Rants & Raves: Bakotopia

See "Marilyn" at Stars for FREE on Friday 9/5!

Stars Theatre Restaurant is inviting YOU (friends of TheatreAddict.com & Bakotopia.com) to a free opening night showing of Marilyn: Forever Blonde on Friday, September 5th at 8PM.

Call Shannon at the Stars box office NOW at 661-325-6100 and ask for your complimentary show-only tickets.

Legendary actress Sunny Thompson brings Marilyn to life before your very eyes, recounting Marilyn's rise and fall and performing 17 of her hit songs!

Critics have called the show... “A Masterpiece!", “One of the greatest performances of the modern stage", "Mesmerizing", "Flawless", "Stunning", "Breathtaking", "Gorgeous and moving" while celebrating her performance and the production with more than a dozen awards.

The Killer Kern Loop 3

The Killer Kern Loop 3
Local club invites you to experience return of an annual tradition, Sept. 12-14

By Alex Neal, Bakotopia.com contributor

Scooter: “An animal that pivots on the front feet and scoots the back end around, instead of pivoting on the front feet and kicking the hind feet.” — Webster’s Dictionary

It’s the love and passion of scooters that brought a small band of like-minded enthusiasts together to form the Bakersfield Rally Pilots Scooter Club. On Sept. 12 through 14, the Rally Pilots will be hosting the third annual Killer Kern Loop Scooter Rally in Bakersfield.

This event is sponsored locally by Fred Cummings Motorsports and Bikersfield Leather and Accessories as well as several other California-based scooter retailers such as Labretta Works and First Kick Scooters out of San Francisco, Motorsport Scooters in San Diego, and Bar Italia Classics in Van Nuys as well as the famed Skatelab.

The weekend starts with a bang Friday night at Fishlips where Fat Katt and the Von Zippers will kick off the rally weekend. Then on Saturday, Fred Cummings Motorsports and the Rally Pilots will host a continental breakfast and start their 110-mile ride through some of the most beautiful natural scenery that Kern County has to offer.

The scooters will ride up snaking roads and into the mountains through prairie landscapes, rushing rivers and cows as they make their way through Havilah, and Lake Isabella, then back down to Bakersfield.

Above: The Rally Pilots, L to R: Raja Kumar, Skip Vierra, Sean Williams, Grant Simpson, Alex Neal, Megan Moore, Sarah Williams

Bakersfield has had a long tradition of scooter clubs riding the streets of Bakersfield since the early ’80s when the release of the Movie “Quadrophenia” helped to spark a mod revolution in the imagination of youth trying to find their identities in an ever changing world fueled by anthems of The Who. Then on through the ’90s, scootering continued
when punk and ska culture was dominating the scene.

Bakersfield saw the founding of the San Joaquin Treads Scooter Club as well as the Unforgiven Scooter Club. The Rally Pilots are Bakersfield’s newest scooter Club, being founded in 2005.

Across Europe, Vespas or Lambrettas are simply referred to as “mo-peds.” However, try telling an American who’s riding one that he’s on a nice mo-ped and he’ll sharply retort, “It’s a scooter, not a mo-ped! You see any pedals on this thing?”

Never, ever call a “scooter” in America a “mo-ped.”

Italy’s Enrico Piaggio is credited with the creation of the first “motorscooter” during a time when much of Europe was still coping with wartime gasoline rations.

In December of 1947, the Vespa made its debut. Piaggio gave the bike its name after the president of Piaggio remarked, “Sembra una Vespa!” (“It looks like a wasp!”) And that’s how the name was born with similar aerodynamics and bulbous fenders.

Following Cushman in the 1950s, many manufacturers all over the world have come out with fascinating designs for the American market. The Italian scooters: Vespa, Lambretta, Benelli, Piaggio, Gilera, and Malaguti, followed a grand tradition but were later joined by China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Spain, England, and Germany, who produced such scooters as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kymco, Phantom, Aprilia, Roketa, Peugeot, Tank, Bandit, and many more.

Immediately following the ride, there will be a barbecue and raffle event with portions of the proceeds benefitting Toys for Tots. The Rally Pilots invite anyone who has a love for Scootering and Fun to come out and join them.

