. The new package includes her debut CD, along with bonus tracks. A new set of remixes of “En el Dancefloor” is also available for download at iTunes.

“Bako will finally get to see a full band, high-energy show after my last two visits being a more intimate acoustic set.”

Friday’s showtime is 9 p.m. Admission is $5.

Also appearing are Mento Buru and DJ Mikey. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. Information: 322-8900 or visit maria-del-pilar.com.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Diaz already graced the Vive Latino stage in 2005 with her former band, Los Abandoned. After going solo two years later, rebuilding her stage persona backed by a new sound, Diaz brought longtime supporters along for a wild ride while attracting an entirely new set of fans.

In 2013, she broke out with the release of her second CD, “Songs & Canciones I.” The song “En el Dancefloor” — an infectious, danceable pop track — hit the airwaves across the border, making the artist a surprise hit on Mexico City alt-rock station Reactor 105.7 FM last June.

“I just insisted and bugged the hell out of the program director,” recalled Diaz. “I sent him five emails before he responded and said he would play the single. Once that happened, the listeners loved the song and kept requesting it, and it just blew up from there, nice and organic with a big push from me believing in the song’s potential.”

The accompanying independently produced video to “En el Dancefloor” stars Diaz on a journey from her vanity mirror to the dizzying nightlife of Los Angeles.

“When the song started to really pick up and be requested by fans in Mexico, other radio stations began programming the song,” she said. “The views on YouTube increased by

Matt’s picks

PHOTO COURTESY OF HR

Punk rock music legend HR, of Bad Brains, appears at tonight at Jerry’s Pizza.

400 percent, and by the time December rolled around, ‘En el Dancefloor’ made it to No. 6 on the Mexico indie rock charts.”

The success of the song aside, there’s no doubt where Diaz’s priorities lie at the moment: her live show.

“I’ve had a killer group of

musicians for the past few years playing with me and luckily my favorite configuration was available for this tour.”

As a way to get new fans acquainted with her music, Diaz has just re-released “Songs & Canciones I” in a deluxe double-package on Casete, the label owned by

Not defined by age, but by a craving for individualism and style

Mon-Fri 10-6pm, Sat 10-5pm, Sun 11-4pm • Layaway Available

HR of Bad Brains at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 8 p.m.

Thursday, all ages, $15, 633-1000.

It’s impossible to predict what version of Paul D. Hudson, aka the mighty HR of punk legends Bad Brains, you’re going to get onstage. While it’s no secret he’s not the same growling, menacing punk who hit the Washington, D.C., hardcore scene with a sledgehammer in the 1970s, his larger-than-life presence at

any microphone is impossible to ignore. When not on tour with his punk bandmates, Hudson prefers his music on the rasta tip, performing songs from his extensive discography of solo reggae releases, along with reggae-fied Bad Brains hits backed by a mixed bag of touring musicians. If you don’t have a copy of Hudson’s 1990 release “Charge” wedged between your punk and reggae CD or vinyl collection, you deserve a demerit. Also appearing: Willie Psycho, Infirmities, Tanked, 7th Standard, Cool D & The Nutz, Smiledog.

Vanity Avenue at Texas 28, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m.

Friday, $5, 327-7625.

It’s been awhile since the local goodtime ska reggae brethren of Vanity Avenue have hit the live circuit, but this time they’ve got reason to celebrate. Fresh out of the studio with a new fivesong EP mix of re-recorded, previously-released originals, plus a few new tunes that include the ’50s classic “We Belong Together” put down to a traditional Jamaican ska arrangement, it looks like the boys might be ready for some more

action. Copies of the new EP, “Too Little, Too Late,” will be available at the show. Also appearing: Local Latin reggae homies, Main Street.

The Burning of Rome at Riley’s Tavern, 1523 19th St., 9 p.m. Saturday, $5.

It’s easy to get lost in the indie music sea, but San Diego death pop quintet The Burning of Rome have found a way to stay afloat like a life buoy, garnering fans disenchanted by the state of radio. Their latest release, “Year of the Ox,” produced by Butthole Surfers’ guitarist Paul Leary, has helped the group cut a solid California music gem, polished to dark perfection with contributions by drummer Josh Freese and The Melvins’ Dale Crover.

The band has already shared huge stages with Arcade Fire and Nine Inch Nails, to stellar reviews, so to miss this show in a small pub would be madness.

Also appearing is Bakersfield’s Redadare and Jesus Christ Muscle Car, who just released their full-length debut “J.C.M.C” for digital download on iTunes. Highly recommended.

21

Thursday, March 19, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street The Lowdown

The Baka Boyz are back in town Matt Munoz

R

enowned deejay duo The Baka Boyz are planning a homecoming jam with all the makings of a classic house party once the beat drops downstairs at Sandrini’s on Friday.

Brothers Eric and Nick Vidal are as busy as ever. Heard weekly on more than 65 radio stations across the country, their “Hip-Hop Master Mix” and “All Star Hit Mix” shows are just two of many bullet points from a resume built on creative grit and caffeine.

“We’re kind of independent,” said Eric Vidal during a phone interview from his home in Sherman Oaks. “As much success that we’ve had, what people see we have, they don’t know what to do with it. We’re still trying to figure out what we have.”

Translation: The Baka Boyz are, without complaint, their own bosses.

“The syndication game has changed.

Everything’s going digital streaming, so the marketing dollars have pretty much gone away,” said Nick Vidal.

The Vidals, who began their deejay and radio careers in Bakersfield in the ’80s, rode a wave of success after relocating to become popular live mix and morning show hosts on radio station Power 106 FM in Los Angeles.

Combining music with comedy, the brothers established themselves as the voices of urban Angelenos from ’92 to ’99.

At the microphone, younger brother Nick is the fast-talking hype man, quick on the draw and never at a loss for words, while Eric prefers to stay in deep concentration at the turntables keeping the rhythm simmering.

“Nick’s always been that front guy,” said Eric. “I’m more into the records that I play and the reaction from people when dropping a certain song at a certain time.”

The list of guests who have graced The Baka Boyz’s shows reads like a who’s who in the rap and R&B world: Wu-Tang Clan, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G., Alicia Keys, and on and on. A visit to their studio was considered by many to be confirmation of an artist’s arrival, especially on the West Coast.

“We’ve always championed new artists that we like,” said Nick.

After parting ways with Power 106 FM, the Vidals found continued success in Los Angeles, producing music for a number of rap, R&B and alternative artists, while hosting live shows and spinning for the glitzy club mix scene.

The Vidals have stepped back into the music-making scene these days with a new single titled “Show Me,” featuring Bay Area rap veteran Too Short, Thurz, vocalists Palmer Reed, Guy James and Bobby Ross Avila.

Released earlier this month, the track is a bold artistic statement for the duo, as a step back into the recording studio.

“We were working on music back in the ’90s with acts like The Pharcyde, Yo-Yo, House of Pain, but then Power 106 happened,” said Eric. “When that job came, production took a side seat. We were concentrating more on the radio show making good money at the time. In hindsight, we should have kept producing. We had the perfect avenue to play our own tracks.

Now, all these years later, we’re tired of making everyone else money.”

“We needed an entry point back into the game,” added Nick. “We utilized our amazing relationships with artists like Too Short to just make it a Baka Boyz fest with friends.”

The power of those relationships paid off for the Vidals, who described the technical process of bringing all the artists together like a puzzle, beginning with delivery of an instrumental track.

“Nobody was in the studio together for this record,” said Nick. “Eric and I had to piece it all together from verses that each artist gave us.”

Once collected, the pair went to work with one goal in mind: create a hit without shortcuts.

“After we tested a lot of different tracks and sounds, Guy James sang part of the hook, Bobby Ross Avila added the talk box,” said Eric. “That’s the way we are. We have the heritage and the lineage to the old sounds, but we also know the new sound too. So the mix is well-rounded.”

Now available for download on iTunes, and all digital download sites, the brothers have also made the song readily available to deejays for airplay.

“It’s the digital age, so you don’t have to have physical copies, do in-stores, and stuff like that. We’re getting it out there, giving away deejay packs, and getting a lot of love from it. The good thing is, we didn’t come from the mindset of the old school record labels, where ‘this is the way you’re supposed to do it.’ We’re routing it as we go along,” said Eric.

“Everything’s being done on our own time, with our own money, but we’re looking for investors,” said Nick. “The deejays are actually picking it up on their own, so it’s worth it for us to visit radio stations and promote. We just gotta be smart about it.”

For Friday night’s show at Sandrini’s, The Baka Boyz will dig deep into the crates of their earliest musical beginnings when acts such as Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Cypress Hill, Doug E. Fresh, and more provided the tunes during what is referred to by music fans as the golden era of hip-hop.

“It’s extremely fun to do that, it’s part of our history

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAKA BOYZ

Bakersfield radio deejay legends The Baka Boyz — from left, Nick and Eric Vidal — appear at Sandrini's on Friday.

and special to us. It’s not something we wanna do every weekend, especially Eric, who doesn’t want us be looked at as the ‘old school dudes.’” Nick said. “He would tell you that, but he enjoys the (expletive) out of it. He just wants it to be respected and looked at in a high regard, because it’s a part of our foundation.”

One part of that foundation that won’t be part of the show: crates of heavy vinyl

records the brothers recall having to lug from show to show in the back of their cars. Today’s technology allows deejays to upload digital music tracks to their computer, then pull, mix, scratch and mash-up, using specially designed software matched with traditional deejay hardware.

“If you don’t accept the technology, it passes you by,” said Eric.

Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 28

SAT. MARCH 28TH

Ro y O r b i s o n Re t u r n s

TH APRIL 11TH

AT

29th Annual

May 8TH & 9TH

BOSTON JULY 31 2015 ON TOMORROW ON SALE SALE TOMOROW!

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 19, 2015

Eye Street

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON MILLER

Veteran SoCal experimental alt-rock quartet, RX Bandits, appear at BRyder's tonight.

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Acknowledging the current trend among vinyl revivalists, some who border on the tragically hip, he added that while he can appreciate their enthusiasm, he’d rather save himself the backache.

“I laugh sometime when people say, ‘all vinyl’ like it’s some kind of big deal. I used to spin on vinyl all the time. It’s cool, but you’re not performing brain surgery, guys.

Wow, he’s playing on actual vinyl? Cool.

I’ve done that before.”

Friday’s showtime is 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5.

Also appearing: DJ Mikey. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. For more information call 322-8900.

The Baka Boyz Hip Hop Master Mix show can be heard Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. on Hot 94.1 FM in Bakersfield. More info available at thebakaboyz.com.

Matt’s picks

For forty years I have been part of Bakersfield Music Theater, both as a participant and an audience member. Last weekend I attended the wonderfully fast-paced and zany musical, Forever Plaid, led by the incredibly talented Kevin Trueblood, Kyle Gaines, Tim Armijo and Derreck Reed.

I closed my eyes and listened to the memorable music of the 50’s and 60’s and thought “wow”. Listening to the closeness of the harmonies was absolutely breathtaking and the richness of their voices felt like velvet to the ears. When they weren’t singing, they took us on a romp with a whimsical story. Brent Rochon and Brenda Baldwin have assembled a firstrate show, again. Kudos to the set, lighting, and sound fellows, Sean Green, Jacob Brown, and Gabe Urena.

Thank you, Stars, for a wonderful afternoon. ~ Nancy Arslan

RX Bandits at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m. today. $16, all ages. 3977304.

Originally known as The Pharmaceutical Bandits, this Seal Beach quartet began its career by participating in the third wave

‘VAREKAI’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

— where the show is set — and its creatures, Icarus (Fernando Miro) falls to earth in a graceful and awe-inspiring opening act.

“He performs a wonderful acrobatic number with a net. It’s just a net, not an acrobatic apparatus. It’s not stable. You really have to have a lot of strength and equilibrium to do what he does.”

Napoli noted the work of Brazilian performer Raphael Botelho, who offers some “tough love” to Icarus as he struggles to get around after the fall.

“We have a very talented dancer that does this act on crutches. He is trying to embody what it would be like to not be able to use his legs.”

Also featured are two unique acts: a single-point trapeze and a pair of Russian swings.

Operated by Kerren McKeeman, the trapeze has ropes attached to a single swivel,

ska revival of the ’90s. While much more experimental in their songwriting style, they transcended the genre, outliving most of their comrades by continually evolving stylistically. After a brief tour hiatus in 2011, the group decided to hit the road again. Since then, they’ve never left. Also appearing: EV Cain. For more information, visit numbskullshows.com. Highly recommended.

Benefit For Gizmo at Texas 28, 1517 18th St., 8 p.m. Friday. $5. 327-7625.

When word got out that former Dub Seeds drummer Anthony “Gizmo” Rodriguez was laid up with some minor health issues, it wasn’t long before the local music community sprung into action to help a musical brother in need. The good news: Rodriguez is on the mend and feeling irie again. Performing throughout the evening in the show of support are local bands Steady Haze, Dub Seeds, Revelator, The Abbey Roadies, and Visalia’s Mah'Op. First 50 people through door will receive a copy of Dub Seeds new EP, plus there will be raffles throughout the evening. All funds raised will go to help Rodriguez and his family with living expenses.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

allowing it to spin in either small or large circles.

“It’s extremely dynamic,” Napoli said. “It involves so much more strength and equilibrium as well.”

A Russian swing — a large, floor-mounted apparatus used for high acrobatic jumps — is not uncommon in these types of productions but working with two is, Napoli said.

During the finale, performers hurl through the air toward a pair of massive landing canvases as well as between the large moving swings.

“The closing act is absolutely amazing. It is the only show that uses two Russian swings. The swing-to-swing portion is very unique to ‘Varekai.’”

The production, which runs about two and a half hours with intermission, is suitable for guests of all ages, Napoli said.

“It’s up to the parents. People have brought their 2-year-olds, and they love it.

It depends on the kids. We have matinees if they don’t want to come out with their kids on a school night.”

21

Thursday, April 2, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street The Lowdown

Bearcoon ready to busk out Pair find new fans and add more performances

Matt Munoz

T

he last time we checked in with Long Beach acoustic singer-songwriter duo Bearcoon, members Solange Igoa and Andrea Walker had just completed a year of audience cultivation and fine-tuning.

That was 2013.

Now with an expanded musical catalog and a growing fan base after taking home top honors at last September’s Busker Fest in Long Beach, the two are eager to bring it back to Bakersfield for a one-night stand at Dagny’s Coffeehouse on Saturday.

“We’ve been booked solid ever since Busker Fest opened so many doors for us,” said Walker, who like Igoa is enjoying their current wave of success. “I think we won by just being ourselves and playing down-home Southern folk music, without a lot of pomp and flash.”

“We are still in Long Beach, gigging like crazy, but we are planning on taking our music on the road beginning in early fall,” said Igoa, who’s originally from Bakersfield.

Walker’s guitar style and vocal drawl complement Igoa’s soulful roots on a number of originals by the group, including “Tell Me You’ll Be Mine,” “It’s Just You and Me,” “Darkest Corners,” “Cold Steel of Night” and others.

“Andrea has been writing most of the songs we perform, but I’ve recently gotten back into it, and it feels great,” said Igoa of finding the right balance between the artistic and personal relationship the two have maintained for years onstage and off.

“Being in a band with your girlfriend takes a whole lot

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEARCOON

Acoustic singer-songwriter duo Bearcoon — Solange Igoa, left, and Andrea Walker — will perform at Dagny’s Coffee Company on Saturday.

of communication and compromise,” Walker said. “We write and perform with a lot more confidence now. We’ve been able to home in on our own unique sound as a band.”

Currently putting the finishing touches on their full-length release “El Guapo,” paid for with some of their Busker Fest winnings, the two are giving fans a hearty helping of tunes from their vast catalog of originals, a few classic covers, plus a guilty pleasure or two.

“I have almost every Barbra Streisand album on vinyl. I’m not necessarily obsessed with all of her songs, but her voice is amazing,” said Igoa, daughter of veteran Bakersfield singer Sheri Warfield-Wilson, who performs under the stage name Mystic Red. “It is pretty cool that my mom is such a rock star.”

And that name?

Bearcoon refers to news reports in Long Beach of giant raccoons spotted roaming the streets

Ro y O r b i s o n Re t u r n s APRIL 11TH AT

of the city late at night. Not to worry; Walker and Igoa check their vehicle thoroughly for any furry stowaways.

“They keep to themselves, but if you’re out late at night, you may have a run-in with one of those 40-pound beasts,” Igoa said.

Saturday’s showtime is 4 p.m.

Admission is free. Dagny’s is located at 1600 20th St. 634-0806.

For more information on Bearcoon, visit bearcoonmusic.com.

Simply Comedy I have to cut local comedians a little more than the usual slack I give local bands. It can’t be easy standing alone, under a hot light, holding a smelly microphone in front of an audience you may or may not connect with. No instrument, just a voice and a memory that could just as easily fizzle out like your favorite tube amp.

Thankfully, many of our local funnymen have really stepped up their game to help comedians of every style find a place to share bits.

“The comedy scene is Bakersfield’s best-kept secret,” said

comedian Joe Alaniz, who appears as part of the Simply Comedy show line-up at the Rocket Shop Cafe on Saturday.

“The secret is going to be out very soon.”

Alaniz has seen his share of triumphs and bombs onstage throughout California’s dive bar and comedy club scene. And just like his comrades, many of whom have been at it as long if not much longer, the allure of the crowd isn’t easy to shake.

“What keeps me in it is growth.

I am better and more comfortable on stage then I have ever been, and I can only keep growing if I keep doing it. I am not the same comedian I was two years ago, and two years from now, I won’t be the same comic I am now. That is exciting.”

Asked why stand-up comedy in Bakersfield is not as prevalent as music, Alaniz has a theory.

“In all honesty, it is because a lot of venues only want comedy at their establishment during dead days. It is dead for a reason and there aren’t a lot of people that want to go to a late comedy show or any show on Tuesday night. Comedians got tired of losing money and taking all of the risk of paying and booking a whole show in hopes of getting enough people through the door to break even.”

The tried-and-true solution: open mic night, wherever it can be found.

“We have collectively switched over to running open mics at venues. There is no having to worry about cost, there are enough comics that show up to make it worthwhile for the venue, and all of us local guys get the stage time we need to get better.”

That brings us to Saturday’s show, which will feature a mix of local and visiting comedians, including Alaniz, who offered a few words to describe each of his comrades: Horacio Gonzalez: “Theatrical and loud.”

Jimmy Stacey: “Witty and quick

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE ALANIZ

Bakersfield comedian Joe Alaniz and others will bring the laughs to Rocket Shop Cafe Saturday.

hitting.”

Chris Flail: “Observational and smart.”

David Wright: “Unapologetic and real.”

Zoltan: “Polished and wellthought out.”

What about Alaniz himself?

“Intelligent and truthful,” he said. Rimshot.

On a side note, a majority of these independent comedy shows do draw well with audiences, hitting sometimes 200 to 300 people. It’s no wonder that a national act like Jo Koy and others return to Bakersfield every year to sell out the Fox. These days, everyone could use a good a laugh.

“Zoltan is on a fast rise to fame, so you can come see him now in an intimate venue, or you can wait a couple of years and pay a premium to see him at the Fox,” Alaniz said. “All of the undercard comedians have done great things in comedy and have performed at premier clubs. Why drive two hours, pay a cover, and a two-item minimum when this show is comparable if not better than most club shows?”

Saturday’s show is hosted by comedian Brooks Leal. Showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $10. Rocket Shop Cafe is located at 2000 S. Union Ave. 832-4800.

Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 25

OCTOBER 22ND @

Sinbad ON SALE 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

25

Thursday, April 2, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street FRIDAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

ing in the Water” is less rigid, “showing how the colors will move when more water is applied.”

Cameron said her fellow horse afficionados should feel right at home at the show.

“I think anyone that loves horses will enjoy my work and I hope to attract all animal lovers.”

Dagny’s Coffee Co. will host another BAA satellite show, a collection of images from husband and wife photographers Harold and Diana Ludwick.

The pair met working at The Californian in the ’60s when Harold was the manager of the commercial printing department and Diana was a secretary.

“We just seemed right for each other,” Diana wrote in an email.

The Ludwicks moved to northern Nevada, where Harold had grown up and first studied photography. He returned to his former high school as a printing and photography teacher, and the couple photographed Little League games and weddings and portraits in their small studio.

A yearlong trip around America offered the Ludwicks new horizons and opportunities for digital imagery.

“Digital photography has made it easier for me to capture nature in great and small ways,” she wrote in the artists’ statement.

“I enjoy contemporary artistry with a touch of humor as well as traditional landscapes.”

Recently returning to the town where they met, the couple set about sharing their work, which Diana said has a touch of whimsy.

“We enjoy the beauty all around us, but

are always on the lookout for something unusual, ironic or that tickles our funnybones.”

Ludwick said the photo “Shadow People” is an example of that humor.

“We were at the Grand Canyon and suddenly I saw these alien-like shapes on a large rock. I had to have that shot.”

The show’s seven prints employ a variety of mediums — canvas, contemporary acrylic and metallic — and many highlight moments in nature, from “Yum Yum,” a close-up of a praying mantis eating a bee, to “Hope Amid the Storm,” in which a bold rainbow pierces a cloud.

“We have always been enchanted with the beauty around us — both on the grand scale and close up. We have tried to capture God’s creation in a unique way with our cameras.”

Teachers show at Younger Gallery Although the opening reception won’t take place until next Friday — when all the Kern High School District art teachers have returned from spring break — a collection of their work is on display now at the Younger Gallery.

“We haven’t had a teacher show in a long, long time,” said South High instructor Hank Washington, who helped organized the exhibition and the complementary student show in March. “We have some teachers who are wonderful artists.”

Participants include Linda Brown, Dacey Villareal, Linda Hyatt, Elizabeth Chaney, John Rand, Aaron Wherry, Christina Hoagland, Cathy Colbert, Laura Ghilarducci, Rita Torres and Vicki Smart.

The opening reception with the artists will take place 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 10.

(Read more about the exhibition in next Thursday’s Californian.)

LOWDOWN Matt’s picks

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

The Debonaires at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m. Friday. $7. All ages. 3977304.

The Debonaires — Orange County ska faithful — are a dynamic group of musicians who pay tribute to the classic sounds of Jamaica in its most lasting musical forms. Faithfully re-creating the Studio One sound of ’60s sound systems that permeated the island during the heyday of ska, rock steady and the birth of reggae, few groups of the genre have managed to keep their torches burning this brightly after nearly two decades.

