The Lowdown with Matt Munoz / Aug. - Dec. / 2017

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 3, 2017

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THE LOWDOWN

Band taps shadowy local tales to fuel ‘Oleander (Revisited)’; Kama Ruby teams up on ‘Eye’ F ans of Bakersfield death rock and jazzy pop should make room on their mobile devices for some killer new hometown music out now and prepping to hit the web this week.

First up is a free, rereleased and remastered download of the 2011 fulllength concept album titled “Oleander (Revisited)” by local death rock goth icons Burning Image.

Offered exclusively by the band beginning Friday, the new take features an upgraded sound that fans of the original record will appreciate, according to Moe Adame, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist.

“I listened to ‘Oleander’ a few months ago and thought that it needed a remaster to give it more punch and depth,” said Adame, who co-founded the band in the early ‘80s and continues overseeing the legacy and current workings of the band.

“The remastered version EXPERIENCE

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAMA RUBY

Along with original songs, the seven-track “Minds Eye”

by Bakersfield vocalist Kama Ruby contains a cover of Zero 7’s “In The Waiting Line” and a mashup of The Doors “Riders on The Storm” and Stan Jones’ cowboy classic “(Ghost) Riders In The Sky.”

is sonically superior to the original.”

For the uninitiated, the act of “remastering” mu-

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sic refers to the recording studio process of enhancing an older recording through the use of updated technology.

It can be a painstaking process from beginning to end if you take into consideration the multiple layers of sonic elements that may need to be researched with a sensitive and patient ear.

Most present-day recordings go through their own mastering process prior to their release to assure the best quality sound, but for Adame, the first time wasn’t

enough.

To ensure the update would be completed in a timely, and more efficient timeframe, Adame went to Sharon Marie and Gary L. Batsch of Bakersfield’s B2 Studios for help.

“There were no downs in the remastering process. It took a few hours. The upside is that you get another chance to improve on the original recording to make it better for yourself and for your fans,” said Adame, adding the rereleased album also comes with the bonus track “Haunted,” previously released on the Austrian death rock compilation “Kaliffornian Deathrock.”

If you’re familiar with Burning Image, then you might already get an idea of “Oleander” and its creepy musical plotline, but even the name alone should conjure up a few notions of the historic central Bakersfield neighborhood.

Known for its vintage structures and dimly lit sidewalks, which can at times resemble a scene taken straight out of a classic noir flick, Adame says a conversation with former Dead Kennedys vocalist Jello Biafra helped offer direction.

Biafra, who’d already released a compilation of Burning Image singles in 2004, plus a follow-up album “Fantasma” in 2009,

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BURNING IMAGE

The cover of the 2017 remastered “Oleander (Revisited)” by veteran Bakersfield death rock act Burning Image.

The cover photo was shot by Nina Leyva and artwork designed by Anthony Gordon.

both on his Alternative to (gothic punk band) 45 Tentacles record label, sugGrave, just a fun song to gested Adame take on the play.” eerie Lords of Bakersfield Diehard fans take note, crime story.

“Oleander Revisited” will “We went to visit Jello only be available free for (Biafra) in San download Francisco and from Friday after a lengthy through Sept. discussion 3 at soundabout the Lords cloud.com/ …, he encourburning-image, aged me to cdbaby.com write an album and Burning about it.”

Image and Moe Inspired by Adame Facethe legend of MATT MUNOZ book pages. the Lords of FOR THE CALIFORNIAN After Sept. 3, Bakersfield, a the album will secret network of powerful be available on iTunes, local men who preyed on Amazon, Google Play and (and were occasionally Spotify. murdered by) teen boys And like the spooky story during the ‘80s and early of the Lords of Bakersfield, ‘90s, Adame also looked “Oleander (Revisited)” up Nick Belardes, a former is sure to give you the Bakersfield novelist who’d heebie-jeebies. penned his own book of fic“I have the same passion tion on the subject, “Lords for writing, recording and Part One.” The writer conplaying live as I did back tributed spoken word voithen,” said Adame. ceovers to the recording.

“This is the first remaster In addition to Adame and more to come.” on vocals, guitars and keySay your prayers and boards, other musicians think happy thoughts, kids. included on the recording KAMA RUBY are Anthony Leyva on bass, Tony Bonanno on guitar, On a much lighter note, plus additional keyboards popular Bakersfield jazz

by Anthony Gordon on pop vocalist Kama Ruby “Haunted.” has a lot to celebrate since Burning Image last perthe recent release of her formed live in 2015, and third album, “Minds Eye.” while the group is conThe album’s seven songs stantly working on new pick up where her last material, a full presentation release, “Rock Dreams in of “Oleander” as a complete Jazz,” left off, but this time work since its original rewith even wider creative lease has yet to make it to stretch. the stage.

For the new endeavor, “We have never played she teamed with an all-star ‘Oleander’ in its entirety but collection of musicians we have played selections including producer Jane from it in our shows. ‘Get Getz on piano and backup Out, Get Out’ is a personal favorite. It’s my homage

Please see LOWDOWN | 25

Thursday, August 3, 2017 The Bakersfield Californian

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FIESTA

Continued from PAGE 20

(For more on infamous prairie brat Arngrim, check out our accompanying interview with her.)

“I am honored that the Frazier Park community invited me to be a grand marshal along with my ‘Little House on the Prairie’ family members ... making the 50th anniversary of Fiesta Days a wonderful celebration (and) one to remember,” Part wrote in an email. “Having a member from each family from the (‘Little House’) original cast is really exciting.”

Part now lives in Frazier Park, saying he wanted to live in the mountains where he spent much of his childhood.

As the “Little House” cast is still close, it was easy for him to get a couple others on board to join him in the mountain fun. He and his wife, Melody, will also perform on Saturday night as The Parts, debuting their upcoming double album, “A Symphony to God Made Flesh & Blood.”

50TH ANNUAL FIESTA DAYS When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday Where: Frazier Mountain Park Admission: Free; some activities and events cost money Information: frazierfiestadays.org for full schedule and activity prices

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS: Friday: Carnival (3-

“Not only are residents of Frazier Park excited (about the ‘Little House’ guests), there are people all over who have expressed interest in coming out,” Garcia said. “We’re excited about that.”

The festival regularly gets about 5,000 to 6,000 people, but Garcia said this year is likely to see more guests, with plenty of out-of-towners coming to see the TV stars.

Throughout the weekend there will be even more live music, with several acts each day, including Sweet Home Alabama (a Lynyrd

ARNGRIM

Continued from PAGE 20

people who find her portrayal of Nellie to be just a little too realistic.

“I think it’s hysterical!” she said.

“You’d think it would be kids, but it’s grown people intimidated and afraid of me. It’s a scream.”

In fact, Arngrim has found today’s young viewers to be a bit savvier when it comes to telling the difference between actors and their characters, since the internet makes it easy to look up all those names in the credits.

While some actors might dislike the curtain of mystery lifting, for the actors behind those loveto-hate characters, it’s a nice development.

“In my case, I think it’s better,” Arngrim said. “Somewhere out there, someone is playing a villain

LOWDOWN Continued from PAGE 22

vocals; Bob Tucker, guitar; Ray Zepeda, sax, piccolo and flute; Tom Walsh, drums; Robin Bramlett, bass; Tom Stillwagon on various technical programming duties; and others, whom she’s collectively dubbed The Rough Cuts.

“Working with Jane Getz and Bob Tucker made me grow exponentially as a producer, artist and

10 p.m.), pet show (5 p.m.), Lady Evil (6-8 p.m.), The Chimpz (8:30-10 p.m.)

Saturday: VFW pancake breakfast (7-11 a.m.), Dale Hansen & Ed Perine Memorial Parade (10-11:30 a.m.), meet-and-greet with “Little House” cast members (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.), eating contests (noon-2 p.m.), carnival (1-10 p.m.), The Parts (2:30-4:30 p.m.), family races (4 p.m.), adult

comedy show (8-10 p.m.), Sweet Home Alabama (8:30- -10 p.m.)

Sunday: VFW pancake breakfast (7-11 a.m.), worship in the park (1011:30 a.m.), log-sawing contest (noon), Artists of the Mountain show (1-4 p.m.), carnival (1-6 p.m.), mustache and beard contest (45:30 p.m.), Bo & the Bluesdrivers (4-6 p.m.)

Skynyrd and Southern rock tribute band), Lady Evil (a female-fronted Dio and Black Sabbath tribute band) and The Chimpz (a rock band with songs featured on FX’s “Sons of Anarchy”).

Competitions are also a big part of Fiesta Days, with the pet show and contests of eating, mustache and beard presentation, log-sawing, arm-wrestling and more.

Garcia said there will be more vendors this year than any previous year, with more than 70 selling arts and crafts, commercial

products and food.

Guests will also want to bring some spending money to the free event for the carnival, which runs each day.

“It’s very family-friendly,” Garcia said of the festival.

“It’s always a good time.”

And the cherry on the sundae of a fun-filled weekend?

Temperatures in the mid80s, while Bakersfield sizzles in triple-digit heat.

Kelly Ardis can be reached at 661-395-7660. Follow her on Twitter at @TBCKellyArdis.

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

The Zipper spins around with a cloudy sky behind it in the carnival area during the Fiesta Days events in Frazier Park. The event returns this weekend.

and maybe they won’t get hit in the face with soda at a Christmas parade.”

Though she’s stayed busy with other work since her “Little House” days, Arngrim doesn’t shy away from the role and show that made her famous, saying refusing to talk about it like some actors do about their hit shows was “not really going to work.”

In the attitude of “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” she leaned into her “Prairie” beginnings and made it work for her after the show.

In 2010, she published “Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated” and she regularly performs a one-woman show of the same name. She’ll soon record the audiobook version of her memoir, and she occasionally goes to “Little House” fan events and has no problem talking about the show or to its

fans.

But Arngrim has been busy on more modern stories, like a web-series called “Life Interrupted,” which has a cast that’s sure to look familiar to any ‘70s TV buff: Arngrim plays Ally, ex-wife of Mason, played by former child actor Mason Reese.

Joining them are Dawn Wells (Mary Ann on “Gilligan’s Island”), Erin Murphy (Tabitha on “Bewitched”) and Robbie Rist (Cousin Oliver on “The Brady Bunch”).

“It’s just the silliest thing,” she said. “It’s like an old-fashioned sitcom.”

Another silly thing in the works for Arngrim is “Grizzled!” The film, currently in pre-production, is about a giant mutant penguin on the loose.

Arngrim described it as a send-up of other genre films, and all of the actors play multiple characters for optimal camp.

The penguin “is 30 feet high and filled with rage,” she said.

“I was screaming with laughter when I was reading it. I’m really hoping that happens.”

In addition to acting, writing and comedy, Arngrim’s added another skill: guiding tours. She leads a regular “Nastie Nellie Oleson” tour, through Dearly Departed Tours in Los Angeles. She discovered that talent when she was on a tour and found herself adding to the guide’s Hollywood legends with some anecdotes of her own. “‘You’re like a closet tour guide!’” she remembered the guide, also her friend, telling her.

“It’s sort of Alison’s life and a Hollywood tour at the same time.”

The tour, which Arngrim leads about once a month, includes personal stories about her life in Hollywood, a question-and-answer session, an autographed photo and a stop for milkshakes.

Tours are limited to 12 guests and might have a theme if a holiday is coming up.

The next tour is Aug. 20. (Visit dearlydepartedtours.com for more information.)

But Arngrim’s next trip is to Frazier Park.

She’s been to Bakersfield in the past for a local AIDS walk, she said, and has been through other times too. She doesn’t know if she’ll get to make the trip down the mountain to get the Dewar’s peppermint taffy she loves, but she’s looking forward to Fiesta Days.

“I’m excited because I’ve been looking at all the pictures,” she said.

“It’s going to be a blast. I think we’re going to hang out for a while and go on rides.”

human,” said Ruby of the album that took shape at not one, but three studios (Stillwagon’s home studio, AUM Studios in Bakersfield and Crescent Heights Digital in Los Angeles).

Opening with “Treasure Island,” the album is an interesting run of compositions and lyrics that at the onset mix swashbuckling with sensual themes.

“I don’t think I had a particular story line or concept,” said Ruby of her approach to “Minds Eye.” “I chose songs I was really drawn to.

I did have the idea to have a very different sound from my first two albums.”

It’s an ambitious project, and Ruby once again spared no expense when it came to bringing her vision to life.

“This album was a huge learning curve for me as it was my first time exploring more electronic sounds, extensive production and engineering.”

In addition to originals, Ruby also recorded a cover of “In The Waiting Line” by Zero 7, and

mashup of The Doors’ “Riders on The Storm” and Stan Jones’ cowboy classic “(Ghost) Riders In The Sky” to close “Minds Eye.” “I understand the importance of having amazing producers (Getz and Tucker) to help your project sound the best it can.

Before we just did the track on one or two takes with me joking to the guys, ‘Alright. Get it right the first time, and don’t suck.’

Now, there is nothing wrong with what I did before, but I will tell you that this album is superior

to them in regards to quality and production.”

Kama Ruby’s next performance will be at Village Fest on Sept. 9.

“Minds Eye” is available for download and stream at iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby, Spotify and Napster. For more information, visit kamaruby.com.

Kelly Ardis can be reached at 661395-7660. Follow her on Twitter at @TBCKellyArdis.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 17, 2017

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THE LOWDOWN

Chapman’s local country roots strong in EP T

hirteen may be an unlucky number for some, but not for country singer-songwriter Celeigh Chapman.

