R.A.T. Suicide Note

R.A.T. Suicide Note
Local ministers of bad taste seek sympathy with “The Great Blumpkin” at TES in Oct! Oh Lordie, Lord!

By Matt Fredrickson, Bakotopia.com contributor

Dear God,

I can’t take it anymore. Life has shown me that all I can accomplish is failure.

Being born into a world that is already flawed only makes me feel like I’m just another piece of waste adding to the over flowing septic tank of life. I thought I could hold on but I’m tired of being tired.

R.A.T. has another show coming up, or should I say another lame attempt at comedy for the masses. These bastards are going to give it to you the only way they know how - badly. Once again you can be subjected to racist and childish humor fueled by alcohol and drug abuse.

The only thing worse than the show, is the fact that I am writing this letter instead of them. I don't want to live in a world where a phallic piece of rubber and Jesus can be seen on the same stage in their upcoming show titled, "The Great Blumpkin" October 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th at 11pm at The Empty Space.

Above: The R.A.T. gang

I do not fear death anymore, or hell, cause I have seen a R.A.T. show and the pain others go through — and yet they continue spewing massive amounts of unfunny swill.

Don't even waste your time with the $1 beers served all night — save your money even though it’s the cheapest show in town at $6 a head. My only hope is that death will accept me with open arms.

Good Bye World,

Matt Fredrickson
Co-Owner of R.A.T. Theatre

• R.A.T. presents “The Great Blumpkin”
• The Empty Space, 706 Oak St., next to Pizzaville
• Oct. 17, 18, 24 & 25, 2008
• 11 p.m. / $6 / 327-PLAY

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 39, 10-16-08

The Strawberry Switchblades

The Strawberry Switchblades
Girls group puts on Graveyard Cha-Cha charity event, on Oct. 25!

By Alison, Mylissa, & Beth, Bakotopia.com contributors

The Strawberry Switchblades are artists, entrepreneurs and moms.

We take comfort in our meetings where we laugh, drink, play games and enjoy a few hours of freedom from everyday stress.

It all started with a few girlfriends hanging out once a week back in March of ’06, but soon it became something much more. Word got out and our gatherings grew, and so was formed our modern day women’s socialite club.

Nearly three years later, we have a wonderful group of 23 official members. Most of us are associated by the wonderful world of hot rods, with many of our husbands in local car clubs.

One of our weekly meetings spawned the idea of doing something for charity. What better way to put our ever-growing popularity to good use? So far we’ve donated over $2,000 to local charities such as Annette Funicello’s MS foundation and Valley Fever research. This year, 100 percent of all our proceeds will go to benefit Kern County’s Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault.

Above: The Strawberry Swithcblades

On Oct. 25 we will hold our third annual Graveyard Cha-Cha at Narducci’s Café, 622 E. 21st St. It will be a Halloween costume party for charity with music, bands, drinks and prizes! Los Angeles-based rock band Lightning Bill Woodcock will headline this years Cha-Cha.

Costume prizes include a $200 gift certificate donated by Pretty Ink Tattoo; a “pin-up package” from Atomic Kitten Salon that includes a classic pin-up style hair do, air-brushed make-up, a pin-up photo session with photographer Eric James, including one 8- by 10-inch picture; a tattoo gift certificate from Ronnie Corbitt at Sacred Gypsy tattoo; and a gift certificate to Narducci’s!

Come out this Oct. 25 and help the Strawberry Switchblades party for a good cause!

Third Annual Graveyard Cha-Cha
• Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008
• Doors: 8 p.m. / $6
• Narducci's Café, 622 E. 21st st.
• 324-2961

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 39, 10-16-08

2008 Bako Halloween Happenings

2008 Bako Halloween Happenings
A list of reasons to leave the coffin to get your scary groove on in Bakotopialand!

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia.com Editor

Our favorite time of the year is back again, and Bakotopia has picked the best Halloween events in town so your costume doesn’t go to waste!

Thanks to everyone who heeded the call and sent in and posted events.

**If you missed the print listing, sign-up at: www.bakotopia.com and we'll add your event to the online list below - AND IT WILL BE INCLUDED IN OUR POPULAR E-BLASTS for maximum views and getting your place packed!

