STROLLIN’ THE FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK LEGALIZING MARIJUANA AND OTHER MUSINGS
2009 FESTIVAL OF BEERS 25 YEARS OF MOD SCOOTERING WITH THE TREADS, PG. 5
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April 16, 2009 April 29, 2009
BAKOTOPIA
E D I TO R ’ S N OT E
STAFF
EDITORIAL
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pringtime is here to bring in the new and familiar. The 17th annual Festival of Beers returns and, of course, Bakotopialand is ready to party - for a good cause! Bakotopia has been a proud sponsor of the fest since ‘06 and during the past few years, we’ve learned a lot about this band of friends. Not only are they determined to make this event bigger and better each year - they really believe in their cause to raise money for local children’s charities. I can remember when the rains came down years ago during the fest’s early days, or when the girls jumped onstage when my band Mento Buru performed and bedlam ensued. Now in 2009, the event continues to be one of the city’s best annual shindigs. You don’t wanna miss it! Enter to win FREE tix to the Festival of Beers at our website: www.bakotopia.com, then stop by our booth and say, “Yo!” In this issue we also have a review of First Fridays in downtown, Marijuana legalization commentary, Paid Dues 2009, and so much more! Thanks to this week’s contributors, and to our advertisers who keep these pages free for you and yours always. See you at the Festival of Beers on April 25 - don’t forget your tie-dye!
Olivia Garcia Publisher ogarcia@bakersfield.com 395-7487 Matt Muñoz Editor/Product Manager mmunoz@bakersfield.com 395-7660 Gene Garaygordobil Managing Editor garaygordobil@bakersfield.com Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com
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Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable as an infraction. You can only get a fine and not jail time. You could just take the fine and get it over with. The court or D.A. might also offer you a counseling program, which, if you complete it, would result in the dismissal of the charges. Or you could consult with a Public Defender or private attorney to see if your rights were violated during the stop, which could result in the evidence being suppressed and the case dismissed.
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April 16, 2009
PHOTOS BY YELLOW
Above: Some of the sights taken in during a downtown cruise at First Friday, including a nice libation at The Basement Gallery.
Strollin' First Friday Expand your cultural palate and discover what most of Bakersfield has been missing By Yellow, Bakotopia.com Contributor
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rt is highly subjective and contemplative and truth be told, I'm fond of the really bad stuff. No matter what, art will get you talking, thinking, and when it's at its best, art will make you feel. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised when I attended First Friday on April 3, and found that there was art I was fond of, interested in, and didn't understand...but I felt it that's a "full art experience". The casual community atmosphere of First Friday welcomes all walks of life amid the inspiring backdrop of downtown. The "Arts District" banners on the street lights, the vivid Art Deco neon marquee of the Fox, and the juxtaposition of art and music above, below, and on the street gave the experience dimension. An accomplished mandolin player that didn't know which was the E string, artists creating paintings in BAKOTOPIA 4
real time, neophytes and socialites alike admiring the art...the essence of downtown. I did sense a certain self-consciousness to viewing art in a gallery setting. Maybe Bakersfield hasn't caught on yet? More to the point, I discovered a kind of innocence and confusion that speaks to the fact that many people haven't seen art presented at this level of sophistication, and I was encouraged by that fact. First Friday offers an opportunity for the artist, musicians, and gallery owners of Bakersfield to expose people to this type of creativity and community, and that's a great thing. I started the tour at the Surface Gallery across from the Fox Theatre. Small enough to be intimate, the Surface Gallery enjoys a great location. The gallery showcased the art of Michelle Moode ("Very Long Lines"), which evoked a sense of flow and continuity. Next on the tour was the Metro
Gallery, but I was distracted by the musicians at the newly renovated corner of 19th and Eye St. I love that intersection! I also really appreciate people that offer their music as a backdrop to a larger event. I enjoyed them so much that I forgot about the Metro and started looking at the paintings (offered at discount prices,) lining the side walk. That led me to The Basement Gallery - full of primary colors, abstract objects and earnest scenesters doing their thing. What's not to love? Back the Metro - showing the works of Christine Iriarte Niswonger ("Red Hot & Random"). Think Dali, Apocalypse Now and the '66 "Endless Summer" album cover with gentle floral water colors. The Metro is large enough to allow a perspective view. Looking at a painting over the shoulder of an androgynous nude rendered in clay - that's worth the trip. Lastly, I stopped in at Tangerine
Clothing and discovered that Tangerine sells TOMS Shoes. TOMS donates a pair of shoes to needy children in crisis, around the world, for every pair of shoes they sell. That's inspiring. I do think that First Fridays start and end too early (5 - 9 p.m.,) for a once-a-month event. Another suggestion would be that the Fox have a late showing of FLICS to accommodate the events of First Friday. The Arts Council of Kern, as well as the Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau should also endeavor to spread the word more effectively. That being said, I enjoyed myself and look forward to next month. Don't miss the next First Friday held the first Friday of each month, from 5 to 9 p.m. on 19th & Eye Streets in downtown! Next one - May 1st!