That’s the time the Bakersfield-born musician, who releases her new five-song EP “The Winner” Friday, has spent in the industry.

“It’s been about 13 years now. Kind of unbelievable,” she said of being immersed in Southern California life since relocating for both school and to pursue her musical passions. “I’m still finding my place within the L.A. country scene; however, I have found my place around the musician scene.”

Recorded and produced in Los Angeles, the place Chapman’s called home for more than a decade, the release also marks another milestone in a career that’s felt both the pinch and warm embrace of a capricious industry.

Currently prepping for a promotional campaign in support of “The Winner” that includes both radio and live appearances, Chapman remains ever-focused.

And just like The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Dave Alvin, Dwight Yoakam and others before her who cut their teeth along the experimental musical vines of Laurel Canyon, Hollywood and San Fernando Valley country rock, Chapman engages with similar kindred spirits in new homes for country.

“The Hotel Cafe Hootenanny has become a great supportive place for artists

and musicians. Dave over tall mine is and how many at the Maui Sugar Mill gets roles/jobs I have taken on a great Country Jam session just to release music to the going that reminds me of public. But when you do Trout’s and makes me feel that, despite the amount at home. There’s of work, and a network of how thin you’re musicians who spread, the creall run together ative freedom is and I think priceless.” more than anyIf Chapman’s thing I fit with last 2014 EP all of them, so release, “Happy rather than a Now,” was a bar or club as culmination of MATT MUNOZ long as I’m in where life had the company of FOR THE CALIFORNIAN brought her up those fine folks, to that point my music fits in.” with its downhome NashChapman, who attended ville blend, it also served as music school at USC, made reminder to country listenthe right connections that ers that there were options wove her into the new outside the mainstream, fabric of young artists perincluding Bakersfield. meating the energetic Silver “I can’t tell you how Lake music scene. many times in Los Angeles Over the years she’s repeople ask me where I’m leased a number of well-refrom. I usually get Texas, ceived singles, collaborated or the South, or Georgia. with country and artists of I think you have to know other genres — including what’s in your blood. I electronica — and had may write and create other her music included on the types of music — because soundtrack to the 2011 at the core I’m a musician, film “A Little Help,” starand I want to be creative ring Jenna Fischer (“The — but I’m a Bakersfield girl Office”). through and through.”

And although someWhile “Happy Now” did times released with help help draw in new fans, it from a major label, she’s still wasn’t enough to push always reaffirmed her Chapman’s voice further independence. than those in the know and “Despite having two sinmusic fans who actively gles in my career (Columseek something off the bia Records and London radar.

Tone Records), all of my “I will say that not all music has been released of the Top 40 music that’s independently. I feel like out right now is my jam, that’s something to be very however I think now more proud of because it’s not than ever the genre of easy to do. You have to wear ‘country’ spans quite a wide a lot of hats and I sorta feel spectrum. It’s still tough like Dr. Seuss with how to break through. Don’t

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CELEIGH CHAPMAN

Cover art for “The Winner” by Celeigh Chapman.

get me wrong, but I think the success of people like Margo Price, Sturgill Simpson, Maren Morris, etc. is extremely encouraging.”

For “The Winner,” Chapman put experience, progress and lessons learned to work assembling a team tailored in all the right places, from string to strum and beyond.

“To be honest, they are all my friends. I mean, I feel like I should pinch myself when I say that because they are pretty amazing musicians who play with amazing artists.

We’re talking Selena Gomez, Kacey Musgraves, The Haden Triplets, Megan Trainor. If it sounds like I’m bragging, I totally am.”

And why not? She even snagged Tenacious D bassist John Spiker to produce the project.

Opening with “Might As Well Be Me,” that comes right out of the gate with a signature nineties country pop rock force that brings to mind divas Lorrie Morgan and Shania Twain.

Plus, the strength of Chapman’s voice has been raised more than a few bars, a noticeable improvement in comparison to the exploratory style of “Happy Now.”

And this isn’t some throwback country record; in fact, it can be said it’s the record she’s been waiting to make. Still by her own rules, writing modern tales with a tip of the hat to classic country’s independent heart and soul.

“For me this album was the most comfortable I’ve felt in my own skin because there were less questions in my own head. I think at every stage in my career I’ve made music that felt like me, but like most artists the questions of ‘Is this good enough?’ or ‘Will they like it?’ ‘Will they get it?’ always pops into your head.”

My personal favorites on “The Winner” are “California” and “Leave You Where You Lay,” both shining examples of Chapman at her passionate best.

“This time I tried to pull inspiration from other aspects of life than relationships and delve into topics such as: the fickleness of the music industry, rising real estate prices, the concept of identity, home, loss, the struggle and reality that working hard doesn’t always mean you get what you want/deserve. etc. I do like to shroud ideas within the context of relationship situations because it allows

ECLIPSE

paper and explain what the eclipse is and how it works.

After they draw their own, kids can take home a pair of eclipse glasses to see the real thing.

The Rathbun Library (200 W. China Grade Loop) will

Continued from PAGE 21

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will hold its second of two eclipse events on Friday, when an artist will come out to sketch the eclipse on

me the freedom to keep something for myself. A secret maybe instead of giving it all away to the audience.”

When asked whether we’ll get a Bakersfield show sometime, Chapman, who’s shared the stage with local greats Buck Owens and Red Simpson among others, says she’d love nothing more than to have a homecoming show, or two, or three. It’s your call, Bakersfield. Hint-hint.

“Man, how lucky was I to be a musician growing up among such legendary country music performers. I mean Buck and Red, Bobby Durham, Theresa Spanke, Doyle Holly and Jim Shaw and so many others.

“All of those people reached out their hand to me at one point or another when I was little and really encouraged me.

They taught me the ropes.

Theresa Spanke taught me all about how to emote on stage, allow the lyric to guide your note choices, and be a passionate performer. Watching her was magical because as a young girl there weren’t many female performers I could look up to.”

You can catch Chapman at a special EP release party at Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles on Sept. 21.

But don’t wait, go download “The Winner” beginning Friday on iTunes and all popular digital outlets.

You can thank me later.

“I’ll be playing with all the original musicians and we can all relive the amazing sessions and memories we had making it alongside all our friends and family in the crowd. It’s important to celebrate all the milestones in life, and this one I am definitely proud of.”

For more information visit celeighchapman.com.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

host a family story time, discuss safe eclipse viewing and hand out glasses on Saturday at noon.

Kelly Ardis can be reached at 661-395-7660. Follow her on Twitter at @TBCKellyArdis.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 31, 2017

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THE LOWDOWN

Rapper 1k Watts stays in mix with new single T he last time I checked in with Bakersfield rapper Jeffrey Watts, the then-17year-old Frontier senior was about to put his reputation on the line with the release of his mix tape.

Eager to make a name for himself in the underground rap scene, Watts put all his DIY skills to work, including collaborating with producer Tree J, known for his work with rapper Mac Miller, and promoted his work.

Three years later, Watts, who continues recording and performing under the stage name 1k Watts, remains more eager than ever to keep evolving.

“My first mix tape was based off of my experiences in high school, so a lot of it was inspired by daily life with friends and thought filled songs of dreams and aspirations,” recalled Watts.

“My second mix tape was built off of experiences a year after high school, but more expanded. I evolved an enormous amount in between that year as an artist; my voice and writing excelled immensely.”

Watts’ newly released single, “A Toast to the Hustlers,” is no school daze soliloquy, but more of a testimony to what matters most to an enterprising 21-year-old. “Gimme my advancement, I’m trying to make expansions, money, music, fashion, boy I do it with a passion …”

“Now I feel like my writing is top tier, I could compete with anybody when it comes to intricacy and structure of verses. ... It’s almost as if I’m writing in first person right now, for instance I’m rapping about

COURTESY OF HECTIC FILMS

A scene from “Bartender,” the new Hectic Films-produced music video for Bakersfield band 08 Orchestra.

TO WATCH COURTESY OF CHANCE FIRE

Bakersfield rapper Jeffrey Watts, who performs under the stage name 1k Watts, just released “A Toast to the Hustlers,” his latest single featuring Dizzy Wright.

today’s life, not the future, high school years. We talked not the past, everything I’m for a few minutes, cracked referencing is in my day-to- a couple jokes and he day life.” asked if I played Just as some some hoop, of his previous so we met at projects, Watts Silver Creek not found another long after and winning colplayed a couple laboration with games of ball. rapper Dizzy I brought my Wright, who music up a coualso makes a ple times, but MATT MUNOZ noteworthy he didn’t seem FOR THE CALIFORNIAN appearance on too intrigued by “A Toast to the it. A few months Hustlers.” later, I ended up having a Before they met in the conversation with a manstudio, Watts recalls crossager of his, and we set up ing paths a year earlier at a a single that he ended up marijuana dispensary: “It being featured on.” was cool because Dizzy is According to Watts, the definitely an influence of new track garnered more mine, especially during my than 15,000 online plays on various online streaming sites just a few days following its release on Aug. 24.

Recorded locally at AUM Studio, “A Toast to the Hustlers” is already primed to be another underground hit.

“I’m versatile so I can find my way on any instrumental from 808s to boom bap, but I’m also a student of the genre, I try to keep to the roots of hip-hop, and pay homage to the ones who paved the way, being conscious of what I’m saying to the people, and making sure people can vibe to and enjoy my music.”

For more information www.kcsteakhouse.net visit soundcloud.com/of-

See the video for The 08 Orchestra’s “Bartender” at bakersfield.com.

ficial1kwatts, or facebook. com/HappilyStoned1k.

THE 08 ORCHESTRA In other local DIY music news, Bakersfield rock quartet The 08 Orchestra premiered its new music video to its song “Bartender” on Aug. 8 on YouTube.

Filmed on location at Ethel’s Old Corral, the Hectic Films-produced video is a hard rockin’ romp, day-inthe-life story of an average American dude in need of a little liquid relief.

The video is a pretty good score for the group who formed late last year in, you guessed it, the streets of Oildale.

Vocalist and guitarist Brandon Morrow said they contacted the local film outfit via Facebook after seeing they were looking to collaborate with a band on a music video.

“We were just so stoked to make a video. Everything that Ricky (Bird, Hectic’s director) had planned sounded great to us. It really fit our sound and what the song was about.”

The video opens with an aerial shot of the Ethel’s sign, into a close-up (emphasis on close-up) of model Jessica Noble strolling through the bar’s door and behind the bar.

Morrow enters the scene for a drink, Noble smiles, and they’re off. From there,

COURTESY OF PRAYERS

SoCal cholo goth electro duo Prayers will perform at B Ryder’s on Friday.

the video is interspersed with shots of band members — lead guitarist Cody Norman, drummer Stevo Beavers and bassist Hunter Scott — performing outside and inside surrounded by rowdy friends, and even some random spots featuring some good ol’ local folk relaxing on the porch.

“The team there at Hectic was completely professional, especially having to deal with our constant joking around.”

You’d have to have a good sense of humor to film in this extreme heat Bakersfield has been dealing with, and so they did with some help from the crew and Heliarc Records owner and operator, known only as “JD.” “As far as the toughest part of filming, I’d definitely

have to say it was the heat.

Standing outside of a trailer under the Bako sun is no joke. JD was the MVP for that though. He kept us hydrated.”

The video may not be Slayer’s “Seasons in the Abyss” with the great pyramids of Egypt in the background, but it is Ethel’s, dude.

Is the band ready to do it again? Hell yes, Morrow says.

“We’ll definitely be down to do another one in the future.”

The video for “Bartender” can be viewed on the HecticFilms2 YouTube channel.

For more information on the band, visit facebook. com/the08orchestra.

Please see LOWDOWN | 25

Thursday, August 31, 2017 The Bakersfield Californian

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TICKET ROUNDUP BUCK OWENS’ CRYSTAL PALACE

PARK AT RIVER WALK, SPECTRUM AMPHITHEATRE

2800 Buck Owens Blvd. vallitix.com or 328-7560. Prices do not include service fees.

11200 Stockdale Highway, 852-7777, AXS.com

■■ Wednesday: Russell

Dickerson, 7:30 p.m. $10.

■■ Oct. 4: Luke Combs, 7 p.m. $20.50-$28.50.

■■ Oct. 11: Maggie Rose, 7:30 p.m. $15.

■■ Oct. 12: Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen, 7:30 p.m. $35-$45.

RABOBANK 1001 Truxtun Ave. rabobankarena.com, axs.com or 1-888-929-7849. Price does not include service fees.

■■ Sept. 9: Los Temerarios,

8 p.m. $40-$115.

■■ Sept. 23: Gloria Trevi vs. Alejandra Guzman, 8 p.m. $50-$145.

■■ Sept. 29: Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra presents “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour,” 7 p.m. $35-$45.

■■ Sept. 30: Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, 7:30 p.m. $66.50-$126.50.

■■ Oct. 8: “Dirty Dancing,” Jam Theatricals, 7 p.m. $35-$65.

■■ Oct. 12: Theresa Caputo Live, The Experience, 7:30 p.m. $39.75.

■■ Nov. 3: Air 1 Positive Hits Tour, featuring Britt Nicole, Colton Dixon, Skillet, Tauren Wells and GAWVI, 7 p.m. $21.75-$51.75.

■■ Nov. 9-12: Disney On Ice, Dream Big, 7 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10; 3 and 7 p.m. Nov. 11; 1 and 5 p.m. Nov. 12. $15-$60.