Vocalist Kip Wirtzfeld has one of the biggest, boldest voices in the genre. Once you hear him, you’ll know what I mean.

Also appearing: The Secret Sauce, The Easy In. Upground at Elements Venue, 3401 Chester Ave., 6 p.m. Friday. $10. 380-2362.

East Los Angeles has always had a reputation for being the home to countless hungry young bands, blending traditional Latin roots with a punkish, fun-loving attitude. No longer the erratic youths of their beginnings, the rhythmic mish-mashers of Upground can still make audiences skank to the beat or swerve their hips in a cumbia reggae breakdown. Also appearing is Bakersfield reggae ska quartet Vanity Avenue and deejay Noe G. Eli & The Sound Cult at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. 322-8900.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELI & THE SOUND CULT

Sacramento duo Eli & the Sound Cult — Jason Bove, left, and Elijah Jenkins— will bring their experimental sound to Sandrini’s on Saturday.

According to their bio, this eclectic Sacramento duo “Enjoy dance music, light shows, and back-beats,” among other things. They also claim to have “formidable followings in every state in the United States of America.” Impressive. Fans of experimental indie rock, abstract beats and the unpredictable should be right at home with guitarist and keyboardist Elijah Jenkins and bassist Jason Bove. They have a healthy presence on YouTube, and I highly recommend you do some viewing homework before the show. Also appearing is the always reliably rocking pair of Redadare and Crooked Folk.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 16, 2015

Eye Street The Lowdown

Bakersfield gets sounding board Boozer offering his expertise as the owner of Aum Studio Matt Munoz

A

fter more than a decade helping artists capture their personal best recordings, Aum Studio owner Brian Boozer now has his mind set on sharing his musical den of Zen with the community.

During a recent interview, Boozer was seated at his desk inside the intimate multipurpose recording facility in the middle of downtown. A musician himself, he was relaxed and content after completing his latest recording session with clients who had since vacated the premises for the day.

“I’m really blown away. Since the word started getting out earlier this year, the phones have been ringing and the schedule is filling up, more so than I’ve seen from my other studio experience in the past,” said Boozer, 31, of the response he’s received since resuming operations at his new location.

“I’m getting to work with lots of new artists as well as the faithful ones that have stayed with me over the years.”

Boozer’s professional resume is worthy of note. He operated the original Aum Studio inside the Moronet Professional Building on 18th Street from 2002 to 2006, while moonlighting at Jesus Shack studio and running sound for events. Boozer then took a break from his studio, accepting a position as lead engineer at the state-of-the-art American Sound Recording studios when it opened in 2008.

While there, he helped with much of the studio’s design, but in 2010 he left after

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Brian Boozer is the owner and operator of the new Aum Studio.

three years to try and revive Aum. “The biggest challenge was starting without capital. I didn’t have money and I don’t come from money. But I knew from the get-go that I didn’t want to go into debt on this project, so conventional loans were out of the question. It’s just not smart. That was something my professors stressed from the very first day in college. So my approach had to be one of patience.”

After securing the new location four years ago, Boozer went about the long process of transforming the rustic brick building into an acoustically sound structure. In the meantime, he worked and recorded from home until quietly opening the new studio last year.

With support and patience

from his wife, Megan, Boozer feels blessed with the outcome.

“As far as day-to-day operations, it’s just me. I answer the phones, reply to the emails, run all the sessions, handle scheduling, etc. Megan helps me enormously. Aside from being a life partner, she’s also my business partner and handles the financial side of things and can do just about anything around the studio,” he said, adding that he’s had no formal business training.

“This is really my first venture into legitimately owning a business. There were many things that helped to prepare me along the way, starting with a few years of business classes at BC as well as some experience managing other businesses and studios.”

Upon entering the building, visitors will literally be standing in Boozer’s front office. His desk is stationed to the right, the walls are neatly covered with favorite framed posters from shows Booz-

er has attended or performed at with his longtime band Soulajar as the group’s drummer. Hanging prominently to the right of the next chamber door is a vintage black and white poster of jazz trumpeter Miles Davis performing live. Scanning the room you’ll also find artwork representative of the Aum mantra, a mystical sound of Hindu origin. “‘Aum’ not only relates to sound, but it’s also to a state of mind,” Boozer said. “And that’s exactly how I approach music and recording. The basic meaning of Aum is ‘the sound of the universe. It is not a word, but, rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. If repeated with the correct intonation, it’s believed to contain all sounds.”

Inside the second chamber is the studio’s master console and a window into the main recording chamber.

“Research for putting a studio together doesn’t happen overnight. For me, it came from years of reading books and magazines, thousands of hours on Internet forums and connecting with other people in the industry, talking with specialists, touring major studios across the globe.”

Then there was the issue of soundproofing a brick building.

“Opening a studio across the street from a bus depot and a fire station presents some obvious sound problems. It took a lot of work to soundproof this building, but I love everything about it, especially the location. There are too many soundproofing tricks to list here, but it worked. Since we set up the first microphone last year, I’ve yet to hear a single siren or blip of noise in any of the tracks. It’s really quite amazing.”

Boozer’s homemade ingenuity and craftsmanship can be found throughout the recording chamber, all his touches strategically placed for effectiveness. The plywood, burlap, insulation, Styrofoam — every ingredient and combination serves a purpose.

“I was fortunate enough to connect with a professional studio designer from Indonesia named John Brandt, who gave me lots of valuable tips on acoustic treatments as well as the room calculators used in tuning my studio.”

Also set up among the guitar amps offered by the studio is a Hammond organ once owned by jazz legend Jimmy Smith.

“Cool history and juju,” said Boozer.

Over the years, Boozer has worked with and recorded many local and visiting artists, including Rosie Stone of Sly and the Family Stone, guitarist Steve Kimock, country singer Tracy Lawrence, rapper Bow Wow, “American Idol” finalist Amy Adams, Bakersfield keyboardist Jay Smith, the CSUB jazz program, Banshee in the Kitchen, The Brothers Barton, and ConPlease see LOWDOWN / PAGE 31

TONIGHT

Pat Benatar

April 16th

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

31

Thursday, April 16, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

gressman Kevin McCarthy.

“Running a studio and doing music full time is really a dream job for me,” Boozer said. “There aren’t many things to complain about. But if I had to choose one thing, it would be the hours.”

When not in the studio, Boozer can be found at home tending to his duties as dad to his two young children.

“Working around people’s schedules and having to work late hours and weekends is less than ideal while trying to raise a family. Finding a balance can be tricky, but it’s part of the job and something we have to work around. Luckily, however, I’m finding out that many people are requesting sessions during regular business hours, so things are working out quite well.”

From jazz to funk, rap to country, jazz, experimental, Latin, or whatever music you have ready to be immortalized in pristine digital sound, Boozer said he is available to help. Prospective clients can call for a consultation and tour via the studio website aumstudiopro.com, where they will find plenty of information on everything Boozer and Aum Studio have to offer.

“I like to say, ‘Aum Studio is a boutique studio where the warm sound of analog meets the digital age.’”

The public is invited to attend a special Aum Studio ribbon-cutting ceremony and outside mural unveiling by artist Larry Starrh, hosted by the Bakersfield DBA and Mayor Harvey Hall at 4 p.m. today. Aum Studios is located at 1621 21st St. For more information, call 331-5081.

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo If you thought Joan Jett’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was long overdue, what about operatic powerhouse Pat Benatar, who’s still not in? Benatar stands as another important reminder of women’s role in the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll. Benatar and tourmate Neil Giraldo, her guitarist and husband, are currently celebrating 35 years of pumping out anthems and videos that helped launch the MTV era with a tour stop tonight at the Fox Theater.

Expect to hear hits like “We Live For

Love,” “Treat Me Right,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot, “We Belong,” “Promises In the Dark,” “Love is a Battlefield” and more. So many hits, and Benatar’s pipes are as strong as ever. Bakersfield will have no problem singing along.

Tonight’s showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $45 to $85. The Fox Theater is located at 2001 H St. For more information call 3241369 or visit foxtheateronline.com.

Record Store Day Record Store Day — the eighth annual celebration is Saturday — continues to be a big draw for vinyl collectors and enthusiasts everywhere, including Bakersfield. If you’re thinking about making the trek to Los Angeles or the Bay Area to brave that madness, be warned: It’s not pretty. You might want to consider staying close to home and checking out the cooler scenes at local independent music stores Going Underground Records and World Records.

As in years past, rabid collectors are fully prepped with their wish lists by now as limited pressings make these vinyl treasures highly sought after. Bakersfield hasn’t always had the best luck with scoring every release; however, according to Going Underground owner Ronald Ramirez, his store managed to score a larger-than-predicted order, most of which is shared nationally and internationally through a number of distributers.

“It’ll be a long day. I’ve ordered more RSD titles this year than ever, and a lot of them have actually arrived, so we did pretty good on fills,” he said adding that the store will be opening its doors at 9 a.m.

Saturday and remain open as late as 8 p.m.

“There will be a killer selection this year.”

Along with special orders, Ramirez will have T-shirts and tote bags commemorating Record Store Day, plus his regular vast selection of well-stocked new and used vinyl. This Saturday will mark the first Record Store Day for Going Underground since moving to its new location at 1312 19th St. last September. For more information call 633-0111.

World Records owner Pat Evans also puts in some serious work to keep his customers in tune with Record Store Day requests, so make sure to make stop at his storefront, at 2815 F St., to see what made the delivery, or call 831-3100 for informa-

CASEY CHRSITIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Brian Boozer warms up the sound board in his new business endeavor, Aum Studio.

tion. For an extensive list of this year’s offerings, visit recordstoreday.com.

Matt’s picks Pretty Weeds at Riley’s Tavern, 1523 19th St., 9 p.m. Friday. Free.

Skilled baker by day, chanteuse by night, Pretty Weeds lead vocalist Shawna Fowler is another welcome addition to the downtown music scene. Backed by a solid quartet of local vets (guitarist Chris Carton, bassist Nick Romero, guitarist Tyler Evans and drummer Cameron Poehner), the band will unleash a lengthy set of alt-rock standards

by Radiohead, The Cranberries, R.E.M., and many more, plus a hearty set of reimagined and updated classics from nearly every great era of popular songwriting. Kicking off the evening is American Smogg.

Night of The Living Jeep Beats at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Friday. $5.

322-8900.

Remember the joys of putting together the perfect mix CD and the thrill of the playback? No specific genre, just favorites that could easily start with a hypnotizing James Brown ’70s groove before easing into some spaced-out Lee “Scratch” Perry dub reggae, then jump off into a Beastie

Santa Clarita celebrates cowboy heritage with annual festival

BY MARY FORGIONE Los Angeles Times

Cowboys are in the building and on the streets at the 22nd Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, which started Wednesday and runs through Sunday in Newhall, just a lope down the old I-5 from Bakersfield.

The festival has expanded to seven venues that will host cowboy poets, Western singers, trick ropers and Old West events.

During the festival, stuntman Diamond Farnsworth (he’s Mark Harmon's double on the TV show “NCIS”), who has performed in many Western films and TV shows,

will become the latest name added to the city's Walk of Western Stars.

Farnsworth will be honored with a tile at 7 p.m. today on Main Street in Old Town Newhall. The walk started in 1981 and its first honorees were movie cowboys Tom Mix, Gene Autry and William S. Hart, who lived in the area.

Highlights include film site tours offered today and Friday ($40 for tickets), and performances by cowboy poets such as Waddie Mitchell and Western guitarist Don Edwards at the Canyon Theatre Guild on Saturday ($20 to $30 per performance).

Visitors can spend an evening with Buffalo Bill at the William S.

Hart Mansion on Saturday night too ($40). And there are old Westerns being screened, including the 1953 film “Suddenly” starring Frank Sinatra. The movie, shot in Saugus and Old Town Newhall, will be shown Friday night and costs $10.

The outdoor festival runs 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at William S. Hart Park and features 15 bands on four stages, living history characters, booths selling Western gear and food, and more.

It costs $10 for adults and $7 for children. Check out a full schedule of events at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival website.

Boys track from “Paul’s Boutique,” before slip-sliding into a Fela Kuti Afrobeat jam.

In the spirit of those magic moments, Bakersfield mixologists Odeed, Mikey and KSVG’s Shag have joined forces for an evening of personalized sets to chill, dance, or get your righteous groove on.

Free your mind and your behind will follow.

La Castaneda at Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 8 p.m. Saturday. $30. 8341611.

Those well-versed in the history of Mexican rock should be scrambling for ways to catch this show. Pioneers of the Latin alternative genre south of the border, La Castaneda have released eight albums, all of which are considered classics with longtime fans and younger listeners. The Bakersfield stop is rare, as our city normally hosts regional Mexican music acts that draw thousands into tightly packed warehouse-style dance halls. Highly recommended. Also appearing is heavy rock trio, Neblina.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

Don Edwards, a cowboy singer and guitarist who performs Western music, has been as regular performer at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DON EDWARDS

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 14, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

Breaking news: Boys are back in town Matt Munoz

B

akersfield is about to go live on the scene with The News Brothers.

Known as the wildest band of newsmen in the history of local TV, the fellas — most of them Bakersfield expatriates now — will bring their raucous rock and soul music revue to Sandrini’s on Saturday for a shindig that would make Ron Burgundy blush.

Those old enough to remember will recall The News Brothers as one of downtown Bakersfield’s most popular bar bands of the ‘80s and mid-90s. Inspired by The Blues Brothers act of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd from “Saturday Night Live,” the group featured prominent local newsmen of the day, including former anchor Kevin Keeshan and reporter Ken Hunter from KGET-TV, Channel 17, and former KERO-TV, Channel 23, anchor Karl Schweitzer.

Together with media colleagues Bill Woodward and area musicians Tim Murray and Scott Thompsett, the group set out to let off some steam and show another side, playing the music they grew up partying to.

“We modeled the band after The Blues Brothers,” said Keeshan, who now works as senior vice president for news content and standards at NBCUniversalowned television stations in New York. “But we are a little like the band in ‘The Commitments,’ except instead of bringing soul music to Ireland, we brought it to the southern San Joaquin Valley.”

That description pretty much sums up the band’s beer-soaked local history, going from garage band misfits to funky white dudes on a mission from God. “Basically we started in earnest in 1984,” Keeshan said. “The original band was Bill, Ken, Karl and (vocalist and newswoman) Rosalie Fox. Bill was on

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEWS BROTHERS

The News Brothers are, from left: Greg DeRego, Ken Hunter, Kevin Keeshan, Tim Murray, Artie Niesen, Karl Schweitzer, Scott Thompsett and Bill Woodward.

drums. Then we added Mike Clark on drums, Bill learned to play sax — then we added Scott so we had a real sax player. Rosalie was gone within the first year. Tim Murray came in sometime in the late ‘80s.

Following the departure of Clark in 1999, Front Porch Music owner Artie Niesen became the band’s full-time drummer. Filling out the current roster is keyboardist Greg DeRego.

“They were terrible but they were having fun,” recalled Thompsett of his first impression of The News Brothers, before he became one of the band’s featured talents on tenor saxophone.

Now a retired oilfield engineer, he’ll be receiving his bachelor’s in geology from CSUB in June. “We play these

songs as we remember them, not the way they actually were recorded.”

Thompsett’s self-deprecating attitude and offbeat sense of humor is shared among the rest of the band.

“You need to be schizophrenic,” joked Woodward from his home in Phoenix Ariz., where he runs his own marketing company. During the formation of The News Brothers, he worked as a weekend anchor for KERO in addition to stints in news radio and public relations. “It’s important not to take anything too seriously, while being serious about ensuring that we perform a quality show every time we play.”

Then there’s the curiously cryptic Karl Schweitzer, who, since leaving KERO, now lives the quiet life in Kern County.

“Your women are safe with us,” he said preferring to let his bass playing do the real talking.

“Donny Youngblood is my guru.”

One of the group’s most musically active and outspoken members, vocalist Tim Murray, is never short on words to describe his role onstage, which, like Schweitzer, usually involves a joke or two.

“Cow bell. Always more cow bell,” he said. “Remember, the more you drink, the better we sound.”

By this point, the message is clear: The News Brothers haven’t changed a bit.

“The News Brothers has never been about the money or about trying to make a living as a musical act,” said Woodward. “It has been based entirely and solely, or in our case ‘soul-ly’ on having fun, putting on a good show, and making people happy for a few hours because the music often brings back fun memories.”

The group’s set list, which according to the band hasn’t changed much since The News Brothers’ inception, reads like a

classic jukebox from the ‘60s and ‘70s: “Hold On, I’m Comin’” by Sam and Dave, Junior Walker’s “Cleo’s Mood,” The Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, “25 Miles” by Edwin Starr, plus others from the Motown, Stax and rock eras.

“My favorite song is ‘I Feel Good’ by James Brown because it puts the incredible voice of Tim Murray on full display,” said Keeshan, who will be celebrating his 60th birthday at the show. “He is the godfather of blue-eyed soul.”

“I can’t believe it’s been 31 years,” said Woodward. “The whole idea was to play one night only as a gag. After every gig, there were more and more requests to play again and again.

No one saw this coming and none of us ever would have predicted it lasting more than three decades.”

Over the years, the group has opened for The Beach Boys (twice), been joined onstage by keyboard great and frequent Jerry Garcia collaborator Merl Saunders, and performed at a number of high-profile gigs from Hollywood to Cleveland, Phoenix to the Glendale Blues and Jazz Festival.

“We were the only band that played the Glendale festival because a monsoon blew the whole place away right after we finished,” recalled Murray.

But, it’s the rowdy nights in downtown Bakersfield that the band revisits time and again.

“One of my favorite memories is playing the Alley Cat,” recalled Keeshan; in fact, the bar still displays a framed photo of the band.

“They had a church pew to the left side of the dance floor. Whenever we played a song that filled up the floor, people would sometimes hop up on the pew and jump off. That meant the song was a ‘pew jumper,’ until one night when they broke the pew. I think it was during ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,’ a definite pew jumper.”

You won’t find any church pews Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 26

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26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 14, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

in the cozy confines of Sandrini’s, where the group’s show Saturday will be the first in two years for The News Brothers.

“I have had some of the best times of my life on stage standing next to these guys,” Murray said. “The future’s uncertain and the end is always near. Rock on.”

The News Brothers at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $5. 3228900.

Beltran at Dodger Stadium Bakersfield/Los Angeles percussionist and vocalist Louie Cruz Beltran will be performing the national anthem before Sunday’s Viva Los Dodgers event held at Dodger Stadium.

According to a release, Beltran will perform with his Latin jazz ensemble at 11:20 a.m. at the pregame festival held in parking lot six of the stadium, where fans can enjoy music and other activities, plus get player autographs. Beltran will then sing the anthem before game time at 1 p.m. Viva Los Dodgers is held every Sunday during home games. Information available at losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com.

Matt’s picks Whiskey Dick at Riley’s Tavern, 1523 19th St., 9 p.m. Friday. Free.

The Fort Worth duo known as Whiskey Dick carry on the Texas traditions of superpowered guitar-slinging and clever songwriting that make Lone Star music a worldwide curiosity. Onstage, guitarist and vocalist Reverend Johnson will remind you more of Pantera’s late riff master Dimebag Darrell than Billy Gibbons, while bandmate Fritz remains more lyrically akin to David Allan Coe than Robert Earl Keen.

Blessed with voices that can both pump you up or just plain scare you into a beer guzzling frenzy, they sound as maniacally rhythmic as they look. Also appearing is Vince Galindo and The Iron Outlaws.

The Boom Bap Classic Hip-Hop Night at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m.

Friday. $5. 322-8900.

The booming sounds of “Yo! MTV Raps” and BET’s “Rap City” live again at this

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORNICHE ENTERTAINMENT

Louie Cruz Beltran will perform the National Anthem at Dodger Stadium.

monthly gathering that celebrates hip-hop music’s golden age, when rappers Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Tribe Called Quest, Ultramagnetic MCs, Roxanne Shante, RUN DMC and others reigned supreme. Pulling strictly from the musical crates of the ‘80s and ‘90s, resident host mixologist DJ Mikey will be joined by Bakersfield deejay legend Alex G and Los Angeles mixmaster Kid Cut Up, whose extensive resume includes performing alongside artists Pitbull, Z-Trip, Ne-Yo, B.O.B. Wiz Khalifa and during two Super Bowls.

Fortunate Youth at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m. Saturday. $15. 3977304.

Combining rootsy vibes and unique bass lines, united with multiple harmonies, boisterous guitar solos and heavy keys, Fortunate Youth is not just another mainstream reggae band. A collaboration of South Bay reggae standouts, they’ve created a phenomenal, fiery show that should have dancers bouncing all night. Also appearing: The Skints and The Steppas.

GALA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

clients we serve by more than 100 percent in just two years. In 2014, there were 3,013 residents served, with 13,600 volunteer tutor hours.

A recent marketing plan created by CSUB indicates this is the equivalent of eight additional full-time staff members.

Our volunteers are the main reason we are successful. They are the heart of our organization.

The Kern Literacy Council is in the final stages of two successful pilot projects. The first, financed by a grant from the Women’s and Girls’ Fund of Kern County, is designed for mothers of local schoolchildren. Through the program, the council is starting home libraries by giving each participant grade-level children’s books. The goal is to have parents reading to, and with, their children from an early age. The program will continue in the fall with a partnership with the Bakersfield City School District.

The second project provides tutoring

COURTESY OF KERN ADULT LITERACY COUNCIL

Jeff Nickell shows the acoustic guitar signed by 15 country music stars.

and mentoring to teen mothers who are working to finish high school in Delano and McFarland. Due to its success, the program will be implemented in Shafter starting July 1.

— Jeff Nickell is executive director of Kern Adult Literacy Council.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 28, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

Films keep it short, mostly sweet Kern filmmaker to show 6 good ones

ing involved than actual production. A graduate of California Institute of the Arts with a master’s degree in film directing, he currently lives in his hometown of McFarland.

Although the north Kern town recently received a boost from the Disney film “McFarland, USA,” loosely based on the high school’s famed cross-country team, the dusty ag hub is about as far from the glitz of Tinseltown as you can get.

But for Euresti, the isolated but familiar surroundings offer the ideal backdrop for telling stories that speak directly from his being.