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April 16, 2009
Mods are go! Local scooter club prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary May 1-2. By San Joaquin Treads, Bakotopia.com contributor he San Joaquin Treads Vintage Scooter Club was formed in the summer of 1984 by a group of young friends who followed a 60’s British sub-culture known as “Mod.” In 1979, this U.K. 60’s sub-culture saw a revival spearheaded by bands influenced by soul, reggae and ska music. In the early 80’s pockets of American kids picked up on this revival and began their own versions in places like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. It was in the early 80’s that a few Mod kids from different parts of Bakersfield began meeting each other at local shows and all-age nightclubs. One by one they acquired the vehicle of choice by the Mod’s Vespa and Lambretta motor scooters until there were enough to form the first official scooter club. Over the years, the Treads have traveled up and down California for annual scooter runs and have a well respected legacy on the California and U.S. scootering scenes. Now, the club is preparing to celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a weekend of events in Bakersfield:
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Check out the festivities below and plan your “All Mods” weekend accordingly!
FRIDAY, MAY 1ST “PRE-EVENT” DJ Night: soul, reggae, funk, guest DJs Element Lounge 1927 K St. 10 p.m. - 2a.m. / 21 +
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND “SCOOTER RIDE” 12 p.m. - Beach Park (rally meeting place) 1 p.m. - ride departs
Performing “LIVE”: - The Suppressors (Fresno) - Police and Thieves (Los Angeles) + a Special DJ Birthday Tribute for the "Godfather of SOUL" - James Brown!! DJs: Cid Hernandez (Soulpeople) Jake Chavez Kev (Three Lonely Guys) Rick Kendrick (The Inciters) Greg Belson (UK) Andy Cobb (UK) Dion Watts (SF) DJs start at 6pm Bands start at 9pm 21+ with I.D.
Afternoon / Evening:
Narducci’s Cafe 622 E. 21st Street Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-324-2961
Arrive at Narducci’s Cafe, for Custom Scooter show:
www.myspace.com/sanjoaquintreads Cid Hernandez: 323-478-6985
Register for custom show: 4 to 4:30 p.m. Custom show starts at 5p.m. Custom Show Categories / Awards: - “Best Stock / Restored Lambretta” - “Best Stock / Restored Vespa” - “Best Custom (street, MOD, nonstock) Lambretta” - “Best Custom (street, MOD, nonstock) Vespa” - “People's Choice” - “Best Classic” Above: LA’s Police and Thieves
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AGENDA WHAT’S ON IT
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= Highly recommended
APRIL 16 Caliente Thursdays (Latin) The Nile Bar 1721 19th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 323 - 8575 Karaoke (Every Thurs. & Sun.) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Ln. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139
APRIL 17
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“If You Build it, They Will Come” Art Show The Basement Gallery 1532 19th St. 8 p.m. / $7 / 859-1904
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Bobby Banuelos (comedy) The Nile Bar 1721 19th St. 8 p.m. / $15 / 21+ / 323 8575 DJ Phil “The Real Deal” Amestoy’s 2303 River Blvd. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 871-2303 Really Big Midgetz (classic rock) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Ln. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139 Coachella Music & Arts Fest / Paul McCartney, MIA, The Cure(Thru Sun.) Indio, CA www.coachella.com
April 16, 2009
Enjoy Life in Bako!