■■ Nov. 18: Professional Bull Riders: Real Time Pain Relief Velocity Tour, 8 p.m. $15-$150.

■■ Nov. 30: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, 7:30 p.m. $35-$67.50.

■■ Sept. 8: Trace Adkins,

8 p.m. $25-$65.

■■ Oct. 1: Adventist Health

Bakersfield’s annual Gospel Fest, 7 p.m. Free.

■■ Oct. 12: America, 7 p.m. $19.50, tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

FOX THEATER 2001 H St. vallitix.com or 489-4369. Price does not include service charges.

■■ Saturday: Luis de Alba,

comedy show, 8 p.m. $47.75.

■■ Sunday: Amanda Miguel and Diego Verdaguer, 6 p.m. $57-$137.

■■ Sept 30: Thunder From Down Under, 8 p.m. $39.50-$91.25.

■■ Oct. 28: Steve-O, Don’t Try This At Home Tour, 8 p.m. $35.70-$50.70.

■■ Nov. 15: Shopkins Live, 6:30 p.m. $15.50-$98.

■■ Dec. 6: An Irish Christmas, World Champion Dancers, 7 p.m. $24.50-$54.60.

■■ Dec. 19: Miranda Sings with special guest Colleen Ballinger, 7:30 p.m. $48-$88.50.

■■ Dec. 20: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, 7 p.m. $28-$175.

BAKERSFIELD MUSIC HALL OF FAME 2231 R St 864-1701, bakersfieldmusichalloffame. com.

■■ Sept. 7: El Twanguero,

7:30 p.m. $35-$50.

WORLD RECORDS 2901 F St./2815 F St. 8313100/325-1982, ShopWorldRecords.com ■■ Nov. 3: Selwyn Birch-

wood, 7 p.m. $20-$30.

THE MARKETPLACE Free concerts 7-9 p.m., 9000 Ming Ave. themarketplacebakersfield.com ■■ Today: Mento Buru ■■ Sept. 7: Chesterfield King

EDWARDS BAKERSFIELD STADIUM 14 9000 Ming Ave. 844-4627342, FathomEvents.com ■■ Sept. 7: “Extraordinary,”

7 p.m. $12.50 ■■ Sept. 10 and 13: “Star

Trek II, The Wrath of Khan, Directors Cut,” 2 and 7 p.m. Sept. 10, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sept. 13, $12.50 ■■ Sept. 14: “The Heart of Man,” 7 p.m. $15 ■■ Sept. 14 and 19: “Lupin the 3rd, The Castle of Gagliostro,” 7 p.m. Sept.

14 and 7 p.m. Sept. 19, $12.50 ■■ Sept. 16: “Canelo vs.

Golovkin Supremacy,” 5 p.m. $20 ■■ Sept. 17 and 20: “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” 2 and 7 p.m. Sept. 17 and 2 and 7 p.m. Sept. 20, $12.50 ■■ Sept. 24, 25, and 27: “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind,” 12:55 p.m.

Sept. 24, 7 p.m. Sept.

25, and 7 p.m. Sept. 27, $12.50 ■■ Sept. 28: “Steve McQueen, American Icon,” 7 p.m. $12.50

Continued from PAGE 22

MATT’S PICKS Prayers at B Ryder’s, 3401 White Lane, 8 p.m.

Friday. $15, all-ages show.

397-7304.

When self-described SoCal “cholo goth” electro duo Prayers was introduced to the rest of the world in the controversial and ultra-violent 2015 video “Young Gods” (those are real fists flying), the world had no idea what to make of members Dave Parley and Rafael Reyes aka Leafer Sayer.

In addition to their stylish videos, their music and lyrics are dark and poetic, and, as a package, they were too much to deny.

After building a fiercely loyal following underground and catching the ears of everyone from The Cult’s Ian Astbury — who took them on tour — to Blink-182’s Travis Barker, then snagging a prime stage slot at Coachella, the group also has a cool local connection in the video to “Black Leather.”

Along with tattoo rock star Kat Von D, the blackand-white video features

COURTESY OF THE EXPENDABLES

The Expendables will perform Sunday at B Ryder’s.

Bako couple Noelia and Jose Citialin.

The duo’s Friday performance in town is a rare visit you don’t want to miss. Also appearing is Thrill Touch. More information at numbskullshows.com.

The Expendables at B Ryder’s, 8 p.m. Sunday. $20, all-ages show.

Among the ganja-fied heavyweights of the California reggae roots scene, Santa Cruz’s The Expendables are a true fan favorite. Over the years, the

group has made regular local stops to our area performing to packed houses who know every word. This tour also marks the group’s 20th anniversary, and to celebrate they’ll be performing a slew of classics from their discography.

The show, also featuring Spawnbreezie, is expected to sell out.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

TEMBLOR BREWING COMPANY 3200 Buck Owens Blvd.

489-4855, temblorbrewing.com. Price does not include service charges.

For audiences 18 and over unless noted.

■■ Sept. 9: Erik Griffin,

comedy show, 8 p.m. $20-$25.

Ask A Professional

We feature local experts to answer your questions.

For info contact: Joey Zachary at 661-395-7363

Healthcare My friend’s relative is in the hospital & is very confused.

friend is exhausted as she is the only one to help.

Q: My Do you have any suggestions as to how my friend can get some relief?” ~ Marti A: Marti, one of our employees could stay with your friend’s relative in the hospital so your friend could go home and rest.

LIVE FOOTBALL

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2 BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE vs. ALLAN HANCOCK KICKOFF l 8 P.M.

Our caregivers are available to help WHEREVER & WHENEVER Darlyn Baker, RN help is needed.

Watch on Lic. #154700001

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

www.bakersfield.com WWW.BAKERSFIELD.COM

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 14, 2017

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It’s a sweet 16 in business for Going Underground Records

T

here’s something oddly musical about the slow, rattling swoosh of security gates downtown outside Going Underground Records as it opens for business every morning.

Perhaps it’s a reminder of that favorite vinyl album in your collection. You know, the one with the annoying scratch at the end begging to be replaced?

For store owner Ronald Ramirez, that sound can only mean one thing: “Yes, we’re open!”

Currently celebrating 16 years of serving up new and used musical goods to Bakersfield collectors of every kind, the vintage storefront, wedged between a mixed row of antique shops and a Peruvian restaurant, lures you in with its welcoming window display.

“It was a time-and-place kinda thing, and partially a way for me to have freedom and time to be with my oldest son,” said Ramirez on opening his first location Sept.

22, 2001 in a suite on the first floor of the historic Haberfelde Building downtown. (After that it relocated to another space on G Street before its current — and hopefully permanent — location on 19th Street, also in the center of downtown.)

“But on the other hand it made sense as I had been selling records since the mid-’90s as well as obsessively collecting them.

I never once thought the store would turn into what it is today, and besides my family, it’s my greatest accomplishment.”

On any given morning, afternoon, and weekend, you can find Ramirez behind the counter, looking through stacks upon stacks of new arrivals. From the pristine, to the gently worn, sometimes destroyed by the elements, neglect, or party wear, Ramirez buys and sells vinyl daily like clockwork. No genre is off limits.

“During the early years of the store, it was really hard to stay afloat, I had to learn how to make

Bakersfield independent record store Going Underground Records celebrates 16 years of business this month.

COURTESY OF GOING UNDERGROUND RECORDS

New and used vinyl records line racks at Going Underground Records.

the store work as well as live on that during its real high point it a very low income, which meant was normal to see records sold fine-tuning every step of the way in grocery stores as well as major and learning that things take time chain stores. So it’s not really a and sales can somestrange occurrence times be very slow. to have major chain “Our city is a unique stores stocking a small market, I feel like I selection of records, have a pretty good but please shop local grasp of it at this point if you can.” but every day there is Lining the store’s more to learn.” walls, Ramirez has Longtime collecdesigned his store to tors, who’ve followed appeal to a wide array vinyl’s wavering tide of shoppers. There’s MATT MUNOZ of popularity from not much you won’t FOR THE CALIFORNIAN outdated medium to find here, appealing an almost obsessive to the local punk rock way of life for some, will have kid looking for the latest backyard their criticisms. And with online noise out of SoCal, the extreme outlets such as eBay already satmetal fan awaiting the Swedish urating the vinyl market among import from a band name you collectors, many have simply can barely pronounce and the stopped buying. To ensure his jazz student eager to plop down store doesn’t lose the diehards, his entire paycheck for a stack of Ramirez keeps a close eye on Coltrane classics to “parade your public and underground trends. snazz on a five-grand stereo,” as “It doesn’t surprise me, but Dead Kennedys once sang.

I have seen the highs and lows “Almost two decades of having of its popularity,” he said. “It’s a a store in Bakersfield is insane to minor trend at the moment, but me. I was 21 when I opened the what people should not forget is store so it grew as I grew as a per-

Specially made Going Underground turntable slipcovers are sold regularly.

son. I love this city so much and I wanted to make the ultimate record store here. I’m almost there and each year it becomes better and better.”

One thing Ramirez also still does is to occasionally throw his own live shows. Often held at undisclosed locations for followers in-the-know, he recalled hosting punk shows in plain sight inside his original Haberfelde Building location. Often unbeknownst to the regular tenants, or those who refused to say a word, Ramirez says shows went off without a hitch.

“We did two or three shows there. We would set up at night, let people in for free, play, clean up and leave. It was insane, there would be tons of people in there.

We would do a couple in-stores during the day as well but the

secret nighttime shows were the best. My favorite memory of the Haberfelde building is the last time I saw my dad, he would bring me food and hang out with my son and I. He passed not too long after and I moved to G Street soon afterwards.”

Fast forward to the present, in addition to regular buying and selling, Ramirez also releases music from bands on his own store imprint. With a few pressings under his belt by Southern California punkers Generacion Suicida, Spain’s Peluqueria Canina, and Bakersfield reggae revivalists The Capsouls among others, look out for future releases from Mexico’s Cruz De Navajas, new local music by reggae newcomers The Soul Chance and the debut LP from neo-experimentalists ALMNC. In celebration of the big milestone, Going Underground Records is offering super sales of every kind throughout the month of September. To find out the latest, check out goingundergroundrecords.com, or at facebook.com/ Goingundergroundrecords and fill your record rack with pounds of sounds.

“Thank you to everyone that has been with the store since day one and thank you to everyone that has recently found us.”

Going Underground Records is located at 1312 19th St. in downtown Bakersfield. For more information, call 633-0111.

Midland replaces Montgomery Gentry in Kern County Fair lineup THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

Country act Midland has just been announced as the latest act for the Kern County Fair. The Texas-based trio is taking the Sept. 28 spot previously scheduled with Montgomery Gentry. That country act withdrew after the tragic Sept. 8 death of singer Troy Gentry in a helicopter crash in New Jersey.

Midland is comprised of a trio of friends from Dripping Springs, Texas: singer Mark Wystrach, lead guitarist Jess Carson and bass player Cameron Duddy.

Their sound is described as “embodiment of Seventies California country, all smooth Eagles harmonies and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics” with songs with a George Strait twang.

The show will take place at 8 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Budweiser Pavilion. Wednesday is opening day for the fair, which runs through Oct. 2.

For a full lineup of musical acts and other fair events, check out The Californian’s complete guide to the Kern County Fair, coming out Saturday. Additional information is available at kerncountyfair.com.

Country trio Midland will perform Sept. 28 at the Kern County Fair.

COURTESY OF MIDLAND

Thursday, September 28, 2017 The Bakersfield Californian

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Fellow music fan loved her family, community I

t’s never easy to say goodbye to old friends, even harder is saying farewell to friends whose lives were just hitting their stride.

Only 33, Bridget Soto tragically passed away late last month while in San Bernardino to attend a music festival. When she was found unresponsive inside a vehicle, emergency workers tried to revive her but were unsuccessful.

A beautiful memorial was held in Bakersfield on Sept. 16, just three days shy of her 34th birthday.

Family and friends shared stories, tears, smiles, hugs, and plenty of laughs just as she’d wanted it.

Soto was a mother, COURTESY OF CHUCK ZAVALA BULLARD daughter and friend to Bridget Soto, center, with her uncle, Chuck Zavala Bullard, left, and his husband, Bobby many — including me. I Zavala Bullard, both of whom helped raise her. Soto passed away on Aug. 26 at age 33. had the privilege of knowing her most of her life.

Her mother, champion Benjamin Peck, and their spoke with her.” cross-country runner Becky son, Mason, in his stroller, “I want them to rememSoto, was the pride of the who were all ready to get to ber her with a kind heart, athletic program at my work. We had a good time her hearty laugh and the alma mater, McFarland that day. love of her family,” said BulHigh School. Becky Soto, Soto’s uncle Chuck Zavlard. “She was outgoing and who helped lay ala Bullard, who loved being a social butterthe foundation helped raise her fly just like us, and loved for the school’s along with his being in the mix of things. I winning reputaloving husband, want people to remember tion and future Bobby, rememher for her sense of humor.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL CHADBURN Hollywood bers her as the Boy, did we laugh!” fame, sadly light in every My condolences to BridLocal bands and friends of passed away room. get’s entire family, friends Bakersfield photographer when Bridget “She loved and everybody affected by Michael Chadburn will was just a child. concerts. She this great loss. gather for a benefit show MATT MUNOZ Embraced by had purchased at Sandrini’s on Saturday.