“I am currently editing a short fiction film I directed in McFarland about three weeks ago. At the core of the film, it’s about how two Latino males bond over music, one an adult and the other a kid. My whole family and local friends helped out in some fashion. I’m really grateful.”

Euresti, who is fortunate to have his own gear, has amassed hours of work on a variety of movie sets in several positions. Each of the stories he shares about

Matt Munoz

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hose with a taste for independent films should make plans to attend the “#Landscapes With Fabian” at NX Annex on Saturday.

Hosted by local filmmaker Fabian Euresti, 31, the evening will feature a screening of six short films, each produced with budgEuresti ets as tight as their running time.

“I think the short gives a freedom to filmmakers,” said Euresti of his choice for focusing on shorts over features for this first-time event. “What’s appealing is that you don’t have as much responsibility for storytelling and plot. They can be more like a portrait, or a poem.”

For Euresti, like so many aspiring filmmakers, pursuing opportunity is a daily mission with more search-

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“My personal long-term goal is to make engaging feature films, be they fiction or nonfiction, and to never stop creating. And I also have, I must admit, a sincere and perhaps inherent interest in teaching cinema to others, be it in a classroom or less formal setting.”

Saturday’s event begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5. NX Annex is located at 3819 River Blvd. Information: 636-6488.

Latin Food Festival

PHOTO COURTESY OF WAR

Funk band War will headline Sunday’s KCHCC Latino Food Festival and Menudo Cook-Off at the Kern County Fairgrounds.

his experiences segues into another colorful abstract segment, complete with the occasional name drop — like that of the actor Kevin Spacey for whom Euresti worked as a production assistant on the short film “Spirit of a Denture.”

“We wrapped well past midnight. At that time of night, my sole responsibility was ensuring that Mr. Spacey was able to access his trailer. A couple other folks also had authorization. As each person approached, I’d unlock the door dutifully and lock it as soon as their business was finished. I did this like five times. And of course by the time Mr. Spacey came around, like 2 a.m., I couldn’t for the life of me get his door to open. Finally he slid open a window that was near the door and opened the door from the inside. I was so embarrassed.”

Beyond the occasional interaction on set with famous actors, Euresti has made excursions to film festivals in Europe, New York and Canada.

“To be the first and only person in my family to have ever traveled to Europe is a reminder how hard work and a supportive family are crucial to being successful in life. I’m sure I would have excelled in almost any other career

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN JENSEN

Elena Guadalupe Loaiza appears in “White Earth,” one of six short films to be screened at NX Annex.

path and yet this is what I ultimately chose. Income for the time being is scarce, but I do what I love.”

Euresti will show that passion Saturday, when colleagues and acquaintances gather to share in their mutual love for filmmaking.

Among the directors whose shorts are scheduled to be screened are: Juan Pablo Gonzalez, Elizabeth Lo, Einar Baldvin, Hilary Campbell, Jeanette Bonds and J. Christian Jensen. The collection of films chosen to be screened range from curious animated shorts to ambitious, deeply moving human tales; each has a unique approach to storytelling.

Euresti said that

directors Bonds and Baldvin will be present to be part of a post-screening Q&A sessions.

“People can expect six different and yet very powerful films that will in good faith stay with them for years to come. I like to go big or go home, and I’ve certainly gone big with this line-up. I feel art should move us, and maybe change us for the better. If one film resonates less, another will resonate more.

All films have been hand-selected by myself, in part because of this staying power.”

Euresti already has plans for similar events along with more film projects of his own.

The competition is heating up for the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 17th Annual Latino Food Festival and Menudo Cook-off on Sunday at the Kern County Fairgrounds.

A combination of food, family and music fiesta, the annual event draws thousands of attendees of all ages, with two goals in mind: spicy food and hot rhythms for dancing.

“This is one of the Central Valley’s premier food competitions,” said Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Jay Tamsi. “Anyone can join.

Everyone has a good time, and if you’ve never tried menudo, this is your chance to taste the best.”

Menudo is a traditional Latin soup made with tripe, hominy and classic spices, with a reputation for curing hangovers. While not for every palate, menudo isn’t the only delicacy on the menu. In addition, there will be plenty of frosty beverages and vendor booths for shopping.

Performing at the Budweiser Pavilion will be legendary funk band War, Colombian cumbia legends La Sonora Dinamita, top 40 party band Hind Site, Latin alternative quartet Making Movies, Mariachi San Marcos and reggae salsa ensemble Mento Buru (full disclosure: I’m a member of the band).

In addition to menudo and music, there will be the popular jalapeno-eating contest, which is always hilarious — in a painfully funny way.

“With a line-up this amazing, this event is going to attract a very large crowd,” said Tamsi, noting Please see LOWDOWN / 28

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 28, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street

Problems were brewing by end of beer festival

BY JAMES BURGER The Bakersfield Californian jburger@bakersfield.com

Saturday’s third annual Bakersfield Craft Beer Festival closed on a bit of a sour note for some who attended the event at Cal State Bakersfield. And it wasn’t the kind of “good” sour you get from a bit of Brettanomyces in your brew.

The festival, which heralded the arrival of craft beer on Bakersfield’s festival scene in 2013, was well attended and featured more than 40 breweries.

But attendees were surprised when taps at the festival, which was billed to run from noon to 5 p.m., closed at 4:15 p.m.

“It was a great event with great beer.

That being said, the event was supposed to end at 5:00 p.m. and without warning, they stopped serving at 4:15 p.m.,” wrote attendee Stacy Hayden in a Facebook message response.

Event organizer David Dobbs, of Imbibe Wine and Spirits, said a last-minute problem with the event’s alcohol permit and a communication slip were at fault.

“Last year we did the event for four hours. This year we did five hours. Cal State went to the ABC last week and pulled the permit for four hours,” Dobbs said.

Lisa Kerr, public affairs coordinator for Cal State Bakersfield, said the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control made the call on when the event taps had

to close.

Apparently the agency looked at the 2014 schedule and, for public safety reasons, ended the permit at 4:15 p.m., she said.

“It sounds like this is pretty typical and they moved the prohibited time up from 4:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m,” Kerr said.

Dobbs said he learned about the limitation last week on Wednesday, while he was buried under the flood of work needed to make the festival happen.

“My biggest issue was the advertisement of one end time and the actual end time being something quite different,” Hayden said.

In hindsight, Dobbs said, he should have put a put a sign up at the front gate of the festival noting the early tap closure.

“If I had gotten the memo earlier I would have been able to get the information out to Facebook,” he said.

Dobbs said the event will continue next year and will likely go back to its four-hour schedule. He will, he said, coordinate the alcohol permit with CSUB well in advance — before tickets go on sale.

Kerr said she attended the event and Cal State is looking forward to doing it again next year.

“We’re just really happy the event went well. We really love working with them and we anticipate working with them again,” she said.

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

that the deadline for contestants and vendor booths is 5 p.m. Friday.

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 633-5495 or kchcc.org.

Matt’s picks Isaiah Morfin at Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St., 7:30 p.m. tonight. $10.

Since graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, local jazzer Isaiah Morfin has kept it kind of casual, making random appearances with everyone from Therese & the Sweetness to any group with an open mic, adding extra flavor with crowd-pleasing sax solo riffs.

Morfin will be backed by local funk soul outfit The Lift, featuring Marlon E. Mackey on vocals, Doug Davis on piano, Fernando Montoya on bass, Stephen Lane McDaniel on drums, and Tyler Hengtgen, guitar.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHOIRS

Bakersfield alt-rock quintet Choirs will appear Friday at Sandrini’s.

Choirs at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Friday. $5. 322-8900.

Elusive Bakersfield experimental quintet Choirs is back after an extended retreat in the studio recording the follow-up to the band’s sophomore release, “Usalkt.”

The group debuted a new song on KSVG Savage Radio last weekend as a primer to Friday’s show.

Expect lots of original material and sweat. Welcome back, fellas. Also appearing is Niner Niner.

Jay Smith Group at Elements Venue, 3401

Chester Ave., 6 p.m. Friday. $10. 380-2362.

Fresh off a main stage appearance at the Bakersfield Jazz Festival earlier this month, keyboardist Jay Smith has wasted no time keeping his improvisational flames burning in the ears of local jazz fans.

While his quirky stage presence is part of the entertainment factor of his shows, his group of backing musicians are a funky force to be reckoned with.

Dinner available before and during the show. More info available at jaysmithgroup.com.

18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 11, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

Free 4 All getting bigger venue Fest the best day of the year for local 15-year-olds

Eighth annual KRAB Free 4 All

Matt Munoz

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he KRAB Free 4 All returns Saturday, this time to a bigger location: the Kern County Fairgrounds.

After last year’s capacitybusting crowd at Stramler Park — the event moved there from Bright House Networks Amphitheatre — KRAB radio personality Robin Jones said it was clear the event needed more room, and the grassy sprawl of the fairgrounds made perfect sense.

“We'll have more room for fans and vendors,” she said.

The line-up of the Free 4 All, now in its eighth year, features another promotional sampling from the

When: Gates open at 5 p.m., showtime is 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. Admission: Free; no tickets required. The show is all ages.

Information: krab.com.

radio station’s on-air playlist: pop rocker Meg Myers, Central Coast rock quintet Night Riots, Los Angeles indy outfit Saint Motel, Milwaukee’s Vinyl Theatre, and Bakersfield’s My Dear Insanity.

“A group of us at the station got together and listened to bands that were in consideration. We've got a pretty great lineup,” Jones said. “For the past eight years, Free 4 All has been our opportunity to say

‘thank you’ to our listeners and Bakersfield. It's a fun way of bringing up-andcoming artists to town to music lovers who are looking to discover new artists and for Bakersfield, in general, to have something fun to do during the summer.”

For most bands on these types of radio-sponsored cavalcades, appearances are usually first-time visits.

When asked whether he’d ever performed in Bakersfield before, Saint Motel lead vocalist A/J Jackson took a moment to check his memory bank.

“Is there a Chinese restaurant that’s also a venue,” he asked during a recent phone interview.

Wrong, but that’s OK. Saint Motel gets my vote for the act not to be missed.

“With these types of summer one-off shows, we’re keeping it moderately portable,” he said. “I feel

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Los Angeles alt-pop quartet Saint Motel will appear at the KRAB Free 4 All at the Kern County Fairgrounds on Saturday.

like we always play to a hundred to a thousand people the same way. We’re excited about our music and we like connecting with fans and making them go crazy.”

Touring in support of the EP “My Type,” Saint Motel is a band I’ve been following since 2010, when I discovered them while attending a music festival on their home turf of Silver Lake in Los Angeles. At that time the group had just put out their first release, “For Play,” and were a staple of the hip Echo Park indie rock scene.

“It was a pretty broad scene when we were coming up,” he recalled. “It was all about those club residencies. Every band used to go out and listen to each other.”

Fast forward to 2013, Saint Motel had released their full-length CD, “Voyeur,” with a series of self-produced music videos

by Jackson, a former film student. Every track on the disc was crafted into one of the best Los Angeles indie pop records I’d heard in ages. The videos were every bit as brilliantly inventive.

The songs were dynamically funky and filled with the type of progressive groove-oriented vibes that made it nearly impossible to categorize, yet so quintessentially LA. I get a lot of unlistenable material

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTIC RECORDS

Southern California singer songwriter Meg Myers also appears at the KRAB Free 4 All.

floating across my desk, but “Voyeur” stayed on repeat for the next year.

The only question I had was why the band hadn’t broken through to a major label yet.

“We got offered lots of crappy deals, people stringing us along here and there,” Jackson said. “We always ran into, ‘You’re too indie for the majors, and too major for the indies — you’re a hard band to pin down.’ We were a bit too complex. There was a fine line. A lot of labels and A&R people didn’t have the patience to learn more about it.”

Enter the chaotic UK music market. Saint Motel began catching fire last year with the release of the single “My Type” on the iconic Par-

lophone label, whose roster has included everyone from The Beatles to Pink Floyd, Coldplay to Lily Allen.

The popularity of the single eventually got the band a bump by the head of the BBC on Twitter.

“I think it was really a chance and definitely not planned. We had the opportunity to go to the UK for this whiskey campaign that we were part of and while we were out there, we started playing some shows. Then we went back, and that’s kind of how we got their attention.”

“My Type” is signature Saint Motel, with metropolitan-style funk, a horn section and an infectious kitschy disco beat that will make you dance. It’s no surprise that Euro audiences instantly embraced it.

“Different countries have different kinds of music scenes. In the UK, it’s very quick. There are a lot of bands and a lot of good music, but a lot of quick rises and disappearances.

Italy was the country that latched on the most to it, and other countries in Europe had their own type of responses.”

Back home in the U.S., Jackson said he hopes the band’s prospects match the success they’ve had overseas. Saint Motel made main stage appearances at the Coachella music festival this year and is hitting the road into next year.

“We disappeared for so long in Europe, it’s moving Please see LOWDOWN / 20

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 11, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street

Comedians unleash the funny for animals ances by James Uloth, Cash Levy and emcee Mary Patterson Broome, there will be an auction, door prizes, opportunity drawing and dinner.

“It’s fun,” said foundation president Judi Daunell.

“It’s a really good time.

Everyone I talk to really enjoys it.”

Tara the Hero Cat, who last year saved her boy from a dog attack, will also be in attendance.

Silent and live auction items will include a threeday/two-night stay in Cambria, a signed print by professional football playerturned-artist Todd Marinovich, a pet portrait by local artist Janine Smith, two large gift baskets from

BY KELLY ARDIS The Bakersfield Californian kardis@bakersfield.com

T

hree comedians, a foundation president and hundreds of animal-lovers walk into the Elks Lodge. There’s not a punchline here, but Saturday’s Applause for Paws is sure to be full of them, letting guests yuk it up while helping local animals in need.

The third annual event, a fundraiser for Friends of the Kern County Animal Shelters Foundation, will include stand-up comedy from Raise the Woof, a touring group of comedians that performs at fundraisers for animal shelters in the States and Canada. In addition to perform-

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Purina, a cat tree, a dog house, gift cards, jewelry and more. The door prize winner will receive a Samsung Tab 4.

A buffet provided by Mill Creek Catering will include chicken, salad, pasta, veggies and cheesecake.

The event is all-ages and the comics keep things clean, but Daunell still suggested parents might want to leave younger children with a sitter.

“Kids under 16 won’t have enough life experience to comprehend the jokes, but it is a PG, familyoriented event,” she said.

“Little kids just won’t get (the humor).”

Although the event has been successful, Daunell said, it’s yet to sell out. She hopes this year all 240 seats will be filled.

The event is the foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year, raising between $6,000 and $7,500, she said.

The money helps the foundation, established in 2005, in its goal to help local animals and shelters.

The foundation has bought necessary items like dog houses and tarps for McFarland’s shelter, stainless steel water buckets for Wasco’s and an outdoor play yard for Lake Isabella’s shelter, where dogs were previously kept indoors all day, except for when they were taken on walks by volunteers. Just this year, the foundation added a canopy to provide shade for the Isabella dogs when they’re outside enjoying the fresh air.

The foundation also helps the community with spay and neuter vouchers, and the Lacey’s Medical Emergency Fund has helped dozens of injured strays since 2010, when the foundation accepted donations from around the world to pay for medical

THE CALIFORNIAN

A Pit Bull looks out through her cage at the County of Kern Animal Shelter. The Applause for Paws fundraiser will help animals in need.

Applause for Paws When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Elks Lodge, 1616 30th St. Admission: $30 each, $200 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased through Paypal to fkcasf@gmail.com or at these locations: All Fur Pets Grooming (2420 Monterey St.), Fur & Feathers (3329 Allen Road and 408 21st St.), For the Birds and More (10425 Rosedale Highway), Red Brick Pizza Cafe (9500 Brimhall Road) and Self Serve Pet Spa (2816 Calloway Drive) Information: friendsofkernshelters.org or 472-6191

costs of a badly abused dog.

The fund continued to get donations, most of them going toward dogs who have been hit by cars, though it has helped a cat and a horse.

“I hate getting those emails (that an animal has been hurt and is in need of

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

along pretty decently here in the U.S. Our main focus is on the full length coming out. The new music is going to blow the old material out of the water,” he said.

Find out more about Saint Motel at saintmotel.com.

NICK ELLIS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Tara the cat, who last year saved her boy from a dog attack, will also be in attendance.

medical help), but we’re happy to help,” Daunell said after listing a few of the animals Lacey’s fund has helped. “And they go on to live long, happy lives at someone’s house” when they’re released from the vet.

Applause for Paws will

As for the Free 4 All, Jones offered some tips to help maximize the experience, including bringing extra cash rather than credit for the plentiful food and drink vendors on site.

“We're all really proud of this event, the work that goes into it, and hope that it provides the great time that we're aiming for,” she said, adding that the weekend temperature will be hitting triple digits. “Sunscreen is also

aid the foundation in caring for more animals, all while providing an entertaining night out for those who attend, Daunell said.

“Come and have a good time and good food and enjoy the comedians while helping us support shelter animals in Kern County.”

probably a good idea.”

Is it safe for young teens to attend on their own?

Kids will definitely outnumber grown-ups, but this is going to be pretty massive, so adult accompaniment is wise. At the very least, kids should attend with friends. There’s safety in numbers.

The sets are short and it should be over by 10.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 25, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

Drummer goes off beaten path Global focus carves niche for local instructor

Matt Munoz

T

he beats never stop for percussionist Victorio Xavier.

Drawn to concepts of time and rhythm that border on the spiritual, the busy Bakersfield musician has also been helping bring world beat sounds to those with a mutual affinity for global flavors.

During a recent interview, Xavier was surrounded by a portion of his collection of favorite drums handpicked for study and performing whenever an opportunity presents itself.

“What I usually do though is grab random objects and play them in tabla technique,” he said, referring to an Egyptian drum played using the fingers and palms.

“When your fingers and hands are strengthened and agile from playing this music, you'd be amazed what you end up doing with household items or office supplies.”

All that drumming could test the patience of your neighbor, but for Xavier it’s a practice he hopes will help others pass the time in similar comfort.

“I try to behave, so I usually carry a drum of some sort with me everywhere I go. I hate being stuck somewhere with time to kill and no instrument to practice. I suppose I'm a bit obsessed.”

Xavier’s journey from student to teacher resembles that of most professional musicians.

“Through my middle school and high school years, I had turned to rock music and metal, and by the time I went to college, I had been playing guitar for a several years, studying piano, and had gotten into songwriting.”

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Percussionist Victorio Xavier admits he is a bit obsessed about his craft and carries a drum of some sort everywhere he goes.

Finding himself focusing on various forms of percussion, Xavier began immersing himself in particular song elements.

“I found that what I craved most with my favorite bands were a mixture of old mysterious-feeling beats along with percussive sounds with haunting melodies. I realized that if I was going to properly express what I envisioned musically to anyone I worked with, that I would need a foundation in percussion and any other musical instruments that I was looking for, and so began the beginning of my addiction.”

Over the years Xavier allowed himself to develop that foundation steadily, seeking instruction to ensure proper technique according to each instrument, no intervention required.

“A lot of cultural type music that I play comes from people who were born into it, so since that training isn't readily available for an American from

Bakersfield, I search for the most successful players of what instrument I'm learning and find them.

I have to commute. I have found that the best way to learn proper technique is one-on-one lesson time with an accomplished instructor.”

Taking up lessons in West African djembe (goblet shaped hand drum commonly seen in drum circles) and djun djun (rope tuned cylindrical drum played with a stick), Xavier extended his studies in Egyptian tabla (aka the belly dance drum) or darbuka (goblet shaped Middle Eastern drum,) dahola (goblet shaped bass drum), riq (Middle Eastern tambourine), and also the Middle Eastern frame drum or daf.

“There are also two West African djembe masters who teach at a drum shop I frequent in Inglewood, and some of the most famous tabla players around can be found at dance festivals in LA and are more approachable than people realize.

I also learned a lot from different African drum masters like Malik Sow and Ayo Adeyemi who teach at Motherland Music in Ingle-

wood.”

Xavier added that while he has taken his share of study travels, many will be surprised how many proficient world beat rhythmatists quietly reside in Bakersfield, including one he had the rare fortune to apprentice for.

“I had a friend from Liberia who introduced me to a man here in town that was teaching West African ensemble/communal drumming. I can't give his name for his own anonymity because he was a wild spirit of a man who was forced to live off the radar, but he knew West African rhythms in and out along with history, songs, and so on.

Some people looked down on him for living under a pseudo name and surviving off the grid, but most people wanted nothing to do with any drumming that didn't include a drum set.”

In addition to West African drumming, Xavier has also become proficient in the Celtic drum world, playing the Bodhran, a Celtic frame drum played with a double ended stick called the tipper.

“Some of my favorite things are where the music will take you.

Since I do this full time, even if I'm not performing, I'm taking a road trip and traveling to see my fellow performers who are great at what they do. I'm always hitting cultural events, trying new foods, and developing my musical palate. It's part of the deal. I'm always hearing new sounds from instruments I never knew existed and really getting a feel for where music comes from.”

Xavier can currently be heard performing with a variety of local and out of town groups including Celtic ensemble Banshee in the Kitchen, and his own genremashing group, Beyond the Veil, among others — all of which feature an even wider variety of drums.

“My house is filled with drums.

It's a good thing that nice quality instruments are nice to look at, so when you walk into a house filled

PHOTO COURTESY OF B-REAL

B-Real of rap group Cypress Hill will perform at B Ryder's on Saturday.

with beautiful drums, it tends to be forgiving for the lack of space in a small house.”

There’s also Xavier’s extended family of exotic wind and stringed instruments that include Native American flutes, Chinese hulusi (a free-reed gourd instrument with drone pipes) Greek bouzouki, Irish whistles, and more.

“I'm always mixing styles and rhythms. Things like that is something I do with my own drum projects. I'll transition from a Middle Eastern beat into a funk beat, or I'll take lead drum techniques from one style and play them over another. It gives the music a new kind of feel that isn't something you hear every day.”

And yes, he also sings.

“I very much consider the voice an instrument as well.”

Xavier offers personal percussion instruction regularly in Bakersfield and enjoys sharing his love and knowledge with the community.

“I gave up certain creature comforts so that I could acquire enough skill to do what I enjoy. I grew tired of the lack of these things available in my hometown, Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 26

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

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 25, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street

ALLEN J. SCHABEN / LOS ANGELES TIMES

Crowds watch the Little Mermaid float travel down Main Street U.S.A. during the Paint the Night parade celebrating Disneyland’s 60th diamond anniversary.

