LLOYD READING DISCUSSES THE BLACK BOOARD DAYS AND SINGS TO COLLEGE CLASS. GRAD STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT THE BAKERSFIELD SOUND AND BEFORE


Photos by:Dr. BLT, Hank Ray, and some random dude. (copyright 2008 Nu Bako Sound Recordings/Krocker Records)





Here are "da boys" at the gas station on the "Grape Vine" , on the way up to the gig.
It was a really fun trip, Dr. BLT drove and Lloyd and I road along. Bruce and Lloyd and some great debates and conversations and topped it off with Lloyd's great dust bowl stories. I picked my black,resonator guitar


Here Lloyd Reading and Hank Rayplay for the fans. Note the special guest above!




Above:Lloyd Reading sings and played guitar at The College of the canyons (Photo courtesy of : Dr. BLT; copyright 2008 Nu Bako Sound Recordings/Krocker Records)
Hank Ray sings "Black Board Love Song" in upper middle photo above.(Photo courtesy of : Dr. BLT; copyright 2008 Nu Bako Sound Recordings/Krocker Records) Llod Reading plays lead guitar for Hank.






Abobe
Above Lloyd posseswith some of his adoring fans.






Country music legend, Lloyd read sign autographs for fans in a magazine he was featured in. Lloyd really captured the imagination and heart of the audience with his captivating ballads.




Here is the 3of us joking around and congratulating each other on a job well done. Exposing some more younger folks to our traditional music and performance style.


Rockwell Canyon road,the street the college is on, Bruce and I are writing a song by that name. This is the name of our buddy at Trouts as well.





Dr. Bruce and Lloyd dine on the memorries of tonights performance.Lloyd interwieved his personal recolections of the dust bowl and the early music that sprang from it between songs.



Here is Lloyd Reading and myself holding Dr. BLT's card at the burger joint, this was right after the performance at the College of the Canyons in Valencia. Dr BLT had set up the performance to correspond with the curriculum for a large class of graduate students. It was the best audience I had ever played for.


Here is a photo taken by the waitress at the Island Resteraunt there in Canyon Country, just a little east of the College. To quote Samual L.Jackson in the film "Puilp Fiction", -"now that's a taste burger!".



Here is Lloyd after dinner, we ravaged a set of burgers. After this Dr, Blt and I dropped Lloyd at went on home with some great new memories.



Here Dr. BLT drops Lloyd off at his Bakersfield home where he lives with his daughter Anna. We got him home about 10:30. Thanks Lloyd, job well done.



Reading in College (the song)
words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008 Nu Bako Sound Recordings/Krocker Records
Media (Permission obtained)


In Vygotsky's sociopsychological theory of human development, mentoring, or something I've frequently referred to as "cross-generational mentoring," is deemed essential to the healthy development of children and adolescents. Having folks from an older generation share their talents, their songs, and their stories with folks from younger generations is crucial to the formation of identity in developing children. Furthermore, this sort of bonding experience is essential in terms of a child attaining a sense of being connected to something larger than him/herself. Cross-generational mentoring is the key to attaining a sense of one's roots, one's culture, one's community, and one's history.

In the Developmental Psychology course I teach at Chapman University on Rockwell Canyon Rd. on the College of the Canyons campus in Valencia, California, I try to bring theory to life by offering living examples.

89-year-young Bakersfield sound legend, Lloyd Reading, who jammed with all of the greats associated with the birth of the Bakersfield sound, and who was right smack dab in the middle of this exciting movement as it was spawning some of our greatest country stars, is the living embodiment of Vygotsky's theory of human development, involving mentoring.

Lloyd was offering songs and stories to my students that depicted a very personal history involving the old days when he migrated with his family from Oklahoma to California in the midst of the California gold rush, and began his career and enduring legacy as a Kern County country star. He laid the groundwork for Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, though he would always be humbly standing just one short step behind the spotlight of giants like these.