Friday, Oct. 31 - “Halloween Night”

3rd Annual Nile Halloween - Day 1
Costume contest (with biggest cash prize in Bako!)
w/DJ Dlay
• The Nile, 1721 19th St.
• 9 p.m. / $10 / 21+ / 323-8575

Chuy's presents "Halloween Gone Wild!"
**BOTH LOCATIONS - SOUTHWEST & ROSEDALE!
Costume contest / Food & Drink specials w/DJs John Fox & DJ NS-5
• Chuy's (Southwest), 2500 New Stine Rd. - 833-3469
• Chuy's (Rosedale), 8660 Rosedale Hwy. - 587-5750
• 8p.m. / NO COVER / 21+

Freaks Come Out At Night
2 Dance Floors w/ DJs N Effect, Drink Specials, Costume Contest, Horrifying Visuals, Fortune Teller!
• Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane
• 8 p.m. / $10-$15 / 21+ / 934-1611

Annual Halloween Haunt
w/Just Dave Band & Costume Contest ($150 first prize)
• Fishlips, 1517 18th St.
• 9 p.m. / $5 / 21+ / 324-2557

Nightmare on V St. - Halloween Rave
w/DJ Michael Anthony, DJ Dyce, Dr. Luv, Kinetic Distortion, The Hollow, Vlad Arthur, Meditated Assault, State of Insomnia, and more. Two Rooms!
• The Dome, 2201 V St.
• 7 p.m. / $5 / All ages / 327-0190

A Haunted Ball
w/hostess Malicious Vixen, DJs: Ogre, Myth, Adam E, Senor Phat E, Antreal, and costume contest.
• Randolphs, 7737 Meany Ave.
• 9 p.m. / 21 + / $10-$25 / 615-1490

Scream 2
w/DJs Oso Mighty & Damage, $100 costume contest, VIP packages available
• Club Replay, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd.
• 9 p.m. / 21+ / $10
Ladies in costume free before 9:30 p.m.
• 324-3300

Hard Rockin' Halloween
w/ Thirty Round Clip, Exithead, My Dirty X!
$100 Costume Contest!
• Vinny's Bar, 2700 Union Ave.
• 10 p.m. / $5 / 21+

Wake The Dead
w/ Catch 22 - classic rock & blues!
• Scweitzer's Pit Stop, 10801 Highway 58
• 8 p.m. / FREE / 21+

Howloween 2008
w/Dusk Devils, The Iron Outlaws, The Silence Club
• Narducci’s Café
621 E. 21st St.
• 9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2961

Halloween Monster Bash
w/Rock-A-Holics & Costume Contest
• Belvedere, corner of Brundage & Oak st.
• 9 p.m. / No cover / 21+ / 325-2139

The Naughty Halloween
w/ multiple DJ rooms, hot models, hosts: Flawless & Dirty, Costume Contest
• Four Points Sheraton, 5101 Calif. Ave.
• 8 p.m. / $20 / 21+ / 699-3226 or 206-854-2420

Melloween
w/ The Entertainers - pop, top-40, Latin...in a mellow mood!
• Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Hwy.
• 8 p.m. / FREE / 21+ / 834-4433

Okie-Fied Halloween
w/ The Token Okies - Rock N' Roll!
• Ethel's Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy.
• 8 p.m.-? / FREE / 21+ / 873-7613

SOMETHING FOR DA KIDS!
KCMF Safe Halloween
• Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave.
• All Day / $10 Adult & Kids
www.bakersfieldsafehalloween.com

November 1 - “Day of the Dead”

Bakotopia’s Dia De Los Mentos Mash-Up
w/Mento Buru, Upground, Vanity Avenue
• Fishlips, 1517 18th St. - downtown
• 9 p.m. / $5 / 21+ / 324-2557

Day of The Dead Group Art Show
w/local artists, live music, and more
• Cactus Valley Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway
• 2 p.m. / No cover / To submit art call: 932-3175

3rd Annual Nile Halloween - Day 2
Costume contest (with biggest cash prize in Bako!)
w/DJ B
• The Nile, 1721 19th St.
• 9 p.m. / $10 / 21+ / 323-8575

HowCool.com & The BRG’s “Day After Party”
w/Three Chord Whore & The Graveyard Farmers
& DJs Drewgin & Dub Dubious Reina
• The Element Lounge, 1927 K. St.
• 8 p.m. / 21+ / Free with costume

THERE'S STILL TIME AND ROOM FOR MORE EVENTS ON THE LIST, BUT WE CAN'T READ YOUR MINDS! POST THEM HERE AT WWW.BAKOTOPIA.COM, AND WE'LL ADD IT TO THE LIST ABOVE!

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 39, 10-16-08

Gamin' With Gil - Ep. 10

Gaming with Gil - Ep. 10
Video gaming news from Bakotopialand's resident expert!

By Gamestor Gil, Bakotopia.com contributor

When I think of October, like many, I think of ending daylight savings, which I love, and the start of the Halloween season.

It’s time to see all those scary horror movie trailers on TV — you know, “SAW 15,” and “Halloween 29.” Call me old-fashion but they are not my thing. It’s also a time to reflect on the scary horror video games out there. Boy, have they come along way, since the days of NES.

Now with 5.1 Dolby sound and tricked out graphics added to these scary games, it makes them life-like,now. I spent the day digging up research on the top 10 scariest video games of all time (thus far).

