Eye Street Entertainment / 12-27-12

BY JENNIFER SELFCalifornian lifestyles editor

[email protected]

Looking for Bakersfield’sproudest cultural achieve-ment of 2012? Get in the car

and head east. Like 2,000 mileseast.

After decades of perceivedindifference, the capital of coun-try music finally recognized itsrowdy cousin, the BakersfieldSound — a music born of equalparts jubilation and desperationby a remarkably gifted cadre ofdisplaced musicians, many ofthem Okies, thrown together dur-ing the great westward migration.

Though there are displays andcollections of Bakersfield Soundmemorabilia at several spotsaround town — Buck Owens’Crystal Palace, the Kern CountyMuseum, Trout’s — no singlelocation has ever housed somuch history from the era as theCountry Music Hall of Fame andMuseum in Nashville. The 5,000-square-foot display includes asweeping mural that beautifullytells the story of the Dust Bowlmigration, troves of memorabilia,costumes, instruments and high-tech displays, including a touch-screen feature that plays everytop 10 hit ever recorded by MerleHaggard and Buck Owens (andthat’s a lot).

But the real power of the exhi-bition is that it bestows much-deserved acclaim on the per-formers not named Haggard orOwens who gave the piercingsound forged in those loud bar-rooms an identity that hasendured for decades.

The exhibit will be up foranother year, through December2013. But even if most Bakersfieldfolks can’t make it back East,thousands of tourists from allover the world will have theopportunity to see the influenceour city had — still has — oncountry music.

A ‘100-year building’It’s not every day that a $28.5

million building goes up in Bak-ersfield. And it’s certainly notevery day that one as architec-turally significant as the new fed-eral courthouse in the Mill Creekarea of downtown is erected (just

look at some of the horrors builtin the 60 years since the 1952earthquake as proof of that).

The modern gem on 19thStreet — a marvel of green con-struction, state-of-the-art securityand stunning design — opened inJuly. The U.S. General ServicesAdministration awarded the con-tract to Rhode Island-basedGilbane Building Co. and NBBJArchitects, which has offices allover the world.

With the elegant BakersfieldMuseum of Art just to the west ofit, the 33,400-square-foot build-ing, divided between two storiesof glass and steel, is the last andmost spectacular piece of a oncedilapidated area that has beentransformed in recent years —starting with the rehabilitation ofMill Creek Park — into one of the

most stunning blocks in our city.Oregon artist Lucinda Parker,commissioned to create original

artwork for the courthouse, con-tributed five stunning abstractpieces that give the illusion of

water in our parched climate. (Allthat’s missing is a name. The

Eye StreetEditor Jennifer Self | Phone 395-7434 | e-mail [email protected]

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Ten-year-old Julia Cibettini from St. Louis tries one of the interactive displays at the Bakersfield Sound exhibit running through Dec. 31,2013 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn. The exhibit uses many multimedia displays to tell the story ofthe Bakersfield Sound.

Bakersfield’s year in cultureMusic, architecturetop the list of 2012accomplishments

18 The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 27, 2012

IndexBreakout artists of 2012 .......................... 18Antique Show and Sale............................ 20Scott Cox’s favorite concerts of 2012 ......21 Arts Alive .................................................. 22Spotlight/Burrberry World Cafe.............. 23The Lowdown with Matt Munoz ............ 24New Year’s Eve ........................................ 25Calendar .................................................. 30

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

The new federal courthouse is reflected in Mill Creek in this evening scene.

Thursday, December 27, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian 19

Eye Street

Breakout talents of 2012When it comes to standout

moments, it’s often an actor ormusician up on stage that comes

to mind. But our local visual arts sceneproved its might in 2012, producing TheCalifornian’s pick for the year’s breakouttalent, Christina Sweet.

Colorful and often whimsical, Sweet’swork was hard to miss this year. FromMercy Hospital’s Art and Spirituality Cen-ter for the Autumn Art Fest to the Festivalof Beers at Stramler Park and the PadreHotel’s Farmacy Cafe for her “Hooves andHorns” exhibit, Sweet shared her art in avariety of community venues.

Of course, she made the biggest splashat local galleries. After being named bestnew artist in 2011 for “Latination” at MetroGalleries, she was awarded first place thisyear in the popular exhibit, the centerpieceof the biggest First Friday event of the year.Along with the show at the Padre in Octo-ber, she also mounted a second solo show,“Other Side of the Rainbow,” at The EmptySpace Gallery in June.

Discussing the “Rainbow” show, shedescribed her painting process, honed over23 years, as transportive: “When I paint, Ican be in my own world.”

For the full-time insurance broker, thatworld’s physical location is on 19th Streetabove The Foundry gallery, which shestarted with four other artists in 2010.Along with developing her own art, Sweethas helped encourage the careers of TheFoundry’s 80-plus members through soloand group exhibits, and small art showsthroughout the year.

Those members rallied in Februarywhen the gallery, then located one blockover on 20th Street, was vandalized. Sweetworked with members Jesus Fidel and JenRaven on a fundraiser to replace the dam-aged front windows.

Of the fundraising, Sweet said, “I amhumbled by their efforts and appreciationfor what The Foundry does for our localartists.”

This year was a big one for Sweet, butthat’s bound to continue into 2013 andbeyond as one of her passions is support-ing the local arts community.

“Having the ability to surround myselfwith beautiful art and wonderful artists isfar more rewarding than I ever dreamed.”

— Stefani Dias, assistant lifestyles editor

Theater: Michelle GuerreroFrom writing to directing to art, Michelle

Guerrero was all over the local arts scene.It’s no wonder that the marketing directorfor The Empty Space started the year beingnamed the most valuable person at thetheater’s annual awards show. As a direc-tor, she took on “Herstory,” a collection ofmonologues by local women for V-Day inFebruary, and teamed on late-night shows“Marat/Sade” in March and “The Unex-pected Man” in November. Artistically, sheheld “Arboresque,” a solo show of paint-ings and tiny terrariums, and worked with

husband, Eric Tolley, on a collection oflight fixtures and home furnishings for“Light Living” in November, both at thetheater’s gallery. As a writer she was equal-ly prolific, taking on a hot topic in “TheBullied” in August, penning comedysketches for “Stripped” with her group TheTuesdays in September, and paying hom-age to Poe in “Once Upon a MidnightDreary” at Bakersfield Community Theatrein October.

— Stefani Dias

Other theater standoutsBethany Rowlee is one of those all-

round performers who brings energy toeverything she does. Her ability to sing,dance and act was expecially memorablein two decidedly different roles at Stars thisyear — as a 19th century con artist in“Oliver” in August and as a versatile 1960s-era rock-and-roll star in “Shout!”

— Camille Gavin, arts columnist

With her full-bodied voice, DetreicePalmer was dynamic as the Lady in Brownin “For Colored Girls Who Have Consid-ered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf”at Bakersfield Community Theatre.

— Camille Gavin

Zachary Gonzales as Che in “Evita”was effective in carrying out the complexstory line, giving a solid performance asthe narrator/troubador in Stars’ produc-tion of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.

— Camille Gavin

Actress Libby Letlow took a real hands-on approach to her career in 2012. After aturn as Madame de Volaneges in “Danger-ous Liaisons” at the Spotlight Theatre, shestepped into her big local role at TheEmpty Space in May. As a creative forcebehind the theater’s spirited production of“Avenue Q,” Letlow made all the puppetsand coached the puppeteers. The actress

moved to Los Angeles in August, continu-ing her puppetry work, teaching classes atthe Puppet School and in the cast of theDoma Theatre’s critically acclaimed pro-duction of “Avenue Q,” which runsthrough February.

— Stefani Dias

Eye Street staff selects artistswho moved, entertained us

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Christina Sweet, photographed at The Foundry art gallery, is Eye Street’s top talent of 2012.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA MONCRIEF

After playing 100-plus shows and the release of their second album, rock/reggaeband Dub Seeds enjoyed a busy and creatively fulfilling 2012. From left: Chris Taylor,Gary Rink and Anthony “Gizmo” Rodriguez.



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BY MIRANDA WHITWORTHContributing writer

While many are looking ahead to 2013,organizers of one of the biggest antiqueshows of the year are hoping a few Kernresidents are in the mood to look back.Way back.

Mary Bryan, event producer of theAntique Show and Sale at the Kern CountyFairgrounds this weekend, is looking for-ward to seeing young faces take a stepback in time.