APRIL 19
APRIL 23
APRIL 18
“Ricky’s Retreat Fundraiser” Club Goddess (gay & lesbian) The Nile Bar (every Sun.) 1721 19th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 323 - 8575
“Save Ricky’s Retreat” Fundraiser Concert w/ Evelyn “Champagne” King Host: Ellen Degeneres and more! The Nile Bar 1721 19th St. 6 p.m. / 21+ / 323 - 8575 www.vallitix.com
Taproot w/ Dear Enemy, Adakain Fishlips 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / $18 / 21+ 324 - 2557 Club High w/ DJ Ise Vega Element Lounge 1919 K St. / 21+ / 213-7071 Suffocate, Liferuiner Jerry’s Pizza 1817 Chester Ave. 6 p.m. / All Ages / 633-1000 Glenda & The Bandolerios Cactus Valley 4215 Rosedale Hwy. 9 p.m. / 21+ / Free / 633-1948
Don’t Drink & Drive!
APRIL 20 Alisa’s Karaoke Nation (Every Mon.) Riley’s Tavern 1523 19th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-3268
APRIL 21 Mac Attack's Karaoke (Every Tues. & Wed.) The Junction 2620 Buck Owens Blvd. 8 p.m. / 21+ / 327-9651
APRIL 22 Club ‘80s (every Weds.) The Nile Bar 1721 19th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 323 - 8575
Gregg Ginn (of Black Flag) w/ The Taylor Texas Corrugators Fishlips 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ /324 - 2557
APRIL 24 The Greener The Better “CD Release Show!” w/ The Rozzes & more… The Dome 6 p.m. / All Ages / $10 444-4886
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Be Good Humans!
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SPOTLIGHT Tuesday April 21 John Prine - LIVE! with special guest...John Ritter Fox Theater 2001 H St. 8 p.m. / $52 - $45 / 322-5200
www.vallitix.com Post your events at: www.bakotopia.com to be listed in our calendar!
Anime Art Show! The Basement Gallery 1532 19th St. 8 p.m. / $10 / 859-1904
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Hot Taco Fishlips 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ /324 - 2557 Club High (also Sat.) w/ DJ Ise Vega Element Lounge 1919 K St. / 21+ / 213-7071
Divided Highway (also Sat.) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Ln. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139
HALO 3 Tourney Gamestor East Hills Mall 10:30 a.m. / All Ages / 871 - 7900
Really Big Midgetz (also Sat.) Lone Oak Lounge 10612 Rosedale Hwy 9 p.m. / 21+ / 589-0412
Graffiti Art & Music Show The Dome 2201 V St. 12 p.m. / All Ages / $18
APRIL 25
La Charanga Cubana & Velorio The Nile Bar 1721 19th St. 6:30 p.m. / 21+ / 323 - 8575
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17th Annual Festival of Beers! Stramler Park 3805 Chester Ave. 1 - 5 p.m. / $30 & $40 / 21+ www.bakersfieldfestivalofbeers.com
M.P.D.Q. Switchboard of Souls, TV Vinny’s Bar 2700 S. Union 9 p.m. / 21+ / $5 / 549-1801
Mento Buru LIVE! “FunkyReggaeLatinFunk” BRyder's 7401 White Ln. 9 p.m. / 21+ / $5 / 397-7304
Moosehead Band (country) Ethyl’s 4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy. 7 p.m. / 21+ / Free / 873-7613
Dale Watson & Grant Langston Fishlips 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / $18 / 21+ 324 - 2557
APRIL 26 Barbra & Frank “The Concert That Never Was” Rabobank Theater 1001 Truxtun Ave. 4 p.m. / 589-2478
APRIL 27
Have a Beer and Fall In Love!