Here’s what I came up with:
(Source- Spikes Scream 2007)
10. Clock Tower (PS1)
9. System Shock 2 (PC)
8. Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem (Game Cube)
7. Dark Seed (PS1, PC, Sega Saturn)
6. Doom 3 (Xbox, PC)
5. The Suffering (PS2, Xbox, PC)
4. Aliens vs. Predator (PC)
3. Resident Evil (PS1)
2. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (PS2, Xbox)
1. Silent Hill (PS1)

A few other sources came up with these “All Time Screamers” (see if you agree): IGN says “Resident Evil” was their No. 1 choice; Virgin Media said their pick went to F.E.A.R; MSN “tipped their hat” to Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly as their champ; and my pick (if it matters) goes to - Xbox 360’s Condemned:Criminal Origins. E-mail me your all-time scary picks! By the way, few recent horror releases are out now — Silent Hill: Home Coming and Dead Space (horror-themed survival-horror game set in space).

What’s coming out:

Week of Oct. 20: Little Big Planet (PS3), Bioshock(PS3 Release), Eternal Sonata (PS3) Rock Band 2 (PS3), Midnight Club: Los Angeles (PS3, Xbox 360), Fable 2(XBOX360), Dance Dance Revolution 3 (Xbox 360), Naruto: Clash Of The Ninja Revolution 2 (Wii), Far Cry 2(PS3, Xbox 360), Spider Man: Web of Shadows, and The Legend Of Spyro.

Week Of Oct 26: Guitar Hero: World Tour, FIFA Soccer 09(Wii), Fallout 3(PS3, Xbox 360), MotoGP, Motor Storm: Pacific Rim (PS3), and My Sims: Kingdom (Wii, DS)

• Gamestor Gil can also be heard live Tuesday mornings on KRAB 106.1 FM with Meathead, Rocky Nash (?) and Francis at 9 a.m.

E-mail feedback, questions and comments to: gil@gamestor.com with“Bakotopia” in the subject line.

Gamestor (East Hills Mall) - 661-871-7900

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue, 38, 10-2-08

Body Suspension Salvation

Body Suspension Salvation
VIDEO & PHOTOS!

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor
Photos by Jody & Shawn Curtsinger

When Andrea Martinez was looking for some help cleaning out her closet, she was looking for more than just a broom. This “cleaning” didn’t involve a room in her house either - it was emotional build-up within herself.

“There are a lot of changes going on in my life right now, and I was looking for some way to let go of a lot of negativity,” said local hairstylist Martinez, 26, of her choice to undergo body suspension - an ancient ritual with roots in Native American and Hindu cultures.

“See for yourself” would be the best way to describe the nature of this primal art that, along with its followers, has its share of critics in the conservative bed of Kern County.

“I wanted a couple of friends to go with me, but they got very negative,” said Martinez. “I ended up having one good friend come along.”

<<CHECK OUT VIDEO OF ANDREA'S SUSPENSION!

The local man behind it all is body piercer Shawn Curtsinger, a friendly, soft spoken veteran of the Bakersfield body modification scene. Sitting down along with Martinez at his office in downtown Bakersfield, Curtsinger was quick to point out the seriousness of his craft, like a shaman of sorts.

Above: Andrea Martinez in suspension on 9/30/08

“This is not a type of hypnosis,” he said. “You learn to re-direct energy.”

Martinez discovered Curtsinger after watching a YouTube video documenting a previous suspension he had done a few months prior, and after reaching out to him to get more info, she decided to begin the preparation process.

“When you get into body suspension, there are a few things that need to be addressed,” explained Curtsinger. “This is not for messing around and getting cool pictures. You have to respect history first.”

Historically speaking and depending on your own personal beliefs, there are different ways to view body suspension - a pagan rite of sacrifice, meditation, penance, deity devotion, therapy, pleasure, even sex.

Whatever your belief system, Curtsinger explains that there candidates must first undergo a serious personal evaluation to “weed out the fakes.”

“After I meet the person, I like to develop a relationship and spend a lot of time talking,” he said. “I’ve turned many people away, but Andrea was probably the most perfect candidate yet. She knew what she was looking for, and understood the pain aspect.”

Ah yes, the pain, courtesy of large hooks, made from surgical steel. But does it really hurt?

“It hurts just a little when they start pushing the needles, but it’s over pretty quick,” said Martinez. “After they raised me, I exhaled and felt peace and euphoria”.

Although Curtsinger himself does not participate in getting hooked himself, he can attest to the strength of Martinez, who didn’t shed a tear.

“Three little whimpers, not tears, just smiles,” he said. “Most people don’t understand the power of your mind over pain. Andrea discovered it first hand.”

