Random Raves: Bakotopia

Calling Bako Carolina Panther Fans!

Hey all,

Just looking for some more local Carolina Panthers fans. I am one and have been since 1996. I know there are more out there as I have seen the stickers and flags.

FYI, we (4 of us) meet a t BRyder's (7701 White Lane), every Sunday to watch the game and share some comaraderie and beer. If you don't drink, that's cool they also have sodas.

If you are a Panther Fan or know of one, could you please pass this information on?

Thanks in advance ad I think Bakotopia totally rocks!!

Hasta.

The Iron Outlaws wanna Thank Ye!

We'd like to thank every person that came to our cd release at Fishlips last night as well as Fishlips itself. Shawna, Andrew and Sean: you guys seriously kick ass.

To every person that bought a CD or merch: THANK YOU ! We appreciate the support and plan to have more items soon.

To Karling Abbeygate, we love you. Thank you for braving the fires to make the trek to our town. We hope we treated you well and hope to share the stage with you again soon. To Fattkatt: thank you for closing out the night with true style.

Once again: THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US. we hope to see you on December 13th at Sandrini's. Rock on.

The Iron Outlaws

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

The Return of the Witches

The Return of the Witches
Burn The Witch III is almost here, check out what’s coming in October!

By Stacey Payne, Bakotopia.com contributor

Autumn in Bakersfield means Bakotopians can look forward to a number of things: football returns, the kids are back in school, and the weather finally drops out of the triple digits.

For the past few years, fall in Bako has brought excitement over another happening - the all-women art show titled “Burn the Witch.”

Now in its third year, Burn the Witch is bigger and better than ever - with all the fiery passion you’ve come to know and adore from some of the most talented women in town. Over 40 artists have committed to this multi-genre art show, held at The Empty Space Theatre and Gallery.

Curator Jen Raven is proud to announce that in addition to returning favorites such as Julie Jordan Scott, Nyoka, Susan Roussel, Jen Raven, Holly Gomez and many more, there are also a number of new artists making their Burn The Witch debut.

The traditional art you will find at Burn the Witch III explodes with color bolder and brighter than the hues of the fall leaves donned by the trees of Bakersfield.

Since it is a multi-genre event, in addition to sculpture, painting and photography you won’t want to miss the spoken word performances, musical guests, and spectacular costumers. And don’t forget to sample some of the scrumptious treats at the buffet provided entirely by the “witches.”

Why the name Burn the Witch? It references the days of colonial America where a women could be regarded as witches for any behavior or thinking that put them outside the “norm” for that time period. Today, female artists are often shunned solely because of gender, and this show not only embraces these women, it creates a “safe haven” for artistic expression.

Burn the Witch is not a man-haters club by any means, but it is most definitely about celebrating women and their talents. It also doubles as a cry to all of Bakersfield, demanding that its citizens recognize the wonderful art community that too often goes unnoticed - male and female alike.

READ ABOUT LAST YEAR'S BURN THE WITCH!
(CLICK ON PIC BELOW)

Many Bakersfield residents are blind to the vast amount of art that is right here in our hometown! So instead of complaining that the art community in Bakersfield sucks, get out there and support it! Help to cultivate it, and start by supporting the lovely ladies of Burn the Witch III.

Burn The Witch III flies into action this year with two opening shows - Oct. 11 and Oct. 18, both from 3 to7pm. 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, which is 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, 706 Oak St., Bakersfield, CA 93304
661-327-PLAY

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 37, 9-18-08

Catching Up With McGee’s

Catching Up With McGee’s

By Heather Abernathy, Bakotopia.com contributor

For nearly four years, Bakersfield has been graced with the presence of a restaurant that has exceeded expectations of all guests time and time again - McGee’s!

McGee’s at the Icehouse - 3401 Chester Ave., was opened in September of 2005 by owners Neal and Robin McGee.

The ambiance of the restaurant alone is enough to transport one out of Bakersfield for a short moment in time. Once you’ve tried the food, wine and service, we know you'll be back. McGee’s has always been a wonderful experience for those who have had the pleasure visiting this gem.

