If there's a gig, there's a way

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August 9, 2012

Trio will go anywhere for a show

After two years of performing at any local venue with an available power outlet, Bakersfield folk-rock trio Kenny Reeves & the Clones have decided it’s time to hit the road.

But before they gas up and go, they’ve got some last-minute planning that includes a special mini-tour kickoff show Thursday, August 9th at Sandrini’s.

I got to know the boys when Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night at Fishlips was still around. Every week, they faithfully showed up in various incarnations, ready to play. (Members are Kenny Reeves, guitar and vocals, and brothers Kris Borbon, drums, and Bryant Borbon, bass.)


Kenny Reeves & The Clones, from left: Kris Borbon, Kenny Reeves, Bryant Borbon. Photo by Brady Cabe

“Kris just emailed a bunch of venues and asked if they would let us play,” said Reeves, 23, outside Starbucks, where he works as a barista. “They would usually say, ‘We got an opening here and there.’ We just took whatever we could get.”

Looking at their confirmed schedule of shows, they haven’t done too badly: This Saturday they head north to Sacramento for a trio of shows during the week, before doubling back to play Anaheim and Santa Monica. Along the way they may pick up more shows, in modern-day troubadour style.

“Our style is real coffee-house stuff. That’s the cool thing about our setup. We don’t have to bring much equipment. Electric bass and small amp, acoustic guitar, and a small drum kit. That’s probably taking up most of the space wherever we go. We asked the venues a lot of questions, and most had sound systems,” Reeves said. “When we booked The Dollhut in Anaheim, we got a little freaked because that place is known for hard-core punk shows. I could just imagine what would happen. We still don’t know who we’re playing with, but I think we’ll be OK.”


Kenny Reeves & The Clones, from left: Kris Borbon, Kenny Reeves, Bryant Borbon. Photo by Brady Cabe

After I inquired about their chosen mode of transportation, Reeves suddenly paused.

“We’re not sure yet. We’re running around trying to figure it out. We may just sell my truck and try and buy a van. If we can’t get it sold by Friday, we’ll rent a van,” he said with a laugh.

As ludicrous as that sounds, I wouldn’t put it past them. One thing I’ve learned after years of interviewing bands at various stages of their careers: If there’s a gig, there’s a way.

“I think it’s going to bring us together closer as a band if we pull it off. These guys are my best friends already, but honestly, I think this will help us find our groove. Meeting new people and playing music to a completely new crowd. My family comes to all our shows in town, but as supportive as my family is, I don’t think there’s anything new I’m not looking forward to.”

Joining them on their trek as an opening act is Bakersfield singer-songwriter Nathan Zuniga, who goes by the stage name With Eyes Set Forward. Singer Therese Muller will be dropping in on select dates to lend a hand on vocals.

All of Thursday’s attendees will be able to snag a copy of the band’s catchy first demo, recorded live at Fishlips last year during open mic. It’s been circulating for some time now and helped bring valuable exposure to the band. Reeves added that while the Sandrini’s show and demos are free, donations are being accepted to help with meals and gas.

Upon their return they plan to release a new five-song EP, engineered by local musician Jason Grooms.

“We started recording these songs awhile ago, but life got in the way and didn’t allow us to finish. Most of our material is inspired by different things in my life, just fun music that people can bounce their head to. We have so many new songs, and we’re ready to get them tightened up, recorded and leave town again. Keep the momentum going.”

Godspeed, fellas.

Thursday's free show kicks off at 9 p.m. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. For more information call 661-322-8900.

Matt's Picks: August 10th


Three Bad Jacks at B Ryder’s Bar, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m., Friday, August 10, $10, 661-397-7304. While use of the word “mature” may contradict Three Bad Jacks (pictured above,) international reputation as rock ’n’ roll wild men, the trio’s mix of traditional rockabilly with gratuitous Southern California punk is undeniably smokin’. According to their bio, the trio has managed to sell more than 150,000 copies of their recordings to date, with numerous songs placed on television and video-game soundtracks. Plus they also went from selling out Los Angeles venues like the Troubadour and House of Blues to sharing bills and touring with the likes of late-Clash frontman Joe Strummer, “The Killer” Jerry Lee Lewis and Dwight Yoakam. Simply put, Three Bad Jacks are nothing less than a hybrid force of Americana. They’ve got wild bandstand action, a flaming stand-up bass and fashionably tattooed chickadees swoon at the very sight of lead singer and guitarist Elvis Suissa. Their latest CD, “Pictures & Memories From Home,” is classic Jack. Also appearing are Motel Drive and Bakersfield’s elusive Iron Outlaws.


Upground at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m., Friday, August 10, $5, 661-327-7625.
The eight amigos of Upground (pictured above,) were born and raised in the barrios of East L.A. Together, they create a fiesta-riffic mix of ska, reggae, cumbia, punk and many other genres along with Spanish and English lyrics. The band has opened for War, The Killers, Los Lobos and more. They’ve also participated in two SXSW conferences in Austin and were showcased band at the prestigious Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) held in New York. It’s been a few years since Bakersfield has hosted an Upground show and with the scorcher of a weekend we expect to have, you can bet things are be even more caliente. Highly recommended.

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*Also printed in The Bakersfield Californian, 8-9-12