CLICK pic below to see all the uncensored photos of Andrea’s body suspension!

Above: Piercer Shawn Curtsinger prepares to swing Andrea Martinez

Shouldn’t that be “first back”?

Curtsinger points out that safety, cleanliness, are at the top of his list when it comes to performing a suspension.

“I’m fully trained at this. It takes a day to get set-up, all of our hooks and harnesses are strong, and sterilized properly,” he said. “The only negative is the outdoor factor. I always check the weather, and we have plenty of cleaning agents ready for anything.”

Looking at Martinez’s back a mere week after her suspension, there are eight small holes with only a slight redness around each tiny wound, but not from any hooks.

“I was allergic to the bandages,” giggled Martinez.

To get more information on the art of body suspension in Bakersfield, contact Shawn Curtsinger at:
myspace.com/piercingbyshawn

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 39, 10-16-08

Til Death Do Us Part

Til death do us part...
When it came time to choosing a unique wedding location, this Bakersfield couple looked beyond 'expected' & ended up taking vows at Union Cemetery. Yes, we said 'cemetery.'

Jose and Noelia Citialin at Union Cemetery on 5/24/08

Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor / MÁS staff
Photos by Holly Carlyle Photography

Who said weddings were just for the living?

Breaking a long held family tradition of white dresses and church bells ringing, newlyweds Jose and Noelia Citialin celebrated their nuptials in front and above of what may be the biggest wedding guest turnout on May 24 at Bakersfield’s Union Cemetery.

RSVP wasn’t required of those who just “happened to be there,” i.e. the cemetery’s buried residents.

“It was automatic,” said Jose of their decision to get married at the historic final resting place in the heart of Bakersfield. “And we would be uniting with everyone we know.”

Noelia, 33, who by day works as a registered nurse, and Jose, 26, employed at the National Association for People with Disabilities (NAPD), began planting the first seed of what would be quite the creative expression after Jose proposed marriage at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve 2007.

“I called Union Cemetery to ask if we could have a ceremony there and they were like, ‘OK, are you sure? Just pick a spot and don’t make a mess,’” she said. “No one had ever asked, and our friend, Carlos Ortiz (a Bakersfield man killed in car accident in May 2006) is buried there, so we really wanted it to happen.”

With personalities to match, this love story also comes complete with its own unique history.

Meeting for the first time at the 2002 Bakersfield Reggae Fest, Jose remembered a comment by his mother, Alicia, who was also at the festival.

Jose, who had already adopted his own “goth” look — wearing black clothing, spiky hair, and exhibiting an affinity for the darker side of life — was pointed in the direction of a possible kindred spirit with a similar look.

“My mom saw Noelia at the Reggae Fest and said, ‘You’re going to be with a girl like that,’” Jose said.

Meeting briefly after being approached by Noelia for being “the only gothic looking guy there,” the two crossed paths again while attending Bakersfield College a few months later.

“We exchanged numbers, hung out as friends for awhile, then started dating,” she said.

Following a bumpy, year-long period that included three break-ups, the two came together again after a 2003 trip to New Orleans — home of Anne Rice vampire novels, vintage Southern architecture and swamps.

Could it be any more obvious?

“We just decided to take a trip, and had the best time ever,” remembered Noelia. “That trip sealed the deal.”

Renewing their friendship, the city supplied the ideal romantic setting.

“We hung out in the cemetery, and ran in the rain,” said Jose. “It was perfect.”

Now back in stride as a couple, Jose’s surprise marriage proposal would do more than shock Noelia after four more solid years together.

“He asked me, then I blacked out,” she laughed. “We’d talk about getting married, but I never thought it would happen. I walked around like a zombie for a few days after I said yes.”

As soon as it was official, wedding plans were set in motion, with inspiration coming from all sides — including the traditional and the offbeat.

Traveling to various parts of Mexico to meet family around Día De Los Muertos, or “Day of The Dead” — the time of year when the dead are allowed to return to party with the living — the young couple quickly found their wedding theme.

“I love Mexico, and we both love goth,” said Noelia. “We thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be so cool to pull something like that off?’”

Although Día De Los Muertos is traditionally celebrated a day after Halloween on Nov. 1, the couple decided to create their own holiday a la the movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

“We had to think about family, traveling and weather, so we brought Halloween to the springtime,” said Noelia.

Family reaction to the unique celebration plans were hit and miss, but to friends and the curious, it was shaping up to be quite the party, with phone calls about what to wear, etc.

“Half my family was cool,” Jose said. “The ones that really knew us said, ‘Where else would they get married?’”

Searching for the right gown — one away from traditional white — Noelia finally found what she was looking for after numerous trips to the bridal store.

“It was wedged in between all the white dresses,” she said.

