Eye Street Entertainment / 1-5-12

BY MATT MUNOZCalifornian staff writer

[email protected]

Start brewing the coffee and icing theenergy drinks: The Great 48 HourBluegrass Jam is back.

Kicking off tonight at The DoubleTreeHotel, the four-day festival of all thingsbluegrass promises to be another slumberparty of epic pickin’ proportions. KelvinGregory, co-organizer of the festival, nowits fifth year, predicted the gatheringshould outdo all previous outings.

“Personally, I’m excited and gratified. It’sgrowing and creating a buzz all year round.The fact that it’s in winter helps up to getreacquainted and do some picking again.”

The event is scheduled to bring togethersome of the best and brightest talents fromup and down the state, and Gregory saidhis list of goals gets more ambitious eachyear. Encouraging non-stop jammingbetween attendees and fans, all artisticexchanges are welcome throughout theweekend. Sponsored by the CaliforniaBluegrass Association, the event is free tothe public (except the $20 admission feefor tonight).

“I heard about it over in Nashville when Iwas over visiting in September. Presales forthe room reservations are approximatelyup 25 percent. Last year we had about 400in attendance over the weekend, but thistime I expect over 500 or more.”

For the bluegrass musician, opportuni-ties familiar to regular attendees will onceagain be offered, from workshops to freeshows. All gatherings are within a shortdistance, scattered among assigned suitesand each is hosted by a different visitingmusical organization.

“One of the goals was to have all themajor bluegrass associations come to oneevent and throw their own jam sessionduring the event. Everyone will be able tofind something to do no matter where theygo. We have a wing all reserved for our-selves at the hotel for lots of music as wehave had in the past.”

Along with scheduled free events, thisyear’s specially ticketed opening nightconcert will feature top name Californiaacts Dark Hollow, The Get Down Boys,Grasslands, and Rocky Neck Bluegrass. Tomake things even livelier, all four groupswill be competing for a slot at this year’sFather’s Day Bluegrass Festival in GrassValley, reputed to be one of the biggestevents of its kind. Calling it The Great 48Showdown, listeners should expect a lot ofserious shredding, with proceeds from theconcert benefitting the Leukemia & Lym-

phoma Society of Kern County. “The competition was added this year to

create an avenue to get visiting bands paidand placed on a major bill. So we put outthe word and began accepting demos,”said Gregory, adding that each band will becompensated and judged in the competi-tion by three bluegrass deejays from differ-ent parts of California. “We had about 15submissions from Northern, Central andSouthern California. From there they werenarrowed down to these four.”

Craig Ferguson, guitarist for Rocky Neck

Bluegrass, said he looks forward to hisgroup’s first visit to Bakersfield.

“It’ll be a friendly competition. As far asour show goes, we’re going to be trying todemonstrate to show our variety with thetraditional three-part harmonies, somesolo vocals, dobro, mandolin and a basssolo, which is not very common.”

Rocky Neck Bluegrass came to promi-nence after winning first place in theTopanga Banjo and Fiddle band contesttwo years ago. Since then, they’ve contin-

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

Rosin up bow and off we goBluegrass Jam kicksoff tonight and goesall weekend

16 The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 5, 2012

Index23rd annual Fog Run ................................ 17Ultimate Bridal Event .............................. 18‘Hee Haw’ reunion .................................... 19Arts Alive.................................................. 20‘My Fair Lady’............................................ 21The Lowdown with Matt Munoz.............. 22First Friday .............................................. 23Calendar .............................................. 28-29

Please see 26

The Great 48 Hour Bluegrass JamWhen: 8 p.m. tonight and all day Fri-day, Saturday, ending Sunday morning

Where: DoubleTree Hotel, 3100Camino Del Rio Court

Admission: Free for workshops andweekend concerts; the Great 48 Show-down concert tonight is $20.

Information: 589-8249

PHOTO BY ROBYN FEELEY

The Rocky Neck Bluegrass Band, from left, Devitt Feeley, Lydia Veilleux and Craig Ferguson, came to prominence after winningfirst place in the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle band contest two years ago.

BY GENE GARAYGORDOBILContributing writer

Saturday’s 23rd annual 5k and 10k FogRun may not actually include fog, butit will certainly raise money to provide

support for victims of violent crime, KernCounty Probation Supervisor Lupe Perezsaid.

The Victim Witness Auxiliary Board andthe Kern County Probation Departmentwill host the event, which kicks off at 9 a.m.at Lake Ming, Perez said.

She’s coordinated the event for the lasteight years and though she doesn’t actuallyrun, “the race keeps me running around —make sure things are going good, that’s myrole,” Perez said.

Last year’s event attracted 900 runnersand raised about $24,000, she said.

“Since the race’s inception back in the’80s, it has grown drastically every year,”Perez said. “We hope to surpass both thenumbers of those participating and themoney raised, because, unfortunately, theneed for crime victims remain high.”

The cost for the race is $30, and it is opento the public with all proceeds benefittingcrime victims in Kern County. The KernCounty Probation Department’s VictimWitness Assistance Program provides directservices to crime victims, including victimrelocation, court accompaniment andresource and referral assistance.

Race day registration begins at 7 a.m.Saturday. Runners get a T-shirt, raffle ticketand sandwiches provided by Subway.

Perez, coordinator for the agency’s Vic-tim Witness Assistance Program, said shehas seen fog at the run only twice.

“It was wonderful and kind of cool seeingrunners coming through the fog,” she said.

The auxiliary board, made up of commu-nity members, including quite a few with

law enforcement backgrounds, is the non-profit arm of the assistance program, Perezsaid.

Board members help organize thefundraisers, which get benefits and emer-gency assistance to local crime victims.

Why a run fundraiser? Well, Perez saidformer members of the board were run-ners, and several other groups also startedfundraising runs around the same time.

“They enjoyed the sport, and everybodythought, why not a run,” she said.

Money raised at the run will help sustainthe victim witness program, which is feder-ally and state-funded, created during theReagan years, Perez said. All counties haveprograms; however, Kern’s differs becauseit is run through its Probation Department,while many others are run by the offices ofcounty district attorneys.

Having worked for the Probation Depart-ment for 29 years, Perez has coordinatedthe victim-witness program the last eight.She and six probation officers assist victimsand witnesses to violent crimes based onvarious criteria. Assistance comes as areimbursement for hospital and othermedical costs, physical therapy, and tem-porary housing and hotel costs.

“Some of our clients have seen somepretty horrific crimes,” she said. “And weprovide them assistance with their appear-ances in court, along with counseling. Welink them to a therapist if they need it.”

Although the clients are entitled to statefunding assistance, the program often hasto “front” the money when people come

and ask for assistance because of bureau-cratic delays.

“We provide them emergency housingassistance, if there is a safety or securityconcerns when a perpetrator may be out ofjail pending trial,” she said. “Then there arethe hospital visits or paying for counselingvisits until the state kicks in.”

Sometimes the money is used for reloca-tion. “They may need to get out of countyor state, if it becomes a safety issue, go out-side the box.

Despite violent crime trending down, theneed for assistance has grown, from 5,500to 7,000 a year, though some people simplyare unaware of the program.

“There are all kinds of folks who needour service,” Perez said.

“Because it is totally voluntary, our whole

pitch is to help them, listening at crisisintervention, through the court system, likewith restraining orders, and just filling thegaps,” Perez said. “We are quite resourceful.We know how to get people linked up.

That need is making program officialsthink about another type of fundraiser laterin 2012. But for now, the race is its lonefundraiser.

Besides Subway, other local businessesand law firms are helping take care of thecost of the T-shirts and other expenses,such as raffle prizes.

One trend Perez has noticed is the num-ber of younger people participating.