I call Lloyd Reading the Kern County country music conduit. He is taking the lead among all others in bringing the Bakersfield sound of yore to new generations that hunger to be connected to something bigger than themselves--something bigger than the here and now.

After downing a some burgers and fries at Islands on Valencia Avenue, we began taking the ride back to Bakersfield, on the same grapevine Lloyd once traveled by foot. As we drove back, Hank Ray, one of the most promising among the new crop of Bakersfield-sound-grounded artists, entertained Lloyd and myself with spontaneously spawned choruses to what may soon develop into fully-arranged tunes that chronicle our visit.

We took Lloyd with us. We wish we could take him with us wherever we go. We took a living legend to the classroom. We took the country to the city, and the city will never be the same.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

SCALING THE PALACE WALLS, BUCK SHOT'S FIRST SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE

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The world famous Buck Owens Crystal Palace


Article by Hank Ray. Photos of Buck Shot by Hank Ray: Crystal Palace and Buck Owens photos courtesy of Crystal Palace. Buck Shot logo courtesy of Buck Shot. Group photo by Dr. BLT.

SCALING THE PALACE WALL (THE RESERECTION OF THE BAKERSFIELD SOUND)


All afternoon I have been anticipating the night’s entertainment at the Crystal Palace. I was excited about hearing a new band that has generated more than a little excitement here in Bakersfield.


Buck Owens, the founding father of the Bakersfield sound.

As I pointed out in a recent issue of Bakotopia : “The name of the band is “Buckshot” and they are locked and loaded, fully loaded for Buck. In fact, one of the lead singers is John Owens, son of the late Buck Owens.
John has been a hard working ranch hand and foreman on the Owens’ Horse Ranch for most of his life; and is the quintessential “American cowboy.”

He is a caricature of the West — he speaks in a direct manner, and is reserved with facial expression and tone. When we first met, I couldn’t help reflecting on the Western movie classic, “Tombstone” when the character Mr. Fabian states to Josephine Marcus, “You’ve set your gaze upon the quintessential frontier type. Note the lean silhouette ... eyes closed by the sun, though sharp as a hawk. He’s got the look of both predator and prey.”



Ranch hand turned country singer, John Owens.


John Owens has none of the attributes of a musician, save one: He has a voice bestowed on him by his father.

In addition to John’s extraordinary voice, the band is the perfect mix of talent. Meeting the band was much like the David Allen Coe song, “Desperado’s Waiting on a Train.”

Buckshot is a group of friends who like to hang out together. One day at the beach they discovered John had the “Owens gift.” Rhythm guitarist, David Allen, started his music career when he got out of the Navy. David, like the rest of the band are hardcore Bakersfield born and bred, and most are relatives of country royalty.

David Allen just before the show



David Allen rips it up on stage at the Crystal Palace!

But despite their country roots, all the band members came from an assortment of local heavy metal bands that have been shaking the walls of Bakersfield for the last decade.

When I asked David to describe Buck Shot’s music, he relaxed his arms over his guitar, turned his head toward the band and said, “We got a bunch of rock guys with an old school country guy, so it’s going to have an almost Southern rock edge.”

Simon Faughn, as John Owens points out, is as far from country in appearance as a person could be — shaved head, Mr. Spock side burns, and two sleeve tattoos down his arms. Simon has played in many local metal bands over the years. In fact, he is also concurrently in a popular band called 800 lb. Gorilla. And where does an 800-lb. gorilla sleep? Any where he wants to — even the world famous Buck Owens Ranch!

Simon, relaxes just before the show.

Simon warms up at the Buck Owens Ranch Studio.

Simon went on to describe his musical influences with Buckshot …

“Once we start writing our own music, that’s when our real distinctive sound will emerge, and our roots will shine through. Hank III is my absolute favorite. The influential roots I pull from go way back. I like that old boondocks, hillbilly, redneck sound, I LOVE THAT!”