Afroman w/ Natural Movement & more! Fishlips 1517 18th St. 8 p.m. / $16 / 21+ 324 - 2557
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661-679-7904 • 828 Norris Road • Bakersfield, CA 93308 www.myspace.com/nothingsacredstudios BAKOTOPIA 7
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April 16, 2009
About the cover By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia.com Editor
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akotopia’s latest cover photo comes courtesy of Terri Sanders and Stephany Sanders-Ingram at Glimpses of Life Photography from Bakersfield. In keeping with the theme of this year’s Festival of Beers, we sent a shout-out to one of our favorite local models, Candice Rogers. Our friends over at HowCool.com found the perfect outfit, and they were off! As you can see Candice came out looking beautiful and sexy - plus with a mondo-sized beer in hand! Who wouldn’t wanna party with a groovy gal like that? Check out Pg. 10! Terri and Stephany knew how to bring the ‘60s to life in a colorful way in their pics, and they really delivered! Special Thanks to Candice and HowCool.com for their help with this project, you rock! You can pick up outfits like Candice’s and more at www.howcool.com, where they got mondo sales - and if you’d like to get the Glimpses of Life treatment, you can find them at their website: www.glimpsesoflifephotography.com
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April 16, 2009
Get in where you fit in How to get your stuff in Bakotopia magazine Helpful tips...
By Matt Munoz Bakotopia Editor
Follow these steps and you are in, it’s so easy! The web is buzzing with good stories and blogs about everyday life in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas, and readers want you to share! 1) Get your ideas together: a story, event, photos, band, show, food review ANYTHING FLOATING AROUND YOUR MIND & COMMUNITY IS COOL! 2) Start writing to your heart’s content! 3) 400-500 words will do, but if you’re on a roll, keep writing, or if it’s short and sweet, go ahead and submit it online or via e-mail! 4) Don’t worry about being the best writer out there - we’ll help you with editing. 5) Make sure to include a high-res photo or graphic to accompany your piece. If you don't have one, we'll find one for you!
Get your stuff in before deadlines so we can make adjustments, if necessary! Events posted on www.bakotopia.com get priority placement in the print calendar! Sign-up for your free profile at www.bakotopia.com, to get regular e-blasts about upcoming happenings, news flashes, contests, and more to stay in the loop! 10,000-print readers, over 7,000+ registered web users, 100,000+ monthly web views can’t be wrong! Wanna advertise with Bako? Best rates in town, call: 661-716-8640 If you have any ideas or feedback, or need some help with story development, give me a shout anytime!
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ISSUE 54 (5/14 - 5/27) ISSUE 55 (5/28 - 6/10) ISSUE 56 (6/11 - 6/24) ISSUE 57 (6/25 - 7/8) -
ETC…. matt@bakotopia.com WWW.BAKOTOPIA.COM
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17th Annual Festival of Beers • Saturday, April 25, 2008 • 1 to 5 p.m. • Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. • 21 & Over Cost: $30 Adv / $40 Door • Tickets available at: Deja Vu Love Boutique, Lengthwise Brewery, Pete's Seats, Tilted Kilt, Golden
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This year’s Festival of B By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia.com Editor
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un, suds, and sounds - a perfect party combination. Let’s not forget “Love!” After all, “Summer of Love,” is the theme of this year’s Active 20/30 Club’s 17th annual Festival of Beers happening Saturday, April 25, 1 to 5 p.m. at Stramler Park. And named rightly so … When it comes to fundraising for children’s charities, the heart-felt mission of the Active 20/30 Club, Bakersfield will happily raise their mugs to the occasion. For the uninitiated, allow us to give you a little behind the scenes info … The Festival of Beers takes six months of hard work to organize, and all money raised goes to children’s charities, an important fact the club would like all attendees to know. This is true partying with purpose. Not just limited to the annual suds in the sun fest, the Bakersfield Active 20/30 function yearround as a service club - a volunteer, non-profit organization that meets regularly organizing charitable events to raise money in their community. Similar to that of other groups like the Rotary Club and Lions, the Active 20/30 of USA and Canada raises funds to help young people in their city. BAKOTOPIA 10
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April 16, 2009
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Beers is guaranteed to ke ep he Founded in 1922, the Bakersfield chapin rhythm - April 25! g a r n t i s t be a er celebrates its 81st anniversary this year.