Visit: www.rallypilotsc.com for more information about the Killer Kern Loop Scooter Rally event or joining the Rally Pilots.

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 36, 9-4-08

Review: Prometheus Triumphant

Pittsburgh Triumphant
Indie filmmakers create black-and-white horror film for the 21st Century

By Greg Goodsell, Bakotopia.com Contributor

The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death. - Oscar Wilde

Jim Towns, co-director of “Prometheus Triumphant: a Fugue in the Key of Flesh” tells the story of his visit to the notorious Mummers Museum in Philadelphia.

Among the vast collection of medical curiosities was a human skull with an iron rod pushed clean through. “It was during the time when train engines were wont to explode at any given time,” Towns explained. Said victim was a man who managed to survive the ordeal and would go on to lead a normal life and die of natural causes - albeit with an iron rod pushed through his skull.

The anecdote dovetails nicely with Towns’ film as both address the resiliency of the human spirit to triumph over grotesque odds. Prometheus is a black-and-white silent Gothic horror film for the 21st Century, calling to mind E. Elias Merhige’s “Begotten” (1996), the films of Carl Dreyer, and most especially Guy Maddin, who Towns says he was only recently made aware of through “The Saddest Music in the World” (2006). “Prometheus” could be a direct descendant of Maddin’s earlier features, such as “Tales from the Gimli Hospital” and “Careful,” “except without any winking to the audience.”

“Prometheus has a very classical love story at its heart. Two mismatched lovers. It’s set in a nebulous time period and place, a lot like the Universal films such as ‘The Wolf Man’ and ‘The Son of Frankenstein.’ You know it's sometime between the 1880s and the 1930s, but you can't quite discern it. There's an anachronistic quality to it.

I point out that a lot of these classic horrors appear to be set in some Victorian era when a telephone will suddenly pop up. “In ‘The Wolf Man,’ there are gypsies and then there’s Lon Chaney Jr. driving a car. I kind of love that. And there’s also that part where Chaney takes a cart with Maia Ouspenskaya from Wales to Switzerland. I love that nebulous world, because it’s almost a fantasy world. You just can’t quite place it.”

Towns and company tried to recapture this non-era-specific atmosphere with the resources that their limited budget would allow.

“It takes place during one of the last great plagues that’s sweeping this Germanic town in the mountains. The doctors at the local university are confounded and have no way of helping. The hero is Janick (Josh Ebel), who is a kind of upstart young medical student or doctor, who has very radical ideas about life and death. When he promotes these techniques as a way to combat the plague, instead of being rewarded and congratulated as a hero, his theories are rejected as being too radical and he's decried as a heretic.

He has a kind of secret love in the doctor’s daughter Esmeralda, who then succumbs to the plague, and without Janick around to help her, she dies from it. I don’t think I’m giving anything away by saying that Janick comes back in a more mysterious disguised form, exhumes her, and begins a very slow and laborious process of not only reanimating her, but also restoring her to the woman he loves.”

Does it all come back to bite him in the ass?

“No! No! There was a point where we made a conscious decision, since we had a Frankenstein story, and ‘Modern Prometheus’ was the original title for ‘Frankenstein,’ the Frankenstein story is always a morality tale about the presumption of man to assume the power of God, and it always ends tragically. We thought there’s no reason for this to end tragically…”

Prometheus succeeds in creating an undefined European landscape largely through a careful collection of settings, all for the taking in that most American of cities, Pittsburgh. Abandoned foundries, mental hospitals and decaying structures, each with their own brand of poetry and desolation, was there for the filmmakers’ taking.

“It was incredible, some of the locations we got,” Towns said.

“Prometheus” has tons of atmosphere, a lush musical score by Lucien Desar, and more than just a generous helping of sex.

There is ample nudity and a (fairly discrete) scene of necrophilia. Making the round of the film festival circus, visit: www.madmonkeyproductions.com to acquire the DVD.

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 36, 9-4-08

COVER STORY: Haggard Longboards

Building Boards, Building Memories
Haggard Longboards of Bakersfield

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia editor
Photos by Holly Carlyle Photography

The five amigos of Haggard Longboards are prepared to ride the pine to success.

Buddies for most of their young lives, some have been acquainted since birth…

“Our moms were at the hospital at the same time when we were born,” said Patrick McMahon, pointing to fellow board maker and friend, Richard Scheidle. “We’ve just always been around each other.”