“Things from the past that young peoplearen’t familiar with just excite them,”Bryan said. “You can’t sell a butter churnto an older person, but a younger personwill take it home because of the novelty ofit.”

Kitchen items — like butter churns —and other household and yard tools areknown as “primitives” in the antiqueworld. Bryan said a good portion of theitems up for grabs at the sale will be primi-tives and, although they may have beencommonplace decades ago, they now holda unique charm that she said can some-times be hard to explain.

“Wooden boxes and old trunks are verypopular. Especially if they are in good con-dition. I don’t know why these certainthings are so popular; it’s amazing whatpeople look for.”

Bryan has been working with antiquesfor decades, after her passion for Depres-sion-era glass left her with enough inven-tory to go into business for herself. Sheopened her own shop in the mid-1970sand has spent the last 40 years followingthe ever-changing trends in collectibles.According to Bryan, what’s hot on the mar-ket now may not be next year, making it

hard to predict the next big thing.“I think the antiques shows that are on

TV right now have changed people. Youlook at these rusty bicycles that are reallyhot right now; it used to be you couldn’tgive rust like that away without fixing it upfirst.”

The same goes for jewelry. While vintagebaubles have a history of being stable sell-ers, there are some pieces that won’tattract buyers. But, according to Bryan,some pieces have re-emerged as high-dol-lar items.

“I remember there was a time when youcouldn’t give a piece of Mexican jewelryaway; you would have it forever. Now thestuff is going, and it’s going for big prices.”

Many of the Mexican pieces that arecatching the eyes of buyers are Taxco silver,a legendary jewelry brand that began inthe 1920s. The chunky silver pieces,designed from silver mined from themountains surrounding Taxco, Mexico,were primarily shipped to the UnitedStates, with popularity escalating in the1970s. But interest in the Southwesternstyle isn’t limited to Taxco silver; Bryansaid the popularity of Southwestern andMexican items has increased across theboard.

“These items are very popular right now.Native American jewelry, prints, potteryand rugs are really big. People are alwayslooking for good pieces and there are a lotof fakes out there. But there are a lot ofreally good pieces, too.”

Will the passion for Southwesternantiques stand the test of time? Bryan has

been in the business long enough to knowthere is no easy answer to that question.

“So many people collect so many differ-ent things and their interests today willchange tomorrow, so it’s hard to know as adealer what to bring to shows anymore. It’samazing how things evolve. I just watch itrise and fall and rise and fall.”

Antique shows never get oldAntique Show and SaleWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142

P St.

Admission: $5

Information: 559-638-2639


Char Connell straightens her jewelry display at the 2011 Antique Show and Sale heldat the Kern County Fairgrounds.


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Well, it’s time to look backfondly on the year thatwas 2012. And, as

always, the first batch of high-lights that occur to me happenedon concert stages around town.Here’s a fairly comprehensive listof what I saw and loved, in noparticular order:

My favorite concert of 2012 wasdefinitely Merle Haggard at theCrystal Palace. I hadn’t seenMerle since he went through afew health problems, and I washoping he was back to his oldself. Not only was he looking andsounding great, we got to hangout for a little while after theshow and catch up. He was in anexcellent mood and obviouslyenjoying playing for peopleagain. Plus, I got to hang out withmy pals Ray McDonald andMonty Byrom, and I hadbetter seats than SheriffYoungblood. Score.

Another big night at thePalace was when EddieMoney did a show for theMended Little HeartsFoundation. Theband they puttogether wastop- shelf. It

was great to see Byrom, on guitar,get to showcase his skills on allthose great Eddie Money songs.And Eddie was, well, money. Itwas a great night. The sheriff hadbetter seats than I that time, but Ididn’t pay to get in.

Pat Evans from World Recordsbrought us several great shows,starting with Tommy Castro atthe DoubleTree. If you’re a fan ofelectric blues, you loved this showas much as I did. Later in theyear, we had the B-Town BluesFestival at Cal State, always oneof my favorite shows of the year.Coco Montoya was predictablyexcellent, as was Eric Sardinas,who plays slide guitar at ludi-crous speed. But I really wantedto see Ana Popovic, whom I per-sonally consider to be the finestfemale blues guitarist Serbia hasever produced. I’d never seen herplay live, and I know that thesedays, engineers can make any-

body sound good on a record.I was worried she’d be theDanica Patrick of the blues— all sex appeal and notmuch talent — but shebrought plenty of both.

Speaking of Cal State, theBakersfield Jazz Fes-

tival provided abunch of high-lights, but saxo-phonist Maceo

Parker stands out as the baddestcat on the stage this year. It’s anepic event, and we’re lucky tohave it.

The Fox featured Chris Isaak,Peter Frampton and ZZ Top. I’dnever seen Isaak before, and real-ly wasn’t a fan, but I was a believ-er by the end of the show. Thatguy can sing. Frampton did whatFrampton does: helped us allrelive those days when we wore

out our vinyl copies of “FramptonComes Alive.” Dude still has allhis skills intact, and he rocked thehouse with barely more hair thanI have. And as for ZZ Top, well,they’re ZZ Top. I’ve seen themplay in four different decades,and they just keep getting better.And they played a bunch of stufffrom their new record, which isoutstanding.

The Bell Tower hosted Lau-

rence Juber, who’s played witheveryone from Al Stewart toPaul McCartney. He was stun-ningly good, and the acoustics inthat place are beyond belief. Andthey had desserts! Juber was thethird show in a series of three, butI missed Peppino D’Agostinoand Doyle Dykes. I won’t missanother if they do it again.

As far as you can get from theatmosphere of the Bell Tower isJulie’s Branding Iron out in Oil-dale. Whether it’s Tanner Byromand Friends hosting Blues Night,or one of their Sunday cattle callshows — which bring in the bestmusicians our town has to offer— it’s always a great hang. I planto go a lot more in the new year.You should, too.

Not quite Oildale, but close,was Village Fest, and, as always,it had some truly great shows.Foster Campbell and Friendsfeatured some of our most talent-ed local musicians, and they hadthe crowd jumping with their oldschool R&B revue. And it hadcowbell. I left that show just intime to catch a bit of MentoBuru. Those guys are always ablast to watch, but at this eventthey always seem to take it to 11.

On the subject of outdoor festi-vals, we were lucky enough tocatch Soulajar at the Tehachapi

Standing ovation for live showsScott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST



Merle Haggard performs to a full house at Buck Owens’ CrystalPalace March 30.

From blues to country toclassical, Kern had it all


Eye Street

I’m happy to report that Laf-A-Lot, a 79-year-old dance clubthat came close to disbanding

three months ago, has doubled itsmembership and is celebratingwith a New Year’s Eve party at theTown Hall in Kern City.

Shari Fortino, president of Laf-A-Lot, tells me the membershiphas gone from 40 to about 80.

“And what’s good about it iswe’re getting a wide range ofages,” she said. “It used to be thatnearly all of the members wereover 70 — now we have threegenerations.”

A party atmosphere will prevailwith hors d’oeuvres, favors, tableslit with flameless candles and afree champagne toast at midnight.

“Everyone dresses up,” shesaid. “It’s the ladies’ big chance toshow off their pretty dresses, anda lot of the men wear tuxedoes.”

Music will be provided by theBakersfield Swingtime Orchestra,a six-piece group led by SteveEisen.

Fortino’s husband, MichaelSmothers, an instrumentalist andsinger, usually plays with theband but for the New Year’s partyhe’ll spend most of the eveningon the dance floor.

“Michael won’t be playing —he wants to dance with me,” shesaid. “But he’ll still sing — he’sthe soloist.”

During the band’s breaks,Fortino, who operates theDebonaire School of BallroomDance, will provide instructionfor two dances. One will be acountry line dance that requiresno partners; the other is the1920s-era Charleston.

Membership is $45 a year butyou don’t need to be a memberto attend the New Year’s Eve cele-bration. The club also welcomesdancers — male and female —who are single.

Children’s art workshopLiz Sherwyn, education coordi-

nator at the Bakersfield Museumof Art, has a positive approach to

teaching art.And she’swasting notime ingettingstarted onthe new

year with athree-day

workshop that begins on Wednes-day.

Her emphasis is on the processof “doing art,” rather than the fin-ished product.

“Art is about the process, andsometimes the process is justscribbling,” she said. “Once a per-son is able to give themselves abreak and have fun, they are suc-ceeding. And when they are hav-ing fun, they learn so muchmore.”

The workshop is designed forchildren ages 6 to 12, but no mat-ter the age, the key to “doing art”lies in allowing yourself the free-dom to follow your instincts.

