15
MAS
JANUARY 6, 2006
Reliving The Beatles in Bakersfield
PHOTOS BY ROGER HORNBACK
The Beagles, from left, Ralph Flores, Greg Mojica, Marty Mojica, and Frank Gutierrez. Below right: From left, Greg Mojica, Gutiérrez, Marty Mojica, and Flores.
MATT MUNOZ Más staff
The local Beagles band is in a league of its own. As Bakersfield’s only tribute to The Beatles, these four fans of Liverpool, England’s favorite sons - John, Paul, George and Ringo - have managed to recapture the essence of their youth and channel it into a musical experience not soon to be forgotten. Performing for a number of large corporate and public events, including The American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s, Brews In The Village, and The 2002 Peace Wing & Ride, The Beagles have proven themselves a hit on the large outdoor stage as well as the intimate surroundings at local watering holes all over town. Formed in 2001, The Beagles started out as a fun project between Bakersfield brothers Marty and Greg Mojica out of their garage. The concept was to experiment with two guitars strumming while singing Beatles favorites in an unplugged musical setting. “In the beginning, me and my brother just jammed to our favorite Beatles songs on acoustic guitars,” said Marty Mojica. “But then we thought it would be cool to add other musicians to complete the group with electric instruments and drums like The Beatles.” Band members recall the racially charged 60s as a stormy time. Different cultures living very separate lives, but despite all the societal unrest, it was The Beatles music that spoke directly to these four young Latinos from Bakersfield. “At that particular time (1964,) there was a lot of racism, but when you heard The Beatles music on the radio, it brought everyone together," says Greg Mojica."It became a common interest to everyone, regardless of race.” Perhaps that’s why the brothers decided to the “British Invasion” in Bakersfield. They recruited vocalist and rhythm guitarist Frank Gutierrez, and drummer Ralph Florez. “We all loved The Beatles so putting together a band like this came naturally,”
said Gutierrez. “Besides, who would’ve ever thought that four Mexicans would be playing Beatles music. It helps us stand out.” Not to be taken lightly on a musical scale, the band admits it’s not as easy as it sounds. “Duplicating the original sound was kind of hard,” says Greg Mojica. “A lot of people take for granted that its simple music. We may not be perfect, but I think we do pretty good job.” Next up was a name. The group decided to dropped the “T” and came up with The Beagles. Added Marty Mojica. “We didn’t want to stray too far from the name.” “Our first gig was at Stramler Park for an East High band booster fund-raiser four years ago,” remembers drummer Florez. “It was a really exciting first show and to see everyone get into it was awesome!” Almost immediately, the brothers Mojica are quick to chime in.
“It brought back memories of being a kid and being a fan of our favorite group,” says Greg Mojica. After their debut in the park, The Beagles found themselves in the middle of “Beaglemania.” And while not exactly aesthetically resembling their musical idols, the four friends occasionally bring out their best Beatle-esque outfits to be worn during shows. “We bring out the Beatle gear for special occasions,” says Florez, “but I’m not wearing a wig,” he adds jokingly. Among faithful supporters are everything from die-hard Beatle fanatics reliving their youth to teenagers who sing-along to every tune. “But our No. 1 fans are our parents,” says Marty Mojica about his and Greg’s mother and father. “They’ve been to just about every show since day one.” Manny Mendez, owner of Bakersfield’s Tam O’Shanter restaurant and nightclub, is quick to sing the praises of his favorite “Fab Four. “These guys (The Beagles,) are unbelievable,” says Mendez. “Close your eyes and you really think you were listening to The Beatles.” Mendez also appreciates their strong fan base. “Beagle fans are such good people,” praises Mendez, “and they show their appreciation in a big way, dancing all night!” Julie Salazar, who books special “themed” boat cruises for The Cruise Port in Bakersfield, fell in love with the band after hearing them at local microbrewery Lengthwise one evening three years ago. “Me and my husband just walked in and heard them performing. What a nice surprise,” she said. The Beagles also change up their nightly sets to include Top-40 fare, which sets well with Salazar, who has
The Beagles are available for any function. Booking Info: Marty Mojica: 661-837-2490 **Cruise To Baja, With The Beagles: Sept. 8-11, 2006: Contact: Julie Salazar at The Cruise Port: 661-324-6910
since booked the band to perform a special “Cruise To Baja, With The Beagles” in September 2006. There, the band will perform during a special beach party for guests. “I love that they play old-school and Mexican music, too,” said Salazar, “They can jump out of Beatles mode anytime they want and that’s perfect for my clients.” Although business has been good, contributing their talents to special causes and fund-raisers remains the band’s priority. “We started out as a band that would perform for benefits to help people and in the process, get the word out about us,” said Florez. “And we’ll still contribute our talent when people need us.” So do The Beagles have a favorite Beatle tune? “She’s A Woman,” says Marty Mojica. “I can sing that all night.” “Penny Lane is my personal favorite,” proclaims Greg Mojica. “Can’t Buy Me Love,” says Gutierrez. One member can’t seem to agree on just one song. “ ‘Twist and Shout’,” said Florez, “and ‘I Saw Her Standing There’. Those two songs make the audience jump to their feet.”