DISNEY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

decided to leave Tuesday night at 8 p.m. and stay in a hotel so we could arrive at the park just an hour or so after waking up and start the day energized and well rested.

We got to the park around 8:30 a.m., half an hour after the parks officially opened, and stayed until just before midnight, when it closed. It was still a long day, but opting to drive down the day before made it a little shorter and kept our driver awake for the ride home. Both trips were a quick and easy two hours.

Teens and young adults will have the stamina to push through a day-trip, leaving Bakersfield around 5 a.m. and getting back home around 2 a.m., if they plan to make the most of their money by being there all day. For a family with young kids and possibly grandparents? I’m thinking that sounds pretty miserable.

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

so I decided to teach it myself and finally make my own contribution.”

Percussion instruction by Xavier is currently available at Nehesi Dance & Drum studio, 4700 Easton Drive. For more information, call 428-0355, or email Xavier at victorioxavier@ymail.com. Group and private lessons also are available.

Matt’s picks B-Real of Cypress Hill at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m. Saturday. $15.

397-7304.

Rapper Louis Freese, aka B-Real of rap group Cypress Hill, will be putting his microphone on pause for a special set of old-school grooves and hip-hop tracks behind the deejay turntables. Still busier than most of his fellow MCs who enjoyed massive success during the ’90s golden age of hip-hop radio, Freese will give fans a helping of works from his Soul Assassins’ production vault and beyond. If you’ve

In our 15 hours, we managed to hit a fair amount of rides and attractions at both Disneyland and California Adventure, but we were far from experiencing everything.

Luckily, we had few “musts” on our list of rides and got most of those done, opting to take advantage of the “single rider” line for a couple. We also had to pass on some rides, like Space Mountain, because the line was too long and all Fastpasses had been claimed early.

A day trip to Disneyland works when you’ve been so many times you don’t really need to do everything, because you can’t do it all in one day unless you’re lucky enough to go when it’s not busy, which isn’t going to happen any time soon.

If you’re taking kids for the first time, the trip is probably a big deal to them and you.

If you can spring it, go for two days to ensure your family can do everything they want to without the stress of running around trying to do the impossible in one day. If you can’t, wait until the fall.

never visited his multimedia entertainment website breal.tv, a viewing of “The Dr Greenthumb Show” is a must. Also appearing is DJ C-Minus, Cid Hernandez and Cris Cado.

Sandrini’s 10th Anniversary, 1918 Eye St., noon Sunday. $10. 322-8900.

Since opening the doors a decade ago, Sandrini’s has followed — even dictated — the entertainment and social habits of downtown millennial hipsters and mature weekend wanderers. Operating as a restaurant and bar by day and into the evening, the transformation to live music and singles watering hole happens with the shift of a few tables once the kitchen closes.

Whether you’re into the live sounds of alternative rock, country, Latin, pop, reggae, ska, hip-hop, punk, a game of trivia or soccer match, Sandrini’s is where you’ve consistently found it. While you’re there, try their signature sausage bread with dipping sauce for a serious slice of comfort.

There will be food and drink specials, prize giveaways, plus live music from Country Deluxe, Therese & The Sweetness, and The Peoples Band.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 9, 2015

Eye Street The Lowdown

Cambodian rock: It’s a thing Like a rumble from the jungle, via SoCal

Matt Munoz

J

ust when you think you’d heard it all, along comes Dengue Fever.

The Los Angeles sextet — purveyors of the lost sounds of Cambodian rock and roll — is bringing some psychedelic summer flavor to Bakersfield in a rare appearance at B Ryder’s on July 20.

Preparing to resume touring in support of recent release “The Deepest Lake,” the band will make its Bakersfield debut, just another first in an extensive list of them.

“Yeah, I don’t think there are any other American Cambodian rock and roll bands out there that I know of,” said band co-founder and Farfisa organist Ethan Holtzman during a phone interview.

The group’s formation in 2002 could only have happened in Southern California, where thriving global communities co-exist within mere city blocks of one another. The group was attracted to the irresistible if obscure sound of a scene nearly erased following the rise of the deadly Khmer Rouge regime and the turmoil of the Vietnam War era.

“The band is based on some recordings gathered while traveling in Southeast Asia,” recalled Holtzman of his initial encounter with decades-old recordings mostly unknown to mainstream American audiences.

“All Cambodian music from the ’60s, and it was the coolest thing for me.”

Salvaged video clips and recordings offer much of the only proof of the scene’s ’60s and ’70s heyday, led by acts like Baksei Cham Krong, Drakkar, vocalists

PHOTO BY MARC WALKER

Tickets are currently on sale for a show by acclaimed Southern California band Dengue Fever at B Ryder's on July 20.

Ros Serey Sothea, Sinn Sisamouth and others, blaring jangly guitars and sonic organs with a western pop feel.

Inspired by his experiences, Holtzman returned to Los Angeles only to discover that his brother Zac coincidentally had also become a big fan of the genre. From that moment on, a near mission-impossible was set into motion.

“My brother was turned on to it by a friend in San Francisco who released a compilation of a bunch of Cambodian songs.

After listening to the songs he had and the songs I had, we just said, ‘We gotta start this band.’”

The brothers curated a band of likemind-

ed players eager to begin their journey: Ethan Holtzman on keyboards, brother Zac on guitar and vocals, bassist Senon Williams, drummer Paul Smith, and David Ralicke on sax and flute.

“It went well,” Holtzman said.

“Everyone in the band is still in the band from day one. Some of us have played in bands together and acquaintances. Everything just came together.”

With a solid unit, the last and most difficult goal was to find the right vocalist to interpret the list of favorite cover tunes.

“We tried working with different vocalists,” Holtzman recalled.

“It felt OK and was pretty cool, because we actually have somebody singing these songs, but it was just OK.” Holtzman painted a vivid recollection of meeting vocalist Chhom Nimol, discovered after extending the talent search to the

Cambodian social scene.

“My brother and I kept looking and went to this Cambodian club in Long Beach called Dragon House. We were in the back of the club and there were like five or six girls onstage, all singing these different songs. What happens is Nimol shows up wearing this sort of white pearl gown, walks into the center and started singing this song, and her voice was just so much more powerful than all the other voices.”

Nimol, who’d been living in California at the time, was already an experienced vocalist back home in Cambodia, performing with family members of popular artists of the ’70s. The scenario was almost too good to be true.

“She was just glowing, but was also pretty young at the time, 19.

We were both like, ‘We gotta get her to sing for us.’”

According to Holtzman, the

courtship between the band and Nimol was a test in patience and trust, but not without its rewards.

“She’s really into it now, but it was kind of hard in the beginning. She didn’t really speak any English and she kind of had no idea what we were trying to do.

She was just very cautious and rightfully so. It’s kind of strange for these two white guys to come down to this club in Long Beach with all Cambodians and ask her to come to a practice. But after a couple of months she finally showed up. We just started to play some of these songs that she knew. She knew them all by heart.

Long story short, she got in the band.”

Outside of the Cambodian community, the musical approach of Dengue Fever was mostly unfamiliar, a factor that would work in the group’s favor, making them a curious draw for LA’s hip music set, always on the lookout for the next big thing.

Releasing their self-titled debut in 2003, the group performed steadily in the area, even making the trip to Cambodia and to Nimol’s home city of Battambang, where Holtzman says the group was embraced and given the musical stamp of approval.

They also caught the ear of Peter Gabriel, who released their album “Venus on Earth” in 2008.

“Touring in Cambodia is a lot of fun. The U.S. Embassy sponsored a tour once. They saw us as cultural ambassadors, so we’d do some workshops for the area schools, then play to thousands of people in the streets. We also got to go to Vietnam and Laos.”

The band’s latest release, “The Deepest Lake,” stands out, Holtzman said, amid a body of work that totals six full-length releases, three EPs, and inclusion on the soundtrack to the acclaimed 2015 documentary film “Don't Think I've Forgotten: Cambodia's Lost Rock and Roll.”

“We used Cambodian music in our initial first record to get startPlease see LOWDOWN / PAGE 27

SEPT. SEPT. 12 12TH ON SALE NOW! TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM

27

Thursday, July 9, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street “We have a lot of new people who don't really know much about the ‘beginning,’ so I thought putting some of that together in one place through pictures and articles from our first year would be cool,” Sivesind wrote in an email.

“And it meant that I didn’t have to paint, which is really a plus for everyone.”

The work is on display through July 25 at the theater, 706 Oak St.

The series has about 80 seasonticket holders, but the remaining 50 seats at the Gaslight are up for grabs.

Tickets aren’t hard to come by with the exception of the show closest to Halloween. (Buy now for Rob Zabrecky’s Oct. 12 show.)

Tickets are $25, available by calling 587-3377.

And while some magicians perform more mature acts, Celebrities of Magic is all ages.

“Every single show that comes to Bakersfield is family-friendly.

Bring the kids — I promise everyone is in for a good time.”

Celebrities of Magic

Fair karaoke contest begins

ARTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Local magician Ron Saylor, in addition to performing his own act around the country, regularly produces a show with guest performers at the Gaslight Melodrama.

“I am bringing some of the best magicians from around the globe to Bakersfield every month,” Saylor said.

“Every magician is an awardwinning magician. ... It’s crazy the talent that I’m bringing here.”

Fans who have been to the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, shows in Vegas or watched the last season of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” may recognize recent performers David & Leeman, Christopher Hart, David Deeble and Murray SawChuck.

“These are my friends. When we first put the show together, I wasn’t sure it would last more than a season.”

Monday marks the series’ 53rd show; Arthur Trace, an Interna-

HAGGARD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

The foundation that runs the county museum agreed to add the Haggard home to its collection of vintage buildings in late 2013 contingent upon a minimum of $50,000 in the bank for restoration, among other requirements.

Since then, Rankin and her group, Citizens Preserving History, have held several fundraisers to pay for restoration of the 1935 Haggard residence and construction of a new home for the man who had lived in the boxcar until several months ago, when work to prepare it for the move forced him into the main house on the Oildale property.

At a recent meeting of the museum board, Bakersfield philanthropist Cynthia Lake, through her charitable trust, made a donation of $50,150 to restore the boxcar, fulfilling the museum’s minimum financial requirement.

“The project is another aspect of preserving our country music history and I felt it was long overdue to rec-

PHOTO COURTESY OF RON SAYLOR

Award-winning magician Arthur Trace will perform Monday as part of Ron Saylor’s Celebrities of Magic series at Gaslight Melodrama.

tional Brotherhood of Magicians gold medalist and winner of the 2006 International Federation of Magic Societies championship, will perform.

Trace is a “world-champion manipulator,” Saylor said. “He makes balls and coins and whatever else appear and vanish without blinking an eye.”

The season will conclude Aug. 10 with a double bill of comedian/magician/ventriloquist Rob Watkins and world-class jugglers Jack & Jeri.

“They’re going to be bringing the roof down, juggling things 15 feet above the audience,” Saylor said.

ognize the Haggard family and Merle for the work he does,” Lake said Tuesday.

“At the moment, I’m probably funding 73 percent of this project, so it’s been what I consider a working partnership between Glenda and I.” Rankin is working with T&T Moving, which will use a crane to lift the intact boxcar and fit it onto a standard flat bed for transport to the museum. The rooms James Haggard added to the boxcar have been dismantled, the boards numbered and stacked for reassembly at the museum.

Plans were still being finalized for the procession down Chester, Rankin said.

“At this point, we are just trying to stay a step ahead of everything that’s taking place,” she said. “Merle will be there in his new bus following the boxcar down the road with us behind.”

Once the home is moved, title will be transferred to the museum, which will oversee restoration in consultation with Haggard’s sister, Lillian Haggard Rea. “The deadline to get the restoration finished is December,” Perez said.

This week marks the start of the Road to the Kern County Fair karaoke contest. For the next month, eight karaoke venues will host weekly rounds of competition, free to contestants and open to all ages.

After semifinals the week of Aug. 10-15, a male and female finalist will be selected to represent each bar or restaurant at a concert at the Kern County Fair, which runs Sept. 28 to Oct. 4.

Winners of the finals will receive a $500 prize, recording session and demo CD. The schedule runs: Mondays at DJ’s Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; Tuesdays at Ironhorse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., and Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway; Wednesdays at Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave., and Whiskey Barrel, 2816 Calloway Drive, Suite 101; Thursdays at McMurphy’s Irish Pub, 14 Monterey St.; Fridays at The

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESUS FIDEL

“In the Beginning” by Brian Sivesind, part of the exhibit “Too Many Logos” at The Empty Space.

Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road Suite 100; and Saturdays at Pour Sports Pub, 3621 California Ave., Suite D. Times vary so check with the venues for details. Competitors

are encouraged to bring supporters and prepared material.

View a complete list of rules and regulations at karaokeinbakersfield.com or call Kyle Brown at 633-9200.

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

ed because there was music that we wanted to play and we liked. We still play a couple of them at a show, but we’ve always wanted to write our own music.”

“The Deepest Lake” features the group’s various influences, including its Cambodian foundation with hints of African drumming, Jamaican dub production and garage, spy psychedelia. Nimol’s vocals are prominently featured in both her native tongue and English.

She never gets lost even as the group heads into some spacey territory, making the album one of the coolest, original releases of 2015.

Learn more about Dengue Fever at denguefevermusic.com.

Tickets for the July 20 show are available for $12 at Ticketweb.com or at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane.

Showtime is 8 p.m. Also appearing will be Bakersfield Latin rockers Velorio. For more information call 397-7304.

The Angry Brians If you’re among the countless Bakersfield residents who travel to Las Vegas on any given weekend, be sure to catch local Celtic rockers The Angry Brians at a free show on

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LINDSEY IMPAGLIAZZO, LEFT COAST DESIGN STUDIO.

Angry Brians, from left: Walter Baldwin, drums; Douglas Kirk, bass; Chelsea Joy, bagpipes; Rich Cheney, guitars and vocals.

Friday night; they’re opening for Boston punk legends Dropkick Murphy’s as part of the Fremont Street Experience.

Since changing their name from 1916 to The Angry Brians this year, members Walter Baldwin, Douglas Kirk, Chelsea Joy and Rich Cheney haven’t slowed down. They make regular trips to cities such as Las Vegas where their rowdy, kilt-sling-

ing fan base continues to grow.

Friday’s festivities are part of an evening schedule of free entertainment that kicks off at 6 p.m. The Angry Brians take the Third Street Stage at 9 p.m. followed by Dropkick Murphy’s. The Fremont Street Experience is located in the historic downtown area of Las Vegas. More info available at vegasexperience.com.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 23, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

Hip-hop duo going for the gold Matt Munoz

K

ing Midas Clique, Bakersfield’s latest hip-hop collaboration, could only be the work of fate.

The duo of Eddie Brock and Alec “Doc” Holliday were not plucked from the sea of local lyricists and beat makers; these are seasoned pros eager to get their self-titled debut to fans of the genre.

“Well, the main objective really was to come together and create an amazing album showcasing our skill and talent, and show people that there is quality hip hop coming out of the Central Valley,” said Brock, who released a well-received solo effort last year titled “The Daydreamer.”

“The group name I came up with while tossing ideas to Doc. It makes sense because that’s the feeling we get about our music, everything we touch turns to gold.”

Holliday, 28, is every bit a product of the same environment as Brock. Both carved a path through the Bakersfield underground hip-hop music scene, a culture that thrives almost secretly outside the boundaries of the familiar club and deejay set.

“This project has been unlike anything I’ve been involved with so far,” Holliday said. “Eddie and I have different stylistic influences so we both bring something to the table to push each other outside our musical comfort zones, which is a good thing.

“I’ve never felt like we’re doing the same type of song more than once, and the album reflects that for sure.”

The album was originally planned as a solo project by Holliday, a full-time artist, but the chemistry was undeniable, leading to the formation of King Midas Clique. Production began at the end of last year at Brock’s home studio.

“He’s easily the hardest-working artist I’ve collaborated with,” said Holliday of Brock. “His skills in the studio are razor sharp and you can hear that in the production and see it in the videos.”

Yes videos, another skill set cultivated by Brock through his various endeavors with The Epixx and Sound For Sight music and production crews. Filmed and produced to hype the group and future release of the record, a slick music short for the song “Triple

PHOTO COURTESY OF EDDIE BROCK

The debut CD by hip-hop duo King Midas Clique is available now.

PHOTO COURTESY OF XIMENA SARINANA

Threat” was released on YouTube in February.

“Lucky for us, we, The Epixx, own two professional home studios, so anything we can think of, we can make happen,” said Brock, 31. “We are never bound by studio time limitations.”

That sense of freedom appealed to the like-minded Holliday.

“I’m real strict on quality for music, so working together with him is perfect for me. We both go through every track with a finetooth comb and refuse to settle for less than the best. There really aren’t many hurdles to note as far as creativity. It’s common that we have creative differences in terms of direction for a song or a video, but we tend to agree on the best idea.

“We’re always working on new stuff, so if a track isn’t happening, it just isn’t happening and we move on.”

Breaking the independent release down in terms of beat construction, musicality, lyrical content, sampling and recording quality, this is a major triumph.

With Brock at the console, the beats are as plentiful as the guests, who include rappers Ras Kass, Truth Ali, Big Pooh and Big Twins. There are also a number of guest vocals by Bakers-

field’s Brittany Tanner and Marlon Mackey, but the real stars are Holliday and Brock, who never allow a good thing to overwhelm their own roles.

Holliday shines on “Take ’Em to Church” with finesse and confidence. Brock showcases his distinctive style when it’s his turn to hop into the driver’s seat for his own set of tracks. All 13 tracks (plus a hidden bonus track) contain a number of highlights sure to please hip-hop fans, whose focus tends to sway from lyrical content to music. The group also has a fine pulse on current trends happening commercially and in the underground, striking a perfect balance.

“I think just fans of great music in general will love this album. If you like great production and lyrical content and substance you don’t have to look far,” said Brock, an oil-field worker by day.

Dig deeper into the minds of Holliday and Brock and you’ll also find messages layered between the playful and the conscious.

“One of my favorite songs right now would have to be ‘Sirens,’ Brock said. “The reason being is because there is a lot going on right now in the country involving police brutality and the community as a whole is disappointed with a lot of the things that the authority has been doing to people. It’s not just African-Americans dealing with these issues, even though it’s predominantly in the forefront; it’s Lati-

Acclaimed Mexican singer songwriter Ximena Sarinana will be the opening act for Juanes at Rabobank on July 28.

nos, Asians, MiddleEasterners, Caucasians, everyone.

Things need to change and this song is a representation of that.”

Holliday’s favorites?

“I’m partial to ‘Take ’em to Church,’ ‘Valley of Kings’ and the bonus track after ‘Love Me Again,’ mainly because those songs have some of my favorite verses that I’ve written. Each song has an incredible beat and solid features.”

Mixed at AUM Studios in Bakersfield and mastered at The Mastering Lab in Ojai, “King Midas Clique” is available to fans at Bakersfield Skateboard Co., 1918 Eye St., or download and stream the release at iTunes, Amazon, Spotify or elsewhere.

You can also find upcoming videos from the group on YouTube.

The group will be holding an official listening party on Aug. 7 at Bakersfield Skate Co. For more information, visit kingmidasclique.com.

Matt's picks Redadare Farewell Show at Riley’s, 1523 19th St., 9 p.m. Friday. Free.

Popular Bakersfield rock quintet Redadare have decided to call it quits, but not without a final free show for fans to lose their minds at. If you haven’t seen them yet, you’d better make it

here. Also appearing are Niner Niner and Goon.

Bearcoon at Krush Wine Bar, 10500 Hageman Road, 8 p.m., Saturday, free, 695-8018.

Long Beach acoustic singersongwriter duo Bearcoon return to Bakersfield for an intimate show and to promote their new CD, “El Guapo.” I’ve raved about this dynamic duo before, and they just keep getting better. Get a preview at bearcoonmusic.com.

Juanes, Ximena Sarinana at Rabobank Theatre, 1001 Truxtun Ave, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. $28.50 to $74, plus fee. 852-7300.

If you’ve caught the Disney film “McFarland, USA” you may already know that Grammyaward winning Colombian powerhouse Juanes recorded the film’s theme song “Juntos” and even filmed the music video at McFarland High. Expect a highenergy live show that will make you dance in and out of your seat as he pulls tunes from his illustrious bag of hits. (And don’t miss our interview with Juanes in Tuesday’s Californian.)

Another bonus is the appearance by opening act Ximena Sarinana, whose latest CD, "No Todo lo Puedes Dar" is still in rotation after being named one of last year’s best releases. A rare opportunity to catch two internationally acclaimed acts at the top of their game in Bakersfield. Highly recommended.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 6, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

New CD a ‘Bakersfield Thing’ Country music legends crux of tribute album Matt Munoz

A

dd Gene Thome to the list of locals committed to the preservation of the treasured Bakersfield Sound.

Actively promoting a tribute to our area’s musical history with the all-star CD “It’s a Bakersfield Thing,” the longtime business owner and musician says that after a year of scheduling, pickin’ grinnin’ and twangin’ that the CD is now ready to add to your playlist.

“I just don’t want people to forget the history that’s come out of this town,” said Thome, 52, who owns Bear Mountain Sports, a business specializing in outdoor recreation supplies. “I’m just so proud that every musician on the record has some connection to Bakersfield.”

Originally planned as a twosong studio project to be recorded at American Sound Recording Studios with a handful of music legends in town for country icon Red Simpson’s 80th birthday bash at the Crystal Palace last year, Thome saw an opportunity to expand after a suggestion by session producer Rick Stevens.

Gathered in the studio that day was a who’s who of talents from the pantheon of Bakersfield country music including: Red Simpson, guitar legend Eugene Moles, steel guitarist JayDee Maness, keyboardist Mark Yeary, Buck Owens’ youngest son Johnny Owens and others.

“Rick said, ‘All these guys have also played with Buck or Merle, why not do a big tribute record?’”

It was an opportunity too good to pass up for Thome, who, like his musical companions, had experience working

PHOTO COURTESY OF GENE THOME

Gene Thome, left, brought together local country musical greats including Red Simpson, right, for “It’s a Bakersfield Thing."

the nightclub circuit in Kern County as a guitarist and baritone-voiced singer.