“Children who have had littleor no art instruction (and thisgoes for adults, too) just need torid themselves of any expecta-tions of what the product will be,”she said. “It's a very stressfulthing to sit down and decide youare going to draw the perfect rep-

resentation of something.”Museum instructors will intro-

duce children to drawing, paint-ing, printmaking, sculpture andcollage. Students also will learnabout famous artists and art tech-niques.

Pre-registration is encouraged.The curriculum is designed to bea continuous experience. As thelessons progress day to day, thestudents will be completing proj-ects they have previously startedas well as building on what theyhave already learned.

“Because of this, it will be diffi-cult for a student to come in dur-ing the last two days and catchup,” Sherwyn said. “That beingsaid, we will be happy to acceptany students, even if they areunable to make it the first day.I'm sure they will still have a greattime and learn about art.”

‘Side-by-Side’Another program offered by the

art museum has been expandedand is now open to children ages3 to 8 accompanied by an adult.It’s called “Side-by-Side” and willmeet the second Saturday ofevery month, starting on Jan. 12.

The workshops are gearedtoward pre-kindergarteners andprimary grade children. The proj-ects are designed to be doneagain at home by the child andhis or her parent or caregiver.

Art Center clay classes Byrd Tetzlaff is enthusiastic

about showing others the art of

making objects from clay.“I love, love, love polymer clay,”

she says. “It’s just the neatestthing in the world — it brings outthe creativity in people whodidn’t even know they were cre-ative.”

Newcomers, she said, don’trealize the possibilities of workingwith this kind of clay, a modelingmedium that can be hardened ina home oven. It also comes invarious colors.

“You can paint with it, sculpt,make dolls, jewelry — it’s end-less,” she said. “It really dependson what you’re interested in.”

Tetzlaff will lead a series of fiveclasses at the Art Center startingon Jan 3. It is designed for chil-dren as well as adults.

“It’s literally for all ages and it’sridiculously fun,” she said. “Iadmit I love to work withteenagers, though. We love tomake monsters from outerspace.”

Class size is limited, and pre-registration is necessary.

Portrait winnerJennifer Shrader was the win-

ner of a portrait painting by PattiDoolittle valued at $900. Theprize was offered in an opportu-nity drawing offered at the Bak-ersfield Art Association’s annualopen house and Christmas partyon Dec. 7.

Kathy Schilling, who heads thefundraising committee, saidabout $600 was raised from ticketsales on the portrait. The money

will go into the BAA’s scholarshipfund.

A silent auction of art lessonsand baskets filled with gift itemsbrought in another $2,100. Thiswill be put into the organization’sgeneral fund to help with end-of-the-year expenses.

Black History MonthLooking ahead to Black History

Month, Brenda Scobey is in theprocess of finalizing events for amonthlong observance that startson Feb. 1 with a gospel concert bythe Mighty Clouds of Joy.

“This quartet is one of the old-est gospel singing groups still per-forming throughout the UnitedStates,” Scobey said in an emailmessage.

A retired librarian, she hasorganized African-American his-tory programs annually for thepast several years, including lastyear’s “Harlem and Beyond.”

The 2013 observance will bebased on a book by John Holway,titled “Red Tails: An Oral Historyof the Tuskegee Airmen.” Thetrue story of black pilots whoserved in World War II, it wasmade into a film in 2012 starringCuba Gooding Jr. and GeraldMcRaney.

“Tuskegee airmen from the LosAngeles chapter will be guestspeakers at the book discussionand final concert events,” Scobeysaid. “We hope to have some ofthem make school visits but theaverage age of the airmen is 92years old.”

Dance your way into new yearLaf-A-Lot New Year’s EvedanceWhen: 9 p.m. Monday to 1

a.m. Tuesday

Where: Kern City Town Hall,

1003 Pebble Beach Drive

Admission: $25 or $50 per

couple

Information: 324-2231

Children’s Art WorkshopWhen: 8 a.m. to noon

Wednesday to Jan. 4

Where: Bakersfield Museum

of Art, 1930 R St.

Admission: $65 members,

$70 nonmembers


Clay classes for childrenand adultsWhen: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thurs-

days, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

Where: BAA Art Center, 1817

Eye St.

Admission: $50


‘Side-by-Side’When: 10 to 11 a.m., Jan. 12

Where: Bakersfield Museum

of Art, 1930 R St.

Admission: $10, $15 non-

members


Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

GO & DO

Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive”column appears on Thursday. Write to

her via e-mail at [email protected]

Venerable clubinvites all ages

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZ SHERWYN

Children take a hands-on approach to education at the Children’s Art Workshops offered at the Bak-ersfield Museum of Art.


Eye Street

BY CAMILLE GAVINContributing writer

The Spotlight Theatre is beginning toshow signs of life — at least in the lobbyarea — with the expected opening of theBurrberry World Cafe in the next fewweeks.

Peggy Darling, president of the Spotlightboard of directors, tells me the cafe hasbeen leased to Pamela South, who former-ly operated Burrberry Frozen Yogurt on18th Street.

“It’s only a block west from where I wasbefore,” South said. “But that area of 19thStreet is so different with the Metro Gallery,The Mark and all the quaint little shopsaround there.”

South, who owns the business with herhusband, Bruce South, a local attorney,said the menu at the new location will beexpanded to include soups, sandwichesand coffee, featuring everything from theregular kind of coffee to cappuccino.

“We’ll have a special salad every day,”she said. “My family background is Ger-man, so one of the things we’ll have is Ger-man potato salad and Bavarian sandwich-es on a hard roll with ham, horseradish, apickle and Colby cheese.”

Of course, she’ll still offer frozen yogurtwith a different flavor featured each day.

“Peanut butter is my favorite,” she said.“And I like to put raspberry sauce on thetop so it tastes more like a peanut butterand jelly sandwich.”

South said her friend, “American Idol”finalist Amy Adams, suggested she take alook at the venue.

In a telephone conversation, Adams saidshe has plans for opening a school at Spot-light that will focus on foster youth whomust leave the program upon reaching age

18. South anticipates hiring some of theteens to work in the cafe.

“I have a heart for working with fosteryouth, and Pam had the same idea,”Adams said. “I think mentoring kids withthe arts is a great way to do it, and we’llhelp them put on a show to show their tal-ents.”

Her vision is to bring in various celebri-ties she’s met in the entertainment indus-try to speak to the students.

“I want to have professionals come in sothe kids can learn about what they do,” shesaid. “Not just about what they do (as enter-tainers) but in the business sense, too.”

For three years, Adams ran a programcalled Performance Partnerships at GardenPathways. Its goal is to teach life skills toyoungsters who have been in foster care,meaning basic things like paying bills andrenting an apartment.

Once the cafe gets under way, it will beopen from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdaysand even later on First Fridays or when ashow or event is going on in the theater.

“I loved the shows at Spotlight, especial-ly the Christmas shows,” South said. “I’mhoping the cafe will help it be open again.”

Meanwhile, Darling said there won’t beany shows until March. Ron Steinman,who had a long and successful career as aproducer and director of shows for CivicLight Opera — serves as treasurer on theSpotlight board of directors.

“Ron has some great ideas, and he’slooking at shows we might do in March,”she said. “Right now what we need is somestrong board members.”

The present board, which includes Kath-leen Faulkner, Sally Bylin, Lauren Franconiand Annette Bridgeman, has been involvedfor several years.

“Our board is OK,” Darling said, “butwhat we need are more people who havecertain skills, like public relations, or haveconnections with corporations that wouldbe interested in being underwriters.”

Yogurt shop ownerslease theater’s cafePlans for Spotlight site area taste of things to come

Food and Wine Festival, and they werethe highlight of the evening, which is say-ing a lot when compared to the food, wine,and weather up there.

Another huge highlight was KinkyFriedman at Prime Cut. When I was inTexas last year, I told Kinky that he shouldswing by Bakersfield if he went on tour in2012. I was pleasantly surprised when hecalled me a few months ago and told me tofind a venue for him. Not asked — told. Areally neat bunch of people showed up tohear a true Texas legend sing songs and telltales.

A great addition to my concert calendarthis year was a visit to the BakersfieldSymphony. I still haven’t gotten over howincredible an experience that was. Fromthe music itself to the acoustics, it was agreat evening. I’ll be back for more of that,and I hope to see you there.