FOR THE CALIFORNIAN MATT’S PICKS her large loving Bruno Mars family, whom I tickets for full of life, and ready to “Tsumani Soul” listening also knew closely, Bridget November to go with (her share hers with others. party at Eligon Hall, 307 Soto grew to be a charming uncle and aunt) Rick and “Bridget was a caring E. 21st St., 7 tonight. $5, all young woman. But let’s not Davina. She was always person who looked out for ages. make this a eulogy, because going to festivals. They the underdog,” her uncle To celebrate the longshe wouldn’t want that. even took (her 4-year-old) said. “She was too caring to awaited release of their Upon receiving the heart- Mason to a music festival a fault, but that was her perfirst full-length album, breaking morning news near San Francisco. I have a sonality. I will most be proud “Tsunami Soul,” Bakersthat Soto had passed, I was video of him dancing to the of the way she treated other field’s very own Hate Drugs flooded by memories of my music.” human beings.” is inviting the community fellow serious music fan.

Adding she had love for He recalled his final conout for a listening party For most of our friendship, all music, no matter the versation with his niece. a day before the album our mutual appreciation for genre, Soto could always “She was standing in the drops. Following the album the arts was what kept us be counted on to make a kitchen excited about the preview, the band will be on each other’s radar. splash. concert in San Bernardino. having a Q&A session with My last close interaction “If someone said, ‘Let’s go She was telling me the attendees. Secret scoop: with Soto was a few years to a concert,’ she was ready names of the bands and I If you’d like to get in free ago while I was working at to go. We took her to the didn’t know any of them. to the show, head over to the Bakersfield Museum American Music Awards, She was listing the names the band’s Facebook page of Art. After putting out and she slipped up to the and I kept saying, ‘I don’t (facebook.com/thehatthe word for community front where the musicians know them?’ I told her to edrugs) to download the volunteers to help tidy up sat and we could see her call me when she got there album’s ice cube cover art the museum grounds, I was sitting next to Steven Tyler and to call me when she and make it your profile greeted by a trio of early during the live telecast.” was on her way home. We pic. Once you’re at the gate, Saturday morning smiles More than just a great said our ‘I love yous’ and show it to the gatekeeper from Soto, her boyfriend, companion, Soto was also that was the last time I and they’ll let you in. Pretty

COURTESY OF HATE DRUGS

Hate Drugs will be hosting a listening party for their new full-length album, “Tsunami Soul,” tonight.

cool. The band has also suggested, “You bring a mat or blanket if you wish to be seated.” Don’t forget to go check out the group’s 13-part video series, “Stuck in The Studio,” directed by Keaton Punch, the band’s unofficial sixth member, at YouTube.com/hatedrugs.

Outstanding work.

Benefit for Michael Chadburn at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Saturday. $5.

322-8900.

Whether you’re in a band or just attended a local show, you’ve probably bumped into photographer and all-around nice guy Michael Chadburn at some point. A longtime avid supporter of the Bakersfield

Saturday nights from 6-9

music and arts scene for some time now, contributing live and studio promotional studio photography, his work has also been a part of many articles here in the Lowdown. Always ready in a pinch to jump in his car and set up a photo shoot at a moment’s notice, his long battle with a brain tumor has unfortunately made him unable to do what he loves to do at the moment. To show love for our guy, aka “The Chad,” the Bakersfield music scene has banded together for a fundraiser to help with his living expenses. Expect the unexpected to show up and jam. You can also drop by and donate if you’d like.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 12, 2017

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Man behind the hockey mask recalls famous role A

n appropriate question behind the mask.” tion as we approach That was a bold move Friday the 13th: Is for the then-aspiring acmachete-wielding, hockey tor, who had landed some mask-wearing Jason Voorcool roles ranging from the hees a misunderstood “don’t blink or you’ll miss miscreant, tragic figure, or me” on TV (“The Shield”, just a really evil “ER”) to the dude? occasional big Bakersfield budget Holactor Derek lywood flick Mears, who (“Wild Wild played the lead West,” “Pirates character in of the Caribthe popular bean: Dead 2009 reboot of Man’s Chest”) the “Friday the as well as some 13th” movie stunt work.

MATT MUNOZ franchise, has “I was told FOR THE CALIFORNIAN some strong that the proopinions on ducers asked this one. To prepare for his different industry profestransformation into one sionals who’d they’d recomof horror’s most feared mend for the role and my (and beloved) characters, name kept popping up,” he started with some recalled Mears, 45. “It was deep thinking before his hard not to geek out about audition. it.”

“In the audition, I talked And who could blame about Greek mask theory him? While many had eleand child psychology,” vated the Voorhees movie recalled Mears during an character to the pantheon interview from his SoCal of classic Universal horror home.” I explained how I’d movie icons — alongside approach a character who Frankenstein’s monster, doesn’t have dialogue and Dracula and the Mummy, the importance of the emo- all of which debuted on-

COURTESY OF RAYFORD BROTHERS

Bassist Miles Shad Rayford, left, and guitarist Link Rayford of Orange County rockabilly trio Rayford Bros will perform as The Rocking Dead Friday at the Rustic Rail in Oildale.

screen decades prior — Mears recalls discovering the original 1980 film.

“If I remember correctly, the original ‘Friday the 13th’ was one of my first VCR rentals. I fell in love with it and the entire franchise.

Jason gave me a gazillion nightmares as a child.”

And while the Jason character didn’t appear until the 1981 sequel (I won’t spoil it for you first-timers), the iconic hockey mask became so immediately popular, Mears says he drove his family crazy with his fandom.

“I had the cheapie grocery-store version when I was younger that I used to scare my older sister with.”

(Me too.)

One of the most successful movie franchises of all time, the “Friday the 13th” films enjoy year-round

popularity. With storylines that have taken the Jason character to camp, a showdown with horror arch-nemesis Freddy Krueger (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”), even outer space to wreak havoc, all 12 movies (including the reboot) remain as popular as ever — especially on Friday the 13th.

“I have an appearance in Worcester, Massachusetts, for a half-horror, half-heavy metal convention called ‘Rock N’ Shock,’” said Mears who says he enjoys attending fan conventions when duty, and work, calls.

“The horror conventions are a blast. My appearance schedule varies according to my filming schedule.”

Mears will also discuss his famous role in the Oct. 20 episode of the Horny 4 Horror podcast, created in

www.kcsteakhouse.net

COURTESY OF DEREK MEARS

Derek Mears as Jason Voorhees in the 2009 movie reboot of “Friday the 13th.”

part by fellow Bakersfield performer Adam McCabe.

And while it may be that time of year and this Friday was the second unlucky day this year (along with Jan. 13), don’t think Mears’ career has been stranded at Camp Crystal Lake since 2009. He’s continued to be cast in acting roles of every kind from TV to the big screen.

Mears said you can catch him in “#FromJennifer,” an experimental dark comedy that was shot all on GoPros, which just came out on video on demand. He also played a tough guy who squared off against the Bad Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) in the new “Twin Peaks: The Return” series and has upcoming guest star spots on Seth McFarlane’s “Orville” and “Marvel’s Agents of Shield.”

And if you’d like to see something really cool and gory, check out Slayer’s music video for “Repentless.”

In the video, Mears and a host of other actors who’ve portrayed horror icons go at in an all-out prison riot as the band rocks on.

According to a Tweet from the official “Friday the 13th News” Twitter account (@F13Franchise) in April, no plans for another horror sequel will be discussed, if any, until 2019.

Would Mears be ready to don the hockey mask again? My bet is yes, but you never know.

He said he hasn’t heard any whispers of a possible return for another swing

of the blade but is always looking forward to the next role.

“My job is to tell stories. I always Mears want people to remember the character and not me.”

Before departing, our man in Hollywood sends his best to Bako: “Thank you for the constant love and support.”

MATT’S PICKS Rayford Brothers and Muleskinner Revival, 10 p.m. Friday, Rustic Rail, 147 E. Norris Road. Free.

393-0456.

In the spirit of the season, Orange County rockabilly trio the Rayford Brothers will transform themselves into what? The Rocking Dead, of course! Primed to rock one of the coolest dives in Oildale, the Rustic Rail, fans can enjoy some chunka-chunka, tombstone-rattling rhythms with their favorite ghoul by your side. The Rayford Brothers have become semi-regular visitors around these parts, and on behalf of the local rockabilly greaser, hot rod contingent — welcome back.

Also appearing are Bako’s own Muleskinner Revival.

The Get Down Art Show 6, 6:30 p.m. Friday, No Image Photography, 4040 Easton Drive. Free.

Please see LOWDOWN | 23

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BY KELLY ARDIS kardis@bakersfield.com

N

o one is happier than the trees when it rains in Bakersfield, but it’s safe to say that the folks at the Tree Foundation of Kern are a close second.

With the amount of rain the town got earlier this year, the foundation can finally get back in its normal tree-planting swing of things, and to help its members with that noble task is its annual A Toast to Trees fundraiser on Friday.

“After five years of drought, now we had all that rain,” said Melissa Iger, executive director of the foundation. “We want to plant a ton, and now we can.”

Though the foundation still planted during the drought — choosing trees that thrive in a dry climate instead of ones that demand more water — it didn’t do so without some criticism from people confused about why they were planting trees during a drought. But fear not, because these tree experts know what they’re doing and will continue to plant trees best suited to the county’s climate.

“Now is our time to come back and do what we do best!” Iger said.

For that, though, the foundation will need some

A TOAST TO TREES When: 6 p.m. Friday Where: Junior League of Bakersfield, 1928 19th St. Admission: $65, $120 per couple Information/tickets: urbanforest.org or 323-8733

help. That’s where A Toast to Trees comes in. It will be an evening of dinner, drinks, a silent auction and, naturally, trees.

“Come and celebrate the fall, the cooler weather and tree-planting season,” Iger said of the event.

Dinner will be catered by chef John McFee, who will prepare a roast pork tenderloin, ratatouille, potatoes with gruyere, salad with goat cheese and a sweet potato creme brulee. Guests can also enjoy an herbal lemonade with vodka, and there will also be beer and wine.

One lucky guest will win a one-of-a-kind cocktail in the drink auction. Iger didn’t know what the chef plans to whip up for the auction, but last year’s was a bourbon and bacon drink that went for $50, she said.

There will also be a 50/50 drawing and “Treevia,” a fun but challenging quiz on tree facts. During the “wine

grab,” guests can pay $20 to choose a mystery bag of wine. Each one is worth at least the price guests pay in, but some will be worth more.

A silent auction will include a John Deere wagon, a tailgating kit in Bakersfield College Renegade colors and a succulent garden from Bolles Nursery Landscape. Artwork donated by local artists for the “Trees in Art” portion of the event will also be up for auction.

Two of the contributing artists are Linda Brown and Eric Bartlett. Iger called Bartlett’s ink work “incredible” and said Brown is a detail-oriented artist.

“She’s amazing,” Iger said of Brown. “She sees trees from a kind of cellular level. When you see (her work), there’s always a lot of detail in the trees and the background.”

A Toast to Trees is the foundation’s main fundraiser and last year’s raised $14,000. All proceeds from the event stay in Kern County and go toward planting trees, educational programs and operational expenses for the foundation, whose membership is made up of tree lovers from all walks of life, Iger said.

“Trees strike a note with a lot of people,” she said.

Most people “grew up with Please see TREES | 25

Female Motorhead tribute act Motorbabe will perform Friday at Sandrini’s.

COURTESY OF HEAVY VINYL

Bakersfield rock duo Heavy Vinyl will perform during the Get Down Art Show 6 at Project Oh! Studio on Friday.

show, underscore rock.

A killer collaboration

The Almond Conference is a

between some of Bakersfield’s best hard-rocking, original acts: Niner Niner and Jesus Christ Muscle Car, both of which will melt faces as you swig your favorite craft beer.

Throw in two equally killer tribute acts: Ramones-style rockers The Cretins and Motorbabe, an all-female Motorhead tribute, and you have the perfect pre-Halloween smash up.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

DECEMBER

must-attend 5-7 event for anyone in the

2017

Foundation takes a grass-roots approach to community support

COURTESY OF MOTORBABE

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2017

COURTESY OF LINDA BROWN

Artist Linda Brown is one of many donating a piece for A Toast to Trees, the annual fundraiser for Tree Foundation of Kern. This painting and other artwork featuring trees will be up for auction at the event, to be held on Friday at the Junior League of Bakersfield.

The team at Project Oh! are always down for some offbeat shenanigans during the Halloween season, and this time around they’ve spared no expense on being eclectic.

Showing off their work this edition will be artists Sammy Moncada, Gabrielle Steiger, Kevin Gardner, Deja Nunez, Tania Feldt, Kenneth Williams, Omar Jacinto, Madeline Romans-Kroll, Patrick Spurlock (El Patron), Daniel Fonseca, Jeremy Gonzalez, Moses Fernandez, Leslie Tellez, Rachael Keene, Albert Vargas (Nimak).

There’s also live music by Heavy Vinyl and The Secret Sauce. Guaranteed not to resemble a peddler’s faire.

Highly recommended.

Motorbabe, Jesus Christ Muscle Car and more, 9 p.m. Friday, Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St. $5. 322-8900.

Although the saying goes “if it’s too loud, you’re too old,” in some instances — like this Sandrini’s show — it’s more like “if it’s too loud, it may be just too loud.”

This is a bonafide rock

Registration is now open!

AlmondConference.com AlmondConference.com Hotel reservations are now open.

