Let's talk about race. It's time you learned the truth.

Okay so because of Reverend Wright all of America is talking about race. Well two races actually. As if there are only two. As a person of color I am only a little bit offended. Only a little bit because I have a secret.

First let me just point out that I come from a people who were enslaved by whitey. It's true. Those beautiful missions that line the California coast were built by slave labor. I come from a people whose culture and language was ripped from them. I come from a people who used to own all of the American southwest. Until we were conquered by the Spanish, the French, and eventually the Americans.

And still I'm not that upset. Why? I know a secret. The secret is we're taking over this mother fucker. It's true. Glen Beck and Lou Dobbs Are right. We are in point of fact taking over. But not through force of arms no that's the white mans way. We conquer the way we always have. We conquer through surrender. We did it to the Spanish we'll do it to you.
Step one: Surrender. Really easy. Oh sure we put up a little resistance to make you think you've won something but come on did you really think it was that easy?

Step two: Assimilate. We learn your language and your ways. But guess what? We have delicious food. And who can stay angry with a full stomach. Pretty soon you love us.
Step three: Have lots of babies. We're doing that. Okay I've fallen down on the job but check out my sisters. They pop em out like it's going out of style. This creates a political power bloc based on sheer numbers. But it's not just among ourselves. No interbreeding with our conquerors is a big part of it. Don't feel bad for not being able to keep your hands off the Mocha. Who can blame you we are a sexy race of people. Don't believe me? How about some examples.

See what I mean?

You see to us culture is like a buffet. We take what we like and leave the rest behind. It's far to late to stop us and in a few generations what you'll have is a hybrid culture taking the best from my people and whitey. I myself am the byproduct of this grand scheme. Yes I am part white.

So there you go. Now you know our secret plan to take over the US and eventually the world. That's right I have cousins in England. We're taking this world wide baby.

Oh by the way at our next meeting I'm voting we keep the casseroule. Throw some stuff in a pot cover it in cheese and cook it? I love that idea. See we're gonna keep a little bit of your stuff around. So enjoy your time at the top while you can. Because it's almost over.

Miss Bakersfield strikes back!

12-20-06, Bakersfield, CA

Miss Bakersfield 2007 Tiffany Allen is ready to talk.

Recently seen in the latest Bakersfield Girl calendar for 2007, produced by Valdophye Photography, Allen was identified as the newly crowned Miss Bakersfield 2007.

“This is the worst decision I’ve ever made in my life,” said Allen, 20, regarding the newly released calendar, unveiled to the public at Capistrano’s restaurant, on Wednesday, December 20th, “I wish I would have never done it.”

Bakotopia had made numerous attempts at reaching Allen to comment on the situation before the original story was posted, but it was only until today, that she felt comfortable talking about it.

“This whole thing is being blown out of proportion,” said the noticeably emotional Allen, speaking via her cell phone.

According to a previous Bakotopia interview with Gayle Tape, Executive Director of the Miss Bakersfield Pageant, Allen’s appearance in the calendar is not grounds for expulsion from the organization. Allen quickly backed those claims.

“When I signed the contract to be Miss Bakersfield, there was no clause that stated I couldn’t model,” said Allen “Gayle (Tape,) is aware of that, and has not given me a hard time about this,” but adds that, “She’s just upset with me.”

According to Allen, the photo session for the Bakersfield Girls calendar was done before the pageant, during the months of August and September, earlier this year.

“I knew they were not going to be nude, and I was okay with doing it,” she said, “My family was also okay with doing the calendar, as long as I wasn’t nude.”

For many lovely young women like Allen, the idea of posing for a sexy calendar is not uncommon. Pin-up model popularity and sales of men’s magazine continue to grow every year, with new faces being approached daily to pose.

“When I was originally approached to do the calendar,” said Allen, “I was told it was going to be a Victoria’s Secret themed shoot, with angel wings, but we would be wearing long boy shorts in the pictures.”

But upon inspection of the calendar, there are more than just wings. Models are shown in a variety of erotic poses, some with more clothes than others, but similar to pictures found in the locker or bedroom of a college dormitory.

As of this time, Allen’s family was unaware of any controversy surrounding the photos, and her title, but she does plan on telling them.

Aware there may be a chance of the word getting out after the recent scandal in the Miss USA and Miss Nevada pageants, Allen still had no idea the calendar would affect her life.

“I keep getting associated with (former Miss America) Vanessa Williams,” she said, “She was in Penthouse, but I’m not.”

Actively participating in the local pageant the past four years, Allen feels disappointed for possibly ending her chances at being eligible to enter the state and national level pageants if she ever chooses to do so, because of the calendar.

“I’ve worked at this for four years, and now it’s a big mess,” she said, “I didn’t think of it as a bad decision.”

A few days after the calendar’s unveiling, Allen approached Valdovinos and Valdophye about getting a copy of the contract for her own records.

“He (Valdovinos,) wouldn’t give me a copy of the contract,” she said.

Valdovinos could not be reached for comment.

During her reign as Miss Bakersfield in 2007, Allen will be making appearances throughout the city. At each appearance, title holders are asked to choose a cause to speak on behalf of. Organ donation had been Allen’s platform of choice, but after recent developments, she’s opted for something different to speak about.

“I’d like to visit local elementary and junior high schools, and talk to kids, warning them about the decisions they make,” she said, “I regret doing the calendar, and I want to remind kids about making the right choices in life.”

Now disassociated with the calendar, Allen is currently looking for a replacement to step into her shoes as a Bakersfield Girl model for upcoming promotional appearances.

“I was told that if I can’t make it to an event, I need to find a replacement,” she said

Looking to leave this all behind her, Allen remains optimistic about being Miss Bakersfield.

“I just want to make myself a better person.”

Read the original story! Click picture below!

KOЯN Krusader

<Listen to the full Munky Bakotopia Interview!

Chillin' at Capitol: l to r, Reggie 'Fieldy' Arvizu, Jonathan Davis, James 'Munky' Shaffer

KOЯN Krusader
James 'Munky' Shaffer steps it up for the fans

By Matt Muñoz
Bakotopia.com Editor

<<RARE VIDEO OF KORN'S 2ND SHOW EVER AT BAM BAM'S IN BAKO!

KOЯN - rock music innovators, hip-hop mutants, and 100 percent Bakersfield.

Still kicking it live like a new pair of cap toe Adidas, KORN's three remaining active members — Jonathan Davis, vocals; Reggie 'Fieldy' Arvizu, bass; and James 'Munky' Shaffer, guitar — have gone from being metal misfits to marketing geniuses. More importantly, the trio remain relevant to the musical genre they collectively de-tuned back in '93.

(KORN's first promo pic)

Bakersfield's most famous native sons in nu-metal will return home to rock the Rabobank Arena 5 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 29, with the 2007 edition of the Family Values Tour. KORN continues with its original brand of sonic torment for a rabidly devoted fanbase with its recently released CD.

“I think we can go all around the world, but our hometown fans are gonna show us the most love…,” said KORN guitarist James 'Munky' Shaffer via telephone from the band's tour bus parked outside the Verizon Wireless Music Center, in Indianapolis, Ind. Aug. 10. “They go to the same schools, drive the same streets. It's more of an intimate relationship, than just being a KORN fan. There becomes a sense of pride there.” Pride that KORN still has for its hometown, too.