Another great violinist, one who has

never played with the symphony, butshould, is my pal Charlie Daniels, whoplayed a huge show at the fair this year.That old man loves his job, and it shows.He considers playing his music for peopleto be a real honor, and he loves playinghere. We had a blast, and I discovered adrink called a “Lime-A-Rita.” Excellentsummer concert beverage.

If I had to pick the most sonically perfectevent of the year, I’d have to go with theBand of Heathens at the Palace in August.I’ve seen them in several venues in manystates, and I can’t think of a better band tosee play live.

Well, that’s the best of 2012 to the best ofmy recollection. I’m pretty sure that I for-got some stuff, and equally sure that I’ll bereminded all about it as soon as this goesto print. But here’s what I can say for sure:We are lucky to live in a town with a vibrantlocal music scene. And we should all resolveto get out and enjoy more of it in 2013.

COX: CONTINUED FROM 21


Eye Street

It was a seriously eclectic yearfor new local music, with near-ly all of this year’s independ-

ent releases standing uniquely ontheir own.

A few were stronger than oth-ers, but, as I predicted, listenerswere given a fruitful pick ofstandout offerings, beginningwith Bakersfield alt-rock quartetCidona, which kicked off the yearin style with a thoroughly well-produced, five-song EP, titled“Credulity.”

Accompanied by a strikingmusic video for their single“Falling,” a song about the strug-gles of addiction, vocalist MelissaLucas proved her range of abili-ties on record as a passionaterock vocalist. As with many earlyreleases, “Credulity” could havegone overlooked by the masses,but thanks to the group’s idea totreat fans to a new acoustic digi-tal download-only release inOctober, Cidona reminded us oftheir youthful energy.

This was also the year I wasintroduced to the music of Funer-al Club, featuring the remarkablehusband-and-wife team ofJoseph and Jenny Andreotti.Haunting, dark and romantic,their music defied category onthe local scene with a cool mix ofEnnio Morricone spaghetti west-ern sounds and vintage Euro-jazzelegance. The unconventionalblend of Joseph’s parlor and bari-tone guitar, synthesizer and per-

cussion, withJenny’s etherealvocals, also drewme to their liveshow, which fea-

tured vintagefilm clips

takenfrom

the public domain archive ofavant-garde filmmaker MayaDeren projected behind themduring performances.

Speaking of jazz, I’d be remissif I didn’t make mention of key-boardist Jay Smith’s bizarrefreeform jazz trip into theunknown with his debut CD,“Unashamed Portrayal.” Previ-ously reviewed by this writer as“raw, loose and at times exhaust-ing,” in hindsight I feel thatmaybe I was a bit rough onSmith. I gave it a few more listens— this time, with jazz ears.

As I told Smith myself, though Istand by the original review, afterfour full-length listens I have tocommend him on his unflinchingcommitment to his concepts ofjazz, which could be debateduntil we all turn “kind of blue.”Smith really grew on me this year,and if you haven’t heard this guy

play yet, make a point to findhim.

Taking a creative risk was localsinger/songwriter Joel Jacob, whoblessed us with a quietly releasednew praise and worship digitalEP, titled “Here Comes the Light.”Joel never ceases to amaze mewhen he jumps into action, and ifyou enjoyed his last CD,“Makeshift Motive,” as much as Idid, you’ll be right at home here.Highly recommended for those inneed of a spiritual boost, whetheryou’re the churchgoing kind ornot.

There were also strong newdebuts and releases from Choirs,Catastrophist, Crooked Folk andThe Volume, all of whom kept theflame burning on the indie rockscene. Not to be outdone was thelone local country release, titled“Get Lucky” from Lucky Ned Pep-per, featuring Smokin’ Armadillos

alumni Josh Graham (guitar) andsinger Rick Russell. A clever col-lage of country imagery from theopening track of “I Rememberthe Music,” on through “DirtRoad,” to the fun-loving spirit of“I Oughta Own this Bar” and“Cowboy Thing,” the duoreceived a hearty welcome backfrom fans during the Kern CountyFair.

Names to watchFollowing a life-changing trip

to Nashville’s Music Row thisyear, the wild-eyed good ol’ boysof Good Question changed theirname to Truxton Mile and contin-ued making their mark, filling upvenues and restoring the countrymusic faith with legions of Bak-ersfield and Taft fans. Forgingahead with their new identity, thegroup is now focused on puttingthe finishing touches on theirlong-awaited debut CD.

Youthful reggae newcomersAmity Flow have also been a solidhit since their introduction thisyear, gaining exposure as theopening act on numerous localshows. They’ve got style and avibe to match their easy-flowing,conscious grooves. After pushingtheir free demo at every show,they plan to give fans a full-lengthrelease by the early spring.

Cassadee PopeAmong the many interviews I

conducted this year, one of myfavorites was with singer Cas-sadee Pope, whom the nationnow knows as the season threewinner of “The Voice” on NBC.Back in February, a few monthsbefore auditioning for the show,Pope was just another independ-ent artist looking for a break,headed to, of all places, the Jerry’sPizza basement.

At the time of our conversation,Pope was sharing an apartmentin Los Angeles with a number ofother aspiring musicians — littlemoney, but rich with ideas for aself-funded solo acoustic tour shehoped would keep her on theroad for a year after her kickoffshow at Jerry’s.

“I’m starting from the groundup,” she told me during thatinterview, including a plan toshed the tomboy image she hadas the lead singer of pop punkband Hey Monday. The Jerry’sshow was sparsely attended,mostly by those who were fans ofPope’s former band.

Fast forward to September,when Pope was introduced to thenation as a contestant on “TheVoice,” along with singer RudyParris from Visalia, whom I alsoprofiled a number of times.

Together they made beautifulmusic on coach Blake Shelton’steam, but after weeks of competi-tion, Pope would be crowned thewinner, the youngest and the firstfemale contestant to win on theshow.

Maybe Parris should have triedgetting some of that lucky Jerry’sPizza mojo before the competi-tion.

KSVG Radio Another big highlight to help

this year end on a promisingnote was the arrival this monthof local independent terrestrialradio station 89.7 FM KSVG“Savage Radio.” Since the launchtwo weeks ago, the foundershave shown positive strides,keeping the flow of their “anti-format” format consistentlyentertaining.

One moment I’m hearing IggyPop, and then Bakersfield bandThe Architecture, then it’s on toJimmy Cliff and Let’s Go Bowling.As of now, their signal is heardbest in the downtown area, butaccording to co-founder JakeChavez, they should be expand-ing their broadcasting reach with-in a few months.

Well, folks, that’s all for now aswe put the lid on another greatyear of local music and art. It wasa pleasure meeting all the newtalent and hearing from thosevets keeping the heartbeat of ourscene pumping. Please keepsending me those demos andshow announcements.

Cheers to another great newyear!

All over the map with local musicThe Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Matt Munoz is editor of Bakotopia.com, a sister website of

The Californian that devotes itself to promoting Bakersfield’s art

scene. Matt’s column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

Variety and talentabundant this year

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TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

New Year’s Eve Dance and

Concert with Darren Gholston

Doubletree Hotel

PHOTO BY RYAN SANDERS

Cidona, from left: Mike Jamison, Brock Beeney, Melissa Lucas,Josiah Frazier.


Eye Street

BY ASHLEY FISCHERContributing writer

Looks like we survived that pesky apoca-lypse; now, let’s celebrate!

Whether you’re bidding a fond farewellto 2012 or eagerly awaiting a fresh start in2013, Kern County is offering up plenty ofexciting ways to ring in the new year.

Most places will provide a complimenta-ry glass of champagne and a shower ofconfetti at midnight, but three popular

Bakersfield establish-ments go a little further,putting their own dis-tinct spin on the tradi-tional New Year’s Evefestivities.

If you’re eager to sing“Auld Lang Syne” with abit of a country twang,

look no farther than Buck Owens’ CrystalPalace.

“We feel that the Crystal Palace is one ofthe premier attractions in the San JoaquinValley, so coming here is the perfect way toring in the new year,” said Buckaroo JimShaw. “We pay a lot of attention to detailhere, so the entire experience is the bestwe can make it. Everybody’s gonna have aterrific time.”

Since it opened in 1996, the CrystalPalace has been serving up a distinctlyBakersfield-style celebration, replete withgood food, good music, and a whole lot ofdancing. Bakersfield favorites Mento Buruand Stampede will perform a mixture ofska/rock/blues/country certain to keepyour boots shuffling way past midnight.