The process for booking hotels has changed this year. © 2017 Almond Board of California. All rights reserved.

speakers and industry experts

FREE TO ATTEND

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 26, 2017

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THE LOWDOWN

Scare up some fresh tunes this Halloween

B

efore you buy one of those horrid Halloween compilation CDs featuring generic re-recorded hits, have you considered looking in your own library first? You really should. Outside of the classics — “Monster Mash”

by Bobby Boris Pickett and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” — the best All Hallows’ Eve party soundtrack is curated directly from your crypt.

Here are some song suggestions, all of which can be streamed and or downloaded from your favorite digital service: “Let’s Hang Together,” Twin Temple: One of the most “killer” acts to hit the Los Angeles underground in some time has a sound that’s both soulful, horn heavy and dark, with arrangements so groovy they’d make the late Anton LaVey blush. Don’t believe me? Go check out their music videos at YouTube to see what I mean. Bless yourselves and expect a live Bakersfield booking soon. Download at iTunes or twintemple.bandcamp. com.

“Grey Matter,” Oingo Boingo: There is no such thing as Halloween without the music of Oingo Boingo.

Normally I’d include “Dead Man’s Party,” but, for me, this track pulled from the band’s 1982’s classic “Nothing To Fear” is appropriate given our very scary and comedic political climate.

“I Put a Spell On You,” Screamin’ Jay Hawkins: Before Alice Cooper, blues howler Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was rolling out some of the best graveyard rhythm and blues of all time. Rising from his onstage coffin

COURTESY OF THE SOUL CHANCE

PHOTO BY HARRY EELMAN

SoCal doo-wop goth and soul outfit Twin Temple is the perfect new addition to your Halloween party playlist.

during live shows, his amazing catalog of music is underrated. Covered by everyone from Creedence Clearwater Revival to Diamanda Galas, there’s no beating the 1956 original.

“Lon Chaney,” Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra: A killer big band update of the original 1965 single by Sir Lord Comic and The Skatalites, this version also features an appearance by Hepcat vocalist Alex Desert. If Frankenstein and the Wolfman went dancing in the dance halls of Jamaica, this is what they’d be skanking too. Check out the accompanying music video on YouTube.

“Matador,” Los Fabulosos Cadillacs: When

the Latin alternative music craze of the late ‘90s finally reached America, Argentina’s heroes of the genre had already created a stir around the globe with this monster hit. Detailing the hunting down of a revolutionary amid a country in chaos, the mix of infectious Brazilian drums, horns and violently memorable lyrics make it one of the musical sub-genres most referenced hits.

“Ghost Town,” The Specials: Released as a swan song by the iconic British Two Tone ska act, the storyline of this 1981 classic follows the demise of the group’s once, happygo-lucky music and social scene. Violence has overtaken shows, the streets are empty, and “… bands won’t play no more.” Despite the topic, everybody does the obligatory ghost dance when this hits the speakers.

Trick or treat!

IN THE STUDIO WITH THE SOUL CHANCE

www.kcsteakhouse.net

Jamaica’s golden era is alive and skanking in Bakersfield with the addition of The Soul Chance to local sound systems.

An all-star studio group featuring carefully handpicked musicians wellversed in vintage sounds and aesthetics from the ‘60s and ‘70s, The Soul Chance’s brief presence locally has already reverberated far beyond Kern County fol-

Bakersfield classic reggae revivalists The Soul Chance join the wave of productionsavvy artists preserving the sounds of a golden era in Jamaican music. Pictured, from left, are members AJ and Nico Collins.

lowing the debut of its first previous work with his grouping of five singles former group The Soulposted online. steppers, along with The Carefully crafted with an Capsouls, will find The Soul almost obsessive attention Chance as an extension of to detail, the those two projopening rim ects and then shot of drumsome. mer Chris Bor“Collectively, bon on “Give we each have Love a Try” acts written music as a call to genand/or songs tly sway along outside of The to the soulful Soul Chance vocals of Nico and have a Collins. decent basis MATT MUNOZ Group of knowledge FOR THE CALIFORNIAN rhythm guitarfor the process. ist and studio This is great engineer AJ (just AJ) says because that means the finding the perfect musical burden of songwriting isn’t blend requires patience. given to just one person “There’s a particular — we collaborate and all sound, from a certain era, have a part in creating our that I just can’t escape. I’ve sound,” said Collins. been recording off and on For AJ, who oversees the for years with limited nummajority of the studio probers of people, but have cesses, a no stress, no frills finally found a full group attitude suits the group. of people that can recreate “It usually takes about a that particular sound. This week to complete a recordis when The Soul Chance ing, but it can take longer came to be. The name was depending on the availabilcreated by both myself and ity of the members. To date, Nico.” five songs have been writThe influences in Collins ten for this musical project, voice can be heard stradwith more in the works.” dling from both the island Joined by musicians Bidas well as stateside. dhu (lead guitar and bass), “Although (vocalists) Pat trombonist Omar M., Raphi Kelly and Phyllis Dillon are Scorcher on keys, drummer major influences in this Evan Ware and Kris Tiner particular genre, I can’t foron trumpet, AJ plans to get to mention other greats continue expanding the like Whitney Houston and working nature of the projSharon Jones whose vocal ect to include a revolving stylings creep in my head door of musicians in the every now and then when I studio. sing,” she said.

According to AJ, the feedThose familiar with AJ’s back on the group’s initial

releases has fueled some serious interest.

“We’re receiving very positive responses from people all over the globe.

Our songs have been featured on radio stations here in the States, The Reggae Connection KXLU 88.7 FM and Rub-a-Dub Radio WWSP 90 FM, along with Top Five Club on Le Mellotron, a radio broadcast in Paris, France.”

While no plans for a live performance are in the works just yet, AJ says they’re eager to finish up the music for launch, including a 7-inch vinyl.

“Currently, The Soul Chance is solely a studio project. We have plans for a 45 release by the end of the year, followed by a few more single releases in the beginning of the new year.

We’re working with a few independent record labels whose names are to be announced. We all are excited about this project and can’t wait to share the finished product with everyone.”

To listen and stream the group’s music, visit reverbnation.com/thesoulchance, give them a “Like” on Facebook, or follow their latest studio antics on Instagram @thesoulchance.

“The Soul Chance is a collaborative effort, and we all value each other’s input when it comes to decisions for the progression of our music,” said Collins.

I can dig that.

Please see LOWDOWN | 23

Thursday, October 26, 2017 The Bakersfield Californian

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23

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Blast from past on downtown walking tour

BY STEFANI DIAS

WALKING TOUR OF THE BAKERSFIELD TENDERLOIN

sdias@bakersfield.com

W

hile an average Saturday walk downtown could be about grabbing a green tea matcha latte at Cafe Smitten or picking up produce at one of the farmers markets, this one will be different. Put on your walking shoes and join local historian Ken Hooper for a journey into the past exploring Bakersfield’s Tenderloin.

This tour exploring downtown’s east side is modified from one offered in May by Hooper, who is a U.S. history and archiving teacher at Bakersfield High School and president of the Kern County Historical Society.

There will be more information presented in this walk, which should run about an hour and a half with 15 designated stops.

Those stops include the site of the famous 1903 Joss House shootout between City Marshal Jeff Packard and Jim McKinney. McKinney, with the aid of Al

What: Walk with local historian Ken Hooper, who will offer details about historic buildings and their history on a tour of Bakersfield’s red light district When: 10 a.m. Saturday Where: Starts at Five and Dime Antiques, 1400 19th St. Admission: $10, free for Kern County Museum members; tickets at kerncountymuseum. org/events.

Information: 437-3330

COURTESY OF KERN COUNTY MUSEUM

The Joss house on the east side of L Street near 21st Street was the scene of a shootout between outlaws Jim McKinney and Al Hulse and City Marshal Jeff Packard and Deputy Sheriff Will Tibbet. McKinney killed the two lawmen in the famed gun battle.

The house is gone but the modern location will be visited as part of the Walking Tour of the Bakersfield Tenderloin on Saturday, led by local historian Ken Hooper.

Hulse, engaged in the gunbattle that killed Packard and Deputy Sheriff Will Tibbet.

Another stop is Beale Library, part of the legacy of

the generous Truxtun Beale.

Hooper said the man gave Kern County the Beale Memorial Clock Tower in honor of his mother, the Beale Memorial Library in

the honor of his father and Beale Park for the people of Bakersfield.

To honor him, the city of Bakersfield renamed Railroad Avenue Truxtun

Avenue.

The tour also includes the original location of founder Col. Thomas Baker’s “field” that some time later became the redlight district known as the Tenderloin.

According to Hooper, the east side of downtown established its seedier reputation — with shootouts,

gambling and houses of ill repute — in the 1880s.

Efforts to clean it up occurred at various times with the addition of “Gospel missions.”

The city made an effort to clean it up in earnest starting in 1910, he said.

Hooper said he receives many questions during these tours about the longgone Chinese tunnels as well as those that are still under some of the buildings in the core area of downtown.

The tour departs promptly at 10 a.m. from the Five and Dime Antique Mall, 1400 19th St. After burning those calories walking around, attendees can have lunch at the Woolworth Diner, inside the mall.

The diner has its own claim to fame as the only diner in America still operating inside a Woolworth’s in its original condition.

Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @ realstefanidias.

LOWDOWN Continued from PAGE 22

ADAM CAROLLA AT TEMBLOR Temblor Brewing Co. has rolled out quite the comedy lineup this fall, which kicks off with the live recording of “The Adam Carolla Show” podcast on Friday.

His guest will be fellow comedian Jay Mohr.

The event was originally scheduled for tonight, so those who can’t make the show at 8 p.m. can receive refunds.

Tickets are $37.92, which includes service charge. Temblor Brewing is located at 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. For more information call 489-4855 or visit temblorbrewing.com.

MATT’S PICKS Strangelove: The Depeche Mode Experience, 8 p.m.

Friday, B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane. $17. 397-7304.

Missed out on Depeche Mode’s recent string of Hollywood Bowl shows?

Then make plans to catch this amazing tribute to the band.

Expect all the hits, all the memories and, of course, all the dancing you can handle. Also performing is Central California

COURTESY OF OZOMATLI

Acclaimed Latin funk outfit Ozomatli will perform Saturday at Spectrum Amphitheatre as part of the Halloween Fiesta also featuring local band Velorio.

synth/pop duo Personal Computer.

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

Wanna get nuts? Let’s get nuts. If there’s one thing Bakersfield loves, it’s dueling pianos and tribute acts.

Newcomer Disco Sundae — featuring fellow Californian music columnist Cesareo Garasa on drums — promises to “play the hits you love and make you love the songs you hate,” from the era of polyester, platforms and Studio 54-style shenanigans. Also spinning at the breaks is DJ Josex.

Halloween Fiesta with Ozomatli, 5 p.m. Saturday, Spectrum Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway.

$15-$75 plus service charge; tickets at axs.com.

Named after the Aztec god of dance, these Los Angeles Latin funk maestros continue to spread their infectious message of unity and ritmos with the same fierceness they’ve always had.

The group’s latest album, “Non-Stop: Mexico To Jamaica,” features a collection of reimagined Latin classics by Selena, Los Tigres del Norte and more done in a Jamaican style. Also appearing is Bakersfield’s very own Velorio, who just released its longawaited new single “Tus Labios,” produced by Ozomatli bassist Wil-Dog Abers.

Highly recommended.

Kern County Fairgrounds • 21 + Only Gates Open at 11 AM • Music starts at 12 Noon

• The Angry Brians • Whiskey Galore • BlackEyed Dempseys • The Ploughboys • Whiskey & Stitches • Banshee in the Kitchen Food • Vendors • Lawn Games Whiskey Tasting

www.kernscot.org Sponsored by

General Admission: Presale $50, At the Gate $55 (Includes 2 Free Beers)

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 9, 2017

EYE

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THE LOWDOWN

Zany brings bipartisan skewering, more to Fox W hat’s a comedian to do during a stormy political period? Go deep, or go light to avoid a potential backlash?

For comedian and “The Bob and Tom Show” regular Bob Zany, who will perform Saturday at the Fox Theater, fear of politics is not part of any equation. You either do it, or don’t.

“So many comics are COURTESY OF BOB ZANY doing it, that’s it’s almost hack,” said Zany during a Comedian Bob Zany will recent interview. “I’m from perform Saturday at the the Johnny Carson school Fox Theater. of comedy, go after both sides of the aisles. I tell my audience take me where audience, ‘I’m not here to they take me. Think ‘old change your school meets opinion, but new school’ to laugh at it.’ with a ‘back to I feel a joke is school’ chaser!” a joke. On my For fans weekly ‘Zany wishing to gift Report,’ I cited the comedian Rosie O’Donwith a box of nell who says 90 cigars at the percent of the show, Zany MATT MUNOZ time she ‘hate made his wish FOR THE CALIFORNIAN tweets’ Donald list surprisingly Trump. I guess Cuban-free. the other is for diet and “A very fine cigar, a Dutch exercise?”

Master, available at your Ouch.

Walgreens!”

Holding his trademark ciThis guy. gar, Zany pulls no punches Saturday’s showtime is onstage, on radio or his 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 to podcast, “The Bob Zany $30 plus service charge and Show with Erin O’Concan be purchased at the Fox nor.” With more than 100 box office, 2001 H St. or valepisodes under his belt, litix.com. A portion of the Zany jumps from topic to proceeds will go to Armed interview welcoming guests Forces Support Foundation yanked from his decades in helping Kern County veterthe industry. ans. More info at bobzany.