“We have also noticed a huge numbers offamilies, kids and all, racing, whether it isrunning or walking,” she said. “We have alot of people out there in support of us.”

Thursday, January 5, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian 17

Eye Street

Rain, shine orfog, they run

Victim Witness Auxiliary’s 23rd annual Fog Run When: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday

Where: Ming Lake Road

Cost: $30


Fundraiser for crime victimsdraws bigger crowds every year

Fog Run entrants run along the banks of Lake Ming before heading to the finish line.

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

It was definitely foggy at Lake Ming during the 2010 Fog Run, a fundraiser meant to support the needs of crime victims in Kern County.


Eye Street

BY MAUREEN BUSCHER-DANGContributing writer

Roxanne appeared calm asshe prepared to walk downthe aisle. A pink bow

adorned her perfectly coiffedhead. Matching pink polish waslayered thick onto each of hernails. She was well prepared forher role as the flower girl and ringbearer for her best friend, thebride.

A Shih Tzu-Pomeranian mix,Roxanne strutted through a crowdof more than 200 family andfriends, joining bride Tasha Brownand groom Peter Garcia to watchthe former Highland High Schoolsweethearts exchange their vows.

Tasha and Peter are among anincreasing number of coupleswho involve all of their “family”members — including their pets— in their weddings, USA Todayreported recently. And while petsrun the gamut from birds to catsto horses, the most common petwedding participants are dogs.

But wedding planners andtrainers warn that involving a dogmay have its unexpected conse-quences. A sniff here, a nip thereand a runaway animal can quick-ly change the mood at even themost romantic wedding.

But for Tasha, the planning andextra stress of including Roxannein her wedding was worth it.

“I’m a dog lover,” Tashaexplained. “Roxanne, along withmy friends and family, made myspecial day memorable. I was ableto have everyone I love, includingmy dog, involved in my lifetimememory.”

Tasha and Peter met while theywere students at Highland HighSchool. Shortly after her gradua-tion in 1999, Tasha’s father gaveher 6-week-old Roxanne. Theyhave been best friends ever since— as she earned her registerednursing degree from Cal StateBakersfield and as she pursuedher nursing career with a localdoctor.

“I always knew Roxanne wouldbe in my wedding,” said Tasha.

As part of Tasha and Peter’swedding planning, the coupleattended Ann McCright’s January2008 Ultimate Bridal Event at theRabobank Convention Center.This year’s Ultimate Bridal Eventwill be held in the same locationon Sunday.

At the 2008 event, Tasha andPeter won the grand prize — a$25,000 wedding. The event’s ven-dors — local companies that pro-vide services such as catering,flowers, cakes, honeymoons andevent planning — donated thearrangements and products for

the couple’s dream wedding.The outdoor setting for the

evening wedding and receptionwas RiverLakes Golf Course, ashort distance away from thehome of Tasha’s parents, Debbieand Michael Brown. Roxannestayed for the 30-minute weddingceremony and greeted guests for ashort time at the reception beforedeparting for the evening with afriend to stay at the parents’house.

Roxanne “did really well. Shewalked down the aisle by herself,”Tasha recalled. “When shereached [the wedding party] mysister snapped a leash on her andshe sat quietly during the ceremo-ny. She can get nervous aroundpeople, so we didn’t think sheshould stay for the entire recep-tion.”

“It worked out very well for us,”said Tasha. “I can’t stress enough.If you are an animal lover and areconsidering having your pet inyour wedding, I wouldn’t eventhink twice about it.”

Janice Anderson, a Bakersfieldanimal trainer and owner ofAnderson Acres kennels, hashelped more than a dozen localcouples incorporate their dogsinto weddings.

While she acknowledges thatunexpected problems can cropup, she believes that for most cou-ples the arrangements and thememories they produced wereworthwhile. In fact, Andersonincluded her 5-year-old maleNewfoundland show dog, KK, inher wedding more than 20 yearsago. The well-trained KK per-formed as the ring bearer, walkingdown the aisle of a Catholicchurch in Mariposa.

“Love me, love my dogs,” saidAnderson, recalling the weddingwith a laugh. Because Newfound-lands tend to drool, Andersonoutfitted the dog with a bib thatresembled a tuxedo vest andcomplemented the outfits of themen in the wedding party.

At the reception that followedat the fairgrounds in Mariposa,KK just “hung out and roamedaround” the guests, said Ander-son. The dog’s transportationcrate was brought to the recep-tion to provide a restful area if KKbegan to stress out.

The key is having a sociable,well-behaved dog, said Bakers-

field trainer Frances Reynolds,who owns Sczyr’s Kennels.Reynolds advises couples to prac-tice for two to four weeks withtheir dogs, rather than showingup “cold” to a wedding.

“I wouldn’t try it unless the dogis very obedient,” she said, addingthat outdoor settings are moresuitable for animals.

“People truly have to hope forthe best and plan for the worst,”said Anderson, who stressed theneed for couples to know thetemperament and capabilities oftheir dogs. “Things can happen.”

And that certainly did at arecent wedding in Australia,where the bride’s bulldog, Iggy,bolted from the reception tochase a departing guest. The cry-ing bride and most of the wed-ding party ran after Iggy through apouring rain, ruining their outfits,disrupting the reception andderailing the honeymoon. Thedog was found unharmed hidingin a nearby neighborhood threedays later.

Dog trainers and event plan-ners offered the following adviceto couples planning to includetheir dogs in their weddings orany formal event, for that matter:

Make sure the wedding andreception locations will allowdogs. Likely they will not beallowed in many churches andplaces where food is served.

Control what you can con-trol. Either get very organizedyourself, or hire a wedding plan-ner to address the “expected” sit-uations. That will give you moreflexibility to react to the “unex-pected” behavior of an animal.

Know your animal. Allow the

dog’s temperament, rather thanyour desires, to dictate how muchthe animal will be involved. Somedogs are comfortable in bigcrowds; others can get agitatedand aggressive.

Appoint one person knownto the dog to be “responsible”for the dog. The bride andgroom will be too busy seeing toguests and other activities to takeFido for a walk, pick up poop ortend to the animal’s other needs.

Practice with the animal forat least two to four weeks. Ifpossible, practice at the weddingand reception locations. If youplan to have your dog wear a cos-tume — tuxedo vest, bridesmaid’sdress, etc. — practice wearing theclothing.

If the dog will be a ring bear-

er, place fake rings on the pil-low or collar holding the rings.No one wants to see a dog take offwith $2,000 in jewelry.

With the increased popularityof having pets involved in wed-dings, event planners and ven-dors — from florists to caterers toentertainers — are becomingmore familiar with ways toarrange weddings and receptionsto minimize conflicts.

Discuss your plans and yourpet’s behavior with professionals,including dog trainers. They likelywill be able to help you have thewedding of your dreams and yourlittle buddy by your side to shareit.Maureen Buscher-Dang is a Bakers-field public relations consultant. [email protected].

Dogs have their day at weddingsMany couples incorporatepets on special occasions

Ultimate Bridal EventWhen: Noon to 4 p.m. Sun-dayWhere: Rabobank Conven-tion Center, 1001 TruxtunAve.Admission: $8 to $15Information: ultimatebri-dalevent.com or 835-1305

PHOTOS BY VALDOPHYE PHOTOGRAPHY

Roxanne, a Shih Tzu-Pomeranian mix, sits quietly and watches attentively as her owner, Tasha Brown,exchanges wedding vows with Peter Garcia during a ceremony at the RiverLakes Golf Course.

Sister Jenna Hosley and brother Casey Brown pose with brideTasha Brown Garcia and her dog, Roxanne.


BY JENNIFER SELFCalifornian lifestyles editor

[email protected]

When Buddy Alan Owens got a callawhile back about sitting in forhis dad on a televised reunion of

“Hee Haw,” he had to think twice beforesaying yes.