Also, in an attempt to accommodatethose of us with budget-related resolu-tions, there are two ticket options this year:one with dinner, one without. The $80 tick-et includes admission, some party favors,and a four-course meal, with choice ofsteak, stuffed chicken breast, prime rib orsalmon. If you’re fine with munching onsome of those lingering holiday leftoversbefore hitting the town, 44 bucks gets youthe full Crystal Palace party experience forabout half the price.

For a truly unique way to kick off your2013, check out Manny’s Tam O’Shanterfor the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball.

Even though it’s a bit of a mouthful, theconcept is pretty straightforward: Throwon a mask and your glitziest party attire,then head over to this east Bakersfieldrestaurant for cocktails, dancing and agood time.

“This is our second year doing this,” saidowner Manny Mendez. “Last year it wasvery successful; people loved it. I think it’ssomething different for this area. It givespeople the chance to dress up nice and goout and have a great time.”

The ball begins at 8 p.m., and there willbe no shortage of activities to keep yougoing until its conclusion at 1 a.m.: raffles,a costume contest, music provided by localartist Versatil, and lots of homemade

tamales.Each $25 ticket will include homemade

chicken or jalapeño and cheese tamales.And then there’s the kids. Though New

Year’s Eve typically is a time for adults todance, drink, and be merry, for those whowant to squeeze in one last solid eveningof quality family time before the conclu-sion of the holiday season, Skateland’sNew Year’s Eve celebration is the place tobe.

Not a drop of alcohol will be served, butthe snack bar will be open, preparingSkateland’s signature “rink food” (hotdogs, Frito boats, sodas, etc.). Games willbe played to keep you rolling all throughthe night, and more than 1,000 balloonswill be dropped at midnight.

“We’re safe, we’re contained, we’re kidfriendly, we’re a family place and we’refamily run,” said owner Natalie Fries, “sowe’re a great place for families and kids ofall ages to spend their New Year’s.”

3, 2, 1 .... Where willyou be at midnight?Something at every priceand age for New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve Party at the Crystal PalaceWhen: Dinner 6 p.m.; 8:45 p.m. with-

out dinner; 9 p.m. music; 1 a.m. party

ends

Where: Buck Owens Crystal Palace,

2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Admission: $80 with dinner; $44

without dinner

Information: 322-5200 or vallitix.com

Masquerade BallWhen: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Manny’s Tam O’Shanter, 2345

Alta Vista Drive

Admission: $25 in advance; $30 at

the door


Skateland’s New Year’s Eve PartyWhen: 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Where: Skateland, 415 Ming Ave.

Admission: $12, includes skate rental,

noisemaker, and balloon


InsideMore New

Year’s Eve

festivities

on Page 30.

Do you Facebook? Join our growing

online community.

• Community Conversations • Valuable News & Information • Contests • And More.

Facebook.com/BakersfieldCalifornian


Eye Street

Thursday, January 3, 2013 7pm Social Hour • 8pm Concert

The Doubletree Hotel 3100 Camino Del Rio Ct., Bakersfield

Tickets: $20 • Can be ordered for Will Call or picked up at:

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Rhonda Vincent & The Rage SPECIAL CONCERTFriday, January 4, 2013

Doors open: 7 p.m., Concert starts: 8 p.m.Double Tree Hotel Ballroom

Tickets: $20. Tickets can be ordered for “will-call” or picked up at Goin Postal (661) 587-5222 • 11000 Brimhall Road, Bakersfield, CA

“Earl Warren Federal Courthouse”sure has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?)

Granted, the building was designedand constructed with federal stimulusdollars, to which most developersdon’t have ready access. But wouldn’tit be something if architects andbuilders could see the courthouse —a “100-year building,” as its designersdescribe it — as the new bar to meas-ure themselves against?

Speaking of stunning structures,some buildings get such extrememakeovers that we owe their owners adebt of gratitude for putting in theeffort — and money — to transformeyesores into show-stoppers. I’mthinking particularly of some spotsdowntown that caught my eye in thelast year. Henley’s, the venerablecamera shop on H Street, was updat-ed and given a ton of sidewalk appeal;Muertos, a new restaurant openedby one of the co-owners of thedefunct Fishlips, transformed a spacein Wall Street Alley that had had onetenant after another in recent years;speaking of Fishlips, the owners of Onthe Rocks and Riverwalk Cafe didsome major work to transform thelegendary live music venue into acool lounge and sandwich shop,brightening up the dingy facade whilethey were at it; the ugly vacant lot onthe corner of 19th and H, bordered bythe Padre Hotel and Front PorchMusic, is undergoing and improve-ment, with murals due to be installedsoon; and the biggest salute goes tothe owners of The Mark restaurant,who spared no expense inside andoutside the building on 19th and H.There’s a beautiful bar, tasteful decorand my favorite: a glittering sign thatcuts through the haze of winterevenings, beckoning to diners with itscheerful glow.

President honors ChavezWhen President Obama came to

Kern County in October to dedicatethe Cesar E. Chavez National Monu-ment, the occasion became morethan an attempt to appeal to Latinovoters (though the well-timed visitcertainly couldn’t have hurt his re-election chances with that powerfulvoting bloc).

What his appearance really sig-nalled to Kern County and the rest ofthe country was that the farm labormovement — born in the fields ofKern County in the 1960s — hasbecome something more than that inthe American consciousness: a hard-fought quest for social justice.

With the federal designation, theKeene home of La Paz, where Chavezlived and is buried, will forevermorebe a site of reflection and tribute.

“Today, La Paz joins a long line ofnational monuments — stretchingfrom the Statue of Liberty to theGrand Canyon — monuments thattell the story of who we are as Ameri-cans,” said the president in his Oct. 8address to an audience of 6,600.

Comings and goingsIt’s hard to say goodbye to faces

we’ve grown accustomed to, especial-ly when one of those faces is as sweet

as that of Lisa Krch, longtime anchorat KBAK/KBFX Eyewitness News.Krch, who has declined several inter-

view requests,left the station inrecent weeks, adecision report-edly made bymanagement.But judging bythe community’swidespreadaffection for thenewswoman —she’s been thesource of more

than one discussion on talk radio,and her fans are making their feelingsknown all over social media — onewonders if her ouster could havebeen handled with a little more tact.

The Bakersfield Museum of Artwill say goodbye to executive directorBernie Herman early next year. Her-man has been at the helm for eightyears and, in the words of SusanHersberger, chairwoman of the muse-um's board of directors: “He put themuseum on firm financial footing. Intoday’s economy, when museumsand symphonies across the countryare struggling, we’re in an enviableposition at the museum with thefinancial stability we enjoy.” Thesearch for a new director is underway, and Herman has said he will stayon to help his successor get up tospeed. The museum also lost assis-tant director and local artist DavidGordon this year.

Over at the Kern County Museum,respected NOR creative servicesdirector Roger Perez was named tosucceed the odd, blink-and-you-missed-it tenure of museum Execu-tive Director Randall Hayes.

Doug Davis, father of the Bakers-field Jazz Festival, announced that the2012 event would be his last as themain force behind the two-day con-cert, which has become a world-classaffair over the years. The music edu-cator/composer/author and his right-hand woman (and wife), Adele, havesignaled a willingness to help out, butDavis is eager to start his well-earned

retirement from CSUB. Bakersfieldsax-man Paul Perez is handling thefestival’s booking, as he did last year.

Also retiring from the university isPeggy Sears, director of the OperaWorkshop and voice studio. Bakers-field College will lose Sears’ husband,Ron Kean, director of choral studies.

The new director of the Master-works Chorale is CSUB educatorRobert Provencio, who takes overfrom Phil Witmer.

Speaking of personnelchanges ...

The Arts Council of Kern has lostat least three key staffers in the lastyear. Laura Wolfe and Jill Egland leftfor other opportunities, and artistNicole Saint-John was laid off earlierthis month, which leaves the councilwith one full-timer, one part-timerand an executive director on medicalleave. Times are as bleak as they’veever been for the nonprofit advocacyand education group, which has beenaround since 1977. Earlier this year,the council lost two huge contractsthat accounted for half its budget, atough blow for any organization. Thecouncil, under board president DavidCoffey, is looking at a number of sur-vival strategies while it determinesthe way forward.

Spotlight off ... for nowThe Spotlight Theatre downtown

halted productions indefinitely inMay after nearly 14 years and 150productions. Though theater educa-tion was offered over the summer, the19th Street theater has been dark formost of the year while the boardlooks for underwriters (more on theSpotlight on Page 21).