Over the past year and a half, McGee’s has undergone a few changes in hands and of course some rumors flew.

Allow me to clarify those by stating that we are in fact here and we have never left – despite a brief period of creative indifference. What we now have is the support from a group of people who recognize McGee’s for the jewel that it is.

Our Executive Chef Brian Kirkland was in charge before any noticeable changes took place in the past, and is still working wonders in the kitchen today.

His co-chef, Thomas Chairez, was also creating some pretty fabulous food before the initial change in hands. We still have some of the same front of house staff and the live entertainment for which McGee’s has always been known.

Newly appointed General Manager Josh Anderson, Entertainment Director Christian Flores, Banquet Coordinator Heather Abernathy and Co-Chefs Brian Kirkland and Thomas Chairez have been brainstorming non-stop to renovate McGee’s.

A new menu was on the top of the list, and I must say, they have done an awesome job…

Barbeque quail with a blackberry bourbon bbq sauce and our crab salad Napoleon appetizer are some of our nightly features. A new Muffaletta and Chicken Foccaccia sandwich is now on the lunch menu.

We also offer 10% discounts to county employees and medical employees (with badges) at lunch time and run regular nightly specials. Watch out for our new delivery service coming soon, too!

For those in search of the perfect drink, we still carry a great wine selection and then some.

New to McGee’s is an ice cold tap: Hefeweizen, Sierra Nevada, and Miller Lite are ice cold all day, every day! We even carry a seasonal tap beer, which at the moment is Sam Adams Summer Ale.

Martini Tuesday happens to be my favorite night of the week because you can get one of Christian’s tasty hand-shaken Martinis for $5.

Equipped with happy hour specials on drinks and our bar menu and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, you’re sure to leave pleased. Don’t forget, Friday is Latin Night, so get your friends and come salsa to one of Bakersfield’s best Latin D.J.’s.

We still cater to large parties, in house as well as off site. Come over to McGee’s and see what a good thing change can be!!

McGees, 3401 Chester Ave., 323 - 8730

Story also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 33, 7-24-08

Voting For My Showcase starts today!!!

Hey Everyone!! Vote For Me Please!!!
Go to www. usaworldshowcase. com, click on vote, click on Aubrie Calloway, then click vote.... Keep doing that every day, as many times as you have time for, until july 9th!!

Im competing against 32 peeps this show and in order for me move on to the next show, I have to be in the top 20...

So please help me get to the top 20.... Vote like crazy for me each day ok.... it's unlimited so vote as many times as you can!!!

If you have the internet on your phone, please vote from your phone as well...

Tell all your friends to vote for me too, k?? And tell them to tell their friends, to tell their friends, LOL

The website also tells you when the next shows will be and what rating the contestant has to be in order to make it to the next show, there are six (6)!!!

Just copy and paste this in their messages and in your bulletins.... Thank you so much for helping!!!!

COMICS! Group Art Show

COMICS! Group Art Show
The ‘Actionfolkwife’ has something new up her sleeve - coming this July!

By Jen Raven, Bakotopia.com contributor

The amazing and energetic Helen Acosta who brought us “WAR … not a metaphor” and “UP!” is back again, this time as super-curator of “COMICS!” at The Empty Space gallery, 706 Oak St., and she’s bringing all her superpowers to the job.

COMICS! plans to be a celebration of visual storytelling: comic strips, comic books, graphic novels, manga, and comic-inspired art are all to be included in what already promises to be a very popular summer show. It will include live drawing demonstrations, vintage comic books on display, original artwork by talented local artists, food, wine, and a costume contest!

“The (costume contest) entries can either pay homage to an existing character or can be a brand new character created for the show,” explained Acosta. “The entries can be any comic book genre ... as long as the character has or would appear in a comic book and (the costume) would be rated PG-13 or less.”

There’s a rumor in the wind that prizes will be awarded for the best costume or costumes, as group entries are welcome, in addition to solo costume entries.