“It’s not the same without Buck there,”said Owens in a phone conversationWednesday, referring to the shadow cast byhis father, who co-hosted the series withRoy Clark for most of its 25-year run.

“But then Roy was there and they said,‘No, we have to have you there to be a partof it,’ and it was really kind of a love-in. Itwas just very natural.”

Fans of the variety show, which both cel-ebrated and spoofed rural America whileproviding a showcase for the top countryperformers of the day, are invited to goback to a simpler time when “Country’sFamily Reunion Salute to the Kornfield”airs on RFD-TV this weekend.

Along with Owens and Clark, otherreturning regulars include Bill Anderson,Charlie Farquharson, Ramona Jones, JohnConlee, Lulu Roman, Charlie McCoy, RickySkaggs, Victoria Hallman, T. GrahamBrown, Gordie Tapp, Johnny Lee, BarbiBenton, Larry Gatlin, Roni Stoneman, MoeBandy, Gunilla Hutton, Jim Ed Brown, JeffSmith and Gene Watson.

“Bill Anderson was the spearhead of this

thing,” Owens said. “What they did was sata bunch of rocking-chair-looking thingsaround in a big circle, with 45 or 50 peoplesitting around, so it made it easy to talk.They’d tell a few stories about their bestmemories of ‘Hee Haw’ and what they’redoing now in life.

“It was great seeing the girls re-enactsome of the skits they did before. For abunch of grandmas, they looked great.”

Though Owens sees some of his old

“Hee Haw” buddies from time to time, hehadn’t seen Clark since the late 1980s.

As for reports that his father and Clarkweren’t always the genial buddies por-trayed on the show, Owens said any flare-ups between the two were overblown.

“They definitely made amends beforeBuck died,” Owens said.

“You’re dealing with a couple of prettybig egos, to be honest, and there may havebeen some moments when tempers were

short, but they always kissed and madeup.”

Warm memories of late cast memberslike Owens, Junior Samples, Stringbeanand Grandpa Jones are highlights of theshow, Owens said.

“You could see how much everybodyloved and cared about everybody.”

The show airs at 5 p.m. Friday and 3 a.m.and 10 p.m. Saturday, according to sched-ule.rfdtv.com.

Buddy Alan Owens talks ‘Hee Haw’ reunion

Eye Street

Downtown1231 18th Street (18th and L Streets)10:30am - 2:15pm - Closed Sundays

Phone: (661) 323-2500

Rosedale9160 Rosedale Highway

(Target Shopping Ctr.)11:00am - 8:00pm Daily

Phone: (661) 587-1600

Southwest9500 Ming Avenue

(Just West of The Marketplace)7:00am - 3:00pm - Closed Sundays

Phone: (661) 665-9990

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(Corner of Herndon and Willow - Target Shopping Ctr.)

11:00am - 8:00pmPhone: (559) 323-0330

Best Wishes for a

S o u p s & S a l a d s

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kes & Cookies

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEAN DIXON

Buddy Alan Owens, upper left corner, poses with the cast of “Hee Haw.”


Eye Street

Abundle of changes are instore for the Spotlight The-atre, including a switch to a

calendar-year season and anentirely new format for the sum-mer months.

“We’ve done an overhaul to theway we’re structured,” said JarredClowes, artistic director, addingthat final details are still beingworked out. “The new season willstart with ‘Into the Woods’ on Jan.20.”

He also said “Hedwig and theAngry Inch,” previously sched-uled to open on Friday, willinstead be performed in March,and Clowes will replace IanSwanson as director of the show.

June, July and August will bedevoted to instructing childrenand teens in theater arts. Theonly performances during thesummer will be done by studentsin those classes.

“We want to form an education(component) that will be thelinchpin of our program,” Clowessaid. “We are working with theBoys & Girls Club on this.”

Plans include establishing a labfor college-age students in thenear future. Cost of the new edu-cation program, he said, is beingfunded by a $12,000 grant thenonprofit theater received fromThe Bakersfield Californian Foun-dation.

Meanwhile, Spotlight is againextending its reach into SouthernCalifornia as it has with several ofits other shows in recent years."Zanna, Don’t,” a musical abouta high school where nearly every-body is gay, opens Friday for alimited run in Los Angeles at The-atre Theatre. Alex Neal directs,and the cast includes actors whowere in Spotlight’s two previousproductions of the show at itshome venue in downtown Bak-ersfield.

Portrait artist’s exhibitI was fascinated with Patti

Doolittle’s 1920s-era portrait of awoman that’s on the invitation

for the First Fri-day open-ing of theartist’sexhibit atthe ArtCenter.

Whatimpressed

me most were the woman’s boldexpression and the luminouswaves in her hair.

Doolittle is well-known for herlife-like portraits and I wonderedif this particular subject might beone of Doolittle’s ancestors.Turns out the artist isn’t related tothe woman, doesn’t even knowher name and came upon herimage in an unusual way.

“I found her on a piece ofantique sheet music from the ’20s— it was just about to fall apartand it was in black and white,”Doolittle said. “She was a singerand called the first ‘Shimmy Girl,’and I thought she needed to beput in a painting.”

Doolittle, known for her keensense of color, used warm pastelson sandpaper to make thewoman come alive.

“It was really fun to do herwaves,” she said, adding, “I was ahairdresser for many years; don’tknow if that helped me makethose waves.”

Also part of the exhibit isDoolittle’s portrait of Kathy

Schilling, who served the Bakers-field Art Association as presidentfrom 2007 to 2011. The displaycan be seen at the Art Centerthrough Jan. 27. Usual openhours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tues-day through Friday.

The Empty Space awardsOnline voting for The Empty

Space awards has ended, andwinners will be announced Sun-day at the theater’s ninth annualawards banquet.

With 28 categories under con-sideration, it may be a longevening. The majority of theguests are performers, however,so I’m sure they’ll provide plentyof impromptu entertainment.

Brian Sivesind, who took overas executive director in August,tells me he’s pleased with thepace of the fundraising campaignhe started about six months ago.

“We have raised about $500 forimprovements,” he said “and weare hoping to raise at least $500more by the end of January.”

The theater, which occupies asmall space behind Pizzaville inan Oak Street strip mall, hasundergone several transforma-tions since Sivesind and othersfounded it in 2003. At present,

priority is being given to remod-eling the public restrooms andconcession area, with the workexpected to be done in March.The director also hopes to securefunding for an additional air con-ditioning unit by the end of April.

“We plan to revamp the entireaudience area during our darkweeks next December so we canopen our 11th season with a newand improved audience experi-ence,” Sivesind said. “We willneed to raise about $5,000 by theend of 2012 to make that hap-pen.”

“Boy Gets Girl,” directed byMichael Pawloski, is the Empty’sfirst show of 2012 and opens onJan. 13. More about that nextweek.

MacNeil at First Presbyterian

Shafter native and internation-ally known tenor Robert MacNeil,will be in town on Wednesday fora solo concert at First Presbyteri-an Church.

Meg Wise, the church’s residentmusic director and organist, willaccompany MacNeil on thepiano. Wise is a Shafter residentand has known the singer sincehe was a youth.

“We all had heard him sing andwe always knew he was goingsomewhere with it — and hedid,” she says now, noting whathe’s accomplished since 1997when he was named a NationalFinalist in the MetropolitanOpera National Council Audi-tions.

In 2010-11 MacNeil sang in theSan Francisco Opera Company’sproductions of “Werther” and“The Marriage of Figaro.” Overthe years he has soloed with theLos Angeles Opera, the MormonTabernacle Choir and and has

performed at Carnegie Hall, theKennedy Center, Sydney (Aus-tralia) Opera House and the For-bidden City Concert Hall in Bei-jing, China. He also has been aguest artist with the BakersfieldSymphony Orchestra.