Mike Martin holds down the lead guitar, backup vocals, and sports a red, white, and blue Fender Telecaster in the tradition of Buck Owens, whose songs they cover so well. Mike screeches and twangs like the old masters, and I am sure Buck would approve. His vocal high notes are reminiscent of Buck’s old partner in rhyme, Don Rich.


Mike Martin shreds the Telecaster as Buck Shot's lead guitarist
Like most of the band, Mike’s family was also involved in the early Bakersfield music scene. His grandfather is the great Lloyd Reading.

The rhythm section of Buckshot is comprised of DD Boutros, bass; and Colby Swank, drums. They too are products of the local metal scene and sharpened their chops in local head banging homeboys, “Myndsick.”


(upper) DD Boutros slaps out the rhythm on bass for Buck Shot at Crystal Palace. (Lower) DD warms up at Buck Owens Ranch Studio.


Colby and DD create a wall of driving sound that sets the canvas for what is sure to be called a “new Bakersfield sound” masterpiece!”(Hank Ray, Aug. 7, 2008; Page 9).


Colby Swank on the Palace stage, pounds out the time





Colby Swank and step father Mark Yeary

Since, I first met the band at the Buck Owens Ranch; Mark Yeary was added on keyboard. Mark has been keyboardist for Merle Haggard for over 20 years and is drummer, Colby’s step father.


Mark Yearly has been keyboardist for Merle Haggard and more for over 20 years

David Allen, rhythm guitarist, whom started his music career when he got out of the Navy, plays a beautiful flamed Fender Telecaster. The Fender Telecaster is the guitar that defined the original “Nashville West” rebellion decades before, note that many “Bakersfield sound” pioneers consider the “N.W.” word a bad thing; “Bakersfield has nothing to do with Nashville” . David, like all the members of the band are hard core Bakersfield born and bred, most are relatives of country royalty but they all kept it pretty close to the vest.





I had been watching the clock when the hands finely landed at on 4:30 P.M; I climbed in the old car and pulled out of the driveway, rolling down the sweltering one hundred degree Bakersfield streets, rolling along with dust and discarded cigarette butts, paper plates and cups passing the very resting place of Buck Owens on Panama Lane and the 99 free way in South West Bakersfield. Once I hit the 99 it was only a matter of minutes until I hit Buck Owens Blvd. , the off ramp leads right into the Crystal Palace. When my wife and adult son pulled up in the rear parking area of the Crystal Palace, between the KUZZ radio station and the actual Palace, there was already a steady stream of patrons heading toward the front entrance of the venue. I leapt from the car and headed for the front door just before I hit the board walk I caught the figure of the band exciting from a rear door. John Owens exited first followed closely by his “country-metal hybrid compadres”. The guys informally gathered around the small lawn just outside the rear of the Palace. I sensed some adrenaline induced tension and perhaps even a little pre-stage apprehension. However, Mike, the lead guitarist, said he had played so many shows with other bands that he was fairly composed. It seemed to that the focus of their conscious minds were on the upcoming task at hand, they probably didn’t even know I was there. Not only was the band playing a world famous venue for the first time, but it was a trial, a test and perhaps even reckoning of sorts. John Owens was, in effect, being handed his father’s sword. In addition it was a trial by fire, it the show is up to the high standard of the Crystal Palace the act will go on to the world famous Buck Owens Birthday Bash next week, and if not the trip is over. This is a lot of pressure by anyone’s standards.

Above; Buck-Shot just before the show, on the back lawn of the Crystal Palace.


I took a couple photos during the pre-show ritual on the back lawn and then the band started heading west, following John like marching soldiers over the wooden planks of the boardwalk, boots clanking like the scene from “High Noon” with Gary Cooper. There is no sound as prepatory for a country music event as workin’ cow boots on the rustic wooden boards of the Palace walk. We walked at a fair gate toward the front door, a quick left turn and the large oak door with crystal glass was being held open by John Owens himself, until we all got inside.

John Owens holds the door open for band members and fans alike.