“I started playing in bars out in Arvin, Greenfield, places like The Monte Carlo. I wasn’t playing in the big Bakersfield music scene back then. I played in weddings.

Red played a few times with me.

As time went on, I started hanging out with all these legends,” said Thome.

Seated next to Thome during the interview, Red Simpson expressed appreciation for inclusion on the project by his longtime friend.

“I think it’s great,” said Simpson of Thome.

“We could’ve done a tribute with 400 songs,” said Thome.

Handpicking his personal favorites for the

PHOTO COURTESY OF GENE THOME

Cover art for “It's a Bakersfield Thing” tribute CD.

record, Thome has managed to craft a unique piece of work cross-referencing decades of Bakersfield country history.

Kicking off with a cover of Merle Haggard’s “Thirty Again,” Thome’s vocals are backed by Haggard’s daughter, Dana, who inspired the original song.

“Dana told me I sounded a lot

like her dad, which I thought was pretty cool,” said Thome.

That track is followed by “If I Could Only Fly,” a song written by the late Blaze Foley and recorded

by Haggard.

Thome recalled Simpson’s involvement on the project as a natural one that includes a duet on Simpson’s “The Mighty Hag,” one of a number of hit songs written by Simpson for Haggard.

“One day I was riding down to the studio, I called up Red and said, ‘Hey, you wanna come down to the studio?’ And he did.

That’s the way Red is. What an honor it was.”

Thome added that having the original songwriter present also had it advantages.

“He (Simpson) told me, ‘I wanna change one line in “The Mighty Hag.” Instead of ‘livin’ in Montana,’ it’ll be ‘living in Lake Shasta,’ because at the time of the original recording, Merle was still living out of state. I thought that was pretty cool.”

That’s just the beginning of a journey through a number of classic collaborations between Simpson, Haggard and, of course, Buck Owens covered by Thome.

From “You Don’t Have Very Far To Go,” “Lucky Old Colorado,” “Honky Tonk Night Time Man” and “Gonna Have Love” to Johnny Owens’ lead vocals on “Sam’s Place,” the album stands as a reminder of Bakersfield’s golden age of country.

Going over the song list, both Thome and Simpson are overcome with memories.

“My store is out there on Weedpatch Highway, and Red’s standing there right outside, and he says, ‘You know, I wrote “Gonna Have Love” and “Sam’s Place” right over at Buck’s place.’

What they call Buck’s cattle ranch is about 200 yards east of my store.”

Simpson added: “I can remember Buck’s dad was out mowin’ the lawn when I was writin’ “Sam’s Place,” and when we got to the second verse, his dad says,

‘Why don’t you put in “ol’ hoochie coochie Hattie, she comes from Cincinnati”?’ So, I put it in there.”

Joining Thome throughout the 10-track CD are guitarists Ron Smith, Todd Brumley, Teddy Spanke, Russ Sedam, Billy McCombs, Rick Stevens; fiddle and mandolin player Ernie Lewis; saxophonist Richard Gonzales, drummers Johnny Barnett Jr. and Zack Arnold; keyboardist Jason Badgley; and vocalist Jennifer Keel. Nick Nicita provided additional production.

A cover of “Losing in Las Vegas,” written by Haggard’s longtime friend and driver Ray McDonald, rounds out the collection.

Thome had sung the tune for a number of years before learning McDonald penned it.

“I asked him if I could record it awhile ago, and he said yes. I ran into him again sometime later and he asked me if I had. So, when we returned to the studio we decided to include it on the record. I’m glad he reminded me about it.”

Mixed and mastered in Bakersfield at American Sound Recording Studios and released one day shy of Simpson’s 81st birthday in March, “It’s a Bakersfield Thing” is a heartfelt tribute documenting a very special gathering of friends and talents.

“We got a lot of music royalty on this CD,” said Thome. “How many people get to say they’ve met and played with their heroes?”

“It’s a Bakersfield Thing” is available for download on iTunes and CDBaby.com. Physical autographed copies are also available at Bear Mountain Sports, 8032 Di Miller St. For more information call 366-2666.

Truxton Mile Shifting gears from classic to modern country, Truxton Mile’s new single hit the Web to the rejoice of fans last Friday.

Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 24

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

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 6, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

The single leads off a pair of new radio-ready singles by the Bakersfield country outfit, with the anthemic “California In My Mind,” a catchy number tailored for midsummer vibes, up first.

“It’s our version of a ‘hometown song’ that you hear from many artists. It’s inspired by growing up in the Central Valley, trips to our beautiful Central Coast, and, of course, the girls we’ve met along the way,” said lead vocalist Ryan Coulter.

This is the group’s newest release since 2013’s “On My Way” EP that helped garner more attention locally and throughout the state.

“We are currently in writing mode and these singles will be a part of an upcoming album that is to be released sometime in 2016,” said guitarist Taylor Unruh. “Currently we have sixsongs we have written for the record. We are looking to write four more before going in and cutting the rest of the record.”

With lyrics about all things familiar to Californians and matched with a Beach Boy-ish charm, Coulter says a few strums set the creativity in motion.

“A great guitar riff inspired the lyrics for these songs. The music

PHOTO BY MICHAEL R. LEWIS

Truxton Mile new’s single “California In My Mind” is available now.

Pictured above from left: Taylor Unruh, Alec Olivieri, Ryan Coulter.

changed styles a few times before we found what we were looking for.”

With lyrics like, “You’re my state of sunshine, drunk on moonshine, West Coast wildfire, running like a livewire,” and evoking images of “clove cigars

and cherry Chapstick” and, of course, bikini tops,” it’s got a lot of sugar to set off your summer buzz.

“These songs are much more aligned with our current writing style and sound on country radio,” said guitarist Alex Olivieri.

“There was such a large gap in between the recording and release of our first album, it almost felt obsolete compared to what people were listening to. We wrote and recorded these two singles this year, so we feel that they serve as a better representation of us in the present.”

The group’s second single, “Lucked Into You,” set to be released later in the fall, hits with more energy right out of the box, complementing “California” with similar good-feeling appeal. “‘Lucked Into You’ is about finding that one girl who you hope is more than just a fling,” said Coulter. “That seems to be something easier said than done with our generation. The song is kind of a sort of message, saying that love is out there.”

“We are excited to get that one out as well,” added Unruh. “It has a great groove to it and the lyrics paint out a picture of ‘I don’t know how it happened, but the last thing I want to question is how I lucked into you.’ Plus, both of these songs are so much fun to play live.”

With two hot singles ready for airplay, is Bakersfield country radio finally ready for some Truxton Mile in rotation?

“We want to be heard, who doesn’t?” said Unruh. “We also understand that it’s not that easy

and major market radio stations need to play Top 30/40. We do not expect to be played on the radio all the time and we definitely do not have a sense of entitlement that we should be played.

“Of course, we are going to try to get a single we put out spun, but if it’s not possible, then no worries, we keep moving forward.”

“As we move forward in this industry, we feel like we we’re uncovering our niche more and more with each song we write,” said Coulter.

“It’s one of the things that keeps us moving forward. It keeps us hungry to find the next stage of our music.”

Speaking of stages, Truxton Mile has a busy schedule, with performances at the Padre Hotel on Aug. 13, Village Fest on Sept.

12 and the 99 Music Festival on Oct. 10. Visit facebook.com/truxtonmile for their full schedule and more on the band.

“California In My Mind” is now available for download and stream at iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

TICKET ROUNDUP Bright House Networks Amphitheatre

Aug. 21: Larry Hernandez, 7 p.m., $35, $45.

11200 Stockdale Highway. ticketmaster.com Sept. 18: Firefall, 8 p.m., $15.

Oct. 1: Gary Allan, 7 p.m., $25-$55.

Oct. 2: Hotel California — the Eagles Experience, 8 p.m., $15.

2001 H St. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Prices listed are for the box office window only.

Aug. 30: Rodney Carrington, 7 p.m., $48.75$183.75.

Sept. 22: Benise, 7:30 p.m., $29-$95.

Oct. 7: Gordon Lightfoot, 8 p.m., $40-$65.

Oct. 14: The Tenors, 7:30 p.m., $25-$59.

Oct. 16: Grace Bible Church STEADFAST Conference, 7 p.m., $45.

Oct. 22: Sinbad, 8 p.m., $27-$47.

Oct. 23: Dracula: The Ballet, 8 p.m., $38-$78.

Nov. 5: Dwight Yoakam, 8 p.m., $35-$75.

Nov. 15: Kathleen Madigan, 7 p.m., $30.

Dec. 17: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, 7 p.m., $28-$175.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

LEARN HOW YOU CAN

BECOME A VOLUNTEER AT THE GUILD HOUSE Monday, August 17th 9:30am 1905 18th Street GUILD HOUSE RESTAURANT

Like us on FB

(The Child Guidance Guild of Bakersfield Inc.)

Learn about becoming a member of the Guild House, our mission and the volunteer opportunities available (cooks, wait staff and dishwashers) For questions or if you can’t attend on the 17th and want to volunteer - call Renay McCracken (530) 588-5623 OR e-mail bakersfieldguild@att.net

www.bakersfieldguildhouse.com

2800 Buck Owens Blvd. vallitix.com or 328-7560.

Aug. 12: Reckless Kelly, 7:30 p.m., $15.

Aug. 13: Buck’s Birthday Bash with Tracy Lawrence, 7 p.m., $60$70.

Aug 18: Aaron Watson, 7:30 p.m., $15.

Aug. 28: Kristian Bush, 7:30 p.m., $17.50-$23.50.

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

Aug. 15: America’s Greatest Game Shows, 8 p.m., $20.

Fox Theater

Kern County Fairgrounds 1142 S. P St. vallitix.com Saturday: Fake-APalooza, 6:30 p.m., $20.

Kern County Museum 3801 Chester Ave. vallitix.com or 437-3330.

Sept. 12: Village Fest 2015, 6 p.m., $70.

Rabobank 1001 Truxtun Ave. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000. (Listed ticket prices do not include fees.)

Aug. 12: Fifth Harmo- ▲ ny’s Reflection: The Summer Tour, 7 p.m., $27.50-$47.50.

Aug. 27: Florida Georgia Line, 7:30 p.m., $47.10$68.65.

Sept. 21: L.A. Kings vs.

Arizona Coyotes, 7 p.m., $29-$115.

Sept. 25: Wild Kratts Live, 7 p.m., $29.75.

Oct. 16: Pepe Aguilar, 8 p.m., $49-$149.

Oct. 20: J Balvin and Becky G, 7:30 p.m., $27.50-$73.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 20, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

It’ll be 4/4 on the dance floor DJ Perry returns to town that formed his inimitable style Matt Munoz

M

etro beats will reign supreme when several elite California house music experts make a rare joint appearance at Sandrini’s on Friday. The plan for the evening, headlined by renowned Bakersfield deejay Sidney Perry, is to take dancers on a trip through decades of historic hypnotizing house music, where the only required skill to enjoy is surrendering your mind and body to the rhythm.

“House will pick you up when you are feeling down,” said Perry, who also celebrates his 47th birthday on Friday. “It’s a spiritual thing.”

For those unfamiliar with the house music genre, it can best be described as the bridge between the post-disco era and what is commonly known today as EDM (electronic dance music). The sound’s foundation: Repetitive 4/4 beats, synth bass lines, and the signature off-beat hi-hat cymbal. Born in the clubs of Chicago in the early 1980s, it spread around the world and into Perry’s musical psyche as a young upand-coming deejay.

“I first started out with the style of music that was out: funk and disco and then in the later part would have been rap and freestyle, techno rap like Egyptian Lover, etc. I have been through pretty much all styles, but landed into house music around 1984 and stuck with it today. It’s my love and passion.”

Perry isn’t the only semi-legendary figure in the history of Bakersfield deejay culture; friends

PHOTO BY CHUCK GARCIA

Deejay Sidney Perry, who hails from Bakersfield, returns Friday night to perform at Sandrini's.

and colleagues Eric and Nick Vidal, aka The Baka Boyz, helped form a lasting imprint on the local scene back in the early ’80s.

Starting out as high school dance deejays, Perry joined the crew at the Vidal family’s popular all-ages nightclub, originally located on Union Avenue. It was a hot spot that became a breeding ground for young punk bands, eclectic counterculture enthusiasts, and experimental hip-hop deejays who didn’t fit in with the mainstream dance set.

“Deejay Moses Aguirre, who was the main deejay for Vidal’s night club, would spin sets in between bands before they became an all-dance club,” recalled Perry. “I used to work at the old Where-

house Records in the Valley Plaza at the time and he would always come into the store and ask me what the hottest records out were.

I would pick out the week’s best so he could spin for that weekend and one day he invited me to come down and do a guest spot at Vidal’s and that’s how I got hooked up with The Baka Boyz. I can say I became not just part of the crew but part of the family.”

That partnership would also extend to on-air appearances during The Baka Boyz local AM radio days, years before the Vidals made the career jump to Los Angeles. Recalling early responses to house music’s arrival into Bakersfield, Perry credits his longtime friends with the opportunity to take chances with sounds virtually unheard of in California at the time.

“I would try and play a little house music in the clubs, but The

Baka Boyz would invite me to come down to spin. They allowed me to air the early house music tracks on the air. So I can officially say I was the first deejay on the West Coast to play house music on the airwaves.”

In addition to his deejay work, one of Perry’s most notable accomplishments is the opening of his own vinyl record store, Urban Muzik, in downtown Bakersfield in 2002. The store became popular with area deejays looking to keep the pulse with the rest of the world. But as luck would have it, the digital takeover put much of the vinyl world into hibernation, forcing Perry to close up shop five years later.

“My main focus was to build a relationship and supply the local deejays with good music, but I just started a bit too late in the game as the things changed.”

Now residing in the hip Echo

Park area of central Los Angeles, Perry continues to stay active on a number of levels, from the underground to the mainstream, studio to the office.

“I have always been a more behind-the-scenes kinda guy here and for me it’s always been about the love for music. Deejaying has given me the opportunity to travel, meet and work with great people, do radio shows.

Now I’m heavy into the production side of things with my music and running a dance label.”

Perry — who will be joined Friday by house specialists Nick Alvarado, Raully D, Shawnbo, and Sir Louis at the microphone — said his memories of home could fill a book.

“There are so many, but I remember back in the day spinning at California Park on Sundays with Vernon Green of Groove City in the summertime.

Man, it was the best, everyone just dancing, enjoying the music and little to no drama or checking out deejay Coffee Dog on cable radio back in the day. We always stayed fresh and kept up with the music trends. I remember we would all meet up at my pad and at night we would listen to KDAY (Los Angeles) back in the day and, of course, the reception was horrible. I can recall one time we got on the roof of The Baka Boyz house to try and get a good reception with an antenna just to listen.”

Friday's showtime is 9 p.m.

Admission is $5. Sandrini's is located at 1918 Eye St. information: 322-8900. More on Sidney Perry at Facebook.com/djsidperry.

‘Mable’ premiere Bakersfield independent filmmakers Hectic Films will be hosting a special red-carpet screening of “Mable,” a western short, at the Spotlight Theatre on Sunday.

Shot at a number of locations in Kern County, including Lamont and Round Mountain Road, Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 27

NOV. 5TH

ON SALE TOMORROW!

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

27

Thursday, August 20, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Street LOWDOWN

TICKET ROUNDUP

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

PHOTO COURTESY OF FIREFALL

Contemporary pop rockers Firefall will be performing at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre on Sept. 18.

Bakersfield College 1801 Panorama Drive. vallitix.com Sept. 17: 61st Annual BC Alumni BBQ, 5 p.m., $5$30.

Bright House Networks Amphitheatre 11200 Stockdale Hwy. ticketmaster.com Sept. 18: Firefall, 8 p.m., $15.

Oct. 1: Gary Allan, 7 p.m., $25-$55.

Oct. 2: Hotel Californiathe Eagles Experience, 8 p.m., $15.

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

Aug. 28: Kristian Bush, 7:30 p.m., $17.50-$23.50.

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

Oct. 10: 99 Music Fest, 2 p.m., $40.

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

Aug. 21: Larry Hernandez, 7 p.m., $35, $45.

Fox Theater 2001 H St. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Prices listed are for the box office window only.

Aug. 30: Rodney Carrington, 7 p.m., $48.75$183.75.

Sept. 22: Benise, 7:30 p.m., $29-$95.

Oct. 7: Gordon Lightfoot, 8 p.m., $40-$65.

Oct. 14: The Tenors, 7:30 p.m., $25-$59.

Oct. 16: Grace Bible Church STEADFAST Con-

ference, 7 p.m., $45.

Oct. 22: Sinbad, 8 p.m., $27-$47.

Oct. 23: Dracula: The Ballet, 8 p.m., $38-$78.

Nov. 5: Dwight Yoakam, 8 p.m., $35-$75.

Nov. 15: Kathleen Madigan, 7 p.m., $30.

Dec. 5: KIDZ BOP Live, 3 p.m., $25-$50.

Dec. 17: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, 7 p.m., $28-$175.

Dec. 22: Brian Setzer Orchestra, 8 p.m., $45$95.

Kern County Museum 3801 Chester Ave. vallitix.com or 437-3330.

Sept. 12: Village Fest 2015, 6 p.m., $70.

Nov. 7: Kern Energy Festival, 10 a.m., $5, $10.

Kern County Fairgrounds 1142 S. P St. vallitix.com Aug. 29: Los Temerarios Y Los Terrenos, 8 p.m., $45.

Rabobank 1001 Truxtun Ave. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000. (Listed prices don’t include fees.)

Aug. 27: Florida Georgia Line, 7:30 p.m., $47.10$68.65.

Sept. 21: LA Kings vs.

Arizona Coyotes, 7 p.m., $29-$115.

Sept. 25: Wild Kratts Live, 7 p.m., $29.75.

Oct. 16: Pepe Aguilar, 8 p.m., $49-$149.

Oct. 20: J Balvin and Becky G, 7:30 p.m., $27.50-$73.

Stramler Park 3805 Chester Ave. eventbrite.com Nov. 14: Bacon and Craft Beer Festival, noon, $40, $100 VIP.

the film stars Bakersfield actors Coryn McBride and Shaun Piccininio in a classic “girl gets kidnapped by bandits, girl gets saved by hero” storyline.

“I mainly want to hit every genre that I can,” said Hectic Films’ Rickey Bird, 32, who co-directed the film with his wife, Rachel.

“I love westerns and it was a good opportunity to do something that not a lot of filmmakers are doing.”

Financed through crowdfunding website Indiegogo, the short cost $4,000 to produce.

“Coryn (who plays Mable) is a true talent. She is dedicated, down to earth and great to work with. I chose her for a lead and based the character off of her. Shaun did really good too. We wanted his character Tom to be timid, friendly, but still be a good fighter, which I think he did really well.”

Screening after “Mable” will be another of Hectic Films’ locally-inspired crime-thriller shorts, “As the Man Drives.”

“It's a creepy story about a detective named Hank that kills his wife after he finds out she is cheating on him,” said Bird. “He drives

PHOTO BY ROBERT BEJIL

Pictured above from left: actors Coryn McBride and Shaun Piccininio in Hectic Films' western short, “Mable.”

with his partner, David, through endless oilfields looking for a spot to dump her body while she rides along dead in the trunk. It was all shot in Bakersfield.”

Bird cautioned against viewers under the age of 18 as both films contain mature content, including violence and strong language.

All proceeds from both screenings will go toward funding a festival run for both films.

“We just entered into the Austin Film Revolution in

Austin, Texas. The film has been nominated in the festival for ‘Best Western’ — not the hotel.”

Photographers will be on hand to snap shots of attendees strolling the red carpet.

A private 3 p.m. screening will take place for the films’ supporters. Public screenings are scheduled for 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Both screenings will include a Q&A session with the cast and crew and sneak previews.

Advance tickets can be

purchased for $12 at hecticfilms.com or ticketleap.com. Prices will go up to 15 bucks at the door on day of the show.

Free “Mable” movie posters will be handed to all attendees, plus meet-and-greet.

The Spotlight Theatre is located at 1622 19th St. For more information visit facebook.com/mablemovie.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.”

“We have about five or six people who show up faithfully every Tuesday and work to restore,” Holbert said. “People are getting more interested in it now that they see something is being done. Some people say, ‘I can’t do anything.’ Everybody can sweep a floor. Everybody can use a paintbrush.”

Despite the ongoing struggle to bolster its volunteer reserves, the group has accomplished quite a bit over the last two years.

The assembly hall: Electricity and lighting have been restored, ceiling fans are in and new windows look out onto the camp.

The post office and library: Both buildings have fresh coats of paint.

Crews also installed mail slots in the post office.

“We found some boxes that were pretty close to what was there originally,” Holbert said. “We try to replace things with as close to what it was as possible.”

Cement-granite wall:

Dust Bowl fundraising dinner What: Dinner, entertainment event to raise funds for the Dust Bowl Days Festival in October When: 7 p.m. Saturday (doors open at 6) Where: David Head Center, 10300 San Diego St. in Lamont.

Admission: $30; call 854-3620 by Friday to reserve a spot FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Outside the library at Sunset is a brand new wall that will contain donor names on bricks.

The wall, in front of the library, will contain the names of people who donate bricks, which run between $100 and $400.

The wall replaces a brick ground display that didn’t work out, Holbert said. But names featured on the old display will be included on the wall, free of charge to the donors.

“The wall is about two and a half or three feet high and several feet long,” Holbert said. “We have space

when that’s filled up to start another section.”

The flagpole: Donated

by J.R. and Betty Chagoya of Lamont, the flagpole was unveiled on Memorial Day. “Everybody’s so excited about the flagpole,” Holbert said. “Especially the men. The ones who lived in the camp said the flag flew every day. We’re in the process now of getting lighting on it.”

But there’s always more to do, Holbert said. Most

pressing on her wish list is a wheelchair ramp near the area where visitors disembark from buses, periodappropriate doors for the inside of the buildings and the most precious donation of all: volunteerism.

“We need someone to be a tour guide. People call now and we try to take turns going down and opening up for them because we don’t want them to miss it.

“We really need more help. We’re all older now and we can’t do as much as we used to.”

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 3, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

For a good time, call Cnizah Band carving out niche in roc en español genre Matt Munoz

B

akersfield Latin alternative quartet Cnizah has never considered language a barrier when it comes to spreading rock ’n’ roll’s universal message of a good time.