He now lives in Los Angeles,where he is a member of thevoice faculty of World MissionUniversity and also teaches pri-vately.

At First Presbyterian his pro-gram will be made up of favoritehymns and sacred songs, includ-ing “The Lord is My Light,” “IfWith all Your Hearts,” “PanisAngelicus” and “The Lord’sPrayer.”

The event is one in a series offree midday recitals held on thesecond Wednesday of the month.Unlike previous years, there willbe no pre-concert lunches avail-able for purchase. Those whowish to bring their own lunchmay eat on the patio before orafter the concert.

Normally the concerts last only30 minutes but Wise said shewouldn’t be surprised if this onelasts at least an hour.

Spotlight keeps itself in game“Timeless Portraits”Opening reception: 6 to 8p.m. Friday

Where: BAA Art Center, 1817Eye St.

Admission: Free


“Zanna, Don’t”When: 8 p.m. Friday and Sat-urday

Where: Theatre Theater,5041 W. Pico Blvd., Los Ange-les

Admission: $30


“Dress to the Nines”The Empty SpaceAwards BanquetWhen: 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Stockdale CountryClub, 7001 Stockdale High-way

Admission: $37, $70 percouple

Information: 327-PLAY

Robert MacNeil concertWhen: 12:30 p.m. Wednes-day

Where: First PresbyterianChurch, 17th and H streets

Admission: Free


Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

GO & DO

Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive”column appears on Thursday. Write to her via e-mail at [email protected]

New calendar andformat bring changes

PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTI DOOLITTLE

“Shimmy Girl” is a portrait by local artist Patti Doolittle.PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT MACNEIL

Shafter native and internation-ally known tenor Robert Mac-Neil will perform Wednesday atFirst Presbyterian Church.


Eye Street

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDIContributing writer

Actor Chris Carsten knows he’sgot a lot to live up to as hetakes on the role of Professor

Henry Higgins in the touring produc-tion of “My Fair Lady,” which comesto the Rabobank Theater on Tuesday.

Unless you know absolutely noth-ing about Broadway musicals, yourresponse to hearing the title “My FairLady” should be “Rex Harrison.” Har-rison originated the role of Higginswith his Tony Award-winning signa-ture performance in 1956, and thenreprised the role (and earned anOscar) in the lavish 1964 film version.Any actor who has played Higginssince then, including Richard Cham-berlain, Ian Richardson, JonathanPryce and Kelsey Grammer, has hadto live in the shadow of Harrison’sdefinitive portrayal.

“I think everyone who has everplayed Henry Higgins, no matter whothey are — Richard Chamberlain,anyone — is going to be influencedby what Rex Harrison did,” Carstensaid.

“The whole world has that bias,” headded.

But the role of Higgins for this tourfell into Carsten’s lap.

“The part was already cast,” hesaid. “But the original actor had tobow out.”

Carsten said the tour’s producerswere already familiar with his work,and so with one month to prepare, hewas offered the part.

“I’m having an absolute blast,”Carsten said.

“My Fair Lady” is often consideredthe “perfect” musical. The originalstory comes from the play “Pyg-malion” by George Bernard Shaw,which concerns Eliza Doolittle, aCockney flower girl who wants towork in a flower shop, but knows thather low-brow way of speaking willkeep her out of polite society. Sheasks Higgins, a phoneticist, to helpher improve her speech. On a bet,Higgins helps Eliza, who ends upcharming the highest echelons ofEnglish society, including Higgins.

Shaw long resisted the idea of amusical version of his play. AfterShaw’s death in 1950, the musicalteam of Alan Jay Lerner and FrederickLoewe began work on the musical,even without having the rights to theshow.

Eventually the bank controlling therights to Shaw’s work granted permis-sion for the musical team to goahead, and “My Fair Lady” opened on

Broadway on March 15, 1956. It ranfor more than 2,700 performances, arecord at the time, and won six TonyAwards, including one for Harrison asbest actor in a musical. The 1964 filmversion won eight Academy Awards,including another best actor awardfor Harrison.

Carsten said he isn’t trying to copyHarrison’s performance, but he hascertainly learned a lot about the char-acter from what his predecessor did.

“I learned about the passion Hig-gins has for what he does — almost toa fault,” Carsten said. “And it sets upthe conflict between him and Eliza.”

“He sees the world through his eyesand he takes great pride and joy andpassion in that — and he thinks itshould be that way,” Carsten said.

“He learns a lot from Eliza,”Carsten said. “It’s a transformationand I think that’s why people love theplay.”

Carsten said judging by the audi-ences he sees, “My Fair Lady” contin-ues to have universal appeal.

“You get the chance to see peoplereinvent themselves, and the audi-ence gets to go along,” Carsten said.“And as a cast member I get to beable to tell that story.”

So, it is time to ask this Henry Hig-gins the great burning question: AreHiggins and Eliza in love?

“I’ve been asking my fellow cast-mates about that,” Carsten said. “Theyounger cast members in the chorussaid ‘absolutely not’; the actor playing(Colonel) Pickering felt they were.”

“It kind of depends on the actors,”Carsten said. “There’s nothing writtenin the script that tells you that.”

The fairest musicalof them all?

Actor reflects on fillingshoes of great Rex Harrison

My Fair LadyWhen: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Where: Rabobank Theater, 1001Truxtun Ave.Tickets: $25 to $45. Available atbox office or through Ticketmas-ter (extra fees apply).Information: 800-745-3000

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Aurora Florence appears as Eliza Doolittle in the cast of “My Fair Lady,”which will perform at Rabobank Arena.


Eye Street

There’s never been a short-age of faith among themembers of Bakersfield alt-

rock quartet Cidona.After dropping into the local

all-ages music scene two yearsago, the band became instantfavorites, pulling in large crowdsat most appearances. They wereaccessible to radio and benefitedfrom being one of the onlyfemale-fronted rock bands intown.

But after a brief run as a mainattraction, the group slowlybegan to fall apart, much to thedismay of fans, many of whomhad just come aboard. It didn’thelp that a promo video featuringthe band advertising televisedhigh school football games onBright House Networks debutedjust as Cidona lost lead vocalistKarrisa Jackson and keyboardistElizabeth Reichelt.

But rather than call it a day,remaining members Mike Jame-son, Brock Beeney and JosiahFrazier regained their momen-tum after meeting vocalist Melis-sa Lucas, who was just back froman appearance on “AmericanIdol” last year.

Finding each other at similarcrossroads, their teaming took offimmediately. Embraced by oldfans, a whole new audienceeagerly caught on after Lucas’debut at the KRAB Free 4 All inMay, where she was introduced in

front of thousands. Now the band

has reachedanother mile-stone with a

new five-song EP,“Credulity,”

and amusic

video for the song “Falling.” Tocelebrate, the band is throwing ahuge all-ages CD release and pre-miere party at The Gate Saturday.

“The band is one of the thingsI’ve wanted to keep in my life,”said bassist Beeney, who co-founded Cidona with guitaristJameson. “Working hard at thishas always made me happy.”

Maturing as a group, thedynamic has shifted from thehappy, uplifting image of theirpast. With busy lives and respon-sibilities offstage, this isn’t thesame band we encountered onMySpace pushing silly home-made videos.

Today, it’s all strictly businessas they sit together attentively attheir Rosedale area rehearsalspace.

“It’s been crazy, very hectic,”said Lucas on being whiskedfrom national TV to fill the post oflead singer in a busy rock band.“None of this has been easy, butit’s always been fun.”

Frazier, who handles much ofthe band’s promotion online,isn’t saying much right now, butput him behind his drums andyou’ll see him communicate loudand clear.

“This group has always run onpure adrenaline, no energydrinks,” he said.