Once inside the foyer one sees a beautiful lacquered wooden floor, above is a giant mural of the dustbowl migration that fades into the work camp days of the Bakersfield sound and beyond.



The Crystal Palace Mural (above).

To the left of the front entrance is a full length glass case filled with historic memorabilia critiquing the live and amazing career of the father of the Bakersfield sound; Buck Owens. To the right is a full length of the room counter which houses the museum store and cashier. It is reminiscent of the old wooden bars from the old westerns and Bakersfield’s own “Black Board” days.
Walking in the direction of the bar/ concert hall we weaved through the forest- maize of renowned figures, like great pillars in an ancient palace, larger than life bronze statues adorn the front foyer and also into the front section of the concert all the way from Hank Sr. to Elvis. Once inside the wall are cover with well lighted glass museum cases and historic photos and memorabilia all with amazingly detailed western salon architecture, similar to Knott’s Berry Farm or Disneyland. Once inside John quickly turned to enter the back stage area, and poof, my camera flash went off in his face! Not only did he get a bad case of “retinal burn,” but I think I had got on his last nerve, so I backed off a bit.
The rest of the band headed to the back of the theater and took up positions on the rear lower bar. They mounted up on them bar stools like their favorite ponies and ordered a few frosty adult beverages and began the second of the pre-show rituals.





Buck Shot sits at the rear bar at the Palace for a pre-show ritual and strategic talk

A few minutes later they were joined by John. John had been briefed by those in the know and he briefed “da boys” as confidently as a combat officer in the trenches. He said, from here we go upstairs to the “Green Room, where we get ready for the show, looking slightly toward my direction, he said; “band member only!” I took this as my subtle hint to “exit stage right”, so I missed a lot of the pre-show chatter. But that’s show biz!

At this point in time I sat down with my wife and son and ordered my chow, I can’t understand why I don’t weigh over three hundred pounds…I love to eat. I ordered the house salad with honey mustard dressing; my son ordered the barbecue chicken pizza and my wife ordered the “Don Rich” steak with mashed potatoes. We also had the Dwight Yokum biscuits; with biscuits that good, how in the world did Dwight Yokum stay so thin! As always the Crystal Palace food and service was amazingly good.



Hank Ray eating his "Not just another dinner salad" my sons BBQ Pizza and mywifes Don Rich Steak.
GREAT CHOW!!!


As I finished up my last delectable tidbit of salad, the band was walking up onto the stage. They appeared as seasoned veterans and systematically took their perspective places on the platform, the platform that has showcased some of the best country acts in the world for over a decade. John Owens went up to the microphone, but it seemed like it was not yet connected quite yet. No one introduced the band but all of a sudden a country music hurricane came pouring down off the stage in to my face! A hunk of salad still dangling from my joules, I grabbed my camera and headed for the dance floor to obtain some images. I was busily taking photos and listening to the band so I was not positive of the set list, however these are last nights notes on my salad stained napkin; Act Naturally (Buck Owens), Folsom Prison Blues(Johnny Cash), Under Your Spell Again (Buck Owens), The More I Drink (Blake Shelton), Streets of Bakersfield (Buck Owens- Written by Homer Joy) and an encore of the Buck Owens classic, My Heart Skips A Beat. The set was filled with energy and the air was filled with flashing colored lights from above the stage. Mike Martin and David Allen entrenched themselves into a guitar laden duel, like true guitar slingers or battling warriors at the palace walls.
Mike and Dave, guitar slingers

In the fashion of 1970s guitar heroes like Johnny Winter or Ted Nugent they slashed a new path for up and coming country guitar pickers to emulate; Their Telecasters ablaze with blue and red stage lights flashing.









Buck Shot live at the Palace.


Jim Shaw from Buck Owens fame and Mark Yeary from Merle Haggard;giants in country music keyboard.




Buck Shot

After the electrifying performance Colby said that it was a dream realized; He had sat watching his father play on stage with Merle Haggard and giant venues, this was his turn and he and DD both said they had a great stage adrenaline rush.

