MÚSICA
music lives on The
Feb. 3 marks the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that changed rock 'n' roll, but the music and the musicians behind the hits are as important as ever
By MATT MUNOZ | MÁS staff
Y
ou've heard the song, but do you remember the story? On a cold stormy night, Feb. 3, 1959, three of rock music's most popular and up-and-coming stars took a plane ride, never to return. Frustrated with tour bus conditions after a gig the night before at Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, rock hitmaker Buddy Holly, along with teen idol Ritchie Valens and radio personality turned music star J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, decided that after the night’s show they would board a small charter craft headed to their next gig in Hector Airport in Fargo, North Dakota. On their way to their destination, the plane crashed into a cornfield, killing all four passengers, including pilot Roger Peterson. Immortalized in movies, “The Buddy Holly Story” (1978) with actor Gary Busey as Holly, as well as “La Bamba” (1987) with Lou Diamond Phillips as Valens and Esai Morales as his brother Bob, many music fans will also forever associate the incident with Don McLean's 1971 jukebox staple, “American Pie” which was also covered by Madonna in 2000. While there is a ton of information available on the web
regarding the crash itself — everything from Buddy Holly's autopsy report to the official accident report — there are a lot of twist of fate stories sprinkled throughout, including future country legend Waylon Jennings losing his seat to Richardson, Ritchie Valens winning a coin toss to fly, and Dion DiMucci from Dion & The Belmonts choosing not to fly due to the price of the flight ($36), among other trivia bits. The influence of these talents on the history of popular music will always be felt and recognized. Guitarist Carlos Santana always cites Ritchie Valens as one of the reasons he picked up the guitar as a young Latino. Beatle Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Buddy Holly numerous times, even producing one of the best tribute projects available on Holly, entitled “The Real Buddy Holly.” And who can forget dancing to “La Bamba,” saying “Hellllloooo Babyyyy?” like the Big Bopper or screaming out “Rittchhhhieeee!” after hearing a Ritchie Valens song? Why not throw on those dancing shoes, turn on “Peggy Sue,” “Donna,” or one of your favorite tracks by these legends on Feb. 3, and maybe even raise a toast to the artists who gave us these immortal classics. January 25, 2009
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Artist
‘El Fatom’ A
to make Bakersfield appearance By MATT MUÑOZ | MÁS staff
COURTESY PHOTO
Former Bakersfield resident, Joey Krebs comes back home to be part of an art show at The Basement Gallery.
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ttencion all fans of thoughtprovoking street art and politico-rockers Rage Against The Machine. Former Bakersfield resident artist, also known as “El Fatom,” Joey Krebs, will be the focus of an upcoming art show at The Basement Gallery, 1532 19th St., March 7 and 8, running from 7 to 11 p.m. on both nights. Most popularly known for his work used on the cover of Rage Against The Machine’s 1999 CD, “The Battle of Los Angeles,” Krebs remains active on the international art scene, as well as in his current home of Los Angeles. The March show, titled “Breaking Ground,” will also feature more than 35 different artists with a heavy focus on urban street styles. This will also be Krebs’ first art-associated appearance in Bakersfield since moving away in the late ‘90s. “It came together in perfect timing,” said Krebs, 37, of the show. “I developed my style from living in Bakersfield. It’s a very progressive community, and I mean that sincerely. I really consider it my hometown.”
Krebs’ local connection doesn’t end with art — he’s also an avid supporter of local wrestling. Krebs was commissioned by CIF Wrestling Sports Tournament Director, Alan Paradise, to create and design the 5th annual edition David Schultz Champion of Champions Memorial Trophy platter for this year’s “Most Outstanding Wrestler” at the 2009 tournament being held at Rabobank Arena, March 6 and 7. “It’s great that the wrestling tournament is going on at the same time as the art show,” said Krebs. Raised by a “strong Catholic” Ecuadorean single mother of six in Southern California, Krebs’ younger years were spent in Bakersfield during the late ‘80s to mid ‘90s. Also attending CSUB for a short time, Krebs gives credit to his mentor and “adopted grandmother,” the late Ruth Heil Emerson for much of his artistic development. Emerson was also the founder of the Bakersfield Art Association. “Ruth was a really great person, and she taught me so much,” he said fondly.
