Bakersfield comedy served on the rocks

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July 26th, 2012

On The Rocks picks up comedy acts

The last time we checked in with local funnyman, Joe Alaniz, in 2011 he was pretty confident Bakersfield was ready for a stand-up comedy take over.

While that prediction may have come to pass with mostly positive results, the abrupt closing of Fishlips was a noticeably big blow to the local stand-up comedy scene. There were other venues, but there’s nothing like heading downtown for a live comedy show.

Sure, it’s not the Sunset Strip, but for the fans who previously flocked to Fishlips, it’s the closest thing many comedians had to a fully operational stage. Which is why the return of Comedy at On The Rocks has already been welcomed back with open arms.

Above: Joe Alaniz

Held every other Thursday, tonight’s (7/26,) edition of the comedy cavalcade will feature comedians Rob Silva, Tyson Paul, Reggie Gaines, Aaron Stewart, and headliner Aurelio Miguel Bocanegra.

“With Fishlips, we had Open Mic and the venue was always open to comedians any night of the week,” said Alaniz, 26. “We’re really thankful the new venue has picked up where we left off and was open to hosting comedy shows. It’s not always an easy sell.”

This is the third edition of the new bi-weekly series produced by Alaniz and a host of other local comics who’ve banded together.

“I spent a lot of time on the road since last year,” said Alaniz. “One thing I’ve found out is that 80% of comedians from smaller communities like Bakersfield are more skilled than most of the people in Los Angeles. Down there, there’s such a time constriction, you don’t have a chance to grow as a performer with 5 minutes every week. We may not have as many comedians, but we stack up against those in bigger cities.”

Along the way, Alaniz says he also made connections opening lines of communication throughout California.

“I’ve heard so many people show up to Bakersfield give us so many compliments that we are able to do shows like this. It’s cool to be able to share what we do with anyone with skills who’s eager to get on the mic after having to wait their turn so long. Here, you can stretch out a little more than usual.”

Los Angeles-based comedian Aurelio Miguel Bocanegra, is accustomed to trekking long distances to lighten the mood. A two-time US Air Force veteran, the 36-year old shiny domed prankster says, while he never anticipated a career in stand-up, he feels like a product of his environment.


Above: Aurelio Miguel Bocanegra

“The first time I joined I was always cracking jokes passing time and making people laugh. The second time I went in, I started getting a lot of big reactions. I used to have sergeants drive to my post and ask me to me bag on the guys on the base just for laughs. This went on and on.”

After being honorably discharged, Bocanegra says he had an epiphany after watching the concert DVD “The Original Latin Kings of Comedy,” featuring Paul Rodriguez, George Lopez, Joey Medina, and Alex Reymundo.”

“Watching them in action, I saw myself right there. From that point on, I knew I had be a comedian.”

Following his debut in 2002, Bocanegra made quick strides, sharing the stage with Rodriguez and most of his idols. A self-described “gentleman” of comedy, Bocanegra said his material can be previewed on YouTube.

“I don’t talk about religion or politics. I’ve got my views, but once you start talking about it, you’re always expected to an then you get invited on shows to comment. I don’t wanna be Bill Maher. I blame my mother for this talent. She’s the life of every party. We go to a wedding and by the end of the night everyone is around her instead of the bride and groom. She raised me all alone, so I guess it always helped to have a sense of humor, I don’t know. I would say some of the things she says in person that will make you cry, but she made me promise I wouldn’t talk about her. She’s crazy and awesome.”

Tonight’s showtime is 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5. On The Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For more information, call 661-327-7625.

Salvador Santana coming to B Ryder's

Tickets are currently onsale for an August 25th show featuring the Salvador Santana band at B Ryder's. While he is the son of guitar legend Carlos Santana, their artistic similarities aren't as close to his father's as you might think. He's already released two full-length keyboard-heavy records and is currently touring to drum up some hype for an upcoming ep.


Above: Salvador Santana

The first single “Into The Light” is currently getting radio play and has a Black Eyed Peas vibe featuring some Fergie-licious by vocalist Alex Nester. It's an uplifting hip-hop, soul track showcasing Santana talents away from his father's shadows. You can check out the video online at salvadorsantana.com. Tickets for the August 25 show are $10 and can be purchased at B Ryder's Bar, 7401 White Ln. Opening will be Mento Buru, plus special guest. For more information, call 661-397-7304.

Matt’s Picks: July 26th & 28th


We Came as Romans at The Dome, 2201 V. St., $13, 5 p.m., all ages, Thursday, July 26th, 661-327-0190. The post hardcore gentlemen of Michigan sextet, We Came as Romans are back for a make-up show after abruptly cancelling a March concert at Golden State Mall. To sweeten the deal this time around, there will be indoor/outdoor staging featuring a batch of local and touring bands including Fading Out Silence, Woe Is Me, Far from Forever, Designed To Entrap, Your Hero is a Villain, and more. There will also be a dunk tank and vendors to hopefully keep you cool in the middle of this summer swelt.


The Mothership DJ Night at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m. Saturday, July 28th, 661-322-8900.
This popular monthly gathering of vinyl junkies and Serato heads returns to the underground intimacy of Sandrini’s downtown. House DJ reps — Sabretooth (one of the few local lady DJs), Chito, OMS, Qwiz and others spin everything from underground rap to rare groove and beyond. We recommend you arrive early to find your spot on the dancefloor for this one.

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*Also printed in The Bakersfield Californian, 7-26-12