(James 'Munky' Shaffer)

Proving that Bakersfield's influence lasts a lifetime no matter how famous you are, Shaffer readily admits to another of life's simple pleasures — hanging at the bluffs in the northeast.

“One of my favorite things was to go up on top of the Greenlawn Cemetery crypts (off Panorama Drive),” Shaffer said. “We would climb up on top, and we'd drink beer, and just sit and enjoy the beauty of Oildale's oil pumps all lit up by the yellow lights at night.”

Shaffer grew up in east Bakersfield and Rosedale back when farm land dominated the area.

Rosedale today is not what he remembers as a teenager, Shaffer remarked.

“I can't believe there used to be dirt fields where I lived in Rosedale,” he said. “That's where I used to ride my motorcycle, through the fields passed my old elementary school, all that was wide-open fields. I can't believe the development now.”

Shaffer may have missed out on the development in Bakersfield, but its residents haven’t missed out on his band’s stardom that went beyond the Kern County line.

And just think, their history started in a watering hole in southwest Bakersfield.

The year was 1993.

Future KORN guitarists Shaffer and Welch had just gotten back from a Mr. Bungle concert in San Francisco and decided to stop by John Bryant's, a 90s Bakersfield bar, to check out a friend's band, 2 Lazy 2 Steal.

At the time, the duo were crafting a new band called Creep (born from the ashes of L.A.P.D., for whom Arvizu, and KORN drummer David Silveria were also members of).

(L.A.P.D. in 1989)

Little did they know that fate was already in motion when they walked into John Bryant's.

They were ready to leave the club when the evening's headliner, Sex Art, hit the stage, summoning Shaffer and Welch to stay.

“We stopped when we heard (Sex Art vocalist Jonathan Davis',) voice, and it was like, ‘Whoa, that's gotta really unique tone. You know, let's stay and check this out a little bit’,” recalled Shaffer.

(Jonathan Davis)

Sex Art was a band ahead of its time, especially for Bakersfield, whose music scene was stuck in a haze of wannabe Seattle grunge.

Davis' erratic flailing and distraught conduct onstage, combined with the band's long-haired twin towers (bassist Dave DeRoo, who would later join Adema and guitarist Ryan Shuck, who formed Orgy) was like watching a possessed, straight-jacketed lunatic.

Ask around today what they remember of the Sex Art days, and you're likely to hear the same “Jonathan rolled around on the ground a lot” story.

Shaffer and Welch soon gave Davis a ring after losing their Creep lead vocalist, but it wasn't going to be easy convincing Davis to leave Sex Art for LA.

Davis was on his own trip at home, raising eyebrows and packing dives. Still, Creep members — Welch, Arvizu, Silveria, and Shaffer — were experimenting with a new sound and laying the foundation for a musical youth movement on the horizon.

(Reggie 'Fieldy' Arvizu)

Producer Ross Robinson, often credited as the “godfather of nu-metal,” took Creep into the studios to produce the demos that would be used to woo Davis into the fold and complete the band's vision.

“Honestly, I don't think (Davis) really liked (the demos),” laughed Shaffer. “But it was an opportunity for him to get out of Bakersfield and try something. Some of his family members were like, ‘Go for it. You gotta take the chance when the opportunity presents itself. All you can do is not work out, and you can come right back’.”

Davis took the gig, joining Welch, Arvizu, Silveria, and Shaffer. Soon, the band’s name Creep would be replaced by KORN.

Origin of the new name vary: It represented “Kern.” Someone gambled how famous a name such as “Korn” could become. The backward “R” was meant to throw people off.

The band lived together in close quarters in Huntington Beach, scoring gigs and “buzz band” write-ups in early rock publications, like Meanstreet and the defunct BAM, where Molten Metal columnist Jon Sutherland made the now infamous, “Corn, an exciting new band…”

Immortal Records took notice and signed KORN to its label, releasing the band’s self-titled debut “KoRn” Oct. 11, 1994.

Their music, included the opening track, “Blind,” preached to crowds of disillusioned, post-Nirvana refugees who identified with Davis' angry, but therapeutic lyrics and delivery.

His voice fell into place with the band's music — a vicious combination of distorted key signatures, low frequency bass-thumping, and slamming, hip-hop inspired beats.

“I get a lot of fans coming up to tell me, ‘I play a 7-string because of you,’ and ‘You helped me through a hard time’ because of what they found in Jonathan's lyrics,” said Shaffer.

No longer below the radar, KORN began burning up stages around the world through the rest of the '90s, keeping devotees happy in between releases and tours, by channeling the power of the webcast, KornTV, ushering in a new era of self-promotion to interact directly with fans, bands, and the occasional porn star.

“We kinda come up with different ideas together,” explained Shaffer of the band's successful marketing strategies. “Whether it's me, Jonathan, Fieldy, management, people at the record label. It's presented to us as an idea. Either we say ‘yes,’ or ‘let's tweak it so that it's the way we want it’.”

KORN became an unavoidable name and band on radio and MTV.

After the release of “Life Is Peachy” in '96, the band reached another plateau with “Follow The Leader,” in '98, earning a Grammy and MTV Video Award for the “Freak On A Leash” music video, a memorable set at the disastrous 1999 return of Woodstock, and the launch of the Family Values Tour.

The latest Values tour promises a cavalcade of hard rock's current elite headlined by its founders.

Besides being a big money maker, Shaffer sees the go round as an important launch pad for bands in need of the extra exposure.

“We pick the bands that we like and want to help,” he said. “Hopefully they have a record that they can go out and promote for themselves, or a single on the radio. That always helps bring people out to the show.”
While business has always been the band's forte, there have been cracks along the way.

The 1999 album,“Issues,” kept the band on top of the charts, but 2002's ambitious “Untouchables” suffered a blow from studio leaks and viral net piracy. 2003's “Take A Look In The Mirror” kept fires burning, making way for “Greatest Hits, Vol. 1,” in 2004.

But as in all rock history lessons, drama was due to rear its ugly head.

First, guitarist Brian 'Head' Welch, a childhood friend of Shaffer and vital part of the KORN duo guitar sound, leaves the band to become a born-again Christian crusader in 2005 and publishes an almost tell-all book of his hard partying former rock star life, complete with puke stories.

Then, drummer David Silveria goes on indefinite hiatus for reasons unknown.

A delicate topic of discussion, Shaffer openly expressed at length his sorrow about moving on without his longtime friends and bandmates.

“It was real difficult when Brian left the band,” said Shaffer. “We went to East High together. I bought my first guitar from him, and he showed me how to play all these songs in his basement during lunch or after school. I knew him before David and Reggie. We were the [band's] left and right. You can't have a stereo if you only have one speaker.”

Much like pouring salt on an open wound, Silveria's departure further complicated matters.

“David and I have been friends playing music for 20 years,” Shaffer said. “And when you lose someone like that, you literally lose a family member. I miss and love him so much. It's been hard, believe me. I'm telling you, imagine how I must feel. If you think the fans are bummed…”

As the only member of KORN who hasn't released a solo project or taken a career break since the band's inception, Shaffer knew he had to re-commit himself to the group.