On record, it would be unfair tocompare the old Cidona to thenew. Beginning with theimproved yin-and-yang style ofJameson’s guitar leads andBeeney’s bass structure, Frazier’ssolid pulse offers the perfect glue

for that cohesive unit. Toppedwith Lucas’ strong vocal abilitiesto rise above moments of chaos,they’ve officially shed theirpoppy-go-lucky former selves.That proof and more is all over“Credulity.”

From the potent openingcrescendo of “Maybe” to its fol-low-up track, “Hold Me Down,”showcasing Lucas’ vocal rangeand skills as a songwriter, thingsbegin to lighten up on theParamore-ish “Make Up YourMind,” before heading into seri-ous territory with “Falling,” asong about drug addiction. Cho-sen to be the song for the accom-panying video, Lucas said it wasalso the hardest to write.

“I’ve never been in that situa-tion, so you have to think aboutwhat you’d say to someone with

that kind of problem. We reallywanted to do something differentwith the lyrics. I originally hadseven lengthy verses, but I nar-rowed it down to the ones thatworked best.”

Jameson echoed Lucas: “It hadthe best storyline we could retellin a video.”

Written, directed and producedby local filmmaker Ryan Sanders,along with the group, the video isan independent triumph of sorts.With sets built by the band, allavailable resources were tappedfor use.

From lighting to makeup, evenactors — Robert Bowman andformer keyboardist ElizabethReichelt in starring roles — theshort film looks and sounds pol-ished with the occasional,love/hate youth drama cliché. If Iwere to make a prediction, expectit to be used by drug interventionprograms in the near future. It’sthat good.

“After filming for six hours, I

had whiplash,” laughed Lucas. “Inow know how hard major artistshave to work. By 2 a.m. I wantedmy bed.”

Frazier agreed: “I’ve playeddrums on and off for nine years,but I’ve never played as hard as Idid for the video. It validated thatwe’re actually doing somethingand watching how it came outjust blew me away.”

Also included is the song “Bit-ter Words,” which wraps up astrong outing and promisingrebirth for Cidona.

“This is definitely the mostwork we’ve ever collaborated onas a band and it turned out betterthan we expected. None of uswere giving up,” said Beeney.

Opening Saturday’s show willbe acts Alex Mitts, Good Ques-tion, Streetside Vinyl, The NewPost, and A Long Way From Sta-ble. Copies of “Credulity” will beavailable for purchase at the showand will soon be available fordownload online.

Breathing new life into CidonaCidona CD/video release showWhen: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Gate, 2010 O St.

Admission: $5

Information: cidona.net

The 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.

Local band back withnew lineup, CD, video

• Merchandise • Furniture • Pets • Autos • Sporting Goods • Services • Rentals • Real Estate & More!

Your local & trusted ONLINE Classifieds

PHOTO BY RYAN SANDERS

Cidona’s revamped lineup has been a hit with fans — both old and new. Members of the group are,from left, Mike Jameson, Brock Beeney, Melissa Lucas, Josiah Frazier.


Eye Street

BY STEFANI DIASCalifornian assistant lifestyles editor

[email protected]

Fresh into 2012, it’s easy to embracethe motto of out with the old and inwith the new. And what feels new is a

First Friday celebration in January, amonth that the event has previouslyskipped. And with the unseasonably warmweather Bakersfield has enjoyed recently,there’s plenty of incentive to head down-town and enjoy the arts.

Continuing their run at Metro Galleriesare a pair of impressive exhibits by KeithWicks and Bill Lagattuta. Wicks, a cousin ofRep. Kevin McCarthy and Bakersfieldnative now living in Sonoma, has a collec-tion of plein air paintings that incorporatethe play of light. Former CBS news corre-spondent Lagattuta’s exhibit is an interest-ing contrast with abstract portraits andrecycled metal.

Speaking of recycling, The Foundry istaking the practice to another level this Fri-day with its “Lost and Foundry” exhibit.For the show, artists were challenged toproduce fine art incorporating foundobjects and recycled items.

“We like to push our members outsidethe box — like our last show with kitschart,” said Foundry co-founder ChristinaSweet. “Artist block is common. Some-times you need an extra nudge to createthat next great piece.”

Inspiration seems to have struck asSweet said Tuesday that she had 16 worksso far, with three more on their way. Piecesincorporate a variety of materials.

“We received ink works on cardboard,sketches on prescription bags, a stool thathas been collaged. Lots of works with recy-cled Plexiglas, pipe and wire.”

One standout, according to Sweet, is“Suitcase Willie" by Kent Porterfield, whichstarted with a simple item — a decades-old suitcase — that became something elseentirely.

“It surprised me. This old suitcase fromthe ’60s or ’70s is turned into a light boxwith stained glass.”

Sweet said her own work for the showwould include linoleum salvaged from

‘Lost and Foundry’must see of First FridayGuild House drawing crowdswith music, nibbles, wine

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINA SWEET

“Suitcase Willie” by Kent Porterfield, which started with a simple item — adecades-old suitcase — that became something else entirely.

"Pop-Cat" by Jason Stewart is part ofthe "Lost and Foundry"exhibit, openingFriday at The Foundry.

Please see 29


Eye Street

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTHContributing writer

Concerts are usually a spectator sportbut when it comes to “Phineas &Ferb: The Best Live Tour Ever!”, the

audience is just as much a part of the funas the characters that grace the stage. Theevent, based on the Disney Channel car-toon, rolls into Rabobank Convention Cen-ter Jan. 13.

“Phineas & Ferb” chronicles the antics oftwo stepbrothers and their controlling sis-ter, Candace. The action of the episodestakes place on the boys’ summer vacationas they take on grand new projects andadventures while their sister constantlyworks to expose their schemes and getthem in trouble with mom.

Creators Dan Povenmire and Dan“Swampy” Marsh are no strangers to thecartoon circuit with past successes thatinclude Nickelodeon’s “Rocko’s ModernLife” and Marsh’s stint with the adult car-toon hit “Family Guy.”

Jennifer Maninger, senior global PRmanager for Feld Entertainment, wel-comed the chance to turn television char-acters into real people, giving the audiencea show that includes a bigger-than-lifetransformation that’s a blast for kids.

“It’s great because the characters startout on this giant television screen in theirbackyard, then they realize there is a stagethere in front of them with everyone in theaudience and they want to be out therewith you, where it’s fun.”

Once the characters take the stage withthe help of a giant slide, the relationshipbetween performer and ticket holderbegins as kids from the audience are askedfor their suggestions for building theirshow and helping Phineas, Ferb, Candaceand the rest of the gang decide what theywill do on the last day of summer vacation.

“That’s when the audience gives thecharacters suggestions; it’s all a part of thisquest to figure out how to spend that day.It really allows us to interact with all of theaudience all night.”

With suggestions from the crowd andthe wishes of the characters, Phineas andFerb set out on a 90-minute journey thatincorporates 13 tried-and-true songs fromthe television show and one song written

specifically for the stage. With those songscomes a specially crafted dance numberthat brings together all walks of life.

“Our choreographer, Fred Tallaksen, wasable to put every genre of choreography inthe show. We have a disco number with thecharacter Jeremy and the Disco GolfingKing and even a Bollywood number withBaljeet.”

If disco and Bollywood sound like astrange combination, Maninger said that’sthe point: The production is about interac-tivity and bringing the audience into theexperience, which can lead to some wildideas.

“Phineas and Ferb decide to invent anidea mash-up machine because there areso many great ideas they can’t do them all.That’s why you have disco and golf togeth-er.”

Some highlights include giant inflatableglow-in-the-dark golf balls that areunleashed into the audience, an array ofacrobatics and light displays.

“From the start of the tour to the end, weare going to hit 86 cities. And we justannounced that we will be taking the showto Mexico City after it closes in the U.S. inApril.”