In addition to another birthday, the USA & International Active 20/30 were awarded the ‘08 Presidential Youth Service “Points of Light” award, and a Congressional commendation. As is the case with most clubs, they do have heir own set of membership rules - you must be between the ages of 20 and 40, pro-active in the club’s efforts, and of course - be professional. Lawyers, real estate agents, cops, teachers, people in the gardening business, DJs and selfemployed members, you name it - everyone is welcome to join the club! Almost everyone - but don’t be put off just yet. There is also a Bakersfield Women’s Active 20/30! These active ladies also help to raise funds organzing fun events like the annual Rubber Duckie Race held last month at River Walk. Regular recruiting methods include membership drives at various local establishments, and mixer events allowing potential new recruits a chance to meet current members. Together as a team of fundraising friends, he Active 20/30 Club’s list of organizations beneitting from events like the Festival of Beers are chosen according to the quality of work they do in he community. Some of these groups include MARE (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines), PAL Police Activity League,) Special Olympics, and the
Boys & Girls Club of Bakersfield. Other annual fundraising events like Child Spree, the Buddy Walk, and Christmas Experience give members a chance to interact with the community, by participating in school supply drives, and gift giving for our local kids in need. “Active 20/30 has been partnering with us for 13 years,” said Zane Smith, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Bakersfield. “They helped underwrite our computer education program with new computers and software, as well as our Summer Day Camp that helps out 50 to 60 kids a day during the summer. Most of the kids come from homeless shelters, and foster care, and we provide them with transportation to and from the club.” Smith continued to praise the of Active 20/30 Festival of Beers partnership. “We usually receive money a month after the event, and it’s perfect timing for the summertime program,” he said. “They always come through,” said Smith. The Active 20/30 Club of Bakersfield would also like festival-goers to know that the effort put forth to produce such a big annual event would not be possible without its sponsors - all heavy hitters with big hearts. Beer vendors Advanced Beverage and WA Thompson help the event get off the ground, along
with the extensive list of breweries and vendors. Plus, festival volunteers who serve the beer also get donations made in their name to charity! “Big” is the best word to describe what beer, food and sun enthusiasts will encounter at the 17th annual Festival of Beers. For the $30 advanced ticket price, you also get hot local bands like Dub Seeds, The Afterparty, Velorio, and DJ jams courtesy of Sound Choice - PLUS the crowning of Miss Festival of Beers 2009. All elements add up to more than just your average beer bust. Don’t forget the VIP section which grows bigger each year with more than 10 different restaurants inside and more beer! VIP tickets are limited at $100, so make sure to find a member and get them before they’re gone. Your Active 20/30 hosts also want to remind you that like any alcohol-infused frolic, the festival is for those 21 & over only, and there will be enough security provided to maintain party order throughout the day. SEE YOU THERE! Enter to win FREE Tix at: www.bakotopia.com *Contest ends April 22! BAKOTOPIA 11 CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
f i e l d f e s t i v a l o f b e e r s . c o m
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Outta The Box The Basement invites you to check out two big April shows! By Jen Raven, Bakotopia.com Contributor
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f you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all; a painting that perfectly matches the sofa, placed just beneath it. Yawn! This sort of thing makes one hungry for something different; something more thought-provoking. It makes one wonder; where can we all go for artwork that thinks a little outside the box? The answer may be closer than you think. No one knows better what it means to create inside a box than Curator/Gallery Director Deon Bell, who literally works below ground in a concrete box known as The Basement Gallery, 1532 19th St. The Basement is becoming known for shows and exhibits that push the envelope, and think outside the box. Enjoying the play on words, Bell shared some insight into the gallery’s philosophy. “The last time we went outside of the ‘box’ was with our “Breaking Ground” exhibit, the gallery had one of its largest turnouts,” he said. “Opening night was phenomenal! This upcoming Anime art exhibit on April 24, once again, is going to focus on art that doesn’t fit into any on e category. Don’t get me wrong, the work I produce fits neatly inside of BAKOTOPIA 12
the box … it’s what I do. “However, a great painting is a great painting; a beautiful voice is a beautiful voice; rhythm is rhythm, and an instrument played out of tune leaves the same expression on all of our faces. Whether or not their work can be placed in or outside of the box, The Basement provides an opportunity for all artists to express themselves.” One perfect example of out-of-thebox thinking is local artist, Christina Martinez. She’s really excited about the April 24 show, as she’s been a huge fan of all things Anime since she was a kid. An avid costumer, Christina tells me, “Ordinary dress-up wasn’t good enough for me when I was a kid,” she said. “Dressing up like a princess, or a clown, or like some other nice, normal little-girl thing was so boring!” Christina was inspired, however, by the strong female characters in Saturday morning cartoons. Forget the Smurfs or the Snorks; Christina was really into the Thundercats, Silverhawks, Mask and RoboTech. These Japanese-based Saturday morning shows helped inspire her love of Anime, a love that is clearly displayed in her artwork. Her piece, “Vampire Princess Miyu” is based on one of her all-time favorite anime series characters.