“I had to step up and prove to myself, the remaining members of my band, and to our fans, that I can persevere musically and get through this,” he said. “We've written another two albums since then.”

“See You On The Other Side,” from 2005 proved to be a huge return.

Kicking off their tour in Bakersfield in February 2006, the band also was presented with a plaque by Mayor Harvey Hall on the steps of the Rabobank Arena and a portion of the Rabobank's back lot is officially re-named “KORN Row.”

“It’s incredible,” said Shaffer of the long overdue honors Bakersfield has bestowed on the band. “Our old friends can’t believe it when we come back. Me personally, I have bittersweet memories growing up there. But hey, I’ll always be from Rosedale.”

The Family Values Tour
with KOЯN, Evanescence, Atreyu, Flyleaf,
Hellyeah, Trivium, Neurosonic, and Droid

-Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun
-Wednesday, Aug. 29th, 5p.m.
-Tickets: $58 - $10
-www.ticketmaster.com
- (661) 852 - 7777

Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, Issue 9, 8 - 24 - 07

10th Annual Lowrider Nationals, August 5th, 2007

Sunday, August 5th, 2007 - 10th Annual Lowrider Nationals, KC Fairgrounds!

CAUTION: PICTURES OF A GRAPHIC NATURE AHEAD! NOT FOR DA' KIDS!

was in the house to bring you our loyal and supportive Bakotopians the pictures you've been waiting to see all week...

I was getting too many e-mails about the pix, so I hurried and put them together for you in all their bizarre glory!! CALM DOWN...THEY'RE FINALLY HERE!!
Presenting the 10th annual Lowrider Nationals hardbody contest and concert!!
<<CHECK OUT ALL THE BOOTIES AND BABY BASH IN CONCERT!

Thanks to Tekwiz and DJ Mikey for "braving" the rowdy crowd, it was hell...LOL!

WANNA AVOID THE BOOTY? CHECK OUT THE CARS, BABY! SHMOOOOOOVE!

EXCLUSIVE Interview with ADEMA!

<HEAR ADEMA INTERVIEWS PLUS NEW MUSIC!

Bakersfield band sacrifice everything but their soul to keep on rockin'

By Matt Muñoz
Bakotopia.com Editor

Adema's musical career has been showered with good and bad luck since day one.

Right now, things are looking good.

The Bakersfield-formed band dropped a new single, “Cold and Jaded,” from their full-length CD, “Kill The Headlights,” available Aug. 21. They are on a cross-country promotional tour, stopping in Long Beach, Aug. 22, at The Vault 350.

<<CHECK OUT THE VIDEO!

Yes, the five members of Adema have once again proven their commitment to all things rock.

But it hasn't all been cheers and chicks.

“Nothing in life worth having comes without sacrifice,” professed Bakersfield product and Adema bassist Dave DeRoo, via cellphone from the band's tour van en route to a gig in Falls Church, Virg. July 31. “Music is like the air I breathe.”

Born in Bakersfield in 1998, Adema is a band destined for a double episode of VH-1's Behind The Music. Fame, break-ups, drugs, record deals, redemption, and plenty of sacrifice - it's all here.

Now in 2007, the band has reinvented itself to stand above a list of rock's “nu-metal” casualties like Limp Bizkit and Staind, bands that rode a wave of success at the tail end of the '90s filled with rap rock cheesiness and acousti-metal ballads.

“The fans have been reacting really well,” said DeRoo, 32, of crowd reaction to the band's new music and current line-up. “They love the new songs, and there are some songs we haven't played in awhile.”

Adored and criticized as an overnight sensation for both their early success because of a bidding war among labels looking to snatch up the “next big thing” (arguably due to the ever-present shadow of original vocalist Mark Chavez' half brother Jonathan Davis of KORN), Adema formed a partnership with Arista Records’ new rock division under the direction of unlikely producer L.A. Reid, who made stars out of artists such as TLC, Usher, and Outkast.

Handed a sweet deal and prime tour support, including the Ozzfest mainstage in 2001, the band enjoyed the limelight and the road - for awhile. Soonafter the release of their sophomore CD “Unstable,” and an EP, “Insomniac's Dream,” things went sour after Arista unceremoniously dropped the band during a label shakedown that involved numerous firings within the company.

Original stylee: Adema in 2001

That's where the rest of the story begins.

Internal conflicts ultimately led to the departure of two members, including guitarist Mike Ransom in 2003, and vocalist Chavez in 2004, but for remaining members, DeRoo on Bass, guitarist Tim Fluckey, drummer Kris Kohls, the band was determined to move forward by embracing the notion that “nothing lasts forever.”

“I have nothing but fond memories of that time,” said DeRoo of the major label experience. “That was a good time in our lives, but when it was happening, it was a bit surreal. Everybody in the band kind of reacted to success differently. I think it was hard on us to a degree. But I took it head on, because I've had so many ups and downs in my life. I lived in the moment and just rolled with it.”

Without a label and searching for a new vocalist to replace Chavez, the band brought in Bakersfield vocalist Luke Caraccioli to the fold, and in 2004 Adema was scooped up by metal music stronghorse Earache Records. “Planets,” its third full-length put them on tour again as a quartet - but just like Chavez before him, Caraccioli jumped ship citing personal reasons for leaving after only a year.

Surviving: Adema in 2004

“People think this is something they wanna do and would love to trade places with us in a minute,” said DeRoo. “Then when they immerse themselves, they don't know if they can deal with it - getting three hours of sleep a day, not seeing your friends and family, and being gone for a year.”

By this time, you'd think the band would've called it a day for good, but for Deroo and company, the only option was to move on.

“It was a very different set of circumstances for both those guys, but obviously the common thread they had was that they just didn't wanna do it anymore,” he said. “It's hard to find like minded individuals.”

Searching for a third replacement, the band was dealt another lucky hand in the form of two friends from Los Angeles.

Singer Bobby Reeves and guitarist Ed Faris, both from independently successful LA-based band LEVEL, were recruited in 2005, putting the band back to work in the studio and on the road.

No fly-by-night duo, these former LEVEL artists had experience the previous members lacked - a quality that would help the band avoid re-living their troubled past all over again.

“I didn't just hop on stage because I was friends with Dave,” said Reeves, 32, about being a rock frontman. “We just had different paths. I've been doing this for a long time, and I'm an Adema fan myself.”

As a fan and friend of the band, Reeves was fully aware of the drama that had plagued the band, but that didn't deter the singer from vigorously diving into the new lead role.

“It was a little scary at first, to be honest with you,” said Reeves. “I didn't want to follow someone else's path, I've been doing this longer than he (Chavez,) has. Markie's a great guy. I would never say anything bad about the guy, it's not my style, and he paved the way for me.”

Ready to sacrifice: Adema in 2007

Knowing the job was going to be tough when they took it, DeRoo is quick to sing the praises of his new bandmates.

“They're great, and they contribute,” he said. “This band is all chiefs and no Indians. These two guys wanna write songs, tour the world, and set people on fire. That's what we wanna do.”