“There’s a saying in radio, com. ‘save it for the air’ and that’s KRAB ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS the beauty of podcasts. It Tickets are now on sale picks up the good, the bad for the annual Krab Acousand the ‘Bay-Bee.’” tic Christmas returning to But for all the new enthe Fox Theater on Dec. 14. deavors, Zany will be forThis year’s lineup features ever linked to his longtime a mash-up of the latest uprelationship with “The Bob and-coming acts plucked & Tom Show.” Following an directly from the station’s appearance in 1984, Zany working playlist: Joywave, was invited back again and Dreamers, Welshly Arms, again, until he became a The Academic, Barns Courtpermanent fixture on the ney and Brother Sundance. show for 18 years.

If those names don’t sound “Being from the Midwest, that familiar, don’t worry. they have the ability to conOne of the goals of these cunect with an audience and rated holiday shindigs is to the audience would like to introduce listeners to break hang with them and have a new acts currently making beer. They also have made the rounds and possibly more comedians stars sway listener habits. through their support. I’m Case in point: Noticeably very grateful.” absent are Huntington As much as Bakersfield Beach reggae bros Dirty loves “The Bob & Tom Heads. Could it be that the Show,” Zany is equally Cali reggae roots fanbase adored. is losing its steam in Ba“I’m hoping funny. My kersfield? Doubtful, we’re act has a beginning and an in California, but with the end. In the middle I let the new wave of indie rock and

electro experimentalists arriving stateside from as far as Mullingar, Ireland — home of indie pop gents The Academic — it’s clear radio programmers are once again extending their talent search outside the confines of Sublime, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters.

And that is a good thing.

Put in a YouTube search for the acts in the lineup and give some of these new acts a listen or two. I really like the indietronica geekiness of Joywave from New York, and the folk rock of Barns Courtney from the UK. Suggestion: Given that this batch of acts are (possibly) reflective of area tastes, why not add in Bakersfield bands Hate Drugs and Western Medicine to the lineup? I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’.

Ticket prices are $5 to $15 plus service fee, and can be purchased online at ticketfly.com or at the Fox Theater box office, 2001 H St. For more information, visit thebakersfieldfox.com or call 324-1369.

PHOTO BY MARY ELLEN MATTHEWS

Tickets are now on sale for the annual KRAB Acoustic Christmas show at the Fox Theater on Dec. 14, featuring indie rockers Joywave and more.

to remember Magic 98 FM during the ‘80s in Kern County will definitely have some flashbacks while listening. I sure did. You can tune to KTOX 98.1 FM on your radio dial or online at ktox.com.

MATT’S PICKS

KTOX Speaking of radio, a random text from Bakersfield graphic designer and fellow music fan Eric Duhart led me to quickly tune my radio to 98.1 FM KTOX and check out what was playing. I couldn’t believe my ears. It was music by The Smiths, Psychedelic Furs, Wall of Voodoo, Joywave (!), The B-52s (from the eighties), Fugazi, Portugal. The Man, They Might Be Giants, Dead Kennedys, Kasabian and more.

Following my initial shock and further research, I found it was not another pirate radio station as I suspected, but in fact a real, terrestrial radio station broadcasting out of Wofford Heights.

Reception is spotty at times depending on your location, but for the most part you can listen anywhere in Kern County or stream online for crystal clear digital.

Steve Rubin, owner of Rubin Broadcasting who also has a history in the radio business, responded to my Facebook message inquiry and granted me a brief interview over email about the station and to no surprise, it was quite weird: TBC: How long did it take you to get it off the ground?

When did you go live?

PHOTO BY RAY TAMARRA

Rapper Murs will perform Friday at B Ryder’s.

Rubin: Once we figured out the combination to the gate, only a few minutes.

We had to hike a quarter-mile in the snow with a bunch of equipment. We made the cat lady carry the transmitter.

TBC: Who are the masterminds behind KTOX? Rubin: A few wacky guys, a brown chihuahua that showed up at the station one day, and some crazy cat lady.

TBC: Do people automatically think you’re a pirate station?

Rubin: No, we usually need to inform them we are.

TBC: Your playlist is across the board, many of the ‘80s hits are some pretty good deep cuts. Who curates the list?

Rubin: One of the guys used to work for KROQ in the ‘80s and stole a bunch of records. The rest we got a good deal on at Goodwill.

TBC: What genres do you play? What will you not play?

Rubin: We don’t play Barbra Streisand. She did some bad things to us once. We’re thinking of switching to an all 432 hz format.

TBC: Any plans for any radio personalities?

Rubin:: I have lots of plans for radio personalities. I am not sure how they feel about us though. Most of them just don’t call us back.

TBC: I can hear the station pretty clear in my car in East Bakersfield. How strong is the signal?

Rubin: You probably have light bulbs in your house that use more power.

TBC: What kind of responses are you getting?

Rubin: I hear we are big with the guys at the Delano prison. I get some interesting fan mail.

TBC: Any advertisers yet?

Rubin: We’re commercial free … until we aren’t.

TBC: Any plans to play any unsigned music? Bakersfield bands?

Rubin: We are only playing unsigned bands from Shafter, Onyx and Woody.

We might consider new artists from Bodfish.

TBC: How can people get in touch with you?

Rubin: Facebook is the best way or email info@ ktox.com. We take requests.

Those old school enough

Petty or Not, 7 p.m. today, The Mark, 1623 19th St. $10.

322-7665.

Those still mourning the recent passing of Tom Petty will find comfort at this tribute to one of American music’s greatest songwriters. Lead vocalist and guitarist Erik Szabo has the voice, hair and scruffy look of the late Tom Petty plus a healthy selection of songs pulled from Petty’s discography. Add in a solid backing band and you have a sweet pre-weekend, singalong rager with the mates in the heart of downtown.

Murs, 8 p.m. Friday, B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane. $16 (plus service fee). 397-7304.

When SoCal underground rap legend Murs hits the stage, fans are ready to chant along with every verse. Born Nicholas Carter in South Central Los Angeles, he adopted the stage name as an acronym with multiple meanings including “Making the Universe Recognize and Submit.” Bobbing and weaving through a number of respected groups such as Living Legends and others, his collaborations are fan favorites. Search YouTube for one of his 2008 visits to Fishlips in downtown Bakersfield. Highly recommended.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

Editor: Stefani Dias • Phone: 395-7488 • Email: sdias@bakersfield.com • Online: Bakersfield.com/Entertainment

T h u r s day,

N ov e m b e r

23,

D1

2017

EYE STREET LOWDOWN

PHOTO BY SHELBY BARNEY

Western Medicine — from left: Jeremy Uphoff, Ryan Vaughn, Cody Schneider, Clarissa Bjork, Kody Bjork, Grant Burich, Emile Antonell — will play Sandrini’s Public House on Friday.

A dose of Medicine is good for what ails you

I

t’s always promising to hear young musicians cite the blues as a gateway influence.

For Bakersfield collective Western Medicine, it was the tradition of American roots that also helped take the group from power duo to a seven-piece cavalcade of bluesy rock bursting at the seams.

In preparation of their upcoming show Friday at Sandrini’s, co-founder and lead vocalist Emile Antonell hopes local music fans will roll through with an open mind, along with a few spare ducats at the door.

“I don’t want to get in trouble here, but I think Bakersfield is way too stuck on the ‘play something I know’ track.

There are a lot of really wonderful songwriters around here with their own unique styles. If you give them a chance, I think you can find a lot that you would really enjoy.”

MATT MUNOZ Let’s back up to 2011 FOR THE CALIFORNIAN when Antonell and drummer Grant Burich first hit the scene as a duo generating buzz as well as comparisons to The Black Keys before adding original bassist Kody Bjork two years later. As with most young bands, formative influences will be heard threaded into any blossoming sound.

“Having started as a duo, the heavy blues sound, popularized by The Black Keys, came so naturally but our goal was always to continue to grow. Everything was constantly changing as Emile’s songwriting was maturing,” said Burich.

The group’s cohesiveness help set off a flurry of creativity within the group. Self-produced, original recordings including an EP, “Just A Spoonful,” promotional video shorts documenting the trio’s antics around Kern County, an audition for NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concert” and more. But as with most creative types, growth is inevitable when your initial vision demands room to expand.

“It got to the point where we had to either strip the songs down to be played as a trio, or add more members and commit to our own evolution,” said Burich. “We were constantly expanding our sound, but it got to the point we couldn’t grow without adding more players.”

And they did, enlisting Cody Schneider on bass, moving Kody to guitar; Ryan Vaughn on keyboards; and Clarissa Bjork and Jeremy Uphoff on backing vocals, all in 2017.

“We had met Cody when we say him play with Daies At Night and were blown away by his skills on bass,” recalled Antonell. “He was the first person I went to when we decided to transition Kody over to guitar. We got lucky with Clarissa, because she was married to Kody so she didn’t really have a choice when we asked her to sing backup for us. Ryan came highly recommended Please see LOWDOWN | D2

COURTESY OF ADAM REED

This cute creature featured in “Reindeer in Here” is an alternative to another year of Elf on the Shelf.

Want to shelf the elf?

Reindeer in Here ready to be your new holiday tradition

BY STEFANI DIAS sdias@bakersfield.com

In what should be a joyous holiday season, few things bring more dread to parents than the Elf on the Shelf. Keeping up the popular holiday tradition is often additional work and stress for maxed-out families. But a Bakersfield native has an adorable alternative ready just in time for Christmas: Reindeer in Here.

Adam Reed, a television producer turned children’s author, came up with the idea two years ago when looking to start a tradition with his daughter, Peyton, who was set to celebrate her first birthday.

Looking into the elf, which parents must move each night to mimic its mischievous nocturnal activities, Reed said he wasn’t a fan.

“I saw how negative and creepy it was. There was no way in the world I was going to start that tradition with her.”

Luckily, he had some ideas. Along with producing TV shows such as “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” and “Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars,” Reed was also a children’s author, having penned “Bee in the Sea” in 2015, which won Purple Dragonfly and Royal Dragonfly Book awards and was nominated for a Next Generation Indie Book Award.

He started brainstorming for a “brandable” character that represented the holiday season and was more approachable than an elf. Thus was born Reindeer in Here.

The story’s concept is akin to the popular elf tradition — Santa sends an emissary to check in on the child — but that’s where the similarities end.

Instead of a troublemaking elf that must be moved by Mom or Dad each night, a plush reindeer sticks by the

COURTESY OF ADAM REED

Dad and children’s author Adam Reed came up with a less taxing alternative for holiday fun, creating Reindeer in Here for daughter Payton and other harried families.

HOW TO BUY

SHELF THE ELF

“Reindeer in Here” will be available on Black Friday exclusively through Amazon (amazon.com/dp/ B0769KQ6N4). It retails for $24.99.

For more information on the book and Reed, visit reindeerinhere.com.

Facing off with Reindeer’s biggest competition, Adam Reed started a #ShelfTheElf campaign to encourage parents to give the tradition the boot. He created the website ShelfTheElf.com and is holding a contest for people posting photos of shelving the elf in which they can win a copy of his book and plush.

child’s side, learning about its young companion and sharing those details with Santa via nightly letters.

“In creating the story, I wanted to have something that the child could bond with. It spends the entire month of December with them.”

Even the animal’s design was intentional, with one antler smaller than the other.

“I wanted him to stand out. Rudolph stood out because he had a red nose.”

In testing the product, Reed sent out many book-and-plush sets to bloggers and reviewers, receiving positive feedback about how the reindeer’s difference supports a message of inclusiveness.

Please see REINDEER | D2

‘Coco’ puts a fresh face on the dependable formula

BY STEPHANIE MERRY The Washington Post

Pixar is already being rewarded for its inclusivity on “Coco,” the studio’s 19th film. The story takes place in Mexico, and when the movie debuted there late last month, it quickly became the country’s highest-grossing film of all time.

A strong sense of place isn’t the only appeal, though. The animated celebration of Mexican culture and traditions, Reviews of the directed by Lee Unkrich films “Lady Bird” and Adrian Molina, is and “Roman J. also darkly funny, imagIsrael, Esq.” are on inative and, of course, Page D11 deeply poignant. No studio knows how to elicit a big cathartic sob quite like Pixar.

Despite a slow start overflowing with exposition about the meaning of Día de los Muertos — the

INSIDE

Please see ‘COCO’ | D8

In “Coco,” Miguel’s love of music ultimately leads him to the Land of the Dead where he teams up with charming trickster Hector.

WALT DISNEY PICTURESPIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS

D2

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 23, 2017

EYE

REINDEER

Continued from PAGE D1

“It’s unique and special to show them they can be. ...

A physical difference, a personality difference, it’s very special to be different.”

The 41-year-old said building a career in television while also hanging onto his hometown roots — mom

Patti and other family still live in Bakersfield — helped prepare him for this creative opportunity.

“It’s very strange for me in a way. I’ll always be a smalltown boy.”

Based on the overwhelming response on the website (reindeerinhere.com) and Facebook page, Reed decided to launch Reindeer in Here for the 2017 holiday

season. With a newborn son and a full work schedule, Reed finalized the book and illustrations about six months ago and self-published it.

In order to avoid having to ship the units himself, he secured a deal with Amazon to distribute. Reindeer in Here will be available to the public the morning of Black Friday on the website. Folks who

sign up for the mailing list on the Reindeer website will be notified by this afternoon what time the product will go live on amazon.com.

After this limited run, Reed said his goal is to go mass market, getting the product into stores by next Christmas.

Along with more projects for his production company Thinkfactory Media — in-

cluding the A&E Network special “Dog and Beth: Fight of Their Lives,” about famous bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman and his wife Beth’s battle with throat cancer, airing Monday — Reed is cooking up more children’s book ideas and managing the Reindeer social media (with help from an assistant).