Grinding away in the tight-knit local roc en español music community for the past two years to establish their name, the group has also been actively spreading its sound all over the Central Valley, one gig at a time. But despite a solid run of beer-soaked late nights and broken strings, the road to expanding their fan base remains a priority.

“The demand for roc en español is pretty big here, for big bands,” said Cnizah lead guitarist Jesus Corona, 27. “What we don't see is a lot of people flowing into the local band shows to support new roc en español.”

That’s an all-to-familiar gripe shared with any garage band toiling in the clubs, but even more so within the Bakersfield Spanishspeaking rock crowd, whose fans don’t often have the luxury of hearing their favorite acts on commercial Spanish radio.

Ever heard of Molotov (the band, not the explosive)? Enanitos Verdes? Los Autenticos Decadentes? Mago de Oz? Probably not.

How about platinum-selling Mexican supergroup Mana?

Maybe, by default, if you’re one of the millions who own a copy of Santana’s “Supernatural” and caught the duet “Corazon Espinado” in rotation.

“Our personal following gets bigger every day. Every show, we gain new followers so we are very happy

PHOTO BY JORGE A. AGUILAR

Bakersfield Latin alternative rock quartet Cnizah, pictured from left: Mauro Lepore, Jesus Contreras, Edgar Ruelas, Jesus Corona.

with that,” added Corona. “I believe we capture the public when they see us play. They really enjoy our style and what we have to offer in a roc en español band.”

For the uninitiated, chances are you’ve come across many bands that would also be considered roc en español. It can best be described as alternative rock, heavy metal, rap, electronic music and more, but sung in Spanish.

It doesn’t stop there; many of the genre’s most critically acclaimed and popular acts also combine some of their country’s native sounds, from Colombian cumbia, Mexican mariachi, to Cuban son, Brazilian samba, and more.

The result is often so rhythmi-

Bakersfield College Football vs Riverside THIS SATURDAY at 6 PM! Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUNIOR BROWN

Tickets are on sale for the three-day Oilstock Music Festival featuring Junior Brown on Oct. 16 through 18 in Taft.

cally irresistible, even Donald Trump wouldn’t be immune to its power to move and groove.

It’s all about stepping away from the pack for the members of Cnizah, which besides Corona is

composed of Jesus Contreras, vocals, synth and guitar; Mauro Lepore, bass; and Edgar Ruelas, drums.

“We don't set limits to the type of genre we incorporate into our music. Other than the obvious bands who have been reigning supreme for almost two decades, we really get our influence from ourselves. We all bounce ideas from one another and we believe this is why we aren't really defined to one genre. We write about what we’re feeling at the time. We have songs about relationships, politics, personal, and life in general.”

Corona cites a pair of Cnizah originals, “Corazones Heridos” and “Amanecer,” available for streaming at soundcloud.com/cnizahmusic, as examples of the group’s strengths as songwriters and musicians. It’s mixed with radioworthy pop and rock sounds, and first-time listeners will be pleasantly surprised with what they discover.

“The band’s name means ‘ash’ or ‘Ceniza’ in Spanish, with a play on the letters. The meaning behind our name comes from our past.

“We were all part of different projects and bands who eventually fell apart. When we got together to jam, it was all so natural. We consider ourselves ashes and the music we create rises from the ashes — our phoenix.”

In addition to upcoming Bakersfield shows, the group has a handful of out-of-town shows this month, including a big opportunity opening for popular Mexican ska band Inspector at the Visalia Fox Theater on Sept.

25.

“We are a fairly young band and haven't had the opportunity to open for a bigger artists, but that's about to change,” said Corona before ending our interview with a sincere plea to the hometown crowd.

“If you like roc en español, or Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 29

OOCT CTOBER BER 22ND 22

Sinbad

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

29

Thursday, September 3, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

any other genre for that matter, come support our local bands. We have a lot of great talent here in Bakersfield. We would like to invite you all to listen to our music, and come down to our shows.”

To get more information on Cnizah music and upcoming shows, visit cenizaband.com.

presents the

2015 Park At River Walk Concert Series

Oilstock 2015 It’s been a year of testing the music festival waters in Bakersfield with the Bakersfield Rock and Country Festival in May, and the upcoming 99 Music Fest at CSUB on Oct. 10. Now the city of Taft is throwing its hat in the ring with the Oilstock Music Festival to be held Oct. 16 through 18 at Franklin Field.

Acts scheduled to appear include legendary funk band War, classic rockers Foghat, Americana guitar hero Junior Brown, “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks, Bakersfield/Taft country brethren Truxton Mile and more.

The ambitious festival coincides with the city of Taft’s Oildorado Days, a citywide anniversary celebration held every five years.

Advance single-day or three-day passes range from $30 to $85, plus service charges. Specially packaged concert experiences, pre-show beer festival and preferred parking passes also are available. All ages admitted. For more information, visit oilstock.eventbrite.com or taftoildoradodays.com.

Matt’s picks First Friday Funnies at The Nile, 1721 19th St., 8 p.m., Friday, $10.

You can always rely on the Bakersfield stand-up comedy scene to supply the laughs after a long week in the rat race.

Headlined by Bakersfield comedian Dejon

GRAPES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

of events will keep attendees busy and learning.

The first day kicks off with registration and refreshments at 8:30 a.m. and a welcome with special guest Paul Chavez (Cesar’s son and president of the Chavez Foundation) and a speech from keynote speaker Bonta at 10 a.m. After lunch, guests will attend three back-to-back panel sessions, from 1 to 5:30 p.m. The day will wrap with a reception and dinner from Lumpia Hut Food Truck starting at 7 p.m.

The dinner/reception costs an additional $5.

Things start early on Sunday too, with optional Mass at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., guests will be divided into two groups for a bus tour to historically relevant sites; the first group will eat lunch while the second group tours, and vice versa. From 1:30 to 4:15 p.m., guests will attend two more panels before the event closes at 4:30 p.m.

Besides Mass, all Bold Step events will take place at the Filipino Community Hall or Robert F. Kennedy High School.

With more than 20 guest panelists, five sessions and a special welcome meeting, organizing Bold Step was a lot of work for Edillor, Tuthill-Delute and others.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEJON JERNAGIN

Comedian Dejon “The Deacon” Jernagin appears at The Nile on Friday.

“The Deacon” Jernagin, this month’s bill also features comedians Dana Moon, Brodi, Ryan Bell, Jose Chavez and Tyson Paul. Hosted by Ernesto Gomez.

Tribute to The Police at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m., Saturday, $5, 322-8900.

Downtown troubadour Chris Carton is at it again, this time tackling the sacred songbook of one of rock’s greatest trios, The Police.

Not sure exactly what they have planned, but I’m sure they’ll pull off in some supreme synchronicity, looking at the line-up of Bakersfield musicians Tyler Evans, Gary Rink, Robert Ruiz, Isaiah Morfin and Fernando Montoya.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

“It’s a labor of love, for me. We all feel indebted to our parents,” Edillor said, Tuthill-Delute agreeing. “We are honoring our parents by doing this.”

The two explained that even people with family ties to the grape strike don’t know about their community’s role in the movement.

Edillor spoke of a niece of one FANHS member who didn’t know about the strike until it was mentioned in one of her college courses.

“She was clueless about the significance of Delano as the birthplace of the movement,” he said, adding that educating the younger generation was a key motivation for the event. “And it’s not necessarily their fault (they don’t know). I graduated high school in 1972. Did I know everything that happened in 1922? No. We’re so far removed from it.”

Since Bold Step is the first event of its kind, the organizers don’t know how many people to expect, though they’re estimating 300 to 500 people. On Facebook, more than 200 people have RSVPed. Edillor and Tuthill-Delute expect most will come from Delano and Kern County, but both have heard from people coming from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

People should come “to get a feel for the history of Delano and the grape strike,” Edillor said. “It’s not very often you get a 50th anniversary of such a seminal moment.”

Firefall September 18

Tickets just $15!

Tickets available at the Rabobank Arena Box Office, 800-745-3000, or ticketmaster.com Outside food and beverages are allowed at this concert, or bring your concert ticket to any of these fine restaurants and receive 10%-20% off your meal either before or after the show

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 17, 2015

Eye Street The Lowdown

Enjoy tunes and a tasty brew Temblor Brewing putting music on the menu

Matt Munoz

T

asty craft brews aren’t the only thing being served up at Temblor Brewing Company.

Since opening to the public this month, the brew house and restaurant is looking to also establish itself as a multipurpose event venue after announcing a string of live music performances kicking off with Supertramp guitar virtuoso Carl Verheyen on Friday.

A member of the smash British rock group Supertramp since 1985, Verheyen has played to millions of enthusiastic fans in soldout 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 LA’s elite first-call session players for nearly three decades, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows and has graced the pages of countless industry publications.

Friday’s showtime is 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20, plus service charge, 21 and over only admitted. Temblor Brewing is located at 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. For more information call 489-4855 or visit temblorbrewing.com.

The Royaltys Saturday night at Temblor, Orange County indie rock quartet Kiev will co-headline a cool double bill with Bakersfield soul outfit The Royaltys.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because it was derived from the now

TOD

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL VERHEYEN

Guitarist Carl Verheyen, known for his work with Supertramp and others, will perform at Temblor Brewing on Friday.

defunct Penny Royalties, who made their name appearing at local watering holes and parties.

“It’s a mix between rock, blues, jazz and funk with a little sprinkle of country,” said lead vocalist Andrew “Royalty” Carrillo, 28, who formed the group two years ago with guitarist James Robert Thomas. “We had worked together before on a project called Ruby Sky and really enjoyed the chemistry between us. After he joined we started getting asked to do bigger gigs, so James found us the rest of the band and The Royaltys were born.”

Since their formation, the group has made appearances at local community functions like the First Friday Art Walk downtown, the Bakersfield Country & Craft Beer Festival, the party circuit, as well as for worthy causes such as a benefit for the Cali-

fornia Dental Association program to help low-income patients get care.

“It is very rewarding to be a part of what they are doing and I look forward to supporting them in the future,” Carrillo said.

Who says musicians only care about their drink tabs?

“We have been very fortunate to grow very quickly in this town.

Most months we have more shows than we know what to do with, both venue gigs and private parties. Most all the people who hire us found out about us through word of mouth.”

One of the strengths of The Royaltys’ live performances is the group’s ability to cross genres with musical finesse. Carrillo’s experience as an engaging front man and guitarist shines. Teamed with Thomas on guitar are Jared Gianquinto, bass; AJ Arvizu, drums; Kris Korsgaden, keyboards; Roger Hamilton, percussion and guitar. The group offers listeners smooth grooves, but segues into a funky jam cohesive-

PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO

Bakersfield indie rock quartet The Royaltys appear at Temblor Brewing on Saturday. Pictured from left: AJ Arvizu, Jared Gianquinto, Andrew Carrillo, James Robert Thomas. Not pictured: Roger Hamilton, Kris Korsgaden.

ly.

“We try to be colorful and playful with the lyrics while still making a point. Most of the lyrics I came up with off the top of my head during practice. I take what I like and just start building,” said Carrillo.

And while the group will offer up a selection of covers, it’s the original compositions that Carrillo hopes listeners will really enjoy.

“Sweet in My Mind" is the first song we officially wrote together and serves as an example of what we call ‘California soul’; 'Waves' is a rockin' alt-rock style song that shows off a different side of us, lyrically dynamic and musically engaging; ‘Spanish Lullaby’ is a tribute to our love of salsa. It features vibrant rhythms and a driving bass line that people can't help but get up and dance to.”

The group plans to release a new full-length album in January.

In the meantime, you can check out their latest demo and upcom-

ing schedule at the band’s website, theroyaltys.com.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us to this point. For those who have not heard us yet, come check out a show and see what all the fuss is about.”

Saturday’s showtime at is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $14, plus service charge; 21 and over only.

And that’s just weekend number one. Temblor’s eclectic but definitely interesting weekly entertainment event schedule continues with Crooked Folk, Wet Robot, Naughty Toddy and the Special Snowflakes on Sept. 30; Hornz & Haloz, The Bar Room Riot, Niner Niner on Oct. 1; acclaimed singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo on Oct. 15, plus comedy, paint nights and much more. I’ll drink to that.

The brewery’s current schedule can also be found at Facebook.com/temblorbrewing.

Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 29

AY! TH OCTOBER OCTOBER 7 7TH

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

29

Thursday, September 17, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5.

Folklorico Classes, advance dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Rd. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers.

Ballroom Dancing, 7 to 9 p.m.

Fridays, The Fairfax Grange, 6540 E. Brundage Lane. $5.

DJ DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, inside Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; DJ Purvis, old school, ’80s and Latin dance music, dancing from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; DJ, dancing, 9 p.m. Fridays.

Last Call Lounge, 3621 California Ave., 325-0403; Flashback Friday’s with DJ Danny P, 9 p.m.

Friday.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. Friday.

Saturday Night in Bakersfield, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; DJ Jeff, 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday.

The Bull Shed, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; DJ Ace, 9 p.m. Fridays.

Family The Bull Shed, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; Family Funday, play pool, ride Buck the Bull, half price appetizers, 2 to 9 p.m.

Sunday.

Jam session The Jazz Lounge, 1718 Chester Ave., 703-6911; 7 p.m. Monday.

Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Hwy., Richie Perez, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Free.

La Foret Fine Dining and Lounge, 6218 Sundale Ave., 4440853; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-

WINE; wine bar with weekly flights and live music featuring local artists 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Jazz Invasion, 9 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill, 11350 Ming Ave., 399-4547; local musicians 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Steve Eisen, Mark Meyer, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

The Jazz Lounge, 1718 Chester Ave., 703-6911; live jazz music, 8 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Karaoke Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; 10 p.m. Fridays.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Best Western, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave., 396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday.

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m.

Tuesdays; 2500 New Stine Road, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday.

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. 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. Wednesday.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; 8 p.m.

Thursdays.

Karaoke La Mina Cantina with DJ Countdown, 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.

BCT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

that whole thing. You know as a fundraiser or an awareness raiser or whatever kind of a ‘raiser’ you like.”

“There are all kinds of possibilities and that, to me, is one of the most exciting things is that people are not overwhelmed by the work. They still want to do shows.”

BCT was the first local theater experience for both Jamison and Hefner. Jamison and his wife, Debbie Terrell, created lighting and effects for “Tracers” in 1989, and Hefner played Myrtle Mae in “Harvey” right out of high school in 1973.

Many other local performers and technicians have similar stories, Jamison said.

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.

Wednesday.

Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday.

McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 8 p.m. Thursday.

Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave. Pour Sports, 9 p.m. Tuesdays; 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 3621 California Ave. Free.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 8 p.m. Saturdays.

Replay Sports Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 3243300; 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday; 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.

Wednesday.

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. Wednesday.

Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at 117 El Tejon Ave. The Bull Shed, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays.

The Jazz Lounge, 1718 Chester Ave., 703-6911; 7 p.m. Thursday.

The Junction Lounge, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

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

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. Thursday.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; 9 p.m. Wednesdays,

“BCT is essentially the mothership of theater in this city — while each is independent, all of the other organizations share at least a little of BC’s generational DNA.” Hefner said the theater aims to solidify its local foundation and to continue to grow in the theater community.

“We really want to plant something that is going to exist for a very long time.

“I look at what’s happened to Bakersfield artistically. I mean certainly in all of the things that have happened in the time that I’ve been involved with theater, overall it’s amazing.

“And there is so much more, untapped audience, untapped talent that has not been realized yet. We want to help bring that out.”

8:30 p.m. Fridays, 8 p.m. Saturdays.

Vocal Expressions, 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Bellvedere Bar, 3090 Brundage Ln. Free.

Latin The Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., Latin night, 7 p.m.

Thursdays. Free.

Open mic Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; for musicians, comics, poets, 8 p.m.

Tuesdays.

Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m.

Wednesdays. $5. nX Annex, 3819 River Blvd., 6366488; 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursdays.

Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Word Poetry Wednesdays, for all styles of spoken word performance, including poetry and storytelling, poets who would like to share their original poetry are welcome, 7 to 9 p.m.

Wednesdays, The Jazz Lounge, 1718 Chester Ave. Free.

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

Thursday through Saturday. Free.

Trivia night Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469; 7 p.m. Tuesday.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 9/21 LA Kings vs. Arizona Coyotes, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $29. ticketmaster.com.

CSUB 60+ Club - Coffee with the Professor, Dr. Josh Miller and Dr. Brian Street, 2 to 3:30 p.m., CSUB, 9001 Stockdale Hwy. 654-3211.

Teen, Miss & Mrs. Bakersfield Pageant Orientation Meeting, 7 p.m., New Life Church, 4201 Stine Rd. thebakersfieldpageant.com.

Tuesday 9/22 Benise, 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Matt’s picks DJ Icy Ice at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m., Friday, $5, 322-8900.

Turntable genius Isaiah Dacio AKA DJ Icy Ice is an original member of the legendary deejay crew The World Famous Beat Junkies and currently heard on Power 106 in Los Angeles.

In addition to his radio work, he’s also been the exclusive party mixologist for boxer Manny Pacquiao, Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West, Rock the Bells, NBA All-Star games, and more. When he’s not cutting it up with the celebrity and hip-hop elite,

Fox Theater, 2001 H St $29-$95. vallitix.com.

The Kern Green Awards Banquet, celebrate businesses/individuals helping to make our community a little greener, 6 p.m., CSUB, 9001 Stockdale Hwy. $50 per person. 412-3780.

One Book Project, memoir writing workshop, 5 p.m., Beale Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Yom Kippur Services and Study, 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Temple Beth El, 2906 Loma Linda Drive.

Bakersfield Sundowners, dinner 5:30 p.m., meeting 7 p.m., Spencer’s Restaurant, 10437 Rosedale Hwy. New members and visitors are always welcome.

387-0129 Interviewing: Hiring the Best and Weeding Out the Rest, 9 a.m. to noon, Worklogic HR, 4029 Coffee Rd. $75. eventbrite.com.

Pen & Ink Cardmaking, 1 to 3 p.m., Art and Spirituality Center, 2215 Truxtun Ave. Call 632-5747 to register.

Party for all Birthdays, cake, prizes, drink specials, karaoke, 9 p.m., The Bull Shed, 2400 Camino Del Rio Ct. 21 and over.

Thursday 9/24 Cocktail Network Mixer- Real Estate Young Professionals, 5 p.m., Temblor Brewing Co., 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. Free.

Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $105. eventbrite.com.

Lunch-n-Learn Fighting Fraud, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Shafter Police Department, 201 Central Valley Hwy., Shafter. $10 members; $15 non-members. RSVP 746-2600.

Murray Family Farms Fall Family Fun Fest, daily activities, pumpkin patch, hay rides, corn maze, more, noon to 6 p.m.

Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Murray Family Farms, 6700 General Beale Rd. $8.99 Mondays-Fridays; $12.99 Saturdays and Sundays. murrayfamilyfarms.com.

Dacio is on the lecture circuit spreading the good word of deejay culture to devoted fans.

Sandrini’s will be boomin’ non-stop.

Also appearing is DJ Mikey.

Firefall at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway, Friday, $15, 852-7777.

Still bringing fans of the mellow ’70s the love-makin’ anthems of their youth, Firefall returns to Bakersfield for a chillin’ night under the stars at River Walk.

Inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame this year, the band will get to all the hits from their illustrious corduroy rockin’ career. If you’ve never attended these outdoor concerts before, this is your last chance this season.

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 1, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

Beat feet to see Los Devitos Kindred spirits form impressive musical act Matt Munoz

Y

ou don’t need a surfboard to ride the groove of psychedelic garage popsters Los DeVitos.

Extending a musical invitation to their album release shindig Saturday at Sandrini’s are members Jacob Ninomiya, vocals, guitar; Jaqs Clark, bass; Justin Ramirez, lead guitar; and Ryan Forthman, drums.

“Most of our songs are just about life in general; we like to leave our songs open to the listener’s interpretation,” Ramirez said. “Whatever you take from it is what we want you to take from it.”

How’s that for a no-pressure good time? I’ll take it.

Formed three years ago as Dr. DeVito, the group began like most young bands do, in high school.

Forthman breaks it down: “We really didn’t set out to accomplish any goals or concepts; we had all been friends and we all grew up together and wanted to make music together.

Jacob and Justin were in a folk band in high school called Wolf City. Jacob and I, we’re both in the North High jazz band together, Justin and Jaqs began dating around the time of the formation of the band and when we needed a bassist to join us on tour in 2014; she joined, everything clicked, we started firing on all cylinders and the present Los DeVitos’ lineup was officially solidified.”

The band’s low-fi garage surf sound created a buzz among fans, who followed them from early allages shows and parties to beer-soaked downtown watering holes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOS DEVITOS

Bakersfield indie rock act Los Devitos will appear at Sandrini’s on Saturday. Pictured above from left: Jaqs Clark, Justin Ramirez, Jacob Ninomiya, Ryan Forthman.

“Public response has been pretty positive and steady,” Nimoya said. “Each show we play seems to unlock greater and greater opportunities for us.”

Those opportunities include opening for an impressive list of kindred-spirit bands, pulled from the Orange County pool of garage and punk buzz, and beyond.

“What you’re really listening to when you hear us is a distinct blend of all four of our personalities, in a way we sort of use our instruments to communicate,” said Clark.

“Psychedelic garage pop is the best description we could come up with. Basically it ends up sounding like if Jim Morrison was in the Cramps in the 1950s.”

Those familiar with the popular Fullertonbased Burger Records record label will get the vibe. It’s a loose, notready-for-radio sound brewed in the underground

TH OCTOBER 7TH

PHOTO BY ROBIN BRADFORD

Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters and Alec Olivieri of Bakersfield/Taft country band Truxton Mile, backstage at the Sleep Train Amphitheater in San Diego on Sept. 24.

and championed by young musicians who avoid the mainstream like a plague, but with a nod of respect to the pioneers of their creative trip.

“We’re all huge fans of the Doors, the Smiths, the Ramones,

Tom Tom Club, Talking Heads, the B-52s, Francois Hardy and April March,” said Ramirez.

“We all feed off of each other and draw influences from within the band as well,” added Forthman.

To show their commitment, the band has already hit the road for a few successful treks, the members taking in all the perks of couch surfing and hospitality.