But costumes won’t be the only visual treat on offer at COMICS! Original artwork by some very talented people will be available for viewing and purchase, including work by Dale W. Berry. Born in Taft, Berry is a local kid who has made it big in the comics industry. Dale will do a live drawing demonstration at the show’s opening.

Other talented local artists scheduled to exhibit include Curtis Hatfield, Rusty Hatfield, and Mike Niemann, all of The Underground Gallery and Studio (one of our own great galleries located in the Arts district in downtown Bakersfield!)

Additionally, local comic art enthusiast Scott Hudlow has agreed to show part of his vintage collection of original comic book art in the show. Scott is a Bakersfield comic book dealer who sells at shows and conventions all over the country. Several comic book dealers from L.A. have also agreed to show and sell signed art at COMICS!
including signed comic books - one dealer has large reproductions signed by Stan Lee.

There’s going to be something for everyone at what is sure to be a real crowd-pleaser. Don’t miss COMICS! at The Empty Space Gallery in July!

To be a part of this fantastic event, send Helen Acosta e-mail at: helenr.acosta@gmail.com. To view full show requirements for artists and costume submissions, visit: www.myspace.com/helenracosta. To see work by Dale Berry, visit: www.myriadpubs.com.

Also Printed in Bakotopia Magazine issue 31: 6/26/08

Serious Guitar Instructor

Anyone interested in guitar lessons needs to contact the following link...

http://www.myspace.com/guitarbyjr

If you seriously want to learn guitar, regardless of your experience level, beginner to advanced, JR is absolutely the most qualified instructor in our area. He teaches Blues, Rock, C&W, Metal, Jazz and Classical.

The most unique aspect of JR's teaching is that he does not have a "one size fits all" method for instruction. JR teaches each individual based upon his or her wants, personality, ability etc. The best part is....YOU WILL ACTUALLY LEARN TO PLAY THE TYPE OF MUSIC YOU LOVE! I have taken instruction from a few local instructors. These guys were pretty good too! But they only taught me how to play specific songs, or "licks".

So everytime I played those pieces I was compelled to play them the exact same way! There is no freedom there! JR teaches MUSIC! The how. The why. He will teach you how to be creative. He will give you confidence in your present level of ability and help you to grow. Call him! I think you will be pleased.

A New Business in Town!

A new local business is introducing technology of the future to find drug users - in the home, the workplace, company vehicles, school, anywhere! The company's name is Drug Test Solutions and ID Screenings and the technology is a Spray N Wipe drug detection system. Designed by a company known for its technology against terrorism, the Spray N Wipe system can detect cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine or heroin on any surface! If you're looking for help in your business, home, school - any place, you must call Drug Test Solutions and ID Screening right away! The number is 661-589-0607. Or visit their website at www.drugtestsolutions.org.

DTS also markets the latest in instant drug testing that saves money and time. No need to test for a lab. Submit saliva and five minutes later - accurate results! On the spot! Perfect for employers, parents of teens, rehabs, AA/NA meetings, anyone! Up to 8 drugs, nicotine, and alcohol are available. Don't wait! www.drugtestsolutions.org.

Finally, do you suspect steroid use? Coaches, parents, athletes, trainers.........steroid testing is now available to everyone! DTS has contracted with a nationally known laboratory to provide doctor reviewed tests for up to 150 different substances! Amazing! www.drugtestsolutions.org.

Landlord, employers, nosy neighbors! Is there someone whose background you need to know? Drug Test Solutions & ID Screenings provides background checks at really affordable rates! Screenings can be as easy as a credit check or as in depth as an international terrorist check! All at really affordable rates! Call now! 661.589.0607.

What a great time we had at Trout's Nightclub & the Blackboard Stages last weekend!

Thursday started it off with line dance lessons, karaoke and then The B-Town Players, Annie Kidwell, Don Kidwell, Betty Casey Jackson & Mark Yeary, with the jam session. We had Noah sitting in on keyboards & vocals, Gordon Cantrell George Tillett & many others.