“I feel like I have two

STR E E T

full-time jobs. I’m doing it all. Luckily our newborn is sleeping through the night.”

“I’ve already got the sequel ready for this. Four other brandable characters. I’m building this brand as big as possible. Everything else will fall in line after that.”

Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @realstefanidias.

LOWDOWN Continued from PAGE D1

by (Bakersfield musician) Tony Rinaldi. Tony knew that our styles would work really well together and he was right. We didn’t even have to audition any other keyboard players. Jeremy just came out of the ether one day, he might just be a figment of our imagination.”

It’s not easy adapting to such sudden growth in any creative workspace, but let’s just call this fate.

“I just think that I personally am looking forward to the songwriting process as a band, jamming and growing,” said Vaughn. “Working on more complex arrangements. We’re still learning some of the old songs, so we haven’t really had a chance to dig into that yet.”

And while delegating and sharing creative direction among six bandmates may sound like a challenge, Antonell sounds to be adjusting to his collaborative role.

“We came in with 30 songs that the new members had to find their own space in, on top of learning the overall structure. I’ve got at least three new songs that I can’t wait to see how everyone will put their own stamp on them. I don’t think we have a set direction artistically that we are shooting for right now. Especially with the way I like to write. I like to have good lyrics and a solid frame of a song, then I bring it to the group and kind of say ‘What would you do with this?’ It leaves the direction for every song very

COURTESY OF MEMBERS ONLY COURTESY OF TOMMY STINSON

Tickets are currently on sale for a Nov. 29 acoustic show in Bakersfield featuring former Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson, right, and guitarist Chip Roberts.

open-ended, and I love to see what they come up with outside the lines.”

With an already healthy back catalog of originals, where is the band headed musically? Members weighed in on some songs.

Schneider on “The Fence”: “A great example of the new fuller sound and the direction that the band is going in. With a more complex arrangement and subtle highlight points for everyone in the group while sticking to a solid groove.”

Burich on “Hold On”: “Mixing the old sound with the new sound, and showing our love of poppy sing-along hooks. There weren’t really any of those style of songs before.”

Vaughn on “Miss Davis”: “One of the oldest songs, but that’s also why we love it. It was one that started out shaky because of the way

www.readingcinemasus.com

everyone approached it as an already established song.

After some time with it, it really became a great opportunity to showcase the way everyone has found their own creative voice inside the space of the old songs.

They are Emile’s songs, but everyone else works within the framework while still allowing us to be creative in our own ways.”

It will be interesting to the see the group snuggled up tightly on the tiny stage downstairs at Sandrini’s where the current lineup made its debut this year.

“It might not have been the biggest crowd, but it was a crowd that came out for us.

It was pretty momentous after taking a six-month hiatus for the expansion,” recalled Antonell.

“At both shows that we have played, there has been one random drunk guy who has screamed out my name.

Not the same guy either,” said Vaughn.

Win. Friday’s show kicks off at 9 p.m. Admission is $5. Also appearing is Crime Bison from Bakersfield and North

By North from Chicago.

Sandrini’s Public House is located at 1918 Eye St. For more information, call 322-8900.

For more on Western Medicine, visit westernmedicinemusic.com.

TOMMY STINSON Tickets are currently onsale for Tommy Stinson’s “Cowboys In The Campfire” coming to Bakersfield as part of the El Conquistador Music Experience house show series on Nov. 29.

Stinson is a founding member of influential Minneapolis rock band The Replacements — which included his late brother, Bob, drummer Chris Mars and vocalist Paul Westerberg — that was one of the 1980s’ most exciting acts. Amazing songwriters, uncontrollable on and

Eighties music tribute Members Only will perform Saturday at Elements Venue. Pictured from left: Joey Romley, Kyle Whitaker and Therese Muller.

offstage, complete with all the conflicts, triumphs and sadness you’d expect from a band this good. They were even banned from “Saturday Night Live” for cursing (they filled in for The Pointer Sisters that night).

After a solid run as both a critic and fan favorite, the band finally parted ways in 2001. Following a few brief reunions and a variety of mixed projects, Stinson would also tour as bassist for Guns N’ Roses from 1998 to 2016. Today, Stinson continues performing and touring, making time for appearances with his post-Replacements mates Bash & Pop, and currently hitting the road with compadre Chip Roberts. Just two guys and their guitars, playing songs and telling wild stories.

Should you be excited? AbCOURTESY OF BANDREW JACKSON solutely. Go back and listen Nineties music tribute band Bandrew Jackson will perform to The Replacements’ “Tim” Saturday at Sandrini’s Public House. and “Let It Be.” Tickets are $20, $30 and $50 (plus service charges) act spares no expense when lucky (or not, depending and can be purchased at it comes to over-the-top, on your mood). Fronted by eventbrite.com. Following onstage shenanigans. The Bakersfield singer-songwrityour confirmed purchase, band features some of Bako’s er-gone-thespian Alex Mitts, ticket holders will be most seasoned musicians the quartet originally formed emailed the concert location from the local scene and for the musical production a day before the show. Doors never disappoints. Suggested of “Bloody Bloody Andrew open at 6:30 p.m. Showattire: lots of Madonna lace, Jackson” at The Empty Space time at 7:30 p.m. Seating is teased hair doused in Aqua in 2015. If you get a chance, limited. Food and drink is Net (pink can, of course), go check out clips of some included with admission.

Choose Life and Frankie Say of those performances on For more information, visit Relax T shirts, Polo cologne, YouTube. elconquistadormusic.com or neon colors, checkered Vans It’s unclear exactly what call 477-6208. and a single Michael Jackson their club set list is comglove if you’re really feelin’ it. prised of, but when a band DUELING TRIBUTES Doors open at 8 p.m. Adof any kind survives the Not one, but two musical mission is $10 in advance, two-year mark, they usually tributes to the decades that $15 at the door, $20 for VIP, end up sounding pretty were will face off on Saturday includes reserved seat and a good. According to their at two popular central Batotally awesome taco plate.

Facebook page bio, the kersfield venues perfect for Elements Venue is located group is a “four-piece cover working off holiday gluttony. at 3401 Chester Ave. at the band playing your favorites Just a stone’s throw from Ice House. For more inforfrom the ‘90s, with some ‘80s Garces Circle, totally radical mation and tickets, visit and early 2000s thrown in ‘80s tribute Members Only eventbrite.com or call 301for good measure.” On that will bring all the excess and 4681. You can also visit the note, I call this tribute chaldebauchery of new wave band at membersonlyrocks. lenge a tie. direct from the Reagan era com.

Showtime is 9 p.m. Admisto Elements Venue. Pulling Downstairs in the heart of sion is $5. Also appearing is all the classics by The Cure, downtown at Sandrini’s, ‘90s Ex-Tomboys. Sandrini’s is Madonna, Devo, Tears For tribute Bandrew Jackson will located at 1918 Eye St. For Fears, Cyndi Lauper, Duran present a millennial musical more information, call 322Duran, The B-52s, Michael banquet of rock, pop and 8900 or visit facebook.com/ Jackson and many more, this quite possibly emo if you’re bandrewjackson.

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22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 7, 2017

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THE LOWDOWN

Versatile drummer in pocket all over town

N

eed a beat? Call Dom Miller.

Already an established purveyor of technical rhythms and in-the-pocket, tightly metered good times among the local band circuit, he also has a reputation as one of the scene’s most gifted young talents.

From rhythm and blues to jazz, Jamaica ska to reggae, funk, hip-hop, rock and everything in between, chances are you may have been caught up in one of Miller’s simmering grooves on any given night around town.

If you haven’t, mark my words you will soon. But first, an introduction to the 25-year-old drummer.

“I was that kid always making beats and grooves on walls, desks, pots and pans and car dashes,” Miller said. “Anything that can make noise I hit it and made music on it. I used to carry my sticks with me everywhere, so I remember banging on shopping carts at the grocery store. I don’t know how my mother could stand me playing drums for hours at times.

But I am thankful she didn’t always make me stop drumming.”

We are too. Thanks, Mom.

COURTESY OF DOM MILLER

From rhythm and blues to jazz, Jamaica ska to reggae, funk, hip-hop, rock and everything in between, Bakersfield musician Dom Miller can play it.

“I was in the marching band, concert/symphonic band and jazz band all four years at West High. I was also the fill-in drummer for the choir concerts. That was a fun experience in high school.”

Currently enrolled at Bakersfield College, Miller’s entrance into the local ranks was banging away for now-defunct, local ska band Kaptain Krunch and the Cereal Killers (one of the best band names ever),

but always keeping one foot in training as a member of Drum Corps International (DCI) groups the Bluecoats (Canton, Ohio) and Pacific Crest (Diamond Bar). Both groups offered an intense playing regiment meant to develop an almost military-like discipline in a young musician. For Miller, that also helped expand his already curious musical palate.

“I appreciate all genres of music for various things,

but I enjoy anything with a great backbeat. So, most music I listen to is ska/ reggae, funk and rhythm and blues. I love to listen to salsa and Latin music; I like the rhythms and appreciate the percussion. I also like to listen to trap music and hip-hop from time to time.”

Among other groups in Miller’s ever-growing resume are Pocket, The Lift and Bako ska reggae titans The Easy In (his current gig), but he also makes himself available whenever duty calls, most recently sitting in with the dueling pianos performers at the Padre Hotel. But wait, there’s more.

“Believe it or not, I was in a country band called “Cowboy Calvin and the You Ain’t Ready Band.”

We believe you.

In addition to bandstands, you can also find Miller layering accompanying beats with live drums onstage with local DJ Chuck1 around town.

“Chuck and I started doing this project officially around 2016. It started with me asking to play on one of his sets at The Mothership DJ night and he was playing hit after hit. We exchanged numbers and started to communicate about dif-

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COURTESY OF DAVID PARMLEY

Acclaimed bluegrass musician David Parmley, center, and his group, Cardinal Tradition, will headline the Great 48 Bluegrass Jam, Jan. 11 through 14 at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center.

ferent ideas and played a so whenever I can make couple benefit shows. Then another person happy it I got asked to play on his makes me happy. Being ‘in Friday night gig downtown the pocket’ is where I long and it was a to be, so I try to good time, so stay there and we decided make it funky to make it a for people to thing.” feel.”

And why If you’re not? Much like not into the his influences club scene, drummers — you can also including Dencatch Miller MATT MUNOZ nis Chambers, at another his Questlove (The FOR THE CALIFORNIAN favorite venRoots), Dave ues should the Weckl, Steve Gadd and Berspirit move you to roll out nard Purdie — Miller also of bed after a long night. understands the impor“I play the ‘holy drums’ tance of variety at the drum at (Cain Memorial Afrithrone. can Methodist Episcopal) “Playing live is one of the church every Sunday.” best feelings you cannot Amen. replicate with anything GREAT 48-HOUR BLUEGRASS else,” he said. “For me, one JAM of the best feelings I can ever get is looking into the Heads up all local pickers crowd and seeing another and grinners, the Great individual feel the groove 48-Hour Bluegrass Jam and pulse of the music. returns Jan. 11 to 14 to the Whether it is them dancing, Bakersfield Marriott at the toe tapping or bobbing Convention Center. A nontheir head, seeing another stop gathering of all things person feel my drums kickAmericana, with a focus on ing is a beautiful feeling. I enjoy having a good time Please see LOWDOWN | 23

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Thursday, December 7, 2017 The Bakersfield Californian

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23

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Veteran musicians Crank up for good cause

BY RICK KREISER

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CRANKTONES

For The Californian

S

tudio musicians are often known for their lengthy resumes. Even if their names are not familiar, you certainly know the songs they’ve played on. There are literally thousands to choose from — everyone from Aerosmith to ZZ Top, Neil Diamond to Neil Young.

It may not be surprising that the name “the Cranktones” doesn’t ring a bell. Honestly, they don’t really exist — as a band, anyway — except when they get together for a handful of Southern California gigs each year.

And, for the third year they return on Dec. 13 at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace for Christmas with the Cranktones, a benefit concert on behalf of the Kern County Cancer Fund, which provides financial support to local people who’ve been touched by cancer.

Proceeds raised help with medical costs associated with one’s cancer care, including prescriptions, co-pays, deductibles, insurance premiums and COBRA. Over the last three years, the Kern County Cancer Fund has allocated more than $2 million to more than 400 local cancer patients in need.

The unofficial leader of the Cranktones, Carl Verheyen, longtime member of perennial rock legends Supertramp and a favorite guest artist at the Guitar Masters concert series, is excited to bring the group back to Ba-

Presented by Guitar Masters When: Doors open at 5 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 Where: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Admission: Reserved seats $50 (plus fees); available at the Crystal Palace box office or online at vallitix.com Information: guitarmasters. org

SUBMITTED BY RICK KREISER

The Cranktones will get you in the Christmas spirit with a show Dec. 13 at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

kersfield, and particularly to the legendary Crystal Palace.

“We love this town, so it’s never hard to convince the guys to play one more show every year. The fans are so appreciative and into our show. Plus, we get to stay at the Padre and, this year, even play the Palace. What could be better?”