Working hard at building a new catalog of songs and demos, Immortal Records, which has been responsible for launching the careers of KORN, 30 Seconds To Mars, and Rage Against The Machine, among others, took notice and offered the band a deal in February.

With more than 40 songs recorded during 2006 under its belt, the band chose 12 of their strongest tracks to be included on their eagerly anticipated return to the rock game, “Kill The Headlights.”

“Cold and Jaded,” the melodic and hook-laden first single from “Headlights,” has already helped restart the band's buzz on the web and on mainstream rock radio with its perfectly balanced mix of strong, confident vocals courtesy of Reeves, and a rhythm section that could easily outplay an army of its peers, even on a bad day.

“This is the best stuff we've ever written,” said DeRoo of their Immortal Records debut. “I can listen to the whole record all day, even if I wasn't in the band - I'd be like, “This is a killer album.”

LIVE IN LONG BEACH ON 8/22!

OUT ON 8/21/07!

CHECK OUT THESE LINKS!
ADEMA AT BAKOTOPIA!

ADEMA ONLINE

My Favorite Halloween Costume Memories

My Favorite Halloween Costume Memories

('Cholo Chicken' aka 'El Pollo Loca')

By HappyFeet aka Veronica Madrigal

I've had some pretty crazy costumes over the years, but I don't think I can ever outdo my mom's creations while my siblings and I were growing up.

We grew up really poor, so instead of going out and buying costumes, my mom would gather anything that was lying around the house and make it herself.

One year she'd found some old pajamas, her old make- up, and several sponge hair-rollers lying around. Half my hair was rolled in these pink, sponge thingies, while the other half was tousled in every possible direction.

To augment my already crazy look, my mom decided to paint half my face with make-up, and paint the other half as a clown.

She said, “Just tell everyone you're half clown/half housewife.”

Uhm, riiight?

I could never figure out why she didn't make me either a clown or housewife, as opposed to half and half. As a child I didn't question it, I just went trick-or-treating with half a clown face and the other half looking like a cheap, hussy housewife. At 8 years old there was no way I could understand the absurdity of my disguise. My trick-or-treat bag would definitely not go empty, and at the time, that was all that mattered.

The worst year had to be when I actually went to school in one of my mom's off-the-wall creations. We'd gone to a Big Lots-type store and found a bin where everything was a buck. Typical of my frugal mom, she begins to rummage through the bin of cheap, plastic Halloween masks. And wouldn't you know my luck? She finds one perfect for me.

It was a chicken face mask. Yes, it really was the mask of a chicken. Not a scary, killer chicken, mind you, just a regular, egg-pooping chicken. Again, there was no questioning my mom's choices. I was probably just happy I got a mask that year, even if it did yank at my hair because of the thick rubber band holding the mask over my face. Now that I think about it, it was a good thing I didn't suffocate with only two tiny air holes to breathe through.

But that wasn't the end of it. You would think the mask could have been complemented well with a white outfit. Something that would've given it a real chicken-effect, maybe attach a few feathers on my butt. It would have been fine. Not that ridiculous, right? Okay, maybe a bit dorky, but not in excess.

But then that'd be too easy, and this is my mother I'm talking about. She had the clever idea of complementing my wacky costume with a black and white flannel shirt and a pair of black pants that were lying around the house. The kind of flannel shirt that cholos used to wear. You know, the ones the cholos would button up on top, set off with a wife beater shirt underneath and a backwards lean to emphasize their cool vato-ness.

AND I WENT TO SCHOOL LIKE THAT! The horror!

And what does my dear mother say? “Tell everyone you're a Cholo Chicken.”

A Cholo Chicken?! How can I look tough and intimidating as a gangsta pollo? I guess she figured they'd call me La Polla Loca.

Now I know why the chicken crossed the road. It was hoping it'd be run over by a car because it was so traumatized that its mother made it dress up in wacky costumes.

In all honesty though, as traumatizing as it could have been for a child, I had a great time every Halloween. I may have been the most bizarre looking kid every Halloween night, but they still remain some of my favorite memories. No matter how poor we were, my mom still took the time to ensure that we'd enjoy each Halloween. And it really was a lot of fun.

I can't help but wonder now in my older age if my mom dressed me up in wacky costumes for her own amusement. That could explain the pointing and laughing. Hmmm…? In all seriousness though, I appreciate the effort she made in spite of her lack of creativity.

Thanks for all the Halloween memories, Mom!

Happy Halloween, Bakotopians!

*Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, Issue 13, 10 - 19 - 07

Hollywood’s Comic Book Conspiracy

Hollywood’s Comic Book Conspiracy
With tinsel town’s originality going bankrupt, studios look to the graphic novel for the next bloody blockbuster

By Zachary Smith, Bakotopia contributor

“But who reads comic books anymore?”

That is the question asked in a world where the super villains have erased the memory, and existence of the superheros from the world’s collective conscious.

It also happens to be the premise for a comic book named “Wanted” (think about “American Psycho,” “Fight Club,” and “Super Villains” mixed into one.)

“Wanted” follows in the footsteps of other popular books such as “Sin City,” “300,” “Iron Man,” and just like those three books turned to flick, “Wanted” is also getting prepped for movie treatment.

Being curious as to what the movie would be about I looked up a quick synopsis of “Wanted” on imdb.com and Wikipedia.com. Much to my lack of surprise they’ve already butchered the property.

I guess what I’m trying to say is: READ THE BOOK. The initial product is almost always superior to the movie adaptation.

Despite that downer, there are exceptions to the rule.

On rare occasions, movie adaptations have gotten something correct by exploring different genres and aspects of the comic book world.

Frank Miller is probably, after Will Eisner, the most important comic book creator of the last 30 years.

Miller is an artist and illustrator, which makes him one of those rare talents in a collaborative industry that can do everything by himself. Both “Sin City” and “300” are hit movies based on graphic novels by Frank Miller.

The movie adaptation of “Sin City” is by far the only comic book movie so far to get a fair treatment, the movie’s director Robert Rodriguez made sure that Miller was included in the creative process - so much so that he abdicated his position in the DGA (Directors Guild of America) so Miller could share directing credits.

To read the book before the movie comes out is not something I make a habit of - I have plenty of books to read. If I like the movie or hear something good about the book, then I’ll read it. The difference between reading the comic before seeing the movie is that reading a comic will take an hour out of your time at most. Then you ask, and I’ll agree, why should I indulge in the most anti-cool thing in existence? I mean comics, who does read them? The truth is, a lot of people.

In Japan comics are made for all ages, both genders, and for all sorts of different interests. In Japan comics sell in the millions. When I visited Tokyo, comics outnumbered magazines, novels, and other products available in stores.

So how well do comics sell in America? About one-tenth that number.

At the end of 2001 Frank Miller followed up his 1986 classic “The Dark Night Returns” (an alternative future for Batman in which he has retired, superheros are outlawed, Gotham has gone to hell, the Joker is comatose, Two Face has one face, and Superman works for the government) with the sequel “The Dark Knight Strikes Again.” Pre-orders for “Again” came in at around 125,000 units. A record number for a comic book.