“Probably the biggest standout moment for us has been touring the West Coast. It was only a week-and-a- half sprint though Portland, Bellevue, Seattle, Olympia and Oakland, but we met a lot of really awesome people that were willing to feed and house us, and really bonded as a band,” said Ramirez. “It’s what really made Los DeVitos what it is today.”

And what’s touring without road stories to share back home?

“We played in Denver at a small second-story space, and the crowd was so crazy we thought the floor was going to bust,” added Ninomiya. “One of the coolest shows we ever played was at a house in the Oakland Hills.

Apparently it was in Gov. Jerry Brown’s neighborhood.”

The full-length album “Sleeping In,” released in early September (also available in digital download), clocks in at just over 20 minutes in length. From the CD’s original artwork to the “recorded in a bedroom” production credit, it’s one of the coolest things you’ll hear coming out of Bakersfield this year. If that’s not hip enough, you can also snag a limited-edition green colored cassette tape of the release, complete with its own distinct cover art.

“A couple of our favorite songs from the album would probably have to be ‘Too Ghoul for School’ and ‘Lolita,’” Ramirez said.

“Though Jacob is the only one that has lyrical input, they’re easily the two songs we can all most relate to and really derive feelings/thoughts from. ‘Thunder’ was also sort of a surprise for all of us. It started out as sort of a joke but ended up evolving into one of our favorite songs to play.”

The band is active on all social networks channeled through the Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 25

OOCT CTOBER BER 22ND 22

Sinbad

October October 23 23RD

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

25

Thursday, October 1, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Street WHAT’S HOT THIS YEAR As Halloween looms, Keller offered the skinny on what’s hot (and not) in costumes.

The Depp factor: “I used to say find out what Johnny Depp is doing this year because it will be big.

Pirates were huge from ‘The Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies. ... In 2013, ‘Gatsby’ knocked the pirates out of the water.” And so far, there’s no big call for the Whitey Bulger look, a la Depp’s current gangster film, “Black Mass.”

Gatsby still great: When the motion picture “The Great Gatsby” came out in 2013, it revived flapper fashion, and that trend is still going strong, Keller said. “It’s the biggest theme for weddings since people were into doing Renaissance weddings. ...

(Recently) there have been three Gatsby parties every weekend.”

Not just for kids: “It seems like superheroes are really big and Minions.

Disney princesses are also a really big deal. A lot of

our customers go to Disneyland for Halloween.”

Trumping the competition: Political masks are biggest in a presidential election year so 2016 should pay off, Keller said.

For now, political parties and party parties don’t mix. “That’s the last thing people think of when they want to have fun.” But that can’t stop a certain Republican hopeful/billionaire businessman: “(Donald) Trump wigs have been a little harder to keep in stock.”

FROCKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN RUPPEL

“Artichoke” by Martha Johnson. The Sonoma County artist’s work will be on display at Wire + Pearl this Friday.

FRIDAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Co., Marlene Hargreaves Meeks is the subject of a solo show, featuring a number of portraits. In the BAA newsletter, Meeks said she is currently interested in drawing and painting living subjects. The retired schoolteacher has found willing subjects both at the BAA Art Center and Rasmussen Senior Center.

Wire + Pearl Like students and teachers, Susan Ruppel said she and her store, Wire + Pearl, enjoyed a break over the hottest months, only being open by appointment.

“I’m excited to get back into it. It’s cool enough to walk downtown. I have artists

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

official website losdevitos.net. Fans or “chippies” can snatch up band merch, follow the group’s artistic exploits and upcoming gigs.

“Another great way is to just come up to us at a show. Also, start some bands, get in contact with us and let’s play some shows,” Clark said.

Saturday’s show kicks off at 9 p.m. Admission is $5.

Also appearing is 7th Standard, Early Nites. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. For more information call 322-8900.

lined up for the next three First Fridays.”

The fun starts this month with painter Martha Johnson. Although the artist lives in Sonoma County, she has a local connection in former classmate Tom Jannino.

The design architect, a friend of Ruppel and her husband, Jim, turned her on to Johnson’s work.

“He showed us some photos of her work.

I fell in love with the colors, the vibrancy of her work.

“I’m so excited to have her. I’m so anxious to meet her.”

In addition to Johnson’s work, the shop will display ceramics from Texas artist Susan Hanft, Yuka Uchida of New York and a local ceramist that goes by the name Alacrity. Ruppel, a jewelry designer, will also have new creations on display.

Dave Grohl It was bound to happen and it did when Alec Olivieri of Bakersfield/Taft country act Truxton Mile crossed paths with Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters backstage before the band’s Sept. 24 show in Chula Vista.

Pulling out all stops for the ultimate rock hook-up, Olivieri was gifted with a backstage pass from friends. The mission: meet Grohl, talk music, rock out.

“People were everywhere just having a good time,” recalled Olivieri with the play by play. “(Foo Fighters drummer) Taylor Hawkins was warming up for their

show. I’m standing there with Troy and Robin Bradford (mutual friends of Grohl and Olivieri) and they’re talking to Dave.

Then all of a sudden Troy says to Dave ‘Hey, this is my buddy Alec. He’s in a country band from Bakersfield.’ Dave was really cool and nice and asked me if I had met his guitarist, Chris Shiflett, because he loves Bakersfield. Then I asked him to take a photo with me and my band’s shirt and he said ‘Heck yeah, man! Let’s do it’. It was hard to keep talking to him because so many people were pulling at Dave, but he took the time to talk to me and really made me feel

planned for Friday is a way to help celebrate those loyal customers as well as welcome new ones.

The shop will feature works from Red’s Manzanita, a family of artists who carve a variety of designs from manzanita deadwood.

“They have jewelry trees, cheese plates, wine holders, business card holders, lamps.”

Local studio Color Wheel will display work from some of its young artists, ages 2 to 16.

“There will be 25 artists, each with their favorite piece of art they created,” Keller said. “They seem really excited about their self-portraits.”

For those looking for some Halloween makeup ideas, Roschel Wynn of Xscape Salon will demonstrate special effects and tricks from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. using Ben Nye products.

“It’s the best on the market,” Keller said of the pro-

like a friend. He was super cool.”

So, might we see a Truxton Mile T-shirt in any upcoming Foo Fighters concert footage?

“Unfortunately he didn’t take the shirt, but I did end up giving a manager our new single and a shirt.”

And that’s rock and roll, babe. Maybe we can get another Bako visit from Chris Shiflett and the Dead Peasants soon?

Matt’s picks Ozomatli at Kern County Fair Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St., 8 p.m., Friday, free with fair admission.

Few bands on the planet

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Fantasy Frocks, at 1928 17th St., is celebrating 35 years in business. They are preparing with new costumes for one of their busiest times of the year.

fessional makeup. “We’ve sold it for nearly 30 years.

Theater people knew about it before.”

Performances will include musician Timothy Davis and Tonicism Team Improv, run by Guinevere PH-Dethlefson, who is Keller’s right-hand woman for singing telegrams.

The celebration continues Oct. 10 with a yard sale.

“We’ll have all kinds of wacky finds for costumes and everyday wear. We’ve

bought out a lot of shops over the years and when (rental) things get shopworn we like to get rid of them.”

Even staring down her busiest month of the year, Keller looks forward to celebrating and helping costume people for all the upcoming parties and festivities.

“It’s been wonderful at the shop. ... I get to do my creative thing at work, which has been really, really fun for me.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF OZOMATLI

Los Angeles Latin hip-hop funk outfit Ozomatli appears the Kern County Fair on Friday.

can rock the stage and audience like Los Angeles Latin funk hip-hop magnificos Ozomatli. Still entertaining the globe yearround with the spicy sounds of Southern Califor-

nia, their live show will offer fair-goers a prime opportunity to shake off the latest deep-fried treat in rhythm. It beats a Zumba class.

Highly recommended.

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 15, 2015

Eye Street The Lowdown

A new generation of mariachi Traditional? Yes. But Aguilar is also not afraid to innovate Matt Munoz

C

heers, tears and beers will flow when mariachi great Pepe Aguilar makes his return to Rabobank Arena on Friday.

Credited with keeping alive the hallowed traditions of his late father, legendary Mexican singer Antonio Aguilar, the Americanborn vocalist and producer said soul-searching is every bit as important as performing.

“There’s more pressure within the music itself,” said Aguilar, 47, in a recent phone interview. “It’s adopting and living inside a culture, a heritage, an identification of land in this world that goes beyond one persona. Mexican music, mariachi music, is way bigger than 100 Antonio Aguilars and a 1,000 Pepe Aguilars, and much more than just following in my father’s footsteps. That’s something very clear to me.”

What’s also clear to Aguilar, who released his 26th studio album last year, is that innovation feeds sustainability.

“I am not a purist. I definitely love my tradition, but I’m open to adapting and I’m open to contemporary ways of thinking. We are connected in ways we’ve never been connected before as humans.”

The best way to keep the music flourishing is to recognize its connective impact, said Aguilar, who cited as an example Southern California punk rockers The Bronx, who also perform as Mariachi El Bronx in full mariachi instrumentation and outfits.

“The Internet and all this immediate access to any part

MARIO ANZUONI / REUTERSº

Singer Pepe Aguilar, shown performing at the 12th annual Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas in 2011, appears at Rabobank Arena on Friday.

of the world is opening many possibilities that were nonexistent. So this mariachi blend that we are seeing, and not only with mariachi, but we’re seeing it with banda, norteno and all regional Mexican genres, there’s a change and fusion. This new generation of young musicians that have a different chip in their heads, they’re programmed a different way, completely open with no restrictions. They’re going to listen to stuff like Mariachi El Bronx, and rock-oriented sones jarrocho and stuff like that.

I’m very excited for the future.”

Performing as both a traditional Mexican charro in sparkly tailored outfits as well as a dapper-suited Latin crooner, Aguilar knows how to work the room

Bakersfield College Football vs Moorpark HOMECOMING

THIS SATURDAY at 6 PM! Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium

with it. I do it because I love it, ever since I was a little boy.”

Preparing for a tour stop means understanding each city, a factor many artists tend to ignore, he said.

“Every city is a different ballgame, with its own personality deserving individual respect from me as an entertainer. I try to accommodate the fans and myself without leaving out the important songs from my albums. It’s a good problem to have, and part of the show and what you deal with when you’ve managed to stay around doing what you love all these years.”

Looking back on his career as a master mariachi, Aguilar leaves the conversation looking to continue growing as an artist.

“That doesn’t mean that next year I’m going to record a thrash metal album, but it means I’m always going to do what my heart tells me to do.”

Thrash mariachi? Imagine the possibilities.

Friday’s showtime is 8 p.m at Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets are $49 to $149, plus service charge.

Riddy K at Jerry’s

PHOTO BY JOE HARRIS

Bakersfield rapper Riddy K celebrates the release of his new CD at Jerry's Pizza on Saturday.

with charm inherited from his father, known to fans as the original “Charro de Mexico” (Mexican rodeo star).

“I was born and raised around that music, but at the same time I

was also exposed to what was available to me. It wasn’t all Mexican music, but my mother and father never blocked our creativity. They just let us fly. We liked the Who, Pink Floyd. My dad was OK

The last time I checked in with Bakersfield rapper Richard King, aka Riddy K of local hip-hop collective Dirthead, he and his crew were in the thick of a number of recording projects.

That was a few years ago.

Today, the enterprising lyricist and beat maker remains active, working independently within the local hip-hop scene, sticking to his DIY guns.

Promoting his artistic endeavors weekly on various social networks, King also is hyping up news of his latest release, “The DiRdy Ep,” with a party at Jerry’s Pizza on Saturday.

“What keeps me going is knowing that this is what I was destined to do,” King said. “I truly love making music. It’s all I really do.”

King has been omnipresent on the local scene since the formaPlease see LOWDOWN / PAGE 30

OOCT CTOBER BER 22ND 22

Sinbad

October October 2 23 3RD

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

30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 15, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

tion of Dirthead six years ago. Recording and self-producing a number of underground tracks, many of which have gone viral, he drops his solo ventures close to home.

“I make songs on my guitar, beats, write songs, make albums, everything, I love everything about it, performing the music, connecting to people that you would never have met otherwise.”

For “The DiRdy Ep” King enlisted the help of Cleveland-based producer Diesel Beatz, whose credits include rapper Tech N9ne and others.

“It is a sort of story from beginning to end of me feeling trapped by my past and rough circumstances, criticized and betrayed for simply choosing to pursue music or be an honest person, looked down on by society for not working the 9 to 5 and doing what they believe to be right. It really is just another look into my life, this one a more current look at how I feel about my current life. We came together for this project and he supplied some beats with an awesome, rock/hardcore hip-hop feel that I could really vent over.”

As is the case with many rap recordings today, the production was mostly conducted over Web exchange.

“I did all my writing and recording on a personal home studio setup. Diesel Beatz does his producing in Cleveland, Ohio.

Paired with some mixing and mastering from my friend, Melo, we can work miracles now days with just that.”

King said he enjoys collaborating with other local artists, all of whom work with similar goals in mind.

“The artists that I work with locally are humble, dedicated, talented people and a great look for the hip-hop scene. I believe that it is really starting to get recognized for having hip-hop acts now days too, nobody has really ‘blown up’ from here but there are people becoming more known from this town and it’s a good look for the scene.”

Saturday’s release party promises nothing but a good time.

“They can expect an amazing show at Jerry’s. That is 100 percent guaranteed. We have nothing but amazing artists performing, people in costumes, good vibes. I honestly can't wait.”

Saturday’s show kicks off at 8 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DJ PROPHET

Popular Southern California turntablist DJ Prophet appears at Sandrini's on Friday.

Admission is $5. All ages admitted. Also appearing is Afta, King Midas Clique, Dirthead, XP Rhyme Addicts, Leroy The Neighbor, DJ Dynomite. Jerry’s Pizza is located at 1817 Chester Ave. For more info visit facebook.com/riddykrap.

Jay Smith Group Planning a last-minute road trip to Los Angeles tonight? Catch Bakersfield’s very own Jay Smith Group performing at the world famous, if tiny, Baked Potato for two shows at 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.25 per show. Known for being LA’s longest-running jazz club, the kitchen is famous for its gourmet spuds. The Baked Potato is located at 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. in Studio City; 21 and over only. For more information, visit thebakedpotato.com.

Matt's pick DJ Prophet at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m., Friday, $5, 322-8900.

Takin’ it back to the days when rap music was all about dancing, fly girls, b boys, break dancing, Adidas kicks and Kangol hats, Los Angeles turntablist DJ Prophet, aka Kristopher Figueroa, will supply full sets of classic hip-hop music to remind you of the genre’s golden age.

Attendees have been known to rock the vintage styles, so don’t be shy about busting out the fresh gear. You’ll hear it all: A Tribe Called Quest, Public Enemy, WuTang Clan and of course the best of the West Coast. Plus vintage flicks on the big screen. Also appearing are deejays Odeed and Mikey.

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If you become incapacitated, your successor trustee looks after your care and manages your financial affairs for as long as needed, using your assets to pay your expenses. If you recover, you automatically resume control.

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26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 29, 2015

Eye Street The Lowdown

It’s about Tiempo: Band takes stage site, illtiempo.net, or on Facebook.

‘Bandito music’ steals best from many genres Matt Munoz

Day of the Dead

L

abel the music of Ill Tiempo what you want — just don’t call it rap rock.

Currently representing what some consider a revival of a musical era that peaked in 1993 with the release of the chart-topping “Judgment Night” soundtrack, the Bakersfield quintet harbor no “ill” feelings about the comparison.

“We call it ‘bandito music,’ and a mix of various genres of rock, hip-hop, reggae, ska, punk and a splash of Tapatio,” said vocalist Mike Zepeda, aka Mike Z, in response to what sets the group’s sound apart. “So many genres, and not to say it’s never been done before, we just simply gave it our own name.”

Fair enough.

Formed last year by Zepeda, fellow vocalist Danny Martinez, aka MCD, and guitarist Scott Rowson, the group went on to add drummer Dean Phillips and bassist Terry Campbell to round out their line-up.

Following a series of rehearsals in the middle of the sweltering Bakersfield summer, the group made its debut surrounded by friends at a backyard party at Martinez’s home.

“We knew then and there it set a spark that drove passion into the heart of this band,” Rowson recalled. “Our family and friends were there who believed in us, and still continue to follow us and give us the love and support.”

I came across the group the first time through a phone video found during a random Web hunt for local sounds. The footage was grainy, like it usually is when taken by someone eager to cheer on friends, but definitely entertaining to watch.

“We do use social media (to promote). But we don’t tend to rely on that,” added Rowson.

“The best method, in our opinion, is to get out and spread the word yourself. Meet the people, get to know who is in the music scene and support other bands and groups, too. Hopefully they will do the same, and that helps out everyone for the scene. I personally feel it goes a lot further than a simple invite to like my page or

PHOTO BY RICO CARRIZALES

Ill Tiempo, pictured above from left: Dean Phillips, Danny Martinez, Mike Zepeda, Scott Rowson. Not pictured: Terry Campbell.

shared events online.”

Then there’s the name, Ill Tiempo: “‘Ill,’ meaning bad or sick, also slang for ‘good’ or ‘great’; ‘Tiempo’ is Spanish for ‘time.’ (That) equals Ill Tiempo. We will leave it up to the listener to interpret good or bad for themselves,” Zepeda said.

The Ill Tiempo funky five are the type that, if they plug in — no matter where it is — you’ll be drawn into the fun of their live shows; each influence and genre in their arsenal of boom manifests itself loud and proud. How is this for a sampling of song titles: “Dirt,” “Burn” and “Bandito.”

“High energy. Whether it’s 10 people or 100 people, the show does not slow down,” Phillips said. ‘“Bandito’ would be my favorite song. I think it’s one of the band’s favorite songs to play together because it really cuts down to what we call the bandito music. The fast drive in the song really changes the pace of the song and gives the song multiple genre perspectives.”

In addition to staging several live shows, the group is eager to begin production on a fulllength CD at Bakersfield’s AUM Studios in November.

The release’s

PHOTO BY ZYLO HEFFERAN

Rapper Eat Greedy performs Friday night at Fandango City.

working title: “The Struggle.”

“The only direction we want to move is up. As far as the lyrical content, we just want the listeners to know that the songs were based on first-hand experience from Mike Z,” Rowson said.

“From an artistic standpoint, we want to show that we can use our creativeness together and still stay within our realm of Ill Tiempo.”

To kick off the Halloween weekend, Ill Tiempo will perform

live at Syndicate Lounge tonight for a special Day of the Dead party with local rapper Dat1Chyck Uno. It’s part of the club’s weekly open-mic night, hosted by Bakersfield singer Stephanie Soul. The night kicks off at 9 p.m. Admission is free.

Syndicate Lounge is located at 1818 Eye St. “You might get an on-the-spot song or a freestyle from Danny; you never know,” added Rowson.

Learn more at the group’s web-

The popular Altares de Familia/Dia de los Muertos festival returns to Bakersfield Museum of Art and Mill Creek Park on Sunday.

A partnership between BMoA and the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the family-friendly celebration honors the memory of loved ones who have passed away. Attendees can enjoy a variety of festivities modeled after global Dia de los Muertos, or Day of Dead, festivals.

“Altares de Familia and Dia de los Muertos celebration is one of our favorite events and we are happy to see it grow every year," said Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jay Tamsi. “We feel the festival is not only great for the community in terms of entertainment, but the cultural education aspect and engagement is amazing. The park and museum garden is filled with smiling faces of all ages.”

Dia de los Muertos celebratory customs can be traced back to the Aztecs of Mexico, who believed in an afterlife, where spirits of deceased loved ones would return to the material world as hummingbirds and butterflies. Today, many major cities boast their own festival, each with their own unique flair.

Tamsi added that the Chamber’s partnership with Bakersfield Museum of Art has been invaluable. Family altar spots in the museum’s sculpture garden once again sold out within a few weeks of their availability.

“The positive response every year is overwhelming,” Tamsi said.

For those who may feel the celebration is a little too macabre for their comfort zone, Tamsi says not to worry. Dia de los Muertos is a family event with an upbeat theme.

“Whether this is your first time attending or your fifth time, our partnership with the Bakersfield Museum of Art promises to offer all the beautiful traditions of Dia de los Muertos. We anticipate our biggest crowds yet.”

At Mill Creek Park, adjacent to the museum, attendees can enjoy Mexican food vendors, a children’s craft area, cultural craft vendors, traditional calavera face painting and live entertainment.

This year’s line-up will feature traditional Aztec dancing, folkloric dancing and live music.

Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 31

31

Thursday, October 29, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

1

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Bakersfield musician Monty Byrom, shown performing during a 2013 appearance on â&#x20AC;&#x153;First Look with Scott Cox,â&#x20AC;? will appear Friday at Sandriniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with the Road Pilots.

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Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Admission is $3; children 6 and under are free. Bakersfield Museum of Art and Mill Creek Park are located at 1930 R St. in central Bakersfield. For more information, visit kchcc.org or call 633-5495.

Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picks Monty Byrom and the Road Pilots at Sandriniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Friday, $5, 322-8900.

Howâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this for a Halloween eve primer?

The classic blues/funk sounds of Monty

Byrom at Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular live music hangout for the hip, young-ish social set? Sounds like a mixed bag of musically delicious tricks and treats. Highly recommended.

Haunted Halloween Party 2.0 at Fandango City, 3510 Wible Road, 10 p.m.

Friday; 18 and over. $10 to $20.

The Bakersfield hip-hop scene continues to extend its local fan base further and faster than any other genre at the moment.

Mixing area artists with bigger touring acts is a strong point of these shows, which always reach capacity. Performing live are artists Eat Greedy, Eldra Jermaine, Aly Jai, Casanova; hosted by Platinum Artist Yung Berg.

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November 1ST 3:30 pm in the Courtyard Outside Our Store

Back by Popular Demand

Richard Glazier

Playing Great Music from Broadway to Hollywood Plus Gershwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rhapsody in Blue

Pre-concert featuring: L.A. Jazz Group ii V l South High School Chamber Choir Katherine Villarreal Sings Mozart & Puccini

EVERYONE INVITED!! Limited Seating - Bring folding chairs CHECK OUT OUR AD IN THE LOCAL SECTION

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 12, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

Rapper seeks road to success Bakersfield’s Kyd Ayo getting music out there on latest tour Matt Munoz

T

aking your act on the road isn’t easy, but for Bakersfield hip-hop artist Christopher Robertson, who goes by the stage name Kyd Ayo, the thrill of the unknown is an allure too hard to resist.