This multi-media work is literally “a pet-able piece” Christina laughed, as she stroked the draped velvet portion. Oil paint and canvas make up the rest of it, and to keep this “petable” work company, she’s got oil on canvas “Kekojin,” which is “a furry,” Christina giggles. But she quickly turns serious, when describing the theme behind the work: “Woman are often referred to as Cat in a negative term or as Kitten in a sexual nature,” explained Martinez. “The name Kekojin was derived from a common term of “Nekojin” meaning “cat-people” (‘Neko’ is Japanese for ‘cat’ and ‘jin’ is a suffix that indicates an identifiable group of people.) The term is mostly used for women (who are occasionally referred to as ‘koneko,’ literally ‘kitten’). There are some people who find kittens playful and this one is has a sweet innocent look about her. The bow around her neck is a symbol that she is loved and belongs. She is made to look more human than furry like.” Martinez doesn’t neglect the Cosplay (that’s Anime speak,) end, either. “Witch Hunter Raven” is Christina’s take on the “Witch Hunter Robin” series, and the costume will be worn by a live model the night of the April 24 opening. Can’t wait for the Anime Art Exhib-
it? No worries! This weekend there’s another great show opening at The Basement on April 17 - a sculpture show titled “If you build it, they will come.” Curator Deon Bell is calling for all things sculpture, and artists are coming out of the woodwork for this exhibit. One Artist, Amanda Rosado, is taking that phrase literally. According to artist Rosado, her work reflects a “tree and mushroom type,” phase. For nearly two years, she’s been working on a multi-media series that will be finished just in time for “If you build it ... ” and she intends to unveil it for the public at the April 17 opening. Acrylic paint, calligraphy inks, watercolor, heavy gloss mediums, clay, oval canvases, hot glue … “I really love textures, so it was a lot of fun to work with the clay and hot glue on the canvas,” she said. First inspired by a tree she saw from far away, the series describes a tree from three different vantage points. Feeling “moved by the movement,” as she moved closer to the tree, Rosado has been working on this project ever since, starting the third and final piece in the series about nine months ago. If you’re hungry for something a little different, head on down to The Basement in April. There’s going to be plenty of excellent fare for you!