A whole new ballgameThe first clod of dirt won’t be

turned until some time next year, andthe most optimistic prediction foropening day isn’t until 2014, but justthe announcement of a new baseballstadium/entertainment complex war-rants mention, so ambitious and tan-

CULTURE: CONTINUED FROM 18


Krch


Willie Nelson played to a packed house at the Bright House NetworksAmphitheatre in July. The city struck a deal with owners of a nearbyvacant field to avoid a concert parking snafu.


Eye Street

talizing is the $20 million project.Owners of the Bakersfield Blaze in

November unveiled plans for a privatelyfinanced, 3,500-seat stadium that wouldbecome the first-phase centerpiece of theBakersfield Commons mixed-use develop-ment project at Coffee and Brimhall roads.But even more exciting than the prospectof replacing the aging Sam Lynn Bal Parkas home to the team is the possibility ofoutdoor concerts, a new movie theater,shopping and restaurants. Now thatsounds fun.

“The idea of this is to be more than just abaseball field,” oil executive and Blaze co-owner Gene Voiland told The Californianin November. “We are putting together anentertainment complex.”

Sounds good to usAfter a pretty sleepy 2011, SMG, the

company that books talent for the city-owned complex of entertainment venues,really got busy. Playing at the Rabobankwere an impressive array of talents whoappealed to a vast cross-section of musiclovers: Barry Manilow, Blake Shelton,Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, EricChurch, Demi Lovato, Morissey and thelate Jenni Rivera. Speaking of Rivera, SMGshould be commended for deepening itscommitment to providing diverse enter-tainment, booking top names in Spanish-language music like Joan Sebastian,Mana and Rivera (who reportedly was setto return in 2013 before the tragic Decem-ber plane crash that claimed her life).

Even more impressive: It seemed thatSMG finally got a handle on how to use thewonderful Bright House NetworksAmphitheatre, balancing successfulspring/summer bookings like Firefall and aRolling Stones tribute band with a localperformance by the Bakersfield Symphony

Orchestra. SMG got it so right, in fact, thatthere was a small problem — albeit a goodone — with the appearance of legendWillie Nelson. Knowing that parking atthe Stockdale Highway venue would betight, the city worked out a temporary fix,but if the amphitheatre continues to drawsuch talent (and let’s hope it does), a per-manent solution will become necessary.

Meanwhile, the team that brings acts tothe Fox Theater continued to use thecrown jewel of downtown to its fullestpotential, even after the untimely death ofFox booking mastermind Danny Lipco inearly 2012. Stopping by to fill seats wereacts like Josh Turner, Jane’s Addiction,Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson andZZ Top.

Tom Rockwell of Trout’s is gettingmore involved in booking shows, both atthe famed Oildale honky-tonk he runs aswell as other venues, like the Fox and SamLynn Ball Park. This year alone, he fea-tured Pam Tillis, Tanya Tucker and theLittle River Band.

Some feared that after Fishlips closed ayear ago, the interesting-but-not-arena-ready acts booked at the venue would skipBakersfield altogether. But B Ryder’s inthe southwest is bringing back many of theFishlips favorites, like Cash’d Out andReverend Horton Heat, while bookingother fresh talents we haven’t seen before.

On the down side, all-ages concertvenue the Dome announced it is closingits doors, though a series of concerts andraves — all purporting to be The Very LastOne! — continues.

Bako shark takes a bowIt’s no longer big news when Bakersfield

is featured on national television. But therecent fuss over the megalodon thatprowled the prehistoric ocean aroundthese parts was pretty exciting and pre-



PHOTO COURTESY OF JARRED CLOWES

Cinderella (Carolyn Fox) and her prince (Bryce Rankins) contemplate the future in ascene from the Spotlight Theatre’s production of “Into the Woods” in January. Thetheater announced in May it was halting future productions until underwriterscould be found.


Eye Street

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sented a convenient opportunity for resi-dents to learn more about our natural his-tory. The rich fossil bed near Shark ToothHill northeast of Bakersfield was groundzero for a variety of television productions— the most high-profile being Shark Weekon Discovery Channel — which featuredthe train-car-sized sharkzilla.

“You have these treasures in your ownbackyard,” marveled Brooke Runnette,executive director of Shark Week. Thanksfor reminding us.

PassagesIf you’ve ever seen a concert or play or

have a tattoo you’re particularly fond of,chances are you owe a debt of gratitude toone or more of the following people whowere integral to Bakersfield’s arts/enter-tainment scene:

Danny Lipco was perhaps the mostdriven, successful concert promoter thecity has ever seen. But he was more thanthat. When Lipco died in January at age 59,he left behind an entertainment empire,which included the ticketing agency Vallitixand the exclusive booking agency for theFox Theater.

Alfonzo Galindo Jr. was given the nick-name “Naked Al” because he had no inkon his own body, an irony considering howprominent he would become in Bakers-field’s tattoo subculture as owner of NakedAl’s Tattoo on Eye Street. Galindo died inJanuary at age 52, but the shop that bearshis name is still leaving its mark.

Maceo Davis, a versatile Bakersfieldactor remembered by friends as “a ray of

sunshine” in the theater scene, died in Julyat age 34. Davis gave standout perform-ances in a number of plays and musicals,including “Big River,” “A Woman CalledTruth” and “The Rocky Horror Show.”

Wendy Wayne had such a profoundimpact on the community that it would beimpossible to list all the contributions shemade. But in addition to her work in healthcare, with children and as a volunteer, shewas a tireless supporter of the arts. Sinceher death in July at age 64, no First Friday,art opening or other cultural event hasbeen the same without her beaming smile.

Homer Joy wasn’t from Bakersfield, but

after penning the tune that would becomethe city’s anthem, no one will quibble if wemake him an honorary citizen. Longbefore Joy died in September at age 67,“Streets of Bakersfield” had been cut byBuck Owens, but it wasn’t until Owensrerecorded the song with Dwight Yoakamin 1988 that it became the hit it shouldhave been all along.

Evan Bridwell, who as program directorhelped shape KUZZ into one of the majorcountry radio stations in the country, diedin September at age 59. During his aston-ishing 28-year career at the station, Brid-well weathered huge changes to the radioindustry and country music, but KUZZ’sdominance in the local market has neverfaced a serious challenge.

Bill Gruggett was to guitars what Picas-so was to paint: a master. Though manyfeel Gruggett didn’t receive the recognitionhe deserved until recent years, collectorspay top dollar for his work now. The luthierworked for Bakersfield-based Mosrite dur-ing the guitar maker’s glory years beforestarting his own company. Though thatventure folded, he pursued his craft for therest of his life. Gruggett died at his Oildalehome in October at age 75.

Lenny Lang was well-known in musiccircles not just for his skill on the bass, butalso for his compassion. At the time of hisdeath in October at age 59, he was a coun-selor at the Bakersfield Rescue Mission.

Karl Haas, guitarist and longtime musiceducator, both at Bakersfield College andFront Porch Music, died in December atage 66. In a 2010 interview with the Rene-gade Rip, the BC student newspaper, Haas

reflected on what he loved about teaching:“Guitar class is … well, I’ll tell you thatthere was a guy who once got a speedingticket on his way to school and I askedwhy. He said that he didn’t want to be late,and I said he could’ve been a few minuteslate. He responded and said, ‘But this is myfavorite class.’”


FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN FILE

Master luthier Bill Gruggett with aGruggett Custom, a two-pickup electricguitar that sells for $2,300. It tookGruggett about three months to buildeach custom instrument.


Danny Lipco, who brought hundreds ofconcerts to Bakersfield over thedecades, died In January. He was 59.


Eye Street

Music: Dub SeedsBakersfield reggae rock trio Dub Seeds

were on a creative roll this year, with morethan 100 live shows across the state andalong the coast, not to mention the releaseof their second full-length CD, “SkunkFace,” just in time for summer. In additionto those milestones, band members ChrisTaylor, Gary Rink and Anthony “Gizmo”Rodriguez dedicated themselves toexpanding their presence on the Web, win-ning fan-voted slots on both the Sacra-mento Hemp Fest in August and the mas-sive Cali Roots Festival in Monterey com-ing this spring with some of the biggestnames in the genre. Capping off a stellaryear, Taylor also just married his longtimegirlfriend, Cynthia, and welcomed a newbaby son, Elijah Robert.