The performance was a success and Buck Shot goes on to play at the Buck Owens Birthday Bash and on into country music history.

Posted by THE RESEARCH JOURNAL at 6:55 AM 0 comments

Friday, Au

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"Buck Owens, Mickey Newbury, The Whites join Texas Country Hall of Fame
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 – Buck Owens, Mickey Newbury and The Whites will join the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in an induction ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 16 in Carthage, Texas.

Ralph Emery will serve as special guest emcee. Other inductees that evening will be legendary country star Buck Owens and influential singer-songwriter Mickey Newbury. In addition to tributes to each honoree, The Whites will perform some of their own country and bluegrass music." (CST)

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Channel 300 Buck Shot, featuring the dudes from Myndsick has a song on there. Under mini movie, they've got talent. Watch it and I may winn some Bucks to share!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Bluegrass News
 
Hello folks,
Summer is racing right on by and I hope everyone has had a good one. There are some really exciting things happening in the next couple of months that are sure to wet your bluegrass appetite and I for one am looking forward to each of them.
 
Jam Report: Both The Rusty's Jam and the Dagney's jam are getting a steady turnout.  The Rusty's Jam is averaging around 14 pickers and the Dagney's Jam around 8.  Thanks to Rusty's and Dagney's our hosts for the jams, as well as  the pickers and the folks that show up to listen to the music. Also thanks for spending some dollars on pizza and coffee.  Both  establishments have mentioned to me that they are noticing the sales at the cash register.  A special thanks to Jeff Russinsky for helping out and getting the Dagney's Jam off the ground.
 
Music Zone: I met with the owner of the Music Zone the other day and he mentioned that he had an idea that might work out well for the local jam scene and would I stop by and discuss it with him.  Apparently he still has the space that the old store was in and is going to convert it into a jam/small concert space with a stage similar to what they have at McCabes and Boulevard Music.  This could really be a cool thing for the local musicians and would provide us with a central gathering place to jam as well as a small intimate venue to hear and perform some music.  This is something totally new to Bakersfield and I think it will be fantastic!  Give Rob a call and let him know what you think of his idea. 661-321-3357
 
Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out ......IN BAKERSFIELD.  That's right folks. We have secured the band and the venue.  You might be saying who is Roger Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out?  Well read on. As the saying goes, “The proof is in the pudding,” and there is no greater proof of the band’s status as one of the world’s top bluegrass groups than its seven  IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) awards for ‘Vocal Group of the Year’ and Russell Moore’s two IBMA ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ trophies. All in all, IIIrd Tyme Out has garnered over 50 industry awards, the last two being ‘Bluegrass Band of the Year’ and ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ (Russell Moore), both from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) Here is your chance to see seven time IBMA group of the year and two time IBMA male vocalist Russell Moore up close and personal. The concert will be held on September 11th. at 7:00 at River Valley Community Church, 5131 Office Park Dr. Bakersfield, Ca.  Ticket prices will be $15.00 in advance $18.00 at the door.  Tickets are bieng printed as we speak and we should have them available early next week.  Tickets will be available at the Music Zone 2808 Chester Ave. 661-321-3357 or you can contact Kelvin or Craig.
 
If you listen to any of the satellite radio stations you have heard this band.  They are great!  the success of this concert and more in the future depends on us putting butts in the seats so call your friends, buy some tickets, and spread the word.   Our good friends over at the Music Zone have offered to help sponser the event by helping us cover our ticket, flyer, and some advertising cost.  Once again bring a friend or two with you and lets make this a success.  You can call Kelvin Gregory 661-392-7973 or Craig Wilson 661-589-8249 for more info.
 