With the popularity of “Phineas & Ferb”crossing borders Maninger believes it’s theshow’s variety that keeps the viewers tun-ing in.

“We have fans all over the world. Theshow is so much fun and humorous forchildren and adults — it’s grown such alarge audience. I think it’s because the var-ious characters in the show represent somuch diversity and personalities. There issomething in it that can appeal to every-one.”

Take a summer breakwith ‘Phineas & Ferb’

Phineas & Ferb: The Best Live Tour Ever!When: 4 and 7 p.m. Jan. 13

Where: Rabobank Convention Center,1001 Truxtun Ave.

Admission: $18 to $50 plus servicefee

Information: ticketmaster.com or800-745-3000

The cast from“Phineas &Ferb: The BestLive TourEver!” getsdown Reggaestyle to“BackyardBeach.”Phineas & Ferband the rest ofthe Tri-Statearea gang takethe stage atthe RabobankConventionCenter on Jan.13.

DISNEY

BY VERNE GAYNewsday

It’s back to the shore tonight for season5, with Vinny Guadagnino, Jenni“JWoww” Farley, “Pauly D” DelVecchio,

Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, RonnieOrtiz-Magro, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi,Deena Nicole Cortese and Sammi “Sweet-heart” Giancola.

What it’s about: Italia ... “Team Meat-ball” ... the situation with The Situation.That stuff from the fourth season’s allbehind us, and more important, them.Now, back to Seaside Heights where oldhabits (creeping, GTL, drama) die hard.

The “Jersey Shore” eight are packed intoa van and arrive at the familiar house(duck phone still intact) while the old jobat the Shore Store awaits. The first night,there’s a quick welcome-back party atCaptain Hook’s, arranged by their boss,Danny, which turns into a surprise party,where family and old friends — like Snoo-ki’s boyfriend, Jionni, and Mike’s pal, the“Unit” — turn up.

Drinks are consumed. Tempers erupt.Meanwhile, Vinny falls into a deep depres-sion. I understand why.

My say: Back in the fall as the “Italia”edition was unfolding — while Mike wassmashing his head against a wall andDeena and Snooki were playing tonsilhockey as so-called Team Meatballexplored their sexuality — the State of NewJersey revoked MTV’s $420,000 tax credit tofilm in the state.

Other than some headlines, nothingmuch came of this and likely nothingmuch will. After a winter break in someother luckless locale — Argentina is nicethis time of year — “Jersey Shore” will be

back next summer because it has to be.There’s no place like home, and this ishome for “Jersey Shore.” The energy, theboardwalk, the gorillas. All the backgroundnoise makes this thing work when it actu-ally does work.

By contrast, Italy was a wasted edition —a stain on one of the world’s most beauti-ful cities (Florence) and a strain on theeight, who crawled across the finish line.For fans as much as for them, this seasonis a genuine reprieve — except whenanother drunken night ends in the coldlight of another morning.

“Groundhog Day” has set in. Samehangover. Same jokes. Same snark. Evenmice in a cage get bored, and Vinny reallydoes seem bummed by episode’s end. Youmay understand why, too.

Bottom line: There’s no place like home... there’s no place like home. But thisseems like the beginning of the end.


Eye Street

No place like homefor ‘Jersey’ seasonPattern much the same forlow-brow cast of MTV show

‘Jersey Shore’10 tonight, MTV

Robust, diverse and hanging in there:Bakersfield’s dining scene in 2011 was arare spot of good news for folks lookingfor a great meal at a decent price. So saysPete Tittl, The Californian’s restaurantcritic for decades.

Pete is downright thrilled about theinnovation and risk-taking he’s seen thisyear and optimistic about what 2012 willbring.

So pick up The Californian Sunday todiscover Pete’s picks for the best newrestaurants in town, the most promisingprospects, the spots that are great andgetting better, his favorite meals of theyear and a look back at the eateries thatsaid goodbye.

And join Pete and Lifestyles Editor Jen-nifer Self on Californian Radio at 9 a.m.this morning for a sneak peek at the 2011dining guide.

Tune in to KERN 1180-AM. We wel-come your questions and comments:842-KERN.

COMING IN EYE: PETE TITTL’S 2011 DININGGUIDE, ONLY IN THE PAGES OF THE CALIFORNIAN

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Taylor Arbolante creates a cupcake atSugar Twist Bakery and Cafe.

MTV

The hit reality show “Jersey Shore”returns for a fifth season tonight, fol-lowing the raucous roommates as theyreturn from Florence, Italy, and bunk upin Seaside Heights, N.J.

ued building a following on the burgeon-ing tour circuit, which, according to Fergu-son, still has plenty of room for growth.

“If you’re out West, you basically workdoing festivals in Arizona, Nevada, and ifyou have money, you can make it down toMexico. If you stay in California, you playcoffee shop events, intimate concerts andsmall music stores with a stage in theback.”

Introduced to bluegrass music as a teen,Ferguson, 30, said he’s always been fasci-nated with it.

“One of my dad’s friends had a band,and I got interested in it for a while. I kindof left it alone for a while, but some yearslater after hearing a recording by BillFrisell, featuring Jerry Douglas, who playeddobro, I got back into it and playing theinstrument. It was interesting for me to get

into that music when I was so young andeventually find my way back.”

As one of the younger groups active onthe bluegrass scene, Ferguson said there’sa need for more young musicians to helpcarry on the musical tradition. He alwayskeeps that in mind when he hits the stagewith bandmates Devitt Feeley on man-dolin and Lydia Veilleux, fiddle. Also join-ing the band tonight will be ensemblebassist Brian Netzley.

“We’re just trying to carry the torch andkeep things going, by reaching youngeraudiences. I am concerned about thenumbers dropping in the long run as someof the older veterans begin to leave us.”

For bands who missed out on submit-ting or who would still like to bring theirgroup for an impromptu showcase, Grego-ry said they should still bring their instru-ments. You may get picked to fill the bill at

another spring or summer event. “During the jam sessions, you can ask

the host about giving them a 30-minute setand hopefully get hired for a festival.”

By Saturday night, the event should bein full swing after the daytime workshopswrap up and the ever-popular open micand band scramble takes over.

Here, participating musicians will throwtheir name into a bucket associated withtheir instrument before being paired up toperform together onstage later thatevening.

All ages are allowed and family partici-pation is strongly encouraged.

“We’ve had kids ages 6 and 7 playing inthe band scramble. We really promoteyouth involvement, and the people thatattend are really sensitive to that,” saidGregory.

If you don’t play an instrument, feel freeto fill the halls and available seats. All audi-ences are appreciated.

“I’m just so happy we’ve been able tokeep coming back. It’s going to be a greatweekend.”


Eye Street

CONTINUED FROM 16

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Southern California band Grasslands will appear tonight during The Great 48 HourBluegrass Jam’s opening night festivities.


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Eye Street

TodayComedian Gabriel Iglesias, 8p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Trux-tun Ave. $50.80. ticketmaster.comor 800-745-3000.

Bingo, warm ups start at 5 p.m.,with early birds at 6 p.m., regulargames at 6:30 p.m., VolunteerCenter of Kern County, 2801 F St.From $20 buy-in to “the works.”395-9787.

Bookseller’s Book Group, 7p.m., Barnes & Noble, in the cafe,4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs.UNLV, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena,1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$20. gorun-ners.com or 654-BLUE.

Fifth annual “The Great 48-Hour Jam,” featuring four of Cali-fornia’s top Bluegrass bands,Thursday through Saturday, Dou-bleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino DelRio Court. $20. 589-8249.

Kaplan College’s Back toSchool Fest 2012, train for a newcareer, Kaplan College, 1914 WibleRoad. Call 1-800-761-7504.