And not just hanging around, either.

Inspired during life in the dorms at Cal Poly SLO in ’06, Richard, now 20, thought it might be cool to try his hand building his own longboard after checking out a fellow student’s own wooden creation.

Richard Scheidle

“I went to Home Depot and got the wood, then skate shops for the wheels and trucks,” remembered Richard of his first stab at board building just for fun. “I did it all myself, freehand for two weeks — cutting, sanding. It worked, but the board ended up breaking.”

Returning home to Bakersfield for a visit, Richard showed his rolling creation, pre-shatter, to his older brother, Daniel, arousing his curiosity.

Daniel Scheidle

“I saw it a month after he built it, and I thought it was awesome,” said Daniel, 22, of the dorm room project. “But I knew it could be better.”

Unlike regular skateboarding, longboards can best be described as “surfboards on wheels,” for their sheer size and appearance. Not built for tricks and jumps — unless you’re that daring — these massive cruisers are built for breezing down the street, bike path, and of course — near the beach.

Should you feel the need for speed, you can always go down a steep path or windy road for kicks.

Patrick McMahon

Although the history of longboarding can be debated, with skate scholars arguing over its origins, the only thing that matters to the guys of Haggard is that the materials are right and the feeling is tight.

“We’ve done our research,” said Daniel. “We use 100 percent select pine wood. That means no knots, just good stuff.”

Starting with a 10-foot piece of cut pine purchased at their local home improvement store, the team — which also includes: Sean Corson, 20, and Jared Bradford, 22, they cut the slab into two even vertical pieces. The two pieces are then outlined according to design choice — Classic Pin-Tail, which measures at 4' x 11”, and Mini Classic Pin-Tail at 2 ' x 11”.

Similar to a traditional surfboard design, the “pin-tail” refers to the pointy tip at the rear. And like the upstart businessmen they are, no materials go unused.

“We make sure that the wood we bring to the shop is good, and that nothing goes to waste,” assured Daniel.

For a quintet all in their early 20s, not only are they full of creative energy, but a humble bunch as well. Inspired by popular San Diego longboard company Sector 9, known for some of the most innovative designs, as well as fashion and popular rider roster, Daniel Scheidle points to his older brother, Jeremy as one of his strongest influences.

“Jeremy has taught me a lot about starting your own business,” he said. “He has an insurance office and always gives us advice.”

In fact, Jeremy inspires more than just his brother.

“He’s (Jeremy) encouraged all of us,” said McMahon.

To which Bradford adds with a smile:

“And he’s my insurance agent.”

Jared Bradford

If you were wondering about where the name “Haggard” came from, you might be disappointed that none of the friends have any relation to Bakersfield country legend, Merle Haggard — in fact, it doesn’t refer to “The Hag” at all. Well, almost…

“I wanted to give our boards a name that was all about Bakersfield,” explained Daniel. “KORN was OK, and I love Buck, but there was something about the word, ‘haggard.’”

Sean Corson

But before any copyright infringement flags wave in your mind, the builders want to remind you — “haggard” is also an adjective, referring to something worn or wild in appearance. It just happens to be the last name of our hometown hero.

“We’ve always said ‘haggard,’ even before we started building,” said McMahon. “If something is crazy or off, we’d say, ‘Dude, that’s haggard!’”

Digging for a possible deeper, or rather “haggard” meaning behind the name, you’ll find that Jackass alum CKY, featuring skate nut Bam Margera and friends, produced an independent comedy in 2003 of the same name.

The movie, however, although not an official skate film, was an underground hit among the skate communities, including Bakersfield’s.

“CKY was definitely a big influence,” smiled Corson. “We’ve seen the movie, too.”

Beyond the name and all mystery attached to it, the creative process proves to be the most interesting, and simple — most of which happens in the back patio at the Scheidle household in Bakersfield, and all by hand.

With a small cutting table and a shelf for stacking tools, this is DIY (do it yourself), at its rawest — truly haggard.

“After we trace the design, and cut out the board with the Skil saw, next is the filing of the edges,” described Daniel. “Then we get the power sander and keep going until it’s complete.”

And it doesn’t end there.

