MATT MUNOZ: Good times, the Mexican way

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September 15, 2011

Time get your grito on this weekend!

Who cares if we’re 350 miles from the border? There are plenty of opportunities to party it up for Mexican Independence weekend in Bako.

Take these three spotlight events — all booked and cleverly marketed for that very purpose:

Comedian Anjelah Johnson, who had a stint on “MADtv” before getting her walking papers after just a few episodes, continues having the last laugh with another successful tour that includes a stop at the Fox on Saturday night, September 17th.

“That was called ‘hit it and quit it to the next level,’ you know what I’m saying,” said the pint-sized Johnson of her brief stint on the sketch comedy show. “I was guaranteed a certain number of episodes, but the writers strike hit L.A. that season. When it was all over, people came back and there were all kinds of budget cuts everywhere, because everyone lost money. “MADtv” had some budget cuts, and by ‘budget cuts,’ I mean me.”


Anjelah Johnson

But thanks to the power of YouTube, Johnson’s career took off with a bang with her lovably ghetto-fabulous character Bon Qui Qui garnering more than 47 million views.

“I remember when it aired on TV, it wasn’t that big. But once it hit YouTube, that’s when it blew up. So when people saw me, they’re like, ‘When are you gonna do the next Bon Qui Qui sketch?’ I’m like, ‘Um, I’m not even on the show anymore.’”

Johnson doesn’t mind keeping her creation alive for her fans, even when things get awkward in the supermarket. Just don’t push her.

“It’s everywhere. I was in this store, and every once in a while I’ll hear certain things across the room. Someone will say something like, ‘rude’ or ‘security’ or ‘something,’ in their best Qui Qui.”

But enough about her alter-ego. What many people don’t know is that Johnson was once a Raiderette cheerleader. So does she still rep for the Silver and Black? The former Rookie of the Year had some sad news for hardcore Raider fans.

“I always rep; however, one of my good friend’s husband coaches for the Dallas Cowboys, so I’ve been to more Cowboys games the past couple of years. That’s where my connection is, so I’m gonna go where the free ticket is.”

And on the topic of violence during last month’s Battle of the Bay preseason debacle at Candlestick Park that resulted in numerous fights between fans, Johnson spared no feelings.

“We need to start giving people IQ tests as they walk in, whether it’s a Niners jersey or Raiders jersey. OK, let’s keep it real — it’s probably a Raiders jersey. They come in and just wanna be idiots. They’re not even real fans, they’re just looking for an excuse to be prideful and be like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna go in and pound somebody.’ There are some amazing fans of the team, the game and the legacy. Then there are idiots who couldn’t get in the barrio by their house, so they’re going to join the Raiders barrio.”

Doors open for Saturday’s show at 7 p.m., and the show kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets are $32.50, plus service charge, and available the Fox box office, 2001 H St. For more information call 661-324-1369 or visit vallitix.com.

Alejandro Fernandez at Rabobank

 Also Saturday, September 17th — far from his home in Guadalajara, Mexico where Independence Day festivities will be in full swing — hunky singer Alejandro Fernandez will have the ladies screaming at Rabobank Convention Center.

“I consider myself normal,” he said of the effect his singing has on female fans. “I just take care of my appearance out of respect to my public.”

Humble words coming from one of Mexico’s most popular artists and the son of mariachi king Vicente Fernandez. A dashing showman, the younger Fernandez carries on the mariachi tradition of his father but has also performed beside American pop artists like Beyonce and Marc Anthony. With no plans for an English crossover project, Fernandez plans to keep one foot in the Latin pop and mariachi market for now.


Alejandro Fernandez

“I really enjoy both styles,” he said. “But I guess if I had to chose I would pick the mariachi music. Those are my roots, it is my essence, and the music I started my career with. Both styles require a lot, but for me the most important thing is to transmit what I’m singing to the public. There are no plans for an English record right now, but never say never. If a good opportunity comes at the right time and with the right songs, you never know.”

Also like his father, Fernandez has dabbled in cinema but after a lead role in the surreal and controversial drama “Zapata: The Dream of a Hero,” a fictionalized portrayal of Revolutionary figure Emiliano Zapata, Fernandez is sticking with music. Reportedly the most expensive film in Mexican film history, it was universally panned. Still, Fernandez is optimistic of his silver screen return someday. Until then, prepare to get your tequila on Saturday night.

“We are going to have a lot of fun. This is a Mexican party and we can all enjoy it with music.”

Tickets are $45 to $150. Show starts at 8 p.m. Rabobank Convention Center is located at 1001 Truxtun Ave. For more information call 661-852-7777 or visit ticketmaster.com.

B Ryder’s gets busy

With the rising popularity of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the professional boxing community has been eagerly awaiting Saturday’s title fight featuring Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz all year. There hasn’t been this much buzz for a professional boxing match since Oscar De La Hoya was in his prime and Mike Tyson was biting people’s ears off.



Well, B Ryder’s has plans for a big fiesta to celebrate the big bout with an indoor/outdoor fiesta and concert. To make it authentic, cooks will be preparing some hardy birria — a traditional spicy stew made from goat’s meat. Following the fight there will be live music onstage from Mento Buru, Latin Breeze, and DJ Mikey. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. The fight starts live at 6 p.m. Admission is $15 and includes dinner and beverage of choice. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For information, call 661-397-7304.


Above from left: Brian "Head" Welch, Unwritten Law

Also at B Ryder’s, on Thursday night before the fight, former Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch will be performing an all-ages show with guests Nyceria, Hayesfield and others. Tickets are $18. Show starts at 6 p.m. On Sunday, Unwritten Law and The Ataris return for another moshtastic set. Tickets for that show are $16. Visit tgptix.com for more info. Sounds like Corona overload.

Matt’s Picks September 16th


Haleamano and Dub Seeds at Fishlips, 1517 18th St., Friday, September 16th, 9 p.m., $7, 661-324-2557. Back from Vegas, this original roots-reggae band is ready to spread their irie vibes in Bako once more! Haleamano are still promoting their debut album, House Of Sharks, and setting audiences on fire! Dub Seeds will be blending in their own dub versions as well so this show is going to be killer! Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with some roots, rock, reggae, and TEQUILA!

Find more hot local events at our new calendar!
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THE 7TH ANNUAL B-TOWN BLUES FEST IS GOING DOWN SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH!
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JUDAS PRIEST & X ARE COMING BACK TO BAKO! PRE-SALE STARTS, SEPTEMBER 16TH!
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THE 7TH ANNUAL B-TOWN BLUES FEST IS GOING DOWN SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND!
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THE BIG KERN COUNTY FAIR KICKS OFF WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST!
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*Also printed in The Bakersfield Californian, 9-15-11

***Don’t forget “Bakotopia Unplugged” open-mic night every Wednesday nights, from 8-11pm at Fishlips, 1517 18th Street! With your host, Matt Munoz.
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