MATT MUNOZ: Open mic night ends as Fishlips closes

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December 1, 2011

Open mic night ends as Fishlips closes

**Photos by Matt Munoz, Robert Bejil, and Jesse Rivera

Saying goodbye is never easy. The recent announcement that Fishlips will close on Dec. 11 means that Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night will take its final bow Wednesday, Dec 7.

But instead of sobbing our way through this, I’d instead like to thank everyone who came out to support and participate throughout the year with a look back.

For most downtown dwellers, midweek nightlife has always resembled something of a ghost town. But thanks to Fishlips co-owners Andrew Wilkins and Shawna Haddad-Byers, who gave us their blessing to test the waters, that all changed about a year ago with our first open-mic night.

We made rules: Be nice; don’t abuse the stage and equipment; and everything is allowed within moral boundaries.


Above from left: Mostly Monica, Me and Joel Jacob welcome the crowd, Craig Garrison

With that we set off to inject some life in the scene. Sure, the concept had been tried before, but this was different — open mic had to live up to the hype. We watched, listened, laughed and, on some occasions, cringed as Bako’s eclectic talents shows us their stuff.

The first outing was sparse, but the night was anchored by seasoned local vets like keyboardist and vocalist Therese Muller, guitarists Kenny Reeves and Chris Carton, and drummer Cesareo Garasa. They became a sort of secret weapon to show how the concept could work as the curious wandered in.


Above from left: Therese Muller, Cesareo Garasa, Kenny Reeves perform on opening night 11-10-10. Photos by Matt Munoz

I can’t begin to tell you how many people came up to me pointing out the obvious: “Where’s everybody at?” I had to remind them of the old adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” The following week, the place was full.


Above from left: Miles Benjamin, official promo, and Ben Oliver

Trying to name off all the performers streaming through the door would be impossible, but thanks to photographers Jesse Rivera and Robert Bejil, we were able to highlight many of our regulars. Let’s start with the singer-songwriters.

A crowd favorite was Vanessa Andrea, who was never short of material or confidence. Young and energetic, she would bring a hush over the crowd with a blend of originals and covers while her mom, Angela, paced in front of the stage, cheering.


Above, from left: Vanessa Andrea, Same Jaime

There was Loner Troubadour, Jay Smith, Daniel Peterson, Chris Taylor, Sam Jaime, Craig Garrison, Johnny Cisneros and the acoustic duo Veil of Lies — Levi Gospich and Jacob Carrasco, who, after a shaky few weeks, grew creatively.


Above from left: Loner Troubadour, Johnny Cisneros, Alex Mitts

Rare surprise appearances were always appreciated from brilliant songwriters Joel Jacob and Jon Goodell when they stopped by.


Above from left: Joel Jacob and Jon Goodell

Those two may not have realized it at the time, but the mere fact that they tuned their guitars onstage was some of the best advice they could have passed on to the newbies. And just before she got too deep into her pregnancy, we could rely on sweet-voiced Shontice Hildebrand to supply the acoustic soul roots.


Above: Shontice Hildebrand

During the winter months, we were introduced to Mama’s Kitchen, who would drive come snow or rain all the way from Frazier Park. These guys were troupers and knew how to lay down the Southern rock.


Above: Mama's Kitchen

It was amazing how much original music was showcased, even when we did allow covers in the mix.

Self-described hobo Tyler Fleenor told stories inspired by his train-jumping travels, while dreadlocked wanderer Matty Haze sang about peace, love and herb.


Above from left: Tyler Fleenor and Matty Haze

And how could you forget our potty-mouthed punk princess Sydney Jensen, who promised she’d learn to sing more Minutemen songs “next time.”


Above: Sydney Jensen

On the flip side, Lia Mendez and Zebra Eric could conjure up the spirits of Joan Baez and Ritchie Havens.


Above from left: Lia Mendez and Zebra Eric

Full bands were also very much a part of the mix: Velorio, Vanity Avenue, The Bird Channel, Missing Autumn, Holy Beast, Ramekega, to name a few.


Above from left: Vanity Avenue, Velorio, Ramekega

The performers were able to project thanks to our revolving cast of sound engineers: Pablo Alaniz, Power Epkins and Brett Cox.


Above from left: Jay Smith and Chris Carton

It’s funny that no matter how many times we’d say, “We have direct boxes for your guitars,” a row of amps comparable to the KISS “wall of sound” would manifest itself, even if for just 10 minutes of stage time. Vlad Arthur did just that and rocked the stage.


Above from left: Craig Hulsey, Mike - Micah - and Ellie

After a few months of growth, live recording was added to the night, courtesy of AUM Studios owner and Soulajar drummer Brian Boozer. For many it offered the chance at a first demo; for others a way to evaluate themselves — and all for the price of a couple of beers.


Above from left: Cristina Celedon, Nick Belardes, Jon Byrne

Not to be outdone was the army of spoken-word artists at the mic. Among the notables: Evan Ross, a young man full of so much passion he could make you a believer in three stanzas or less. Novelist Nick Belardes also introduced his “street” side with some of his more adventurous works. Cristina Celedon rapped her poems, backed by tracks as Mark McMains articulately slammed the audience with his observational style.


Above from left: Evan Ross, Mark McMains, Gabriel Briano and Brittany Korn

On the stand-up comedy side, the uncensored antics of Heather Anhalt, Ben Oliver, Rob Shock, Chase Brockett, Joe Alaniz, Will Harr, Eulalio Magana, Alberto “furry” Ruvalcaba, and Miles Benjamin could always bring us out of the hump day slump.


Above from left: Chase Brockett. Joe Alaniz, Alberto Ruvalcaba, Heather Anhalt

Together we built something that surpassed everyone’s expectations, and we hope you found it as enjoyable and rewarding as we did.

And now the burning question: Will we be back someday at a different location?

You’ll just have to stay tuned.

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***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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*Also printed in The Bakersfield Californian, 12-1-11