Trout's honkytonk to begin rockin' on Friday nights

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The walls of Trout’s will be rumbling with the sounds of more than just a mechanical bull and two-stepping shuffles Friday night, May 18th.

As part of the legendary honky-tonk’s ongoing plan to expand its clientele, Trout’s will pay host to its first-ever weekend rock show, featuring local hard rockers Meditated Assault and indie trio Crooked Folk. According to Trout’s manager Thomas Rockwell, Friday night’s event will give him an idea about possibilities for the future.

“When I have gaps late at night, no matter what the genre is, I’d like to help. There is the Bakersfield Sound, but there are also Bakersfield sounds.”

Before making the decision to move forward with the schedule addition, which follows regular country sets by the Blackboard Playboys at 11 p.m., Rockwell did some research to observe the habits of his regulars.

“The older demographic usually don’t stay around that late on Friday, so I can let my band go early. We got two stages in-house to use here so I can keep the traditional going on the other stage, just in case.”

Both Meditated Assault and Crooked Folk have made appearances at local clubs. Rockwell said teaming the two made sense after he checked out their demos online.

“I heard samples of the band, but the deciding factor was that they were receptive to new ideas and up to working with us. All of Crooked Folk’s songs were also original. I liked that a lot.”

Rockwell added more bands are already getting lined up to appear in coming weeks. Interested bands can drop off a demo with contact information at the club during business hours for booking consideration.

“I entertain all ideas here. I want Trout’s to be a department store of opportunity,” he said. “It doesn’t hurt us at all and plus it puts money in the artist’s pockets — creating jobs and artist options in the community.”

Friday’s show starts at 11 p.m. Cover charge is $5 after 8 p.m., or $10 which includes two well drinks of choice. Trout’s is located at 805 North Chester Ave. For more information call 661-399-6700.

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