A beautiful blend of crimson and black, five layers of shiny silk, black ruffle all the way around through to the train, adjustable corset and red Swarovski crystals on top — the dress was more than fit for the occasion.

“It was more weighted than anything, but beauty before comfort,” the bride laughed.

For the groom’s fashion, longtime friends and designing duo — “Malakai” and fashion colleague, Mellissa Giuntoli — were sought to design an original suit to match Noelia’s gown.

Starting with a sketch from Malakai, Jose would give feedback and request changes where needed.

“It was cool to have friends to do that,” he said. “There’s no way I would’ve found something I liked.”

Form fitting on Jose’s ultra-slim frame, the black, light wool-blended suit was decorated with an oak tree design in crimson-colored stitching by Giuntoli, with cascading roots down the back middle of his five-button suit coat. The pants, also with red stitching down each leg, gave Jose a sort of “gothic charro” look.

Every wedding couple needs a stylish ride, but forget the limo in this case — bring on the Munster Mobile!

Finding a local replica of the car made famous by the ’60s TV show family “The Munsters,” everything was almost complete.

Next up: decorations and the ceremony.

With help from family, the couple decorated the reception hall in true colorful, muertos style — altars with sugar skulls, photos of deceased loved ones and gifts for everyone in attendance, including candy, wine and flowers.

As guests arrived at Union Cemetery, they were given sage, a handmade, mini-coffin filled with rice (to toss on the happy couple) and an Asian-inspired parasol.

Careful as to not bother any of the resting-in-peace guests in the cemetery, a small walkway was built to guide living attendees and the wedding party to their proper spots.

Accompanied by a live percussion ensemble, the bride and groom made their entrance to the altar, where Jose’s grandmother, UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta, and Native American spiritualist Tonatzin Rennick would oversee the bilingual ceremony.

“Neither of us has a specific religion,” explained Jose. “We go with what calls to us.”

“We were raised Catholic, but have our own spirituality,” echoed Noelia. “It’s about incorporating traditions.”

With the smell of sage in the air used to “purify” the location, each made their personal vows, along with an “I do.”

“This is a rededication of your own loving bond,” said Rennick, as Noelia’s mother, Virginia, and Jose’s mother, Alicia, smiled proudly alongside their children.

The couple’s new surname, “Citialin,” which means “star” in Nahuatl — the language of the Aztecs — was chosen as a tribute to their indigenous Mexican roots, and will be legally changed in the future.

Under a cool, overcast day, everyone made their way to the reception hall to party the night away with more than 400-plus guests, much to the delight of the happy couple.

“It was the most unbelievable night of my life, everything went perfect,” said Noelia.

Honeymoon plans include a vacation to NYC and Egypt, to take a trip down the Nile River.

“Everything was physically on point, and the most amazing coming together of worlds,” smiled Jose.

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 39, 10-16-08

Story also printed in Mas Magazine, 5-30-08
(Click cover below to subscribe FREE today!)

About The Cover: By Futurama's Tone Rodriguez!

About The Cover: #39

By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor

Steve Wyatt is the man.

Dropping by the office one day - not only did he quickly sketch out the original idea for the latest cover of Bakotopia, but he got artist Tone Rodriguez to draw it up just for us!

Above: Artist Tone Rodriguez

Suffice to say, we were more than stoked and geeked out when Steve showed up with the finished product.

“I was walking on the treadmill watching ‘Battlestar Galactica,’ and it just hit me,” said Steve. “I got off and drew it out got back on the treadmill and finished my show. Then Tone (he’s the master here), took that design and created a masterpiece. I did get the privilege of coloring it for him. That is the final copy that was delivered to you. We will be turning this into a limited edition print of only 300 and giving it away to the first 300 fans at the Bakersfield Comic-Con show.”

Steve and Tone…YOU ROCK!

(FIND A FREE COPY NEAR YOU! CLICK ON COVER BELOW AND USE OUR MAP!)
THIS ISSUE WILL FLY FAST, SO GET ONE QUICK, YO!

Dia de los Muertos Art Show 11/1!

The Day of the Dead, or Dia de Los Muertos, is a traditional Mexican holiday that focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and relatives who have died.

The celebration occurs on the 1st and 2nd of November, together with the Catholic holy days of All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

In honor of this beautiful tradition, there will be a Day of the Dead themed group art show at Cactus Valley Restaurant on Saturday, November 1st from 2-8pm.

The show will be followed by Sunday Snake Oil performing at 8pm, and DJ Admit One at 11pm.

Cactus Valley is located at 4215 Rosedale Hwy. Please join us for food, drinks, art and entertainment, and come in costume if you would like!

This show is open to all artists, with no entry fee. If you are interested in showing your work, please contact Cameron Mitchel, at 932-3175.

interview with a male stripper

this is an audio interview with one of bakersfield's top male strippers at www.allamericanmalestrippers.com

Cash for Textbooks at Russo's Books!