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April 16, 2009
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April 16, 2009
Commentary
Is it time to
legalize? Marijuana and the law it’s an American past time! By Rob Shock, Bakotopia.com Contributor
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was on my way to get a haircut a few days ago and I was listening to the radio. I was getting sick of the same ol’ fare local music stations were playing, so I decided I’d hit the AM button. I couldn’t tell you what show was on or the who the host was, but it was a woman, if that gives you any idea. I don't normally listen to AM, I just put it on as a whim. She was apparently talking to callers about marijuana. I guess since the pres decided he wasn’t going to have the DEA interfere with California’s “medical marijuana” laws anymore, certain people are all in a dither. The caller was obviously for medical marijuana and he claimed that the only thing that helped his migraines is marijuana. The host questioned the validity of marijuana being the only thing that can help. As a migraine sufferer myself I will agree that there is nothing that really helps, but for me that includes marijuana. I tried it once. I got a migraine so I heard people were using marijuana to ease the pain and suffering,
and I happened to have some. The pain didn’t subside, rather what happened was I got another migraine. Now I’m not sure if maybe I was using the wrong kind of marijuana, but it didn’t help at all. The fact is I personally think the whole medical marijuana argument is bull. People claim that marijuana is the ONLY thing that will treat there ailments, but I know there are a lot of pharmaceuticals in circulation that does a fine job without the use of marijuana. Face it, “medical marijuana” is just a way to circumvent the general stigma on pot users that makes marijuana illegal today. However, I also think that stigma is a lot of bull. The host of radio show was making the case that it’s good for the DEA to shut down dispensaries because in her opinion pot does more harm than good because it “kills brain cells” and that making it legal makes it easier for children to get. I don’t call into radio shows, but I really had to urge to do so this time. Because I wanted to ask her if it was her opinion that alcohol should be illegal as well, because it’s a proven fact that alcohol effects the brain in a greater
degree than pot does, people have died from overdosing on booze (never heard of such a case with pot), and, according to her statement, having alcohol legal makes it easier for children to get. Some California congress person, I don’t remember who, has proposed a bill to make pot legal for recreational use, on the same level as alcohol. Marijuana is currently the state’s biggest cash crop, doubling the revenue of its second biggest. A lot of that money goes to drug cartels in Mexico. Our government spends billions of tax dollars every year trying to enforce marijuana laws, but marijuana is as readily available as it ever was. Doesn’t it seem that having marijuana illegal has done more harm than good? Wouldn’t we be in a better state if it were legal? I heard arguments against it such as, we don’t need more people driving under the influence of another substance. Well, wouldn't that still be illegal? I don’t really think there will be that much more pot going around,
because anyone who wants it can get it, despite it being illegal. It’s just if it were legal, people will be able to get it safely and securely, and they’ll know they’re getting clean stuff because it will be regulated like any other crop. I saw on TV they were asking people on the street if they think pot should be legal. One guy said the funniest thing I ever heard. He said, “no, it shouldn’t be legal because look at how many families it has destroyed.” The guy looked like he was serious, too, which made it all the funnier. To read reaction to this and join the discussion, log-on to: www.bakotopia.com, search keyword: “legalize.”
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The dead get going L.A. Fangoria convention aims to break world record with 'Zombie Walk' - April 17! By Greg Goodsell, Bakotopia contributor
W
hen Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors kicks off Friday, April 17 at the L.A. Convention Center, there will be the expected gathering of ghouls, geeks, freaks and horror aficionados from all over the West Coast for three days of bloody good fun. In addition, there will be an attempt to break a world record - participants are encouraged to come dressed and made up as zombies and stomp around the convention center Saturday morning! Called a “postmortem parade,” attendees are being sought to arrive in their undead best to take part in the brain-eating spectacle. Interested parties are being told to arrive early Saturday morning to meet at a designated area to shamble about the area.
Organizers give helpful hints: “remember, Zombies don’t run!” They also add “practice moaning and groaning “brains, more brains” and your best rigor mortis walk. They also warn against touching or attempting to scare “or otherwise engage anyone who is not willing - avoid confrontations! “This is something we would like to do many times and we don’t want to ruin it. Remember, the media will be watching us (along with the Los Angeles Police) and this event could get worldwide news coverage. Let's put on a good show!” As a final bit of advice, organizers say that there should be “no eating of real brains or body parts permitted!”