Like Japan, comics books in America cater to all sorts of different interests; however, American readers are usually more familiar with the superhero genre.

Enjoy the gangster life of “The Sopranos”? Read “100 Bullets,” a crime comic so thick with noir that you drown in the violence, dark and moody art, fast-paced and cutting dialogue, and complicated plot. The concept? A man hands you an attaché case with an untraceable gun, 100 untraceable bullets, and a case file providing you everything you need to know to get revenge on the person who has ruined your life. What would you do given the opportunity to get revenge and not have any consequence? All that happens in just the first issue, and that’s just the first stone in a structure made up of many different parts.

Is crime not your genre of choice? How ‘bout romance?

“Strangers in Paradise” is the story of Francine, her lesbian best friend Katchoo, and their friend David. David loves Katchoo, Katchoo loves Francine, and Francine loves all the wrong type of men. Think love is the only plot point in this story? You’re dead wrong - what you learn is that Katchoo used to work for an organization that is more powerful than the president and they want Katchoo back.

('Strangers in Paradise')

The love train doesn’t stop there. You might hear all the indie hipsters kids talking about “Blankets,” and for a good reason: it’s an excellent book about growing up, faith, and first love.

In the mood for something a little more dangerous or strange, think comic books are safe? You don’t know danger or strange. “Preacher,” a modern day western, is the story of Texas preacher named Jesse Custer, given the power of the “word of God.” In the book, Custer is looking for God so he can answer some questions. Jesse’s guardian angel is portrayed by The Duke himself - John Wayne. Jesse is also being followed by the angel of death - a cowboy with a pair of Walker Colts instead of a flaming sword. His best friend is a 100-year-old Irish vampire, and his girlfriend is a former assassin.

Did you say you want a revolution? How about “The Invisibles,” a group of sexy anarchist super-spy magicians fighting to keep us free from ourselves.

Who are The Invisibles? A cyborg from the future, the next Buddha/messiah/Christ/anti- christ, a former NYC police officer who may or may not be working for the other side, a Brazilian transvestite shaman, and a sci-fi novelists with a penchant for ultra violence. Oh yeah, and if you start getting glimpses of “The Matrix” from reading this book, where do you think they got the ideas?

So what's the point of my ramblings? BUY, READ, and LOVE comics!

These books are the wave of the future, what’s cool now was being done in comics 10 years ago. If you want to be ahead of the herd, start reading these books. What I’ve given you here is a small example of what the comic book industry has to offer, if you want to know more go to your local comic book shop.

FOR PART-TWO IN THE ONGOING BAKOTOPIA SERIES, PLEASE CLICK LINK BELOW!

*Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, Issue 13, 10 - 19 - 07

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias LIVE! 1/13/07!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13TH
FOX THEATER
BAKERSFIELD, CA
Show #1: Doors: 6:00PM----Show: 7:00PM
Show #2: Doors: 9:30PM----Show: 10:30PM

Tickets available at the Fox Theater box office, all Vallitix locations charge by phone 1-661-322-5200 or online at Vallitix.com

WU-TANG CLAN: Reuniting Da Ruckus!

Reuniting Da Ruckus!
Raekwon The Chef of Wu-Tang Clan - keeps loyalty cookin’
<<<LISTEN TO THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RAEKWON!

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia.com Editor

Unlocking the mystery of the Wu-Tang Clan is no easy feat.

Like the deadly Shaolin monks of classic Kung Fu flicks they’re inspired by, hip-hop’s greatest group has decided to leave the monastery and tame the streets once again.

Nine emcees - each with his own distinctive style, image and prowess. Catch ’em if you can, but beware …

“I’m at the point where it’s like a title fight,” said Wu member Corey “Raekwon The Chef” Woods via telephone on the importance of coming out swinging as an artist in today’s hip-hop industry. “I don’t wanna fight the whole 12 rounds. Because if you’re fightin’ somebody, and people look at you as the champ, you gotta come in and knock a (expletive) out!”

Appearing live at Bakersfield’s Fox Theater on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. as part of the “8 Diagrams” reunion tour, the lyrical warriors from Staten Island, N.Y. always place family first despite the difficulty the road brings.

“When it comes to touring, this is something we gotta do to provide for our families,” explained Woods. “It’s been a long time since we’ve actually been touring consecutively with one another. It’s just so hard to still have everybody punctual at any given moment.”

All original Wu-Tang members: Robert “RZA” Diggs; Clifford “Method Man” Smith; Dennis “Ghostface Killah” Coles; Gary; “GZA” Grice; Lamont “U-God” Hawkins; Elgin “Masta Killah” Turner; and Darryl “Cappadonna” Hill will make the ’round the globe trek through ’08. Noticeably absent will be Russell “Old Dirty Bastard” Jones. who passed away in ’04.

Jones became an unforgettable figure with his “drunken style” of freestyle rapping, both on and off the stage. During the ’96 Grammy Awards, Jones did what he did best - rushing the microphone during the awards ceremony to declare, “Wu-Tang is for the children!”

“He was the best, you know,” described Woods of his lost friend. “He was the dude who gave us all the confidence we needed, like a first officer. I mean just his spirit alone in the building allowed us to feel like champions even when we wasn’t champs at the time, so it’s beyond words on how I feel about what he’s put into the music.”

(Russell "Old Dirty Bastard" Jones)

Constructing the Wu-Tang in ’92, the group hit the “gangsta rap”-riddled rap game dominated by the West Coast. While the West was ridin’ low and slow, the east was keeping it “hardcore” with bonfire ghetto storytelling.

The group’s ’93 debut “Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” brought the realities of N.Y. life on the streets. Challenged only by Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic,” the Wu’s assemblage of young and wild characters made them an instant underground movement.

“Back then we was like the Fat Albert Gang,” remembered Woods of the group’s rough and ready early days. “Havin’ some skills and intellect, and a belief in what we were doin’. We came in with nine dudes - which was unheard of back then, besides groups like Public Enemy and X-Clan.”

Live onstage, the group smoked, hyping crowds with songs like - “Protect Ya Neck” and “C.R.E.A.M.,” now classics in the essential hip-hop songbook.
But where there’s smoke, there’s fire - in the form of solo project offers, even a video game.

(Original Wu-style)

From Method Man to GZA, every member of the Wu has managed to get a piece of the action. With a clothing line bearing group’s name and a management company, music became just a piece of the Clan kingdom. The money rolled in, but so did the friction.

“It was almost like a gift and a curse, because you have so many talented dudes in one group,” said Woods. “You got different mentalities, and then having to worry about how the money is being split is hard. If I had an opportunity to put out a group with nine individuals, and they were all nice - I’d have to second guess myself on them.”

Like his crewmates, Wood’s solo-success has garnered him plenty of critical praise as an artist.

“Only Built 4 Cuban Linx,” released in ’95, shifted the spotlight on Woods. Staying to his hardcore roots, Woods re-invented the “mafioso” style crime drama technique with a storytelling flow and a nod to the masters before him.

“I was a street peddler like maybe a lot of dudes in the business,” said Woods. “When I came into the game, that’s all I really knew what to talk about. I grew up with Big Daddy Kane and Rakim - emcees that were representing dudes like me.”