— Matt Munoz, entertainment writer

Other music standoutsA multi-talented violinist, guitarist,

trombonist and vocalist, 31-year-old Bak-ersfield native Paul Cartwright has beenbuilding his name in Hollywood circles fora few years now, scoring soundtrack workon hit shows like “The Walking Dead” andon Broadway. This year, he was seen on theroad with Los Angeles pop burlesquetroupe Totsy, as the opening act on gui-tarist Brian Setzer’s Christmas extravagan-za. True to his roots, he made frequenttrips back to Bakersfield to share hisartistry with the hometown crowd, per-forming onstage with local Beatles tributeband The Abbey Roadies, among others.

— Matt Munoz

After years of commuting between Bak-ersfield and Los Angeles, percussionistLouie Cruz Beltran had one of the biggestyears of his career after releasing his star-studded new Latin jazz CD, “Paint the

Rhythm,” which helped propel him ontothe playlists of jazz enthusiasts around theglobe. That recognition also brought himto the attention of the prestigious PlayboyJazz Festival, which booked him to bringthe sold-out Hollywood Bowl audience totheir dancing feet.

— Matt Munoz

Dance: Ephraim PennLongtime Bakersfield dancer and

instructor Ephraim Penn stepped into thenational spotlight this year with an appear-ance on the “Today” show in October.Penn, who owns PennPoint Dance Acade-my in downtown Bakersfield, went on towin the “Show Us Your Moves” contestwith his hip-hop freestyle dance explosion,in front of his biggest fan: son Devin, whowas pulled from the crowd to do somepoppin’ and lockin’ of his own. In an inter-view with The Californian in October, anexhilarated Penn, 35, said he was hopingthe exposure would lead to other opportu-nities, but no matter what comes of it, stu-dents at his dance studio now know to lis-ten up: their instructor’s still got it.

— Jennifer Self, lifestyles editor

Another dance standoutWhile it’s true that ballerina Tiler Peck

hasn’t lived in Bakersfield in years, weproudly claim her as one of our own, large-ly because she’s never drifted far — in spir-it, at least — from the town that shapedher. Each year seems to bring a new suc-cess for Peck, a principle dancer with theNew York City Ballet, but she ended 2012with her biggest honor yet: dancing a trib-ute to Russian-born ballerina NataliaMakarova at the prestigious Kennedy Cen-ter Honors and meeting the president, firstlady and a slew of A-list celebrities, likeDavid Letterman.

— Jennifer Self

ARTISTS: CONTINUED FROM 19


Ephraim Penn, owner of PennPoint Dance Academy, received national acclaim in 2012.


Eye Street

Today“Christmas Around the World”Holiday Event, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

today through Saturday, Timeless

Furnishings, 1918 Chester Ave. $8

general; $7 seniors; $5 children; 5

and under are free; or $20 family

of four. 326-0222.

10th annual Holiday Lights atCALM, open daily 5:30 to 9 p.m.,

now through Dec. 31, CALM,

10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $12

adults; $10 seniors and youth 3-17;

$6 kids 3-12. 872-2256.

Condors vs. Stockton Thunder,7 p.m. today and Friday, Rabobank

Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $8 to

$30. Tickets: Rabobank box office,

bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-

7825.

Guitar Class, taught by John

Gomez, for individuals or a group,

Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501

18th St. Call 327-7507 for class

details.

Bingo, warmups start at 5 p.m.,

with early birds at 6 p.m., regular

games at 6:30 p.m., Volunteer

Center of Kern County, 2801 F St.

From $20 buy-in to “the works.”

395-9787.

FridayKwanzaa 2012 Celebration,African folktales, cultural poetry,

refreshments, various vendors and

more, 1 to 5 p.m., Martin Luther

King Jr. Community Center, 1000

S. Owens St. Free. 319-7611.

Saturday“Decades of the Centennial”Tree Display, come see many

decorated trees, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,

Shafter Depot Museum, 150 Cen-

tral Valley Highway, Shafter. 746-

4423.

Antique Show & Sale, 10 a.m. to

5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds,

1142 S. P St. $5. 559-638-2639.

Christmas Tree Removal, For

$10 the BHS Driller Drumline and

Color Guard will come to your

home and pick up your Christmas

tree on Dec. 29 or Jan. 5. Visit

www.drillerband.com/fundraising

or call: 544-TREE (8733). For Dec.

29 pickup call by Dec. 23, for Jan.

5 pickup call by Dec. 30.

Condors vs. Idaho Steel Heads,7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001

Truxtun Ave. $8 to $30. Tickets:

Rabobank box office, bakersfield-

condors.com or 324-7825.

Electronic Waste RecyclingEvent, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Satur-

day and Sunday, The Bridge Bible

Church, 12225 Stockdale Highway.

Free. Details, email

[email protected] or 873-

4011.

Electronic Waste RecyclingEvent, 8 a.m. to noon, Flood Bak-

ersfield Ministries, 3509 Union

Ave. Free. Email

[email protected] or 873-

4011.

Farmers Markets: 8 a.m. to

noon, next to Golden State Mall,

3201 F St.; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall

Road; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 to 6

p.m. Wednesdays, Allen and Hage-

man roads; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sundays, Kaiser Permanente,

8800 Ming Ave.

Pet Adoptions, cats, 10 a.m. to 4

p.m., Petco, 8220 Rosedale High-

way. $65 includes spay/neuter,

vaccines and leukemia testing.

327-4706; pets from the Shafter

Animal Shelter; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.,

PetSmart, 4100 Ming Ave. $55,

includes spay/neuter and vac-

cines. 746-2140.

The Baka Boyz featuring Tyga,doors open at 3 p.m., show from 4

to 8 p.m., Rabobank Theater &

Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun

Ave. $39.50-$125 plus fee. ticket-

master.com or 800-745-3000.

SundayBakersfield Raider NationClub, come out and watch the

games, 10 a.m., Round Table Pizza,

2060 White Lane.

CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs.

North Carolina, 4 p.m., Rabobank

Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$20.

gorunners.com or 654-BLUE.

THEATERImprov Comedy Show, with

Center For Improv Advancement,

8 p.m. Fridays, JC’s Place, 1901

Chester Ave. $5. 322-8209.

ARTArtwork on Display, “West II” by

Clayton Rippey, now through

December, Cezanne Gallery, 420 H

St. Free. 325-1336.

Elleta Abuliel & Stella Mullins,featured artist for the month of

December, Dagny’s Coffee Co.,

1600 20th St. 634-0806.

Exhibits on Display, “Embracing

Diverse Voices: 80 years of

African American Art,” “You, Me,

Them,” and “Texture of Place,”

now through March 10, Bakers-

field Museum of Art, 1930 R St.

bmoa.org or 323-7219.

Nicole Saint John, featured artist

for the month of December, Bak-

ersfield Art Association Art Cen-

ter, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

Art Classes, in drawing, water-

color, oils, color theory, for begin-

ners and advanced, Bakersfield

Art Association Art Center, 1817

Eye St. 869-2320.

Art for Healing program, class-

es that alleviate stress, resulting

from illness, or grief. All classes

are free but some suggest a dona-

tion and are held at Mercy Hospi-

tal, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun

Avenue and A Street. Visit mercy-

bakersfield.org/art or to register,

632-5357.

Stained Glass Classes, six-week

class, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednes-

days; 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays,

Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501

18th St. 327-7507.

The Art Shop Club, a quiet place

to paint, 9 a.m. to noon each

Thursday, Friday and Saturday,

The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All

mediums. New members and

guests welcome. Visit

facebook.com/pages/art-shop-

club or 322-0544, 832-8845.

MUSICClassic rock The Old River Monte Carlo,

9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250;

No Limit, 9 p.m. Monday to 1 a.m.

Tuesday.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge,

3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139;

Really Big Midgetz, 9 p.m. Friday;

Juxebox, 9 p.m. Saturday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner,

323-0053; Mike Montano Band, 1

to 5 p.m. Saturday.

ComedyElevation Lounge, 818 Real

Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday

— Live comedy with DJ after

party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

CountryEthel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred

Harrell Highway, 873-7613;

Daliens, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday; Still

Kickin’, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-

8900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m.

Wednesdays.

The Rustic Rail Saloon, 147 E.

Norris Road, 393-0456, The

Daliens; 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

CoverThe Bistro, 5105 California Ave.,

323-3905; Brent Brown, 5 to 8

p.m. Friday.

DancingBeginner Belly Dance Lessons,5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays, Cen-

tre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester

Ave. 323-5215. $45 regular ses-

sion; $65 combo session. bakers-

fieldbellydance.biz.

DoubleTree Hotel, ClubOdyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio

Court, 633-1949; learn Salsa,

Cumbia, or West Coast Swing, 4

to 7 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per

person, per lesson.