Friday night started with line dance lessons hosted by team Haskell. Karaoke with team McWilliams on the legends stage. The Blackboard Playboys, Don Kidwell, Annie Kidwell, Mark Yeary, Larry Petree, Johnny Barnett & Pat Banister were on the Blackboard stage for a great night of music!

Saturday was huge! Trout's Nightclub & The Blackboard Stages hosted & was presented by Howcool.com Bakobilly Fest! What a huge event! If you missed it you must catch the next one. They had a car show with vintage cars, A pin up contest with beautiful girls, a fashion show with clothing by howcool.com, food by Grills Gone Wild, Miss Trout Bait contest (won by Ramona) and some great bands! We had the Councilmen, The Iron Outlaws, Jason & The Punknecks & FattKatt and the VonZippers. All the bands kicked butt! They were doing body painting and all sorts of fun stuff. Make sure you don't miss the next BakoBilly Fest! The Blackboard Playboys rounded out the night with some great country music.

Sunday we had the longest jam session anywhere with The B-town Players Don & Annie Kidwell, Betty Casey Jackson, Dave Drewry & Larry Petree. We started at 3pm & went until 10pm. We had Noah sitting in on keyboards & vocals, George Tillett, Lloyd Reading, Tommy & many others.

on Monday we had senior night with Red Simpson & Larry Petree. Monday's are always filled with great music!

The Gift Art Show!

Another fantastic art show is coming soon to an Empty Space near you!

“The Gift Art Show” is sure to have something terrific for all the art lovers on your holiday gift list. The work in this group show will be on display at The Empty Space Gallery starting December 7, and it will remain on display through December 22. This is a cash-and-carry art show; that means you get to take what you buy with you, the same day! Everything in this show is bargain priced at $75 and under, with fantastic and fun pieces starting at only one dollar. This show offers fine art pieces like paintings, photographs, and sculptures; and also craft items like ornaments, stuffed animals, and fun fashion accessories.

The curator for “Gift Art,” Guinevere Park-Hall Dethlefson, is very excited about this year’s holiday bargains. “We have some great pieces this year … paintings by Theresa Tate; bags of yummy hand-dipped pretzels by Audrey Jarvis; handmade Christmas ornaments by Helen Acosta, and a whole lot more.” Dethlefson, who is also the Gallery Director for The Empty Space, admits it’s a lot of work keeping a non-profit gallery running all year; but the perks, she says, are “well worth it. I get to see such a variety of artwork from all the different artists in Bakersfield … and I’ve put together a pretty amazing personal art collection as a result. Being the curator, I get to see all the art first!”

There will be not one, but two, Open House events for this group show … so you have twice the opportunity to score some terrific holiday bargains, as well as hang out with some great people, and enjoy holiday munchies and drinks! Admission is free, with donations cheerfully accepted. Saturday, December 15, and December 22, from five to seven pm, the gallery will be open to the public and the goodies are sure to go fast, so get there early for best selection! Also, don’t forget that the artwork in the gallery is always available for perusal (and purchase!) thirty minutes prior to any stage show, and also by appointment; just call 327-PLAY. As always, thirty percent of all proceeds go directly to keeping the gallery open and beautiful, all year long. So, when you score your awesome gifts and goodies at this show, you are also helping to support The Empty Space!

The Empty Space … Setting Theatre Free!

706 Oak Street (behind Pizzaville!), Bakersfield

Call 327-PLAY for more information

Hey everyone, need a car??

A little about me..

Well im just a Car Salesman, trying to sell some cars here at Own A Car. So if your looking for a great deal let me know..

Plus I work wonders for people with rough credit!!

We got a great inventory, whether your looking for New or slightly used we got it all.

Hit me up through Bakotopia, and I'll hook you up!!!

Wedding Proposal at Via Arte (The Marketplace)

About a month ago at the Via Arte art festival at the Marketplace, I was wondering around looking at the amazing chalk art.