Through the ’90s, Wu-Tang Clan and their affiliates managed to dominate the industry.

Whether reuniting to release subsequent Wu-Tang albums (“Wu-Tang Forever” and “The W”) or make movie appearances (Method Man in “How High”), these brothers from the “ghettos of Shaolin” always manage to “reform like Voltron” for fans all over the world when the time is right.

“It’s like being loyal to the people for the rest of my life, it affects me so much,” said Woods. “A lot of groups don’t have the ability to be successful in different countries and regions of the planet. To me, it’s a blessing.”

If you’ve managed to keep up on the drama surrounding the latest Wu-union, it’s no secret that Woods has maintained a very critical view of “8 Diagrams,” the group’s long-awaited return to the studio. Although reviews from studio leaks have been positive in many trade and online fan forums, Woods continues to stand by his “unfinished” view on of the project.

“I'm not goin’ to say I was vetoing the album, but I felt it coulda’ been stronger,” he said. “I’m not gonna bad mouth it, but I’m also not gonna act like I’m really feeling it. If you are a real Wu-Tang fan, then I hope you enjoy it.”

In true hip-hop fashion, Woods takes no time in hyping his upcoming ’08 solo disc - “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2,” the sequel to his ’95 debut. Featuring Wu-producer RZA on board, Woods also recruited a pack of heavy hitters for the sessions.

(Raekwon - kickin' it live..)

“You got Dr. Dre, Marley Marl, DJ Scratch,” he said. “I feel real confident with this one. This is my baby right here, kid.”

Yet, amid the big talk and business deals, the heart of the Wu is all about showcasing the talents of nine talented friends who’ve stayed loyal to the original mission come hell or high water.

“I feel like we put the work in, and we’ve shown a lot of people - not only in the rap industry - how you can make your dreams come true, and I’m forever loyal to that.”

Wu-Tang Clan live!
-Saturday, December 22nd
-Bakersfield Fox Theater
-7pm / All Ages
-$45-$55

Official Website

Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, Issue 17, 12-13-07

Rockin' Winterfest 2007

Rockin’ Winterfest 2007
Jay Vilardi of The Almost rocks and loves his fans to the heavens. Appearing live Nov.12 at GSM!

(The Almost)

By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor

If such a thing as global warming exists, Bakersfield’s first Rockin’ Winterfest just might be the most incorrectly titled mish-mash of sonic glory in the history of local music.

But summer-like winter conditions and name aside, festival co-headliners The Almost from Tampa Bay, Fla. will be right at home in our valley steam.

Coming rock the re-vamped and refurbished Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., on Monday, Nov. 12, as part of the all day festival with fellow melodic rockers The Starting Line from Philadelphia, and a host of other local and touring heavy hitters. Rockin’ Winterfest promises more than enough heat to deter any sign of frostbite.

“I’ve been to Bakersfield a ton of times,” said Almost guitarist Jay Vilardi via cellphone from the road driving to visit the home of fellow band mate and drummer Kenny Bozitch in Tampa. “I grew up in Southern California, so I know it well.”

(Jay Vilardi of The Almost)

Vilardi, who also works for Almost lead vocalist Aaron Gillespie’s other band Underoath, has literally been off and on the road for a year straight, but knows his role - wear many hats and get the band in gear.

“This is the story,” said Velardi. “Aaron’s in Underoath, I work for Underoath, but my other role with The Almost is to get the band together so we can go on tour and haul ass out as soon as Aaron gets back in town.”

Signed through a partnership between both the Christian-based Tooth & Nail records and the secular Virgin Records, The Almost’s debut CD “Southern Weather” shot to No. 29 on the Billboard charts when it was released in April 2007, and it has been buzzing above and below the alternative charts along with hit videos and magazine covers.

“It feels good, but we don’t take it for granted,” said Velardi of the bands ever-growing popularity away from the shadow of Underoath. “The fact is, is that we’re our own project, and as much people try to pretend that we’re not, we are.”

Writing songs filled with melodic riffs and a positive message for the listener, The Almost’s songs follow a tradition as part of the Tooth & Nail Records family, who have managed to have crossover success in the secular market while staying relevant to the Christian music scene.

“The big part of our faith is we believe that God loves everybody,” explained Vilardi. “That doesn’t make me any better than anyone down the street. It doesn’t matter what you believe — if you write a good song, kids are gonna like it no matter what. If you come to an Almost show, you’re not gonna feel left out, and if you do, then we failed.”

Also on board for the show is pop punk quartet The Starting Line, a band Vilardi knows well from previous tours, and a stint as a sub-guitarist.

(The Starting Line)

“Those guys are rad,” he said. “I had the pleasure of filling in for one of their guitar players when he had pneumonia. Their songs are great, and I know them personally.”

On the rise to become an even bigger hit on the post-Warped tour circuit, on MTV, FUSE, and the road, Vilardi maintains The Almost is on a level playing field.

“We’re no better than any other bands that are gonna be there (at the Rockin’ Winterfest),” he said. “With us, you’re going to watch a band that comes out and that really loves the place and the people that are there. I don’t care if a kid has his middle finger at me because I’m Christian. I love that kid. He made my day, because I am going to laugh about that kid all day long.”

Catch Rockin’ Winterfest 2007
with The Almost and The Starting Line
Plus: Moros Eros, The Stiletto Formal, Set Your Goals, Vogue In The Movement, Dressed for the Letdown, Bittersweet Awakening, The Axe That Chopped Down The Cherry Tree, Greeley Estates, and others.
• Monday, Nov. 12, 2007
• Golden State Mall, 3201 F. St.
• Doors open at 11 a.m.
• Tickets: $18 at outlets / $20 at the door
**$16 if you purchase from local opening bands!**

More info: www.timgardeapresents.com

*Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine issue 14, 11 - 2 - 07

BAKOTOPIA RETURNS FROM THE NAMM SHOW!!

WE SURVIVED!!

COMING THIS WEEK!!

WE'VE GOT SO MUCH COVERAGE, IT'S GOING TO TAKE A DAY OR TWO TO GET THE WHOLE THING TOGETHER!!

RETURNS FROM..

The 2007 winter edition of the NAMM Show!

National Association of Music Merchants
Friday-Sunday, January 19th-21st
Anaheim Convention Center

THE WORLD'S BIGGEST MUSICIAN SHMOOZEFEST ON THE PLANET!!
STAY TUNED FOR ALL OUR COVERAGE ON BAKOTOPIA!!
CHECK OUT LAST YEAR'S COVERAGE ON BAKOTUNES WITH BAKERSFIELD LOCALS, CELEBS, AND NOT-SO CELEBS!!
EPISODE 4!

(Kerry King of Slayer (L,) and Matt at NAMM 2006)
EPISODE 5!

(Adult thespian, metalhead, and wrestler, Jasmine St. Clair at NAMM 2006!)
With your Bakotopia hosts...
MATT

CHANCLAS

TEKWIZ

CESAREO

and
BAKERSFIELD'S PREMIER MUSICIAN OUTLET..
STOCKDALE MUSIC

This is gonna be good....
STAY TUNED TO BAKOTOPIA!!