Folklorico Classes, advance

dancers/performing group 6 to 8

p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all

ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Satur-

days, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221

Norris Road. $22 per month for

beginners; $25 per month for

advance dancers. 833-8790.

Greenacres Community Cen-ter, 2014 Calloway Drive, offers

ballroom dance, East Coast swing

(jitterbug) and Argentine Tango

dance classes; $35, $45 for non-

members. 322-5765 or 201-2105.

Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30

p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center,

115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390,

325-3086 or 399-3658.

DJBellvedere Cocktail Lounge,3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139;

DJ Brian, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

DoubleTree Hotel, ClubOdyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio

Court. 323-7111; live in the mix: old

school, ’80s & ’90s music, 9 p.m.

to 1:30 a.m. every Saturday.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White

Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the

Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2

a.m. Saturday.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737

Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749;

DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays

through Saturdays. Free.

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, atHotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino

Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with

Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Satur-

days.

JazzCafe Med, 4809 Stockdale High-

way, 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30

to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Mer-chant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-

WINE; live music & wine bar with

featuring local artist and Jazz

Connection, along with 24 wines,

6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and

Thursday; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fri-

day and Saturday.

King Tut, 10606 Hageman Road;

live instrumental and vocal jazz,

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Friday and

Saturday. Free.


Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz

Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

every Wednesday.

Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701

Ming Ave., 832-5011; Jazz Inva-

sion, 9 to 10 p.m. every Saturday.

The Nile, Jazz Music, 6 p.m. every

Sunday. Cost $10 at 1721 19th St.

364-2620.

KaraokeBanacek’s Lounge, 4601 State

Road, 387-9224; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Fridays.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge,

3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139;

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and

Sundays.

Best Western, 2620 Buck Owens

Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with

host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m.

Tuesdays through Fridays.

Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave.,

396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. every Tues-

day; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday.

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 4200 New

Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to

9:30 p.m. Thursday.

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St.,

363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tues-

days.

Chateau Lounge, 2100 S.

Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m.

every Saturday.

City Slickers, 1001 W. Tehachapi

Blvd., 822-4939; 7 p.m. Tuesdays

and Thursdays.

Corona’s Cantina, 9817 S. Union

Ave., 345-8463; 7 to 10 p.m. Fri-

days.

Don Perico Restaurant, 2660

Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7

to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

DoubleTree Hotel, Club

Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio

Court; 8 p.m. to midnight Tues-

days.

El Torito Restaurant, 4646 Cali-

fornia Ave., 395-3035, Karaoke

with Irish Monkey Entertainment,

8 p.m. Saturdays.

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real

Road, 325-6864; 9 p.m. Wednes-

day.

Ellis Island Pizza Co., 3611

Stockdale Highway, 832-0750;

karaoke contest, four $25 gift cer-

tificates will be given away, 6 to 9

p.m. Tuesday.

Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred

Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9

p.m. every Wednesday.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S.

Chester Ave., 831-1315; 7 to 11

p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Julie’s The Branding IronSaloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to

10 p.m. every Friday.


Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8

p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

Le Corusse Rouge, 8 p.m. every

Tuesday at 4647 White Lane. 346-

5771.

Lone Oak Inn, 8 p.m. every Tues-

day and Thursday at 10612

Rosedale Highway. 589-0412.

Long Branch Saloon, 907 N.

Chester Ave., 399-8484; 8 p.m.

every Wednesday.

Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive,

399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tues-

day.

Maria Bonita Mexican Restau-rant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-

3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages.

McMurphy’s Irish Pub &Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-

1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays.

Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and

Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave.

589-9300.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner,

323-0053; 8 p.m. to midnight Sat-

urdays.

Replay Sports Lounge & Grill,4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 324-

3300; 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S.

Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m.

to midnight Saturday.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737

Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8

p.m. Mondays through Wednes-

days.

Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858

Niles St., 873-1900; Joey Zaza’s

Karaoke and Stuff, 5:30 to 9:30

p.m. Tuesdays.

Round Table Pizza, 2060 White

Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tues-

day.

Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gos-

ford Road, 397-1111; 6 to 9 p.m.

Wednesdays.

Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive,

392-1482; 6:30 to 9 p.m. every

Wednesday.

Sky Bar and Lounge, 4208

Rosedale Highway, 633-1116,

Karaoke with Ben Lara, 7 to 11

Go & Do


Eye Streetp.m. Tuesdays.

Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-

7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.

Syndicate Lounge, 1818 Eye St., 327-

0070; with Alisa Spencer, 9 p.m. every

Wednesday.

Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at

117 El Tejon Ave. 392-1747.

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at HotelRosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court,

327-0681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Junction Lounge, 2620 Buck Owens

Blvd., 327-9651; 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays

through Saturdays.

The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft

Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thurs-

day.

The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-

3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-

1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to mid-

night Friday.

The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 871-4140; 8:30

p.m. Fridays.

The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon

Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday.

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday,

1440 Weedpatch Highway. 363-5102.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N.

Chester Ave., 399-6700; 7 p.m. Mondays

and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays,

Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sun-

days.

Latin

MariachiCamino Real Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m. every

Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 852-0493.

Music showcaseThe Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-

1413; featuring local artists, 7 to 10 p.m.

every Wednesday.

Old SchoolTam O'Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774;

RockAMole Band, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Sat-

urday. $5 each night.

Open micFiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi,

823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $5.

Juliana’s Art Cafe, listen to local perform-

ing artists, guitar and saxophone players, 7

to 9 p.m. Fridays, 501 18th St. 327-7507.

Free.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625;

musicians, spoken word, poets, comedians,

8 p.m. every Wednesday, On the Rocks,

1517 18th St. Free.

R&BSenor Pepe, 8450 Granite Falls Drive, 661-

588-0385, Rebecca Aguilar and Lost Vinyl,

7 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

RockKC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 322-9910;

Jimmy Gaines, 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through

Thursday; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike

Hall, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., featuring Glenda

Robles, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave.,

Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every

Thursday.

SalsaDoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, Club

Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 633-

1949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m. every Sun-

day. $5 per person, per lesson.

Ska

Soft rockSteak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 588-

9463; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Satur-

day. Free.

SongwritersThe Bistro, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905;

Brent Brown, 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays.

Trivia nightBellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090

Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469; 7

p.m. every Tuesday.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625; 8 to

10 p.m. Monday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Trivia

Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

VarietyGolden State Mall, 3201 F St., 872-2037,

Joe Loco Duet, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Upcoming EventsTuesday 1/12013 Polar Bear Plunge, make an ice

plunge into the activity pool, must be 7 or

older, 11 a.m., McMurtrey Aquatic Center,

1325 Q St. $5 just to plunge; $25 for sweat-

shirt and plunge. 852-7430.

Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to

five miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of high-

ways 178 and 184. 872-2432 or 873-8107.

Wednesday 1/2"Redemption: For Robbing the Dead"Movie, presented by Jim Burke Ford; 7

p.m., Reading Cinemas Valley Plaza, 2000

Wible Road. Free.

Film Club, with Cody Meek, 7 p.m., Barnes

& Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

First Wednesday, special events and

refreshments, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Bakersfield

Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $4 nonmembers.

323-7219.

Thursday 1/3Sixth annual “The Great 48-Hour Jam,”featuring four of California’s top Bluegrass

bands, Thursday through Saturday, Double-

Tree By Hilton Bakersfield, 3100 Camino Del

Rio Court. $20. 589-8249.

Friday 1/4First Friday Downtown, featuring live

music, art openings, specialty shops, gal-

leries and boutiques, artists will set up their

artwork, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Downtown Arts

District. Email [email protected]

or [email protected].

Rhonda Vincent, doors open at 7 p.m.,

show at 8 p.m., DoubleTree By Hilton Bak-

ersfield, Ballroom, 3100 Camino Del Rio

Court. $20. Tickets can be ordered for “will-

call” or picked up at Goin’ Postal, 11000

Brimhall Road. 587-5222.

Wine & Beer Tasting, enjoy wine and beer

tasting along with appetizers, 5 to 7 p.m.,

Steak and Grape Restaurant, 4420 Coffee

Road, $20. 588-9463.

Saturday 1/5“America's Next Top Model” CastingCall, females should be 5 feet, 7 inches tall

and over, males should be 5 feet, 10 inches

tall and over, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Valley Plaza,

right by the Target wing, 2701 Ming Ave.

Free. 832-2436.

Eye Street Entertainment / 12-27-12

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Transcript of Eye Street Entertainment / 12-27-12