Guests at the convention will include America's “Godfather of Gore,” Herschell Gordon Lewis of Blood Feast infamy; horror author Clive Barker; Italian goremeisters Ruggero Deodato, Lamberto Bava and Sergio Stivaletti and American shock specialist Tobe (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) Hooper. Lucky gold-ticket attendees will also attend a Vampire’s Ball Saturday night at a nearby hotel and mingle with the guests in a cocktail party atmosphere. “We encourage you to embrace the Vampire theme and come dressed in your Vampire
Best, party attire, upscale casual, or in themed costume.” Horror in popular entertainment has come under scrutiny with the popularity of “torture porn.” Such hit movie franchises as the Saw and Hostel series revel in extreme violence on victims in the name of escapist thrills. Foreign film industries, usually content to produce frou-frou fare - in particular France has upped the ante by producing even more extreme torture porn variations with Frontier(s), Inside and Martyrs. What does this have to say about 21st Century civilization? Whatever the answer, the event promises special seminars, screenings and collectible items up for grabs for this very special weekend. Meat you there! On the web: www.fangoria.com
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Fan Review
Paid Dues Festival 2009 Bakersfield hip-hop fans make the annual pilgrimage to SoCal on March 28 By DJ Mikey, Bakotopia.com Contributor
A
nother year of “dues” and bills paid. One of hip hop's biggest festivals proves to be recession proof, as thousands of fans mobbed to San Bernardino March 28, to revel part in Murs 3:16/Guerilla Union’s annual “Paid Dues” fest. Though general admission to the show was a cool $40, many loyal fans opted for $100 VIP access. With the lineup showcasing acts like Living Legends, Atmosphere, BReal (Cypress Hill) and LMNO and 2Mex of the Visionaries, myself a hip-hop connoisseur would say the VIP pass is well worth it. As I approached gates of the NOS fairgrounds, I saw the familiar sight of hip-hop heads from all walks of life waiting anxiously for their fix of ill lyrics and tight beats. Something that especially caught my eye was the hand full of young parents that chose to bless their youngsters with the “gift of hip-hop,” making the event a family affair. Inside the venue, the usual layout of vendors surrounded the massive stage, where opening acts had just begun to rock the mic. Making my way through the crowds, I could see artists like Sen Dog (Cypress Hill,) and Ant of Atmosphere taking time to cool out with fans. As with every Paid Dues, rapper Murs also took some time for autographs and flicks with fans at his “Murs for President” booth. Murs knows his merchandising skills - you could find everything from T-shirts to skateboard decks with the dreadlocked MC on it. One thing you’ll be surprised to find is mama Murs. That’s right, fans aren’t the only ones making Paid Dues a family affair, Murs’ mom can always be found selling merchandise and greeting fans in support of her son. If you remember last December, Murs rocked the Fishlips stage, as did his Living Legend rhyme partner Luckyiam this past March. After taking in the sights, and waiting for the blazing San Bernardino sun to set, I made my way to the BAKOTOPIA 16
PHOTO BY NATALIA CORONADO
Above from left: Hip-hop heads - DJ Mikey and Paid Dues founder, MURS, in San Bernardino on 3/28.
stage. A cheap yellow wristband with the word “PRESS” gave me unlimited access to undie (underground/ indie) hip hop’s heavy hitters. Newcomers Slaughterhouse came out swinging with a debut performance wearing straightjackets and blood-stained aprons. Cypress Hill's B-Real performed hits off his debut solo album “Smoke N Mirrors” and was later joined by band mates Sen Dog and DJ Muggs for a nostalgic set of Cypress Hill classics. But it was the Living Legends, with all original members present, who stole the show. Rockin’ hits like “Nightprowler” and “Never Fallin,” Living Legends gave fans their money’s worth. Their protégé Medusa, represented for females with some small doses of her talent in the mix, for an
PHOTO BY DJ MIKEY
Above: Cypress Hill’s B-Real kicks a most bluntastic groove during a solo-set at Paid Dues. The rapper showcased new material and welcomed Cypress mates, Sen Dog, and DJ Muggs onstage. unforgettable performance. Headliners Atmosphere, also known to Bakersfield rap fans, brought the show to a close, leaving fans wanting more. Fortunately, hip-hop heads won’t have to wait long for another experience like this. Paid Dues sister show “Rock the Bells” is around the corner. Known for reuniting leg-
endary hip hop crews, this year’s RTB is sure to be, as show founder Chang Weisberg would say “historic”. Stay tuned for updates on Rock the Bells 2009, and keep supporting true hip hop. guerillaunion.com/paiddues/ guerillaunion.com/rockthebells/
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