'Pumkin': Charm School Dropout

<<<HEAR THE COMPLETE 'PUMKIN' INTERVIEW!

'Pumkin': Charm School Dropout
Actually, Bakersfield native gets the boot from VH-1 reality show, but SO WHAT?

By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia.com Editor

It was the shot felt around the world.

Pumkin of VH-1 “Flavor of Love” takes aim, spitting a generous helping of DNA onto the chin of fellow suitor, and loud-mouthed drama queen, New York, after going toe-to-toe during one of the show's elimination rounds.

Eww!

<<See the infamous shot!

As gross as it sounds, it should come as no surprise that the early 2006 incident turned New York and Pumkin, a Bakersfield native, into celebrities overnight and catapulted the episode into VH-1's 40 Greatest Reality TV Moments.

“Pumkin,” whose real name is Brooke Thompson, doesn't regret the spitting moment in the reality show’s first season debut. Instead she's decided to embrace what some might call her “discharge of destiny.”

“I wouldn't take the spit back,” said Thompson, 27, via telephone after a photo shoot for an upcoming 2008 calendar in Las Vegas. “And you know what the crazy thing is? I don't think New York would either ’cause that made her even more popular.”

(New York (left,) and Pumkin (right)

“Popular” is an understatement . Try internationally known. Reality TV makes up the bulk of cable channel VH-1's regular programming with the first season of Flavor of Love bringing the network a big chunk of weekly viewers - all to see who would be the next Ms. Flavor Flav. The show only lasted two seasons but it also led to other reality spinoff’s, including the recent “Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School,” which Pumkin also starred in.

Chances are you've seen one of Flavor’s show or overheard your co-workers talk about “Pumkin” over cubicle walls. If you say you haven't, you're probably lying. This ghetto-fabulous version of “The Bachelor” was a hit too hard to ignore.

“It's weird,” said Thompson. “I mean, I have 80 year-old women that are like, ‘Yeah Pumkin, that was so cool when you spit on her. The people that you wouldn't expect to watch it, do’.”

With shows like “Survivor” and “The Real World” ruling the network and cable airwaves, the Bakersfield native joins an entire sub-family of TV's most famous, and infamous - as a “celeb-reality” star, where success relies on individual outrageousness. Lie, cheat, steal or spit. If it makes for good ratings, you'll probably stick around.

“You can be a sweetheart 75 percent of the time, and you can be a real bitch 25 percent of the time,” she said. “But if they want you to be the bitch of the show, they're gonna just show that 25 percent.”

While Thompson's Hollywood tale of how she landed on a show to vie for the love of a rap music icon should raise a few brows, what makes it even more interesting is how a simple girl from Bakersfield went from teaching kids in school to going back to school herself.

Born an only child in a single-parent household, Thompson's humble Bakersfield beginnings could belong to anyone. An all-American gal with blond hair, bright smile and a wit to match, she enjoyed the spotlight that comes with being an only child.

Attending Laurelglen Elementary and Rosedale schools, her upbringing was firm.

“Well, it was just me and my mom growing up, so I was definitely used to getting a lot of attention,” she said. “Then my mom met my stepdad, and he was really strict, and I think he held me back from doing a lot of things like, ‘No phone calls after 8 p.m.,’ ‘Don't go out on a school night,’ and I think like he just locked me in so much, that once I finally got out, I was like, ‘Girls Gone Wild,’ you know?,” Thompson laughed.

But before setting out for wilder Hollywood life, Thompson was active in high school, excelling scholastically and on the football field as a cheerleader at Shafter High.

“I cheered all four years; I swam. I did the Junior Miss Pageant,” she said. “I graduated with like a 3.9. I didn't want anybody to know I got good grades. I wanted them to think I was stupid.”

After high school, Thompson then entered CSUB, earning her bachelor's degree in business with a concentration in marketing - a degree that would ultimately benefit her in the future.

“I don't think I declared my major until my junior year,” she said. “I chose business and marketing because I like to talk, you know?”

Not pursuing a profession in business after college, it was during a trip with friends to Six Flags Magic Mountain, where her true calling began to manifest itself in the form of “reality game show contestant.”

“They were filming “Street Smarts,” so they started interviewing me to be one of the street people (contestants.) I answered the first three questions that they asked me right, and they said, ‘Oh you were too smart for this, we need dumb people,’ and I was like, ‘I can pretend I'm dumb’!”

Her ability to “pretend” again came in handy when the acting bug bit her into auditioning for a number of other reality-based TV shows, including one with an all-too-familiar name, “The Bachelor.”

Thompson, who was a substitute teacher at the time, auditioned via the web.

“All I did was e-mail my picture, and then within 5 minutes, they called me back,” said Thompson. “I got done subbing, went straight there, and they interviewed me, and two days later they called me, and said, ‘You're in the top 50’.”

Caught up in the moment, Thompson continued following the producer's instructions, and “Pumkin,” a nicknamed coined by the Public Enemy rapper himself, was born.

“They (the producers,) said, “You just gotta go through STD testing, the psychological background check, and then we're gonna narrow it down to 25 - then the next thing I knew, I was on Flavor of Love with Flavor Flav.”

Unlike her previous auditions, this version of “The Bachelor,” was too big an opportunity to pass up. Not quite prepared for her upcoming role, she was immediately taught a lesson in reality TV making - just go with flow.

“I went on a lot of little shows, but this is like a 10-week, major reality show,” she said. “I was like, ‘This is so cool, but wow, I have to pretend I like that?’ So, it was kinda hard,” adding that, “If I hadn't watched “The Surreal Life” (another VH-1 reality show,) I wouldn't have even known who he (Flavor Flav) was.”

(Flavor Flav)

Thompson's grin and bear it “faux-mance” managed to keep her on the show long enough to make a big splash - and spew, with fans of the show, and consequently with her students, who recognized her back on campus once the show aired. She would eventually lose her teaching job due to all the attention she received as Flav's Pumkin.

“The kids were like, “Oh my God, our teacher's Pumkin! The truth of the matter is, I was almost crying when I was trying to sub. I would have a role sheet of 30 kids, and I'd look out and there'd be like 80 students all claiming to be in that class,” she explained. “It would take 30 minutes of the period, just to get through roll. I wouldn't go back. It's kind of a relief that they fired me.”

Finding it difficult to find a regular job, Thompson turned back to television appearing on Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School, a spin-off of the original dating show. Thompson, along with 12 other previous 'Love contestants competed against each other in a series of comically-enhanced challenges to see who would “benefit” from the lessons taught and overseen by school headmaster / comedian, Mo'Nique Imes.

By the eighth episode, Thompson was once again eliminated, after being accused of being naughty with an ice sculpture — an accusation she firmly denies - Pumkin style.

“Well how else do you take a shot out of an ice sculpture without wrapping your lips around it, you know what I mean?,” she explained. “She is just straight up prejudiced against skinny people ... because the name of her cookbook is, ‘Skinny Cooks Can't Be Trusted,’ and she did not like me from day one.”