Not getting as much use out of those old college texts now that the class is ended? You can now turn them into cold hard cash at your local bookstore.

Russo's Books at the Marketplace (9000 Ming Avenue, right behind CSUB) has announced that they have entered into an agreement with Penn Text, a company specializing in the buying and selling of used college textbooks.

Effective immediately Russo's Books will be able to give cash for selected used textbooks from their Marketplace location. Students may also purchase used textbooks directly from Penn Text by logging on to their website, www.penntext.com.

Initially the book buy-back will be on selected days / times at Russo's Marketplace, so call the store at 665-4686 for the current schedule. Russo's cannot provide specific information what your book will fetch over the phone ... for that you'll need to bring the book in.

As the service gains in popularity, Russo's plans on extending the the buy-back program times.

BURN THE WITCH III - Nyoka

BURN THE WITCH III: NYOKA, ARTIST

Plans For The Future
By Nyoka, Bakotopia.com Contributor

Three years ago, four local artists set the wheels in motion for what would become Burn the Witch.

I am proud to be one of those women.

Jen Raven, Jenn Williams, Amber Saunders and I worked together to plan that first event: all female artists and performers over two weekends. We had no idea how big this would become.

Our show has boasted a steady increase in both the number of participating artists and number of sales over the past two years. We have raised money and awareness for worthy causes. We have twice won an “Empty” award at the Empty Space for best group art show.

Above: Art by Nyoka

With artists ranging from first-timers to seasoned pros, as well as performance poets and musical guests, this show truly has something for everyone. Every opening reception has been so packed you can hardly walk inside the gallery space.

While excitedly planning our third annual event, curator Jen Raven confided in me that this would be her last year running the show. With no one else to fill her shoes, that meant the untimely end of Burn the Witch.

Above: Art by Nyoka

I though about what being a part of Burn the Witch had meant to me over the past two years. As an art student at CSUB, I had been far too shy to ever show my work publicly. A chance meeting with a local artist changed everything. He coaxed me to enter a group show at the Empty Space. From then on I was hooked. I entered every show I heard about, and eventually helped organize Burn the Witch.

Showing my art publicly gave me the courage to apply to graduate schools. That’s why events like Burn the Witch are so important: they give new artists the chance to exhibit, network and learn from artist who have been around the block. Several show artists have gone on to pursue careers in entertainment, pursue an MFA degree, become teachers, or curate their own group art shows.

I was heartbroken at the thought of it all coming to an end, but determined not to let it die. With my usual stubborn confidence I insisted, “I’ll do it.”

This year I have been been honored to work alongside Jen Raven, learning firsthand what it takes to make Burn the Witch the success it has been each year. We instated a board to divide the multitude of duties necessary for a group show on such a grand scale. Our board members, Brooke Peace, Julie Jordan Scott, Susan Rousell, Stacey Payne, Nano and Theresa Tate, have been instrumental in planning this year’s event. Burn the Witch III promises to be our greatest success yet.

I’ve already started formulating plans for Burn the Witch IV, and I will not disappoint. My more immediate goal is to start an organization to help all underground artists promote themselves professionally and show their work. We will have monthly meetings, free work shops, trips to L.A. galleries, and two massive group shows a year - think Burn the Witch, but open to the boys too.

Burn The Witch III flies into action this year with two opening shows on Oct. 11 and Oct. 18, both from 3 to 7 p.m. A press-only preview show occurs on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

*Suggested donations for the openings are only $5 at the door with a discounted rate for students. Proceeds from this event benefit The Empty Space, a 100 percent non-profit organization that serves the community all year long. Thirty percent of all art sales go directly to the theatre, and the other 70 percent of sales benefit the artists.

-The Empty Space Theater & Gallery, 706 Oak St., Bakersfield, CA 93304
-327-PLAY

CLICK PHOTO BELOW TO RE-CAST THE SPELL!

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine issue 38, 10-2-08

BURN THE WITCH III - Julie Jordan-Scott

BURN THE WITCH III: JULIE JORDAN-SCOTT, ARTIST

Burn Brightly
By Julie Jordan-Scott, Bakotopia.com contributor

I stepped away from my newly framed photos and heard a gasp escape from my lips.

It came from a place so deep inside me, I almost didn’t recognize it as my own. I laugh now, several days later, realizing this is how I feel when I look at my art - my images caught on camera and in words.

“Where did this come from? How did I do this? When did this come through me?” I ask myself.

I have been a word artist since before I could write. I dictated to my mother who scribed my words, which I dutifully copied. Some of my earliest writings were collected and saved by my mother. I can still feel the tightness with which I held my crayon, the urge for creative expression deep in my pre-school-age-cells.