Robertson is wrapping up an ambitious tour that began in October, the trek having taken him across eight states from California to Texas. His latest stop, a two-night stand in Dallas, begins tonight.

“This first tour is definitely a learning experience,” said Robertson, 26, during a break from Greeley, Colo. “As far as the next tour goes, the only thing I want to do is make sure it never ends.”

While Kyd Ayo may be unfamiliar to fans of the genre, Robertson is no amateur.

After graduating from Bakersfield High School in 2005, Robertson began performing his act publicly.

“My first infatuation with music came at a very young age. My grandparents had ‘The Jackson 5’ movie on VHS,” he recalled. “I watched that movie over and over for years. That has to be where I was initially inspired to create music and perform.”

Since those formative days, Robertson has maintained a steady profile among the independent and underground channels of West Coast hip-hop, producing and releasing his own music.

“Every song that anybody has ever heard from me has been recorded in a house, a house belonging to a girlfriend at the time, a friend’s house, all mixed by me. Let’s just say I’ve gotten a lot of complaints from a lot of different places.”

But with complaints comes the buzzing hype that follows, which has helped Robertson score opening slots for a number of high-profile acts, including best-selling artists Tyga and Omarion this year.

Robertson calls his collaboration with business partner, friend and fellow Bakersfield native Bryson Paul an invaluable benefit.

“On an everyday basis, it’s myself and Bryson, who is my manager/best

PHOTO BY RYAN NUPE

Bakersfield rapper Christopher Robertson, aka Kyd Ayo, will wrap up his first tour in Houston, Texas, on Saturday.

friend/wingman. Whatever I need him to be, he got me. Now, there are a few individuals that will put me up on some new music or give me their perspective on music I put out, but other than that, it’s just us.”

Roberston’s music follows current popular trends in hiphop, mixing slick production with timely beats.

Lyrically, his topics range from good-time partying to deep expressions of love with added twists of sex-

uality. The music video for “You the One” features Robertson and a vivacious video model in a series of playful scenes, bordering on adults-only, but without frontal nudity. The curious can check out the video and more at Robertson’s official YouTube channel, plus a number of live performances.

“I wouldn’t say that I necessarily have a certain style; I just like to create based upon my moods. Most of the time, I just like to turn up and make sure people are having a good time when they’re listening to my music. However, there are the occasional moments where I get deep into my feelings and express whatever is on my mind.”

The stir caused by his live shows and viral popularity on social networking ultimately inspired Robertson and Paul to plot their next move: touring.

“Bryson took the time to go digging and searching for promoters putting together tours and we found opportunities within our budget and here we are.”

Joined by artists Rayven Justice, JayteKz, Jeff Turner and Ohno, Roberston said the experience has helped open his eyes to the importance of being prepared for life on the road, while being committed to keeping the wheels turning no matter the result.

“You have to be patient and consistent with delivering content and promoting the brand you’re trying to build. From staying in touch with people through your eight different social networks because everybody is a potential fan, to creating new music or videos for your new music, to being out in the streets networking with others who are making moves in the music industry.”

Roberston described the tour as a mixed bag, but never dull.

“After my set in Santa Cruz, I was passing out my fliers and there was a woman at the bar and she told me, ‘Out of all the artists who performed tonight, you are the only one who made me get out of my seat.’

I definitely gave her a high-five after that.

At the show in Los Angeles, those kids really made me feel like I was putting on a show. They were very responsive and energetic to my performance.

“In New Mexico, there were only 50 people, but they turned up like there was 2,000. Those are the type of moments that are going to make me pursue my music career forever.”

PHOTO BY ORION SANDERS

Acclaimed Southern California blues artist Shari Puorto appears at O’Hennings on Friday.

Robertson and crew will wrap up their tour Saturday night at Warehouse Live in Houston.

To get further acquainted with all things Kyd Ayo, including his latest release, “We’ve Met Before” visit kydayo.com.

“Going on tour has definitely given me the opportunity to put myself in front of audiences that probably would have never heard of me if I didn’t go to them.”

Shari Puorto On Friday night, Southern California vocalist Shari Puorto will bring her brand of modern blues rock and soul to O’Hennings in Oildale.

Currently on the road promoting her latest release, “My Obsession,” the gritty vocalist said the mission to keep blues music alive in the ears and hearts of fans is needed more than ever.

“There is pure passion in the blues genre,” said Puorto in an email interview.

“Every time I perform or go see another Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 26

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

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 12, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street

PHOTO BY BLAKE HOOKS

Bakersfield’s Hectic Films is seeking funds to complete production for their latest feature, “Border Brothers.” Pictured above left to right: Hectic Films’ Rickey Bird, actor Luis Fernandez-Gil, producer Rachel Bird, actors Orlando Chavez, Brian Ross.

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

band, I see it, I feel it. It’s just a part of you. Aside from venues closing down all over the place, with persistence and drive anything can happen, you just have to want it. You just have to have that spark to work hard to get that gig, or that job. There’s no downtime for me.”

A veteran of the blues festival and nightclub circuit, Puorto has shared stages with acclaimed guitarists Joe Bonamassa, Dickey Betts, Johnny Winter, Robben Ford, Robin Trower, Coco Montoya, Larry Carlton, Ike Turner and many more. Asked whether it’s tough being a female artist in such a male-dominated genre, Puorto said she has no issues representing for the ladies.

“Musicians are a sensitive bunch. So if you closed your eyes, we all are the same. Ha. Performing with Slash, singing backup vocals with Don Felder on ‘Hotel California,’ having (actor) Lou Diamond Phillips look at me in the

The

Bakersfield we know and love Bakersfield Life Magazine, which is inserted in The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of each month, celebrates the people, places, events, culture and lifestyle that make our city a place we choose to call home.

A MEMBER OF T HE

T BC MED IA FAMILY

recording studio and say, 'You are amazing— I want you to sing backup vocals on my song.’ So many wonderful moments.”

Puorto’s Janis Joplinmeets-Etta James-meetsPat Benatar sound has attracted a sizable fan base from both blues purists and casual listeners.

“I’m writing all the time.

When something hits me or inspires me, I write it down and then I go back and tweak it. When we have songs ready to record, that’s when we go into the studio. I am so happy to share this new CD with you and can’t wait to perform the new songs with my band and just have a great time.”

Friday’s show kicks off at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

O’Hennings Bar is located at 1312 Airport Drive. For more information, visit sharipuorto.com.

Also on Saturday night, O’Hennings will host Southern California roots quartet Ted Z and The Wranglers at 7:30 p.m. Info at tedzandthewranglers. com.

To get a preview of “Border Brothers” and see if you feel the flick is worthy of your donation, visit https://vimeo.com/143722 903, then stop by Indiegogo.com. The crowdfunding campaign is currently at 70 percent of the Hectic Films goal of $4,000.

The drive ends Nov. 22. For more info, visit hecticfilms.com.

Matt’s picks

Hectic Films

The News Brothers at Lengthwise Brewery, 2900 Calloway Drive, 8 p.m. Saturday, 5897394.

Still rockin’ to the tune of “The more you drink, the better we sound,” the News Brothers hit the stage Saturday. The roster features former Bakersfield anchors Kevin Keeshan and Karl Schweitzer, and former reporter Ken Hunter. Joining the party are media colleague Bill Woodward, plus area musicians Tim Murray, aka “White Chocolate,” on vocals; Scott Thompsett, saxophone; Greg DeRego, keyboards; and drummer Artie Niesen. Toga optional.

Bakersfield’s Hectic Films is once again asking for the public’s help in financing its latest production.

“Border Brothers” is described in a Hectic Films media release as “The Hangover” meets “Pineapple Express” with immigration thrown in. The release said the filmmakers expect to “trigger some controversy.”

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

Bakersfield Latin alternative outfit Velorio continues its mission to bring locals to the dance floor for an evening of rump-shaking cumbia mixed with funky grooves. If you haven’t caught the band in awhile, your presence is highly recommended.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Lowdown

Clear Skye: Indie artist focused Ethos of music nearly as crucial as sound, she says

Matt Munoz

B

akersfield singer/songwriter Crimson Skye Hochhalter, a familiar performer at the monthly First Friday Art Walk, invites listeners to hop aboard her psychedelic train. Destination: anywhere.

“There is no right way to be an artist, just create,” said the vocalist/multiinstrumentalist, whose performance name is simply Crimson Skye. “At least half the battle of being a performing artist is having confidence.”

Skye, 20, performed at the most recent First Friday, in December, with a cold in the evening chill.

Stationed next to her friend, fellow artist Kevin Gardner, she kept playing despite her discomfort.

“It’s a challenge, just like anything in this life that is worthwhile. It has given me purpose, something to passionately work for. I've real-

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Playing a cuatro above his Telecaster, Making Movies lead singer Enrique Chi finishes up the band's set at the 17th Annual Menudo Cook-Off in June.

PHOTO BY SUE RAPPLEYE PHOTOGRAPHY

The new three-song EP by Bakersfield singer/songwriter Crimson Skye, titled “Blending Colors,” was released on Tuesday.

ized that I've never really done anything that I love, until now.”

Blending indie folk roots with experimental strums and vocals in a peaceful style matched to her earthy

persona, Skye released her latest EP, “Blending Colors,” on Tuesday. It joins an ever-growing library of selfproduced and released recordings.

“I’ve never been more proud of myself since I decided to write my first album and then later decided to start sharing my creations live. I just constantly have to remind myself that no one else can do what I do because they’re not me. When I believe that, the sea of other artists is irrelevant and it is something to encourage rather than compete with.”

But behind all that determination is Crimson Skye, whose mother, Lea Brown, died from breast cancer at the age of 29.

Skye credits her late mom for inspiring her to find her inner voice as a comfort from the pain of such a loss.

“My mother has so much to do with why I am where I am. She passed away when I was 4 years old and I think that ever since then, I’ve been on this journey to find myself and my purpose in this world. My mother was diagnosed when she was pregnant with me and was advised to abort me in order to focus on her own survival. She

immediately did the opposite and did everything in her power to ensure my health.”

The memory of her mother and the few precious years spent at her side remains a constant source of spiritual guidance and strength that fuels her endeavors.

“My mother believes in me more than anyone else and that has helped me with my struggles of selfdoubt. Performing is not an easy thing to do and even with the physical absence of my mother, she has pushed me to get on the stage and share my message with the people. People often wonder if my name is real. My mother gave me my name and I think that she may have known that I was going to end up doing this, long before I knew.”

In addition to small local shows at Eureka Burger, Sandrini’s and busking where she’s allowed, Skye has taken her act on the road to the Mint and State Social House in Hollywood and the Orange County area.

“I look back at the ’60s and ’70s — not that I lived through them, but I’ve done a lot of studying of artists from that time — and I realize that the main thing that the Beatles did to spread the word and gain fans was share the music.

They played anywhere and everywhere, for no money.

I’ve started this movement called ‘Raw Music for the People’ and it’s all about that, sharing the music with the people, expecting nothing in return other than hopefully bringing someone pleasure.”

“Blending Colors” features three songs: “Red,” “Green” and “Yellow.”

Clocked in at just under 20 minutes, it’s a creative blend of interests collected through her life to the present.

She also plays all instruments, including guitar, banjo and djembe drum.

Production quality is minimal and suited to her artistic reach.

“It’s a journey, one that you can experience on a car ride from one side of Bakersfield to another. It consists of thoughts and emotions expressed through sounds created by steel strings, goat skin, wood, my mouth and hands. I bought a banjo a few months ago at a pawn shop downtown and I ended up using it to write and record a song on the

album. It’s the third song, called ‘Yellow,’ which is about making the decision to actually do what I want to do in my life whether it be related to love, career, location, etc. I also purchased a djembe recently and played it on the second song, ‘Green.’”

Featuring artwork by Gardner, “Blending Colors” is available now for download and streaming at crimsonskye.bandcamp.co m. There, you can also download or stream previous releases. For more info and music, visit facebook.com/crimsonskyesounds.

Crimson Skye will be making her final appearance of the year live at Syndicate Lounge tonight, performing during the club’s weekly Thursday open mic.

Performances begin at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Syndicate Lounge is located at 1818 Eye St.

Matt’s picks Making Movies at Temblor Brewing Company, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd., 8 p.m., Friday, $10, 21 and over, 489-4855.

Acclaimed Kansas City Latin alternative experimentalists Making Movies continue their year-round roadtripping across the nation with another stop in Bakersfield. Their latest CD, “A La Deriva,” was produced by Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin. Excellent band on record and live.

Also appearing is the band’s local Latin rock brethren, Velorio. Highly recommended.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 24, 2015

Eye Eye Street Street The Lowdown

B Ryder’s was on center stage Venue had the top list of shows for 2015

Matt Munoz

D

owntown Bakersfield is often touted as the epicenter of live entertainment, but it was B Ryder’s that wore the crown for the most diverse and interesting offerings of 2015.

You remember B Ryder’s, right?

Located in a sleepy southwest strip mall since 2009, the watering hole and music venue hosted an impressive list of acts of nearly every genre this year.

But unless you were on a visiting act’s tour radar, fan email list or regularly searched social media, you may have missed some of these shows.

Or did you?

According to club owner Brian Ryder, this year featured a unique series of high and lows. You just can’t predict anything in Bakersfield’s fickler-thanthou entertainment scene.

“We’ve had a lot of shows over the past few weeks, and I’ve been here more

than I have in a long time,” said Ryder, who runs the venue with a small staff. “I don’t know if people are forgetting about us. I’ve been doing this for years and this town’s interests go in waves.”

This year’s schedule at B Ryder’s featured a who’s who of Warped Tour bands (Dance Gavin Dance, RX Bandits), underground hiphop (Andre Nickatina, IAMSU, Murs), indie rockers (Night Riots, Finch), experimental fusion (Dengue Fever, Metalachi), reggae rock outfits (The Expendables, Tribal Seeds), Americana hybrids (Cody Canada & The Departed, Moonshine Bandits, Demun Jones), revival acts (The English Beat, Led Zepagain), not to mention a helping of Bako’s busiest working bands (The Aviators, Therese & The Sweetness, Members Only, Monty Byrom, Lonely Avenue).

In short, if you had a band, no matter the genre, you could play at B Ryder’s.

The bar, with a capacity of 260, saw consistent monthly and weekly show attendance. The weekday show,

The year in review: music hop, and indie mainstays and definitely looking to spread our wings a bit. The future is blinding.”

B Ryders is located at 7401 White Lane. For more info on upcoming shows call 397-7304 or visit numbskullshows.com.

Local music

PHOTO BY MARC WALKER

Dengue Fever was among the bands to grace the stage at B Ryder’s in 2015.

which normally draw smaller crowds, brought in more people of all ages, Ryder said.

“The bar doesn’t do as well for all-age shows, especially during the week, but the venue is packed,” he said.

Ryder credits his longtime partnership with San Luis Obispo-based promoter Eddy Burgos of Numbskull Shows for getting the venue acts, many of whom might otherwise drive past Bakersfield to Los Angeles or Fresno.

“Eddy is phenomenal to work with. He takes care of everything on the artist side, the financial side. All I have to do is make sure the sound and nice environment is ready.”

Burgos has worked shows all over Kern County, including at the Fox Theater, for a number of years.

In B Ryder’s he has found a home away from home that offers an appropriate staging size for more specialized shows with niche audiences.

“It’s pretty golden,” said Burgos of working with Ryder and Bakersfield concertgoers. “I am really impressed

by Bakersfield's commitment to certain genres.

Superloyal

PHOTO COURTESY OF EDDIE BROCK

“King Midas Clique,” released in July, resonated like a sonic boom all over the city.

fans there. Seems like Bakersfield also has no qualms bout embracing emerging acts as well.”

Ryder and Burgos have already locked in a number of major all-ages shows with broad Bakersfield appeal for next year, including reggae and indie rock acts Stick Figure on Jan. 21, Ballyhoo on Feb. 5, and best-selling Christian metal act P.O.D. on Feb. 12.

“It’s shaping up to be

a really good 2016,” said Ryder, who encourages local bands to reach out to the club for bookings. You never know, you may get an opportunity to open for one of a number of national acts in the process.

Burgos’ Bakersfield schedule won’t be limited to B Ryder’s. After selling out the Fox with Santa Barbara reggae act Iration this year, Numbskull Shows will present fellow irie ensemble Rebelution on March 18.

“We are extremely excited, got lots in the works,” Burgos said. “Going heavy with our solid reggae, hip

It was a big year for local independent hip-hop, but Bakersfield rapper and producer Eddie Brock outshined them all.

Let’s start with the hype campaign: Bakersfield’s best local release of the year was “King Midas Clique,” featuring Brock and fellow rapper Alec “Doc” Holliday. Brock works his marketing machine on everything he touches, releasing highquality, self-produced promotional videos that go viral almost as quickly as they are released on the Web. Next is the product itself: “King Midas Clique,” released in July, resonated like a sonic boom all over the city. Engineered by Brock at his home studio, the CD featured an all-star cast of rappers and singers, but it was the primary team of Brock and Holliday that helped elevate it above other local releases in 2015.

Easily the best local rap release to spring from the Bakersfield hip-hop scene to date. Keep an eye on Brock. More info on King Midas Clique at kingmidasclique.com.

Bakersfield/Taft country brethren Truxton Mile had another noteworthy year, releasing a pair of seriously radio-worthy singles, “California in My Mind” and “Lucked Into You” that sadly got very limited local country radio play. Hey, Nashville: Wake up and sign these guys.

Juanes Miss Colombia may have had a bad day at the recent Miss Universe pageant, but it’s been nothing but winning for Colombian singer/songwriter Juanes, who played one of the year’s best live shows at Please see PAGE 23

23

Thursday, December 24, 2015 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Street

‘Big Short’ entertains and informs

BY COLIN COVERT Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

The great American tradition of filling one’s pockets with other people’s money has inspired milestones from “Glengarry Glen Ross” to “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Wall Street” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

The dizzying comic thriller “The Big Short” joins that class of “follow the money” classics. It’s a dazzling, muckraking story about financially corrupt banksters committing the biggest fraud in U.S. history.

The film is adapted from author Michael Lewis’ “The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine.” That nonfiction account followed the massive 2008 mortgage bubble as it triggered financial collapse, blowing the nation’s economy to smithereens. If you don’t clearly remember that Armageddon, take a minute to look at your retirement plan. I will wait until you stop crying.

This seems like an incongruous topic for director Adam McKay, a past master of goofball gems like “Anchorman” and “Step Brothers.” Yet he proves himself a gifted, versatile filmmaker who understands how to entertain without obscuring a message. McKay makes a smart, snarky crisis tragicomedy from the real estate boom and bust. His film balances sardonic character sketches with sober mockery of a culture gone mad with market mania.

The heroes of the tale — sort of — are Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Ryan

JAAP BUITENDIJK / PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Jeremy Strong plays Vinnie Daniel, Rafe Spall plays Danny Moses, Hamish Linklater plays Porter Collins, Steve Carell plays Mark Baum, Jeffry Griffin plays Chris and Ryan Gosling plays Jared Vennett in “The Big Short.”

Gosling and Brad Pitt, all bright and interesting actors doing standout work. They play a diverse group of renegade investment specialists — Gosling’s narration calls them “a few weirdos and outsiders” — suspicious that America is about to jump off a cliff of toxic assets. These smart men are admirable in the ways they fathom the imminent unholy mess. They observed that the real estate boom, driven in part by risky mortgages for bottom-rung buyers (noincome, no-job “ninjas”), was circling the toilet bowl.

Those iffy loans, packaged into overrated bonds, would collapse. But the downfall could make immense fortunes for traders betting against the

market (and the economy) in the form of creditdefault swaps.

The central focus is a labyrinthine situation involving Wall Street jargon about pooled loans and liability structure tranches.

This is the sort of thing that stretches creative ingenuity to the breaking point, but McKay explains it in plain English, through the most unlikely interpreters.

Breaking the fourth wall, he enlists actress Margot Robbie — the blond bombshell from “The Wolf of Wall Street” —for a bubble bath soliloquy directly addressing viewers to define mortgage bonds. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain cooks us a stew of leftover fish to explain collateralized debt obligations.

The film bustles with

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Rabobank Theater in July.

In January, he released the music video — shot at McFarland High — for “Juntos” (Together), from the film “McFarland, USA.” He followed up by kicking off his national tour in Bakersfield to a packed house. Making it a full-circle type of night, the show was attended by real-life McFarland coach Jim White, portrayed in the film

by Kevin Costner. On the stage for nearly two hours, Juanes left no song or fan untouched as he made his way through the wildly receptive crowd. Fun fact: Juanes is also of Basque descent. Maybe he’ll return and play for the annual Basque picnic someday.

Other outstanding 2015 shows of note: Bonnie Raitt at the Fox, Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull at Rabobank Arena. You

ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ / GETTY IMAGES FOR DISNEY

Musician Jaunes attends the Hollywood premiere of “McFarland, USA” at The El Capitan Theatre on Feb. 9.

had to be there.

That’s a wrap. See you next year in the Lowdown.

flashbacks and inspired, subtle effects, like the hushed buzzing of flies when a pair of market researchers visit a Florida

housing development that’s all but abandoned.

Moments like these make the frequently surreal film oddly realistic and grounded. What better way to represent the coming downfall of the market than by pushing over a tower of Jenga blocks?

McKay keeps the story human by giving his money men a taste for childish insult humor and some excruciating personal issues. There are no outright heroes or villains in “The Big Short.” The central characters aren’t thieves; Carell’s brokerage trader believes the banking system is corrupt. He’s an annoying but decent man, haunted by the feeling that he should have offered his late brother attention that could have saved his life.

But what does that guilt mean in the next moral dilemma he has to face?

Bale’s hedge fund manager is a hyper-energetic genius who is painfully awkward socially.

‘The Big Short’ ★★★1⁄2 Cast: Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Brad Pitt Running time: 130 minutes Rated: R

Yet as the bubble approaches, everyone’s actions are geared to do what is advantageous to them. They focus on betting against the economic system to make a bundle, not do what would prevent or smooth the bubble.

Sharks are sharks. They attack food, not ethical dilemmas.

One senses that McKay created “The Big Short” from passion, deftly inking his characters’ public follies to private frailties. Watching this polished, impactful film is like listening to a record where practically every song is a potential hit single.