Now seeking to ride out her celeb-reality status post Flavor of Love and Charm School, Thompson has once again figured out a way to outsmart her critics by marketing the Pumkin brand to the masses with an upcoming 2008 calendar, jewelry line (“Brooke's Bling,”) and a soon to be classic T-shirt.

“We're having shirts made for my adult fans that say, “Pumkin spits, not swallows.”

FOR MORE PUMKIN, CLICK BELOW:

*Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, Issue 6, 7 - 13 - 07

BAKO Halloween Happenings 2007

*Yo!Don't have a baby vampire cow if you don't see your event listed here. Send me a shout with all the details, and I'll add it!

BAKO Halloween Happenings 2007
Top reasons to leave the coffin leading up to the big night, October 31st!

(Halloween 2006)

By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor

Bako’s favorite time of the year without a doubt is Halloween.

So to make things easy, Bakotopia has handpicked the best places to be leading up to the big night!

Last year Bakotopia's own ‘Tekwiz’ took a load of photos that raised the blood pressure of many web-readers, making this year a tough one to beat when it comes to costumes.

Sexy, scary, hilarious, and gross….Let's do it again, shall we?

Our cameras will be out in full force all over downtown and beyond!

Start out by checking out ‘The Chamber’ Haunted House (read the story HERE), then work your way through the list below!

HOLD UP!
LOOKING FOR FAMILY FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN FUN INSTEAD?
(CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW)

October 20
-Bakersfield Rollergirls 2nd Annual “October Fright
Night”

-The Finish Line Bar & Grill, 2400 Camino Del Rio Ct. (next to Red Lion)
-Costume Party & Contest
-8 p.m. / 21 & Over
-327-0681

October 26
-Scary Sarahfest at Backstage

-1201 20th St. (corner of 20th & M streets), Downtown
-Suffocate, Your Own Destroyer, Indiscriminate Gunfighter, Her Black
Despondency, The Walking Desecration
-Prize giveaways all night long!
-8 p.m. / All Ages / $10 adv - $12 door

-HowCool.com Halloween Party at Amestoy's
-Amestoy's, 2303 River Blvd.
-Three Chord Whore performing plus DJ
-Free! Costume Contest! Drink Specials!
-8pm-close / 21 & over only

-Halloween Party at The Dome
-2201 V. St.
-From Ritual To Romance, Dirty Spanglish, Envy Against Heroes, Dressed   To Kill, All Is Lost, and more
-6:30pmAll Ages / $8 (Buy Tix From FRTR - $3!)
-661-327-0190

October 27
-Fishlips 5th Annual Halloween Haunt

-Fishlips, 1517 18th St., Downtown
-The Just Dave Band, Iron Outlaws performing live.
-Costume Contest at midnight - $150.00 1st prize
-9 p.m. - close
-$5 / 21 & Over

-The Strawberry Switchblades' Graveyard Cha-Cha
(proceeds to benefit Valley Fever research)
-Narducci's, 622 E. 21st St.
-The Councilman plus Greg from The Mint's new punk band and a
DJ!
-Costume Contest with prizes galore / $2 Jello Shots
-$5 / 21 & Over
-661-324-2961

-Club Replay's 1st Annual Halloween Masquerade Ball
-Club Replay, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd.
-Costume Contest / DJ Damage and DJ Razor Plus all night long!
-9pm - close
-$20 pre-sale tix / 21 & Over (661)324-3300

-3rd Annual Syndicate Lounge Halloween Party
-Syndicate Lounge - 19th & Eye St. - downtown
-Costume Contest / DJ Nick / Drink Specials!
-8pm - close
-21 & Over!

-The Red Cock Halloween Hutzpah
-Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Ln
-DJ all night long
-8 p.m. - close
-21 & Over

October 30
-Edward's Stadium Cinema presents 'Halloween'
Double Feature!
-9000 Ming Avenue (at The Marketplace)
-DOUBLE FEATURE! Halloween 4 & 5 & Documentary - Halloween: Faces
of Fear!
-7:30PM / $10 / All Ages

October 31
-Fright Fest at The Fox Theater

-The Fox, 2001 H St., Downtown
-10 a.m. - midnight
-Heffalump Halloween Movie - 10 a.m.
-The Skeleton Key - 5 p.m.
-The Exorcist - 8 p.m.
-Free / All Ages admitted
-324 - 1369

-Kickin' Karaoke Halloween Bash
-The Empty Space, 706 Oak St.
-8PM – 1AM.
-Featuring DJ Michelle Weingarden
-Costume contest, prizes, games, raffles, complimentary appetizers, $1
beers!
-$10 (includes one free raffle ticket and all you can eat appetizer spread)
-327-PLAY

-Rock N' Rave at The Dome
-2201 V st.
-7pm to 8pm DJ club music
-8 PM live on stage = The Late Reactions
-9 PM live in concert = Immortal Vendetta
-9:30PM TO 11PM = Rave music mix show by DJ Michael Anthony!
-$7 at the door $5 with costume ALL AGES WELCOME!
-661-327-0190

-The Nile Halloween Bash & Costume Contest

-The Nile Bar, 1721 19th St., Downtown
-Big Cash Giveaways - Scary Drink Specials - Live DJs
-Bottle Service & Table Reservations Available
-Best Costume contest - $500, $250, $100
-Hottest Looking Costume Contest - $500, $250, $100
-9 p.m. / 21 & Over
-$10 (1/2 price ad available inside magazine!)
-21 & Over
-323 - 8575

-Halloween Night Reggae Freako Nightmare
-Fishlips, 1517 18th St., Downtown
-George The Giant Freak Show, and SEED performing live!
-Costume Contest at midnight - $150.00 1st prize
-9 p.m. - close
-$5 / 21 & Over / 661-324-2557

-Amigo's Cantina Halloween Bash
-Elevation 406 performs classic rock / Costume Contest / Scary drink
specials!
-Corner of District & Gosford
-7:30pm / Free / 21 & Over / 661-398-1300

-Scaryaoke at the Lone Oak Lounge

-The Lone Oak, 10612 Rosedale Hwy
-8 p.m. - midnight
-21 & Over
-Wear your favorite costume and sing your favorite tunes.
-Best costume will win a prize.
- 589 - 0412

-Halloween at The Holiday Inn Select
-Holiday Inn Select, 801 Truxtun Ave.
-7-10pm.
-Featuring Paul Haag Saenz & Christina Tevez performing live old school,
latin, and rock music
-FREE!
-661-324-7595

-Party With Stabby & Jefe at The Syndicate Lounge
-Syndicate Lounge - 19th & Eye St. - downtown
-Downtown drunks will out in freaky force. What else do you need?
-8pm - close
-21 & Over! Free!

November 2
-Dia De Los Muertos / Day Of The Dead at The Nile

-1721 19th st., Downtown
-Art, Altars, Sugar Skulls, Face Painting, Music, Food, Poetry, Traditional
Folklorico Dancing, MENTO BURU performing live
-12 p.m. (public viewing begins) and runs until 9 p.m.
-Free / All Ages admitted
-323 - 8575

RELIVE LAST YEAR'S HALLOWEEN HAVOC!
(CLICK ON THE PICTURE BELOW!)

*Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, Issue 13, 10 - 19 - 07

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