I first went to the professional section, and then my daughter wanted to do her own drawing. So we went over to the public section. While over there, I saw a young man, and his friend, drawing out a wedding proposal.

I got some of the story, I guess his girlfriend, was over on the other side, doing a professional piece, and he was going to bring her over and surprise her.

We stuck around and saw the whole thing, and it was very romantic. I did some searching on the Internet and found a couple links.

It was Carson McMillan who proposed to Ginnie Angelini according to this blog:

CLICK ME FOR THE WEDDING BLOG!

<<<CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE VIDEO!

Thought I'd share, I found it very impressive!

Haunted History Of Bakersfield - GEPRS

GEPRS has had "many" people share their stories or experiences of Paranormal Activity.

This happens to be one of our very favorite stories.

So in the "Spirit" of the season we would like to share it with you now.

Although GEPRS has not yet formally investigated this account we think it is a great source of Bakersfield's "Haunted History"....

Enjoy The Story:

There is a report of a "Haunted" location in a Bakersfield home that has quite a history.

The current owners of the home report that there was once a very kind woman that owned a group of houses that were

considered at the time "new homes" on the out skirts of Bakersfield, CA.

This home is near the Oleander area. It was 1942. There was about five houses in this area and most of them were being rented out to Japanese families.

{GEPRS has recently done research and ran across the story of a Japanese Cemetery in that same area. But that's another story}...

Well as you may know 1942 was a time of War with the United States, WWII and there was a lot of suspicion and mistrust towards the Japanese people.

Therefore the majority of the Japanese families in Bakersfield where relocated to Internment Camps all over the United States.

There were a couple camps in our desert area's of California. But on studying this a big majority of these Bakersfield families went to a camp located on a Indian Reservation in Poston, AZ.

The family that lived in the house was no exception.

Before the families were shipped off the kind owner of the houses told her tenants that she would keep the homes open for them as long as she could so that when the war was over they all could return to their homes and live there as long as they wished.

Well unfortunately this did not happen for some of these poor people. Although it is recorded that the people were well taken care of in the camps some were very old when they were moved there and did not live long enough to go back to their original homes.

One of these people was a very old Japanese woman that lived in this house with her husband.

This couple was reported to be very kind and friendly and they grew flowers and various plants for a living.

Their "home" to this day has descendants of those very same exotic plants growing wild in the back yard. It is lovingly maintain by the people that occupy the house to this day.

The Haunting:

The old Japanese woman did not live to see the day in which the war would end and they would move back to their beautiful home in Bakersfield.

The current family that occupies this home has reported on many occasions that the house is haunted and very active, especially by the presence of this woman. The atmosphere of the house is nothing of a malicious and or negative nature but more of an element of gentleness and love.

As if the Japanese couple has returned and are caring for the house as well as the family that lives there now.

Most of the family members report actually seeing the little old woman and on many occasions have had full conversation with her while sitting at the families dining table.

Or walking out the back door. This is were the garden is in the back of the yard surrounding the home.

They have seen her there tending the plants and flowers. They still see and talk to her to this day. So although this is not a scary tale it is one of our towns history and that of a woman that refused to leave the home that she loved so dearly.

GEPRS:
Golden Empire Paranormal Research Society

***If you have a Haunting Story please let us know. We would love to hear from you***

goldenempirepararsrchsoc@yahoo.com

Thursdays show at the DOME

There a couple of cool shows this week at the DOME. American Smogg is offering a great deal for you if your thinking of going. We have tickets for Thursdays show on the 25th for only $ 5 plus we will give you a free ticket for Fridays Halloween Bash at the Dome. That's 2 nights of entertainment and 12 bands for only $ 5, How can you pass that up? If you wait and pay at the door its $10 for Thursdays and another $8 for Fridays, thats $13 dollars you save. More than enough to buy Richard a beer. j/k LOL Drop us a note and we can hook up to get you tickets. There is more info posted on www.myspace.com/americansmogg. This is an all ages show, so you parents out there with them teenagers, what a great way to spend some time with them at a rock show. Richard/AMERICAN SMOGG