The 48 Hour Bakersfield Bluegrass Jam: Things are firming up for the 2009 jam.  If you made it to last years jam I am sure you had a good time and if you did not here is your chance to pick till your fingers burn.  Last year we had approx. 60 pickers from all over the state of california attend.  This year by rescheduling the jam to not conflict with The Blythe Festival and the NAMM Show we are expecting significantly more.  It looks like we will be changing venues and holding the event at the DoubleTree on rosedale.  We will have a block of rooms reserved for out of towner's as well as guy's like me that just can't seem to leave even though I only live a short distance from the jam.....We will also have conference rooms that will be available for jamming, the use of the Lounge for the band scramble, and possibly a kick off thursday night concert featuring a traveling california band.
 
Whew that is a slew things and activities to report.................I would say that the bluegrass scene is alive and well in Kern County....thanks in advance for helping us make these events a success.
 
Upcoming Events:

8/22/08 thru 8/24/08 (Fri.- Sun.) – SUMMERGRASS FESTIVAL, VISTA, at the 40-acre Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., the San Diego Bluegrass Society and North County Bluegrass & Folk Club present their annual Summergrass Festival. A dozen terrific bands will appear on stage, to include nationally acclaimed groups like The Infamous Stringdusters, Don Rigsby & Midnight Call, Bluegrass Etc.,Chris Stuart & Backcountry, Sawmill Road, and Burnett Family Bluegrass. For tickets and more info, call (858) 679-4854, or see www.summergrass.net.
 
9/6/08 (Sat)PETER FELDMANN & THE VERY LONESOME BOYS 8:00 p.m.
S.Y. Valley Grange Hall 2374 Alamo Pintado Avenue Los Olivos CA Tickets, at $12.00, available on-line at: http://www.bluegrasswest.co... and at the Book Loft in Solvang, CA.Tickets will go on-sale on August 19th. The Very Lonesome Boys includes bassist Tom Lee, veteran of the Cache Valley Drifters and The Bluegrass Cardinals,   Mike Nadolson, head of Tricopolis Records in Orange County  plays Martin flat-top guitar.  The banjo duties are ably handled by record producer David West of Play Ball Productions (CMH Records recording artist), known also for his song writing and producing skills. Tommy Marton is our fine fiddler.  Band leader, singer, and mandolinist Peter Feldmann was awarded the 2008 "Music Legend Award" by the Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Association. The Very Lonesome Boys' vibrant new CD, "Home On The Grange" will be on sale at the show (and at the Book Loft in Solvang).
 
09/11-- Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out 7:00 p.m. River Valley Community Church, 5131 Office Park Dr. Bakersfield, Ca. Ticket price $15.00 advanced $18.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Music Zone 2808 Chester Ave. 661-321-3357 .For more information call Kelvin Gregory 661-392-7973 or Craig Wilson 661-589-8249.
 
9/13/08 (Sat) (On Sale 8/31) Cliff Wagner and the Old #7-$15 Boulevard Music Their sizzling sound that utilizes bluegrass, blues, and honky tonk combined with modern lyrics preserves the "High Lonesome Sound" of traditional music. Combine that with great harmony singing and exciting instrumentals done with electrifying fiddle, banjo, mando, guitar & bass and you have The Old #7. Wagner and band were recently one of the favorites on the TV show America's Favorite Band. Bring autograph pen and $15 for CD
 
9/26 - 9/28-- HOBBS GROVE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL The California Bluegrass Association is sponsoring this festival held just of the road in Sanger. The Del Williams Bluegrass Band is headlining along with The Kathy Kallick Band, Eric Uglam and Sons's, The Grasskickers, Dalton Mountain Gang and many more local bands. This festival will be practically right in our own backyards. Here is a link to the website for additional information http://www.krblue.net/index... (cut and paste into your browser)
 
01/2009: The 48 hour Bakersield Bluegrass Jam:

Wild River Ramblers(Julio Boysenberry on Banjo, John Sharpe on Fiddle, Tony Irvine on Bass, Roger Siminoff on Mandolin and Alan Aleksander (me) on Guitar) the 1st Sunday of the month, from 2 PM to whenever.   Santa Maria Brewing Co http://www.santamariabrew.c... Cut and Paste Link into Browser (owner:  Dan Hilker) 112 Cuyama Lane  (1/2 block W of the 101) Nipomo, CA, 805 349 2090
LOCAL JAMS INFO
SANTA BARBARA-- 2nd Sunday Bluegrass Jam, Noon until 5 PM at Kiwanis Meadow in Tucker's Grove Park, at the intersection of Turnpike Road and Foothill Road. -- For more info, e-mail Alan Aleksander at Constatty@aol.com.
LOMPOC -- 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM at Southside Coffee Co., 105 So. "H" St. -- for more info call Bill at (805) 736-8241
SAN LUIS OBISPO -- 3rd Sunday, 5:30 - 8:30 PM at. SLO Down Pub, 1200 East Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande. For more info, e-mail Roger: rsiminoff@aol.com
VENTURA -- every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6 PM until 9:30 PM. At Zoeys located at 451 E. Main St. in Ventura, California. For more info email Gene Rubin at generubinaudio@earthlink.net
BAKERSFIELD-- first Sunday of each month. Rusty's Pizza 5430 Olice Drive (in the vons center) 6:00 - 9:00. Come on down and bring a couple of songs. Contact Kelvin Gregory  661-392-7973 home or 428-7044 cell.
BAKERSFIELD—every Saturday. Dagney's Coffee Shop. The jam will start at 2:00 p.m. and run to 5:00 or so. Come on down for some coffee, stir in some music, and you get a good time. For more info on the Saturday Jam contact Jeff Russinsky @ -661-364-1553 or 324-7504
Agoura Hills ---3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm in Agoura Hills at Gateway Church. The address is 29646 Agoura Rd. 91301.
Fresno/Squaw Valley -- Pot Luck/Jam the last Saturday if each month at the Bear Mt. Library. Call Henry Zuniga 559-338-0026 for info.
Paso Robles from 6 to 8 PM on the second Wednesday of every month. All levels -- from beginners to professionals -- are welcome. Come to Café Vio, 1111 Riverside Ave. (located beneath Cool Hand Luke's,20in the Granary Bldg. at 12th St.). For more info call Lin Mercer (805) 458-6316; or Café Vio (805) 237-2722

Hank Ray with Kern County (Bakersfield) Sheriff Donny Youngblood. I met Sheriff Youngblood at the unavailingly of the Buck Owens post office. Photo by Dr. BLT.
HANK RAY TALKS MUSIC WITH  Sheriff Donny Youngblood

DATA FROM SHERIFF'S WEB SITE:
"Sheriff Donny Youngblood is a life-long native of Kern County. He attended East and West High Schools, and graduated from Bakersfield College.

He enlisted in the United States Army in 1968, serving 14 months in South Vietnam. Following his return stateside, he spent his last year in the military as an Army Drill Sergeant preparing young men to defend the United States of America. He left the military service in 1971.

Sheriff Youngblood joined the Kern County Sheriff’s Department in 1972 as a Correctional Officer assigned to the Lerdo Facility. Two years later, he entered the Basic Academy to begin training to become a Deputy Sheriff.

During his 30-year career with the Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Youngblood worked in all areas of the department, promoting to the rank of Commander by the time of his retirement in 2002. His duty assignments included the Patrol Division, Court Services, Narcotics, Boron Substation, East Kern Substations Commander, Watch Commander, Air Support Division Commander, and Detectives.

Along the way, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Administration of Justice in 1982, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in 1983. He is a 1986 alumni of the 144th class of the FBI National Academy, and is also a 1989 graduate of the POST Command College Class X.

Following his retirement in 2002, Sheriff Youngblood held the position of Vice-President of Sonitrol in Bakersfield, California. After a campaign fought on the issues of leadership and experience, the citizens of Kern County elected him to the Office of Sheriff-Coroner in 2006.

Sheriff Youngblood holds a commercial pilot’s license with instrument and multi-engine ratings. In addition to flying, he is an avid golfer, hunter and horseman."

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bako somg.wav

Bakersfield sound