FridayFirst Friday Downtown, featur-ing live music, art openings, spe-cialty shops, galleries and bou-tiques, artists will set up their art-work, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown ArtsDistrict. Email [email protected] or 634-9598.

Guild House First Friday, livemusic by Ken Fahsbender andLarry Peahl, light appetizers,dessert and wine, 5:30 to 7:30p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St.$10. 325-5478.

SaturdayFlamenco & Classical GuitarClass, taught by John Gomez, forindividuals or a group, from 1:30to 4 p.m., Juliana's Art Studio &Gallery, 501 18th St. 496-0891 or327-7507.Certified Farmers Market, 8a.m. to noon, next to Golden StateMall, 3201 F St.CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs. UT-Pan American, 7 p.m., CSUB, Icar-do Center, 9001 Stockdale High-way. $5-$20. gorunners.com or654-BLUE.Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500Brimhall Road.FLICS International CinemaSociety, presents “Incendies,”7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater,2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 428-0354.Garden Project CommunityMeeting, learn how to plant yourown vegetable garden, 10 a.m. tonoon, St. Luke Anglican Church,2730 Mall View Road. 332-3204.

Great 48 Hour Jam bandscramble & open mic, anadjunct to the “Great 48 HourJam,” a Bluegrass band scrambleand open mic, 8 p.m., DoubleTreeHotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court,Ballroom. Free. 428-7044 or 589-8249.

Just for Kids, astronomy withColleen Villasenor, 10:30 a.m. tonoon, Buena Vista Museum ofNatural History, 2018 Chester Ave.$7 adults; $5 students with ID,seniors; $4 for children under 18;5 and under are free. Members arefree. 324-6350.Kern Audubon Society, workgroup to help plant trees at thePanorama Vista Preserve, justbelow the Panorama Bluffs, 9 [email protected] Club-Buena Vista GroupProgram & Brunch, discussing“Overview of U.S. Forest ServiceInternational Programs with Com-ments on Smoke Jumping and Cli-mate Change,” 10 a.m., CaminoReal Restaurant, 3500 TruxtunAve. 323-5569.Victim Witness Auxiliary’s23rd annual Fog Run, 5K and10K, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Ming LakeRoad. $22 pre-registration beforeDec. 30; $30 after. 868-4507.

SundayThe Ultimate Bridal Event, withmore than 100 vendors, premierewedding professionals will be onhand to assist you in planningyour dream wedding, noon to 4p.m., Rabobank Convention Cen-ter, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $8 to $15.ultimatebridalevent.com or 835-1305.

THEATERImprov Comedy Show, withCenter For Improv Advancement,8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Satur-days, Ice House, 3401 ChesterAve., Suite M. Adults: $5, childrenunder 12 are $1. ciacomedy.com.

Major League Improv, improvi-sational comedy show, appropri-ate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays,The Empty Space, 706 Oak St.Free but donations are accepted.327-PLAY.

ART'Lost and Foundry' Exhibition,4 to 9 p.m. or by appointment Fri-day, until Jan. 30, The FoundryGallery, 1602 20th St. bakersfield-foundry.com.

“Far is Near” Opening Recep-tion, by Chris Ouk, 6 to 10 p.m.Friday, Reiter Gallery, 1914 ChesterAve. 862-0059.

First Friday New Art Exhibit &Reception, refreshments andartist Nancy Merrick, 6 to 8 p.m.Friday, Capital Real Estate Group,1700 Chester Ave. Free.

Art Classes, in drawing, water-color, oils, color theory, for begin-ners and advanced, BakersfieldArt Association Art Center, 1817Eye St. 869-2320.

Art for Healing program, class-es that alleviate stress, resultingfrom illness or grief. All classesare free but some suggest a dona-tion and are held at Mercy Hospi-tal, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun andA Street. Visitmercybakersfield.org/art or to reg-ister, 632-5357.

Reception for Patti Doolittle, 6to 8 p.m. Friday, Bakersfield ArtAssociation Art Center, 1817 EyeSt. Free. 869-2320.

First Friday Dagny’s New ArtDisplay, landscapes and favoriteplaces of Kern County by Char-lotte White, 6 p.m. Friday, Dagny’s,1600 20th St. 634-0806.

The Art Shop Club, 9 a.m. tonoon each Thursday, Friday andSaturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20thSt. All mediums. 322-0544, 589-7463 or 496-5153.

Beginning Acrylic PaintingClass, for ages 12 and older, 1 to 4p.m. Saturday, Bakersfield ArtAssociation Art Center, 1817 EyeSt. $20, some supplies provided.869-2320.

MUSIC

’80sB Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill,7401 White Lane, 397-7304;Members Only, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.21 over only.

BluesThe Kern River Saloon, 20Tobias St., Kernville, 760-376-4786; Kern River Blues SocietyOpen Blues Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. Sat-urday.

Classic RockChuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road,833-3469; Elevation 406, 6:30 to10:30 p.m. Saturday. Jacalito Grill, 900 Truxtun Ave.,Suite 110, 325-2535; Prisoners ofLove, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

ComedyElevation Lounge, 818 RealRoad, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday— Live comedy with DJ afterparty, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

CountrySandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m.Wednesdays.

DancingPairs and Spares Dance, withJerri Arnold, Country George, EdShelton and Cowboy Up, 7 p.m.Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center,115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 non-members. 399-3575.Folklorico Classes, advancedancers/performing group 6 to 8p.m. Fridays; and beginners, allages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Satur-days, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221Norris Road. $22 per month forbeginners; $25 per month foradvance dancers. 833-8790.Greenacres Community Cen-ter, 2014 Calloway Drive, offersballroom dance, East Coastswing (jitterbug) and ArgentineTango dance classes; $35, $45for non-members. 322-5765 or201-2105. Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center,115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390,325-3086 or 399-3658.

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista,324-6774; 9 p.m. Friday and Sat-urday.

DJBanacek’s Lounge, 4601 StateRoad, 387-9224; with DJ CaseyOverstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays. DoubleTree Hotel, ClubOdyssey, 3100 Camino Del RioCourt. 323-7111; live in the mix: oldschool, ’80s & ’90s music, 9 p.m.to 1:30 a.m. every Saturday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 WhiteLane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in theMixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2a.m. Saturday. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749;DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdaysthrough Saturdays. Free. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, atHotel Rosedale, 2400 CaminoDel Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg,7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale High-way, 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Mer-chant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live jazz & wine bar featur-ing Mike Montano, 6:30 to 9:30p.m. Friday; featuring Jazz Con-nection, along with 24 wines, 7 to9:30 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 8:30p.m. Tuesdays.Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 WhiteLane, 834-1611; Bakersfield JazzWorkshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.every Wednesday.Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701Ming Ave., 832-5011; Jazz Invasion,9 to 10 p.m. every Saturday.The Nile, Jazz Music, 6 p.m.every Sunday. Cost $10 at 172119th St. 364-2620.

KaraokeB. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill,7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m.Thursdays and Tuesdays. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge,3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sun-days.Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave.,396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. every Tues-day; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday.Cactus Valley Mexican Restau-rant, 4215 Rosedale Highway,633-1948; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.Thursday; beer pong and happyhour all day Sunday.Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 4200 NewStine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to9:30 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. TehachapiBlvd., 822-4939; 7 p.m. Tuesdaysand Thursdays.

Corona’s Cantina, 9817 S. UnionAve., 345-8463; 7 to 10 p.m. Fri-days.

Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840State Road, 393-0262; 8 p.m.every Saturday.

Diana’s Pit Stop, 10807 RosedaleHighway, 587-8888; 8 p.m. Mon-days and Thursdays.

Don Perico Restaurant, 2660Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

DoubleTree Hotel, ClubOdyssey, 3100 Camino Del RioCourt; 8 p.m. to midnight Tues-days.