LOWDOWN Continued from PAGE 22

the venerated musical traditions born in the mountainous regions of Appalachia, it’s everything you’d think it is. I’ve attended a number of times and being in a room filled with skilled musicians taking on this genre is a sight and sound to behold — even if you’re not a full-time bluegrass fan. If you do play, show up with your ax (guitar, fiddle, or other stringed instrument of choice), take a seat inside one of the assigned banquet rooms, say hello, and get pickin’. It’s that easy. There are also a number of special concerts to enjoy as well. The kicker? It’s all free to attend. For more information and updates, visit the California Bluegrass Association website at cbaweb.org.

ALLEY ART SHOW Fans of both outsider art and street photography should make plans to catch the “How Dare You!” art show coming Friday to Lucky Club Tattoo in downtown Bakersfield.

According to a news release, the art show will feature photo

COURTESY OF FELIPE ESPARZA

Comedian Felipe Esparza will perform Saturday at the Fox Theater.

prints, limited-edition T-shirts, plus copies of local alt print zines, including the magnificent DIY Alt Lab and “How Dare You!” zines available for purchase. Among the artists displaying their wares will be Zach Hudson, Tobin Yelland and Mike Deye. The evening will also include large-format printing by Acme Sign Company and DJ Josex providing the evening’s soundtrack.

Friday’s show begins at 8 p.m.

Admission is free, all ages admitted. Lucky Club Tattoo is located at 1520 Wall St. next door to Guthrie’s Alley Cat.

MATT’S PICKS Ill Tiempo CD Release Party,

The guys are some of the best musical sidemen in the business, including Jim Cox on keyboards; Chad Wackerman and John Ferraro on drums; Tom Child on bass; and Craig Copeland on guitar and vocals.

“We’ve made it a tradition to invite a special guest to come up to play with us, and we usually keep

8 p.m. Saturday, B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane. $5. 397-7304.

The hyped up, always down to get loco Bakersfield brethren of Ill Tiempo are an unstoppable force around these parts. I don’t think I’ve ever caught the band getting lazy onstage, and there are always pools of spilled beer nearby for you slip, slide, mosh or bounce in.

If that sounds like an environment suited to your weekend party needs, you should make plans to attend this pachanga celebrating the release of the group’s new CD, “Pistolas.” If there’s anybody who deserves copious rounds of congratulatory tequila shots delivered to the stage it’s these guys. Orale. Also performing is For The Record.

Felipe Esparza, 8 p.m. Saturday, at Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $34.50$50 plus service charge. 324-1369.

After being introduced in jokes onstage by his homie, comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, fellow funnyman Felipe Esparza has solidified a reputation as the “I know a dude just like that” friend among his fanbase.

Sharing uncomfortably hilarious stories from his rocky upbringing at home to the present, Esparza’s self-effacing style is

it under wraps. But, I just couldn’t wait to tell everyone that we’ll have the best slide guitarist on the planet, Sonny Landreth, sitting in with the band next week,” Verheyen said.

Verheyen’s Rolodex is enviable, indeed, and it took just one call to get Landreth out from Lafayette, Louisiana, for this year’s

show. Multi-Grammy-nominee Landreth has collaborated with the elite names in guitar over the years — Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Kenny Loggins, Derek Trucks, and the list goes on. It will be like “old-home week” for Landreth and the band, as they’ve traded licks on the world’s biggest stages and are coming together to benefit the Kern County Cancer Fund.

“If you get your best friends together, you might well find the magic,” Landreth muses. “I don’t take opportunities like this for granted, and I’m so happy to be on one of the music’s most important stages and, hopefully, play a small part in making life better for those walking the cancer road.”

Rick Kreiser is the founder of Guitar Masters.

PHOTO BY GERMAN CERVERA

Bakersfield hip-hop rockers Ill Tiempo will celebrate the release of their new CD at BRyder’s Saturday.

delivered so naturally, you might think you’re his therapist. Highly recommended.

KRAB Christmas Show, 5 p.m.

Dec. 14, Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5-$15.

No longer branded an “Acoustic Christmas,” this collection of young talents is but a small sampling of acts currently on cross-country treks rolling through strange cities for brief

stops, sprinkling new sounds into the ears of energetic fans. This year’s lineup includes Joywave, Dreamers, Welshly Arms, Barns Courtney, Brother Sundance and The Academic. Go give each group a preview on YouTube or Spotify, then bring your spare cash for merch and show your support so you can say, “I remember when” come next Grammy season.

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 21, 2017

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THE LOWDOWN

Hate Drugs loves hard work, closes out busy year

T

here are bands that spend time talking, and then there’s Hate

Drugs.

After logging in countless hours over a period of 11 months taking their latest project, “Tsumani Soul II,” from concept to completion, the dream pop quintet is finally ready to celebrate its latest milestone with a party of seismic proportions at World Records’ Dream Theater complex on Dec. 30.

Released in September, “Tsunami Soul II” had already been slowly teased through a series of catchy, self-produced music video singles the band has become known for since forming in 2014. But even after a relatively brief time together it’s easy to see why listeners took hold of the band so quickly: They never stop working.

“It is nonstop,” said David Caploe, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist.

“Even when I’m at work I’m still writing, organizing, and plotting our next steps.

It’s the job I don’t clock out of.”

Quite an appropriate M.O. for a young, working band hoping to find their way into the playlist of listeners and consumers looking for the next buzz band.

“Things are constantly happening,” Caploe said.

“It’s just a matter of keeping up with everything. Needless to say, we don’t go to bed early.”

Joining Caploe is brother Josiah on keyboards; Norman Lee, guitar; Adrian Diaz, drums; and John Irwin IV, bass. That’s five

distinct personalities, each three different times and with their own direction got through halfway the and zest for the creative first two times before we side of life. finally found a process that “It’s pretty democratic,” worked for this album.” said Caploe. “I want to Series filmmaker Keaton create an enviPunch, who ronment that began collaboinspires creativrating with the ity. As the leader band two years of the band I try ago, followed to provoke indithe band like a vidual creativity fly on the wall while directing during and bethe collaboratween sessions. tion. We spend Interspersed a lot of time MATT MUNOZ with interviews talking about FOR THE CALIFORNIAN from fans and everything. We band members, work as a crew, but I’m usu- the result is entertaining ally steering the ship.” and insightful. Each epThat type of diplomatic isode clocks in under 10 leadership is what also minutes. helps make Hate Drugs “It was an idea that had along with all of its moving been floating around beparts, segue into its lattween us and Keaton when est chapter: a full-length we started talking about realbum. cording our first LP, but we “There have definitely had no clue that it would been stormy days. Relation- end up being such a huge ships can be challenging, project.” especially when you are Those unfamiliar with working together so closely. the studio recording proWe have been through a cess will get a nice idea of lot together as a band, and how painstakingly long and have stuck with each other arduous producing a fullthrough some really hard length album can be. In this seasons, all of which have case, members vying for just made us stronger.” creative input and a little Now that we’ve estabcontrol, with engineer Cory lished the group’s brotherly Reyes at the console. bond, let’s get back to the “Having Cory come on story behind the 12-track to produce this album was mini-opus of “Tsunami a big step forward for us as Soul II,” which also ina band as well. He did such cludes a 13-episode Youa great job. We started the Tube video series “Stuck in album last November and The Studio” that chronicles didn’t finish the project unthe band’s adventures while til September of this year. recording.

The documentary captures “This whole project was the entire journey from the a huge learning experience. first day of recording to the Not many people know that final mixes. There were a we started on the album few detours along the way,

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PHOTO BY JAKE TOVAR

Hate Drugs live at Jerry’s Pizza.

to say the least.”

Opening with the brief intro track “Dizzy,” the album sets off into the midtempo gem “On My Own,” and continues through a steady path showcasing the band’s strengths as songwriters with a penchant for timely appeal. With personal lyrics and themes balancing life with everyday musings, it’s dream pop at its indie best: pure and under their own creative control. The band knows its audience, but even more, they know how to create a likable hook in a sub-genre where the “dream” can sometimes make you unintentionally sleepy.

Choice cuts include “On My Own,” “Isotope” and “Oh Well (I Still Think of You).”

“This was the kind of project that was all-consuming. For almost a year it’s all we gave just about every minute of we had into the album. As soon as we got off work, we were in the studio or having meetings till 2 or 3 a.m., maybe get a few hours of sleep then wake up and do it all again.

We were so sleep-deprived and malnourished. There are parts of the blocks of time that are blurry from how tired we were. Some of the songs on the album were written three years ago, so it’s hard to say how much time was put into the project, seeing that it covers such a large timeline.”

The verdict: The strength of “Tsunami Soul II” is how amazing it sounds. Produc-

PHOTO BY JONATHAN COLIN

A scene from Hate Drugs’ documentary “Stuck in the Studio” by Bakersfield filmmaker and longtime collaborator Keaton Punch.

tion is warm with plenty of ear-pleasing elements courtesy of producer Reyes.

I’m drawn to music before lyrics and the band gets really high marks, but for those looking for poetics in their playlists, you’ll also be singing along after a few listens. I really look forward to what the band has planned next.

“We have a lot of big ideas,” said Caploe. “I’m talking years down the road. We have huge plans — it’s just a matter of getting resources and making the right connections.”

And speaking of future plans — which include more new music and a trip to the SXSW music festival in Austin in March — the band would first like all of Bakersfield to join the festivities on Dec. 30. Don’t forget to stop by the group’s merch table to snag some new swag and be the envy of all your friends.

“We just want to say

‘Thank you’ to all of our Bakersfield fans. You guys have given us such a great foundation to build our dream on.”

The band is also asking for fans to bring canned food and warm clothing to be donated to the Mission at Kern County.

Pre-sale tickets for the Dec. 30 all-ages show are available for purchase at World Records for $10 (which also comes with half-off discount towards a physical purchase of “Tsunami Soul II” at the show) or at the door for $15.

Bands Elk Grove, Wee Beasties and Almnc will also perform. World Records Dream Theater is located at 2815 F St. For more information call 325-1982, or visit thehatedrugs.com.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

Thursday, December 28, 2017 The Bakersfield Californian

EY E

21

STRE E T

YEAR IN REVIEW | LOCAL MUSIC

Country heartbeat still going strong; it was a hot year for Hate Drugs, local promoter B

akersfield country had a trio of noteworthy moments by some honest-to-goodness homegrown talent, with two California-themed singles and a strong re-release.

“California,” Celeigh Chapman: Although living in Los Angeles, Bakersfield singer-songwriter Celeigh Chapman represents for her hometown wherever she goes. She released one of this year’s best independent EPs — “The Winner” (produced by John Spiker of Tenacious D), a fivesong collection of West Coast country originals — whose personal lyrics and timely sound was another reminder of how much brilliance can still be found off the beaten radio path.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN COLIN On “California,” Chapman Bakersfield indie rock quintet Hate Drugs. faces her fork in the road in an ode to SoCal/Laurel Canyon country.

“The Other California,” Smokin Armadillos: Bakersfield country fans should remember these local good ol’ boys who of the year at the 2017 Calistruck it big in the ‘90s. Sellfornia Country Awards held ing thousands of copies of earlier this month. their debut EP “Out of the Now if they could all get Burrow” in 1993, they also some local radio play? signed to Curb Records in COURTESY OF TRUXTON MILE 2017 STANDOUTS 1996 for their full-length Truxton Mile announced debut. After parting ways in Hate Drugs: A fantastic its new single, “You’re 2005 for solo projects and full-length release (“TsuRight,” with a clever social family time, the nami Soul media campaign. original ‘Dillos II”) complete lineup returned with a full with a new sinpromotional together in one of few local gle reminiscent DIY marketing venues offering live music, of their years in campaign that chances are you consulted the fray of the included videos with Bakersfield show pronew country and regular moter Patrick “Pat” Spur‘90s. The band engagement lock of Phantom Stranger is in fine form with fans and Inc. for guidance. With a MATT MUNOZ on the track supporters, it tireless and no-nonsense FOR THE CALIFORNIAN that pays tribwas hard to business style, Spurlock ute to our area’s miss the dream has been a (patient) friend hard working, California pop sound and visuals of to countless local and tourlifestyle.

Hate Drugs. But just in case ing bands for some time “You’re Right,” Truxton you haven’t experienced now. He does it all — from Mile: Although it preceded the buzz of this outstanding booking, marketing and both Chapman and the unit of forward-thinking hospitality, to running the ‘Dillos, Bakersfield’s Truxlocal musicians, there was door, stage sound someton Mile also celebrated never a better year than times on the same night, a banner year nurturing 2017 to jump on board. My even releasing the debut their ever-growing fanbase pick for Bakersfield band of CD by local punk ska band on the strength of this the year. Find Hate Drugs The Secret Sauce — stepre-released radio-worthy online at thehatedrugs.com ping up to the plate for single. The sleepy music or catch them Saturday the betterment of the local industry is notorious for at World Records’ Dream music scene this year in a taking its sweet time, so Theater complex for their major way. these Bakersfield/Taft boys release party.

“Tus Labios,” Velorio: took matters into their own Patrick Spurlock/ This Bakersfield Latin alterhands hitting the road and Phantom Stranger Pronative outfit produced a selanding nominations for ductions: If your band riously catchy, mid-tempo band of the year and song needed help getting a show Latin gem showing off

2017

SUBMITTED BY THE CRETINS

Patrick Spurlock, second from left, is also a dedicated local promoter, not only for his band The Cretins but all Bakersfield and visiting acts that pass his way.

some ambitious vocals and contemporary pop arranging with help from Ozomatli bassist Wil-Dog Abers

in the studio. If you were one of the millions who downloaded “Despacito” this year and don’t know

Spanish, “Tus Labios” could easily be added to the same playlist. Available on iTunes and Spotify.

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