There have been times in my creative journey when I have felt the same many years later. Burn the Witch came into my life two years ago. I listened when Jen Raven said with deep conviction: “We want your art in this show.” I put up every objection I could muster until finally I took Jen’s hand and said, “I am a Visual Artist.”

I am still primarily a word artist. This past year I had to rely, instead, on images to process my life experiences and create art. I relentlessly followed the call to create evocative images that could not be expressed through my word art.

Above: BTWIII graphic designer Nano (sitting center), hangs with the witches.

I have been studying the work and life of Georgia O’Keeffe, a premiere woman artist of the 20th century, in order to glean from her paintbrush as well as her heartbeat. A favorite moment in my reading has been from the first impression Arthur Steiglitz had of O’Keeffe, a gallery owner who hosted her first show. He saw her simple charcoal drawings and exclaimed, “Finally, a woman on paper!”

I used to think words were the only way I could be a woman on paper. Burn the Witch taught me being a woman on paper could be something else, something more. Through Burn the Witch I have become so much more. What an honor to witness a similar process of “becoming more” in other women artists here in Bakersfield as once again we host this annual celebration of women artists right here in our own collective back yard.

May we witches burn brightly.

NEXT: MEET BTW III'S - NYOKA!

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine issue 38, 10-2-08

BURN THE WITCH III - Brooke Peace

BURN THE WITCH III: BROOKE PEACE, ARTIST

Show Me the Art!
By Brooke Peace, Bakotopia.com contributor

When I was younger, I spent my summers in Santa Barbara with my aunt and uncle.

My aunt Cara is a beach native and was always in the know on local events, of which there were plenty. My most memorable events were the Sunday sidewalk sale on Cabrillo Boulevard, the Summer Solstice Parade down State Street, and the Mission parking lot chalk drawing fund raiser. All of them filled to the brim with creativity.

I would come back to Bakersfield and think to myself, “Where is the art? Is there no creativity here? Is the Kern County Fair the only time we see talent in this town? Where is the community I see in other towns?”

Then I got involved with local Web site: www.Bakotopia.com where I met Bako blogger Mrs. Twinkie (who all of you should know if you don’t already). Last year, she put together a Bakotopia field trip with several users to have drinks and attend Burn the Witch II. We were both fans of the darling Julie Jordan-Scott, so we made sure to catch her performance.

I was amazed and intrigued by all of the talent the show had on display. It was then that I met Jen Raven (curator) and Julie. By way of a very brief chat with the each of them, I learned two astonishing facts about the show: all artists are local, and they are all women!

Above: Burn The Witch Board Members 2008, back row from left Susan Roussel, Julie Jordan-Scott; Brooke Peace. Front Row: Nyoka, Stacey Payne, Jen Raven, Theresa Tate. Photo by Todd Powers

Now, I know what you are thinking: “Is this some sort of femi-nazi event?” Not at all. One of the key elements of the show is to combine seasoned professional women artists with fresh upcoming female artists. Additionally, the show helps women have confidence in their art, builds a solid art community, and fully celebrates the creativity a woman possesses.

Another purpose of the show is to provide a learning experience for the creative women within the community. Many women artists have a hard time getting their name out and gaining the recognition they deserve. Burn the Witch has been a catalyst for many artists to do just that.

Since I met and befriended a great deal of these women, I have been exposed to the massive talent this town holds. Through the last year, all of Bakersfield - including myself - has watched the local art community and scene become established and grow. Burn the Witch is one of the founding shows to have incorporated a sense of community and artist collaboration now seen downtown every first Friday of the month.

So, now it’s your turn. Burn the Witch III is coming up soon - Oct. 11 and 18 at The Empty Space Theater, 706 Oak St.

Help the art community continue to grow and be strong. There will be art of all mediums (paintings, ceramics, dancing, live music, photography, costumes etc.) in attendance for your admiration. Don’t forget that art makes a great unique Christmas gift - and that's just around the corner to!

See you all there!

NEXT: MEET BTW III'S JULIE JORDAN-SCOTT!

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine issue 38, 10-2-08

BURN THE WITCH III - Jen Raven

BURN THE WITCH III: JEN RAVEN, CURATOR

The Value of Good Representation
By Jen Raven, Bakotopia.com contributor

Every year, a part of the Burn the Witch process is meant to be instructive by teaching our home-grown, emerging artists the basics of art shows.

We discuss the mechanics of the drop (and strike), pricing, hanging hardware, show etiquette, promotions, and more.

This year we focused more heavily on promotions - particularly self-promotions, with new writing workshops and photo-shoot workshops for participating artists. Our goal has been to help these artists internalize the fact that they have control over how they are represented. This is an important lesson to learn, especially as so many local artists represent themselves.