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road,325-6864; 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 AlfredHarrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9p.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 to10 p.m. every Friday.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 WhiteLane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

Lone Oak Inn, 8 p.m. every Tues-day and Thursday at 10612Rosedale Hwy. 589-0412.

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 & SportsBar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays.

Pizzeria, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays andSaturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave.589-9300.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 8 p.m. to midnight Satur-days.

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, 7737Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8p.m. Mondays through Wednes-days.

Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858Niles St., 873-1900; 5:30 to 9:30p.m. Wednesday.

Round Table Pizza, 2060 WhiteLane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tues-day.

Round Table Pizza, 2620 BuckOwens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junc-tion with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gos-ford Road, 397-1111; 6:30 p.m.Wednesdays.

Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive,392-1482; 6:30 to 9 p.m. everyWednesday.

Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave.,398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays andSaturdays.

Go & Do

Please see 29


Eye Street

Syndicate Lounge, 1818 Eye St., 327-0070; with Alisa Spencer, 9 p.m. everyWednesday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd.,398-1300; with Irish Monkey Entertain-ment, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at117 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 OwensBlvd., 327-9651; 8:30 p.m. Tuesdaysthrough Saturdays.The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 TaftHighway, 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. every other Friday. The Wrecking Yard, 9817 S. Union Ave.,827-9192; 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdaysand Thursdays. The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount VernonAve., 872-8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday. Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. everyTuesday and Thursday at 1440 WeedpatchHwy. 363-5102.Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N.Chester Ave., 399-6700; 7 p.m. Mondaysand Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays,Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sun-days. Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave.,496-2502, 7 p.m. Thursdays. 21 and over.

Latin/SalsaJacalito Grill, 900 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 110.325-2535, Prisoners of Love, 8 p.m. Friday.

B. Ryder's Sports Bar & Grill, 7401White Lane, 397-7304; Disco Salsa Partywith DJ Mike Chavez, 8 p.m. Saturday. $5.21 & over only.

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, ClubOdyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 633-1949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m. every Sun-day. $5 per person, per lesson.

Mariachi Camino 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 10p.m. every Wednesday.

Old schoolJacalito Grill, 900 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 110,325-2535; The Prisoners of Love, 7:30 to9:30 p.m. Thursday.

Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave.,832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8to 11 p.m. every Thursday.

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave.,867-2898; Latin Breeze, 8 p.m. Saturday.$5; 21 & over.

Tam O'Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press, 8 p.m. Friday and Satur-day.

Open MicFiddlers Crossing, 206 East F St.,Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays.$5.

The Canna Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. every Fri-day, East Hills Mall, Food Court, 3000 Mal-lview Road.

RockJerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 633-1000, No Use For A Name, 6 p.m. Saturday.$11.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave.,Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m.every Thursday.

Top 40

Trivia nightBellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469;7 p.m. every Tuesday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; TriviaNight with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday 1/9Kern County Rose Society Meeting, 7p.m., Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor St.327-3228.

Tuesday 1/10CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs. NJIT, 7 p.m.,CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale High-way. $5-$20. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE.

Kern Audubon Society, Kern AudubonSociety, meeting with program on “Emper-ors of the Ice: Emperor Penguins ofAntarctica” by Dr. Gitte McDonald, 7 p.m.,University Square, 2000 K St. ker-naudubonsociety.org or 322-7470.

My Fair Lady-Broadway in Bakersfield,7:30 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 TruxtunAve. $30 to $60 plus fee. ticketmaster.comor call 800-745-3000.

Wednesday 1/11Stained Glass Classes, 6 to 8 p.m. untilFeb. 15, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 50118th St. $150. 327-7507.

CASA Volunteer Orientation, learn howto make a difference in the life of anabused, abandoned or neglected child,noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m., CASA,2000 24th St. kerncasa.org or 631-2272.

Newcomer’s Luncheon, with guestspeaker Jeremy Staat of the Jeremy StaatFoundation, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., HolidayInn Hotel & Suites, 3927 Marriott Drive.$17. Reservations, 587-8292.

Organ Recitals, lunch at noon, recitalfrom 12:30 to 1 p.m., First PresbyterianChurch, 1705 17th St. Lunch available for$6 before recital or feel free to bring yourown lunch. 325-9419.

Thursday 1/12Red Cross New Volunteer Orientation,5:30 to 7:30 p.m., American Red Cross,Kern Chapter, 5035 Gilmore Ave. 324-6427.

Friday 1/13Disney’s Phineas & Ferb: The Best LiveTour Ever!, 4 and 7 p.m., The theater atRabobank Convention Center, 1001 TruxtunAve. $18-$50 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or800-745-3000.

No Stinkin’ Service Charge BluesSeries Concert, Tommy Castro, openingwith Colorblind, 6:30 p.m., DoubletreeHotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $30.831-3100.

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when the 20th Street gallery was beingremodeled. Relocating from the previousspot on Chester Avenue and revamping thenew site’s interior has paid off, she said.

“The gallery is remodeled, it’s a lot morecontemporary. And now we’re a lot closerto the arts mecca. We’ve had a lot of newfaces come through. Attendance has defi-nitely been up, 200 to 300 people everymonth now.”

Over in The Foundry’s old neck of thedowntown woods, Reiter Gallery aims todraw a crowd with “Far is Near,” an exhibitof pen and ink works from Chris Ouk.

Owner Mitch Reiter, who’s known Ouksince running a gallery in Venice (whereOuk still lives), said he’s excited to show theartist’s work, which incorporates architec-tural and Buddhist themes.

Along with Ouk’s work, Reiter will alsodisplay carvings from palm wood by anoth-er Venice artist, Gilesy Williams.

“His stuff is pretty amazing,” Reiter said.“Everything from lion’s heads to mermaids.I’ll have one wall up (of his work), possiblytwo, depending on how many pieces I getfrom him.”

Reiter will also share details on mysteryproject Wake Up Bakersfield, curated byDeon Bell. The next event is set for Jan. 21.

“We had one last month. It’s about wak-ing up local artists to get work out there.”

Speaking of keeping things local, GuildHouse will have live music from Ken Fahs-bender on saxophone and Larry Peahl onkeyboard for its First Friday event.

“It’s oldies but goodies,” said Robin Starr,past Guild House president and currentpublicity chairwoman. “It’s great to hearthe old tunes.”

Guests are welcome to sit and enjoy themusic while nibbling on antipasti skewers,blue cheese and honey bruschetta andcheesecake bites. A glass of wine comeswith the $10 cost, with an additional glassavailable for $5.

Although she didn’t anticipate a crowd asbig as December’s — 90-plus — she saidattendance has been growing since theFirst Friday gatherings started in October2010.

“It’s another way to get our name outthere. The music is wonderful as is beingpart of the downtown scene, the First Fri-day movement.”

People who enjoy the evening atmos-phere at the Guild House should stay tunedfor details of its Affair Extraordinaire at the

end of the month. Details are being con-firmed, but Starr said that the theme of theJan. 29 event is best of Bakersfield with agourmet meal planned featuring food pro-duced locally.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINA SWEET

“The Little Girl Lost” by Greg Hauss is part of the “Lost and Foundry” exhibit, open-ing Friday at The Foundry.

Chris Ouk’s work will be on display atReiter Gallery for his exhibit, “Far isNear,” on Friday.

FIRST FRIDAY

“Lost and Foundry” When: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday

Where: The Foundry, 1602 20th St.

Information: bakersfieldfoundry.com

“Far is Near”When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday

Where: Reiter Gallery, 1914 ChesterAve.


Guild House First FridayWith live music, appetizers, dessert andwine

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Guild House, 1905 18th St.

Cost: $10

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Eye Street Entertainment / 1-5-12

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