ENTERTAINMENT
Regresan Los Cadillacs Argentine rock legends are back with new CD & So. Cal show April 10 By MATT MUÑOZ | MÁS staff
Argentine rockers, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs have restarted their engines. Widely known for their ‘93 crossover smash “El Matador,” the sextet are currently in the midst of a huge world tour, with a stop April 10 at LA’s Gibson Amphitheater. Show starts at 8 p.m. Originating in 1985, the highly influential music mashers of Latin rhythms, Jamaican ska/reggae, and American punk decided to take a seven-year break after nearly 20 years of incessant work. Now with 11 studio albums, three live albums, and numerous solo ventures under their collective belts, the band decided it was time to get back — in a big way. Their newly-released 13-track CD, “La Luz Del Ritmo” on Nacional Records is currently burning up the Latin charts. A combination of newly written gems, covers, and re-worked classics, it’s sure to satisfy both Spanish and English speaking fans alike. MÁS recently spoke with LFC Saxophonist Sergio Rotman via a cell phone call from Buenos Aires during a brief break: Q: Why reunite at this time? A: When we started LFC, we were all very young — I was liv-
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April 2009
ing with my mom. Since then, we’ve done about 1,000 shows. That’s a lot of shows. After that you pretty much start to fight with anything that moves. We had to take a break. Now it’s really nice to get back together again after 7 years. Q: Describe the “El Matador” phase for the band? A: When the song came out in ‘93 — we were all on holiday out of the country. When we returned, it was this huge thing around the world. I used to play this game with my friends to press scan on the radio to bet if the song would be playing. It was like that for two years, and became more than a hit song — it was a huge himno. Q: How was recording with legends like Mick Jones & Debbie Harry? A: It’s kind of a dream-like situation. After “Matador” came out, we were told we could get anyone we want in the studio. We gave them a list and it would happen. It was amazing recording in Atlanta with Mick Jones (The Clash,) and having beer and pizza. It was actually more than amazing, it was incredible! Full interview at: www.masbakersfield.com
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs LIVE Gibson Amphitheater, LA Friday, April 10 8 p.m. www.ticketmaster.com www.fabulosos-cadillacs.com
COMMUNIDAD Kid Frost returns to Bakersfield, June 12 at The Nile By Matt Muñoz | MÁS staff
When the song “La Raza” was released to rap fans in 1988, a new era of Latino rap was born. Latino rapper “Kid Frost,” who used the rhythm track of El Chicano’s “Viva Tirado,” for the hit single, also featured El Chicano keyboardist Bobby Espinoza in the accompanying Frost video. The tune quickly became an anthem for proud Latinos everywhere. After the success of that single, Kid Frost, 44, whose real name is Arturo Molina Jr., has built a loyal fan base from barrios to the international stage. Similar to fellow Latin hip-hop compadres, Cypress Hill. Dropping the “Kid” from his
name in ‘95, the rapper continues to be an influence on the Latino rap world inspiring new talents worldwide —pretty good for a kid from East Los. Dubbed the “20th Anniversary of La Raza Tour,” Frost plans on performing his greatest hits for the faithful at The Nile. Opening the show will be rappers Casino and Weeto, Big LA, Mr. Frank Nitty, and from what we hear - some very “special” guests.
Frost - LIVE!
• Friday, June 12 • The Nile, 1721 19th St. • 8pm / 21+ • $20 advance / $30 at the door • Info: 322-5200 • www.vallitix.com
Wasco native appointed to university alumni board Local Wasco product, Anthony Bernal II, has been appointed to serve on the University of the Pacific Alumni Association Board of Directors in Stockton. Anthony is the son of Tony and Connie Bernal of Wasco and a graduate of Wasco Bernal High and University of the Pacific (UOP/Pacific) in Stockton, Ca . “My parents have always instilled that it’s not what we have, but rather what we give that makes life fulfilling,” Bernal said. “I’m truly humbled by the opportunity to serve the more than 60,000 Pacific Alumni both locally
and internationally.” Bill Coen, Executive Director for Pacific’s Alumni Association, is pleased that Bernal will serve on the board. “He is a true leader that has the passion, commitment, and integrity which our university searches for when selecting alumni to serve our university,” he says. The 30-member Pacific Alumni Association Board of Directors is working with more than 300 volunteers who are involved on Pacific Club steering committees, class and affinity reunion committees and association committees.
AY MUJER
Major League fun — comparing America’s favorite pastime to life Ay Mujer, when God throws you a curve ball, take it or leave it but don’t dwell on it. With baseball season in full swing, I began to think about my life’s trials, tribulations, challenges and accomplishments as a baseball game — a major league baseball game, of course. Growing up, I loved to play the game and still thoroughly enjoy watching it be played at any level. So, as I thought about who would be on my fantasy baseball team — since the pitcher up on the plate throwing me curvies much, much too frequently is Nolan Ryan — I need
the best players ever to play my game. So, I’ve recruited Derek Jeter since he’s not only a great shortstop but a gentleman and very easy on the eyes … ay mujer. Covering the bases, Lou Gehrig on first, Joe Morgan second and Brooks Robinson on third. In the outfield, centerfielder, Willie Mays, Frank Robinson in right, and in left field, Lou Brock. Catching for starting pitcher Greg Maddux is Johnny Bench and Mariano Rivera will come in as relief. Big Pap, David Ortiz, will be the designated hitter and no one
knowingly on ‘roids, porque eso es el equipo de béisbol del diablo. Oh, what a team I’ve assembled and you’d think we would have had this game all wrapped up by the end of the ninth inning, but my game keeps going on and, good God, Nolan Ryan just doesn’t seem to tire! And if that’s not enough, Dennis Eckersley, Goose Gossage, and Rollie Fingers can be seen warming up in the bullpen. The score has gone back forth and since we tied at the end of the ninth inning, we’ve gone into extra innings.
“Ay Mujer” is written by Deborah Ramirez, a proud Chicana de Bakersfield. My team has fought the good fight, but it seems like I may have recruited the wrong players for my life’s team. Not that they aren’t top-notch players, but for this game, I’m going to have to call in my bench warmers, Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bart, Tomas, Mateo, Thad, Simon, and Jude.
June 7, 2009
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