Artist statements and photos are so important. Viewers and potential buyers judge artists, partly, based on how we come across in our statements and photos, both in the media and at gallery shows. Just as an interesting bio and photo of an author on a dust-jacket can help sell books, so too can an interesting photo and bio of an artist help to sell artwork.

Above: artwork by Jen Raven

Writing workshops to help artists learn how to create better artist statements were taught by our own Princess of the Pen, Julie Jordan-Scott. The results were excellent. I had several artists confide in me that they had been apprehensive to write about themselves, but after the writing workshop with Julie they were a lot more confident - and pleased with their writing.

Original and beautiful photos also go a long way toward good representation. It amazes me that visual artists express such an aversion to having their photos taken! As a group, we seem more obsessed with the appearance of our work, than the appearance of ourselves. I’ve had so many artists say to me, in the past year, “I’m so ugly!” or “I don’t photograph well” or “I hate having my picture taken!” Fear of the camera, it would seem, is holding many of our local artists back.

This is an attitude that has to change (especially the part about being ugly … what rubbish!), and this year we set out to change it.

Nearly every artist in the show came to her scheduled shoot apprehensive and jittery. So, it was really a kick to see the looks on their faces as they perused resultant photos on the computer screen - their own beautiful, professional photos. At that point, I was hearing things like, “Wow … I look beautiful!” or “I can’t believe that’s me!” or “This was so much fun!”

Most of the fear, I surmise, stems from fear of the unknown … and bad experiences with lousy photos in the past (and stupid, stupid people telling little girls that they aren’t pretty, and stupid, stupid mass media reinforcing the stupid idea).

This year I was especially pleased to see returning artists, and how they had grown in confidence since last year’s photo shoots. These ladies made me so proud. They brought costumes and props, and stepped boldly in front of the camera, unafraid. And the results were fabulous! No fear! Now that’s what I’m talking about.

As you will see, from this year’s Wall of Infamy (and the lovely pictures in this article), the photo shoots have been a smashing success. These ladies are glamorous, interesting, adorable, fun, sexy, and bewitching. I have fallen in love with each of them as the weeks have gone by. I look forward to watching each of them grow, both personally and professionally, as we face the coming years together in our blossoming local arts scene.

NEXT: MEET BTW III'S BROOKE PEACE!

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine issue 38, 10-2-08

COVER STORY: Burn The Witch III

Burn The Witch III
Meet this year's coven and make plans to attend 2nd BIG opening this SATURDAY, OCT. 18!

Above: Burn The Witch Board Members 2008, back row from left Susan Roussel, Julie Jordan-Scott; Brooke Peace. Front Row: Nyoka, Stacey Payne, Jen Raven, Theresa Tate. Photo by Todd Powers

By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor & Burn The Witch III
Photos by Todd Powers

Burn The Witch and Bakotopia have developed quite the relationship over the past couple of years.

Strong, creative women with bewitching personalities and unbound talent.

No, these are in no way the wicked witches of fairytales, casting spells, curses and hexes on those who dare cross their path. These are the witches of goodness whose sole purpose is to spread their love of art all over Bakersfield, and if need be, spin their own web of love around you! But be warned, once you’re drawn in, there’s no turning back … as if you’d want to anyway.

Above: Jaden Snow & Jen Raven

Last issue, we gave you a sneak peak of the return of Burn The Witch. Now, we proudly present this year’s coven with hopes that you will make plans to attend their hugely popular annual show happening through October at The Empty Space.

What started out as a small idea by BTW founder Jen Raven, has grown into one of the most anticipated art events of the year - with new names, faces, and broomsticks added every year. Poetry, art, music ... don’t resist this healthy temptation. This year, they boast over 40 committed artists.

So bless yourself and get ready to meet a few of this year’s witches who just can’t wait to make your acquaintance!

- Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor

MEET THE WITCHES!
CLICK ON EACH OF THE PHOTOS BELOW TO READ NOW!

"The Value of Good Representation"
JEN RAVEN, CURATOR

"Show Me The Art"
BROOKE PEACE, ARTIST

"Burn Brightly"
JULIE JORDAN-SCOTT, ARTIST

"Plans For The Future"
NYOKA, ARTIST

SHOW INFO:
Burn The Witch III flies into action this year with two opening shows on Oct. 11 and Oct. 18, both from 3 to 7 p.m. A press-only preview show occurs on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

*Suggested donations for the openings are only $5 at the door with a discounted rate for students. Proceeds from this event benefit The Empty Space, a 100 percent non-profit organization that serves the community all year long. Thirty percent of all art sales go directly to the theatre, and the other 70 percent of sales benefit the artists.

-The Empty Space Theater & Gallery, 706 Oak St.
-661-327-PLAY

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine issue 38, 10-2-08

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