“We get our wood-burning pen, and write our logo on the wood with a trace from a Microsoft Word print out,” he said. “Then comes the final processes — stain and sealer.”

Choosing to retain the image behind the name and keep things authentic, Haggard prefer that their boards are close to a natural-looking state. No colors, just a little stain and gloss, and almost resembling a souvenir from a Yosemite Park gift shop — again, keeping it haggard.

“We put two coats of stain,” said McMahon. “Then two coats of sealant to keep the water off and make it shiny. We’ll add color if someone wants it, though.”

During the backyard tour of the Scheidle residence, Corson points to the pool as an essential part of board making. After all, it is summertime in Bako.

“We usually take turns working on a board, in between swim breaks,” he said. “We can complete a board in a few hours this way.”

Committed to their creation as much as their own lives, each is currently enrolled in college: Daniel and Bradford are at BC, Corson at CSUB, while Richard and McMahon are back at Cal Poly SLO. Bradford, a history major, shares a bit of the philosophy behind their strong friendships.

“It’s great to work together on these boards,” said Bradford. “A lot of ideas flow and amalgamate into another idea — we’re all willing to share and voice ideas.”

At about $60 a board, you can have your very own custom made Haggard Longboard — a pretty good price for US handmade quality and creativity.

Add wheels, bearings, and trucks to the mix, and you should be road ready for under $150. Still a bargain, compared to big name product prices.

“We’ve completed about 60 boards ourselves,” added Bradford. “They've been sold by word of mouth between local and online friends. It’s all very simple. We’re a locally-based small company, and our boards are not mass produced in China. I think that helps us as a selling point.”

For now, the Haggard crew have their sights set on continuing to enjoy themselves the same way they always have, having fun. That’s not to say they wouldn’t like to see their boards sold in local shops they’ve grown up admiring.

“It would be great to see Haggard in places like Wavelengths,” said Daniel. “We’d love to work with local shops.

With years to build on, time will tell what the guys of Haggard Longboards have up their sleeves for the future.

Then there’s the obvious…

“We need girls to pose with our boards,” smiled Corson. “We’re looking for Haggies.”

For more info on how to purchase your own Haggard Longboard, e-mail: haggardlongboards@yahoo.com
or call 661-742-9151.

Story printed in Bakotopia magazine issue 36, 9-4-08

Gaming with Gil - Ep. 8

Gaming with Gil - Ep. 8
Video gaming news from Bakotopialand's resident expert!

By Gamestor Gil, Bakotopia.com contributor

When I “Googled” in the name Tony Hawk, I got over 7.1 million hits. Wow — all this for a skateboarder?

His recognition among young consumers ranks No. 1 of all U.S. athletes, surpassing NBA basketball greats Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James, according to Research International USA’s TRU.

Yes, Anthony Frank Hawk (born May 12, 1968) was credited with being the first recorded skater to land the 900, which consists of two-and-a-half rotations (900 degrees) in the air before landing back on the pipe during the televised June 27, 1999 X Games, for which he received an enormous amount of attention.

In 1999, at the age of 31, he retired from competitive skateboarding and signed a big contract with Activision Video Games. Together they created “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” PlayStation video game. The game became an unexpected hit, and “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (2000)” ranked as the No. 1 game for more than a month. The Tony Hawk video game series (Pro Skater 1, 2, 3, 4 and Tony Hawk’s Underground) have become some of the best-selling games ever.

In the $18 billion video game market, Tony Hawk games have sold 30 million units in the past decade and have consistently ranked in the Top 10 in U.S. sales the years of their releases, says industry analyst Anita Frazier at the NPD Group research firm.

• Side note for all you “old-skoolers” out there, you remember back in 1987 when they released the very first skate boarding video game for the NES, right? It was “Skate or Die,” man! Twenty-one years ago!

How about “Sk8ter” on PS1? Boy, has video game skate boarding come along way! Now, there’s new competition in this video game genre, with the introduction of EA’s (Electronic Arts) “Skate” one year ago. “Skate” has sold over 700,000 copies to date.

With its success, EA is coming out with its sequel “Skate It” sometime in December. If you haven’t played “Skate” — you are missing out on a very good game.

Let’s check out what’s coming out in video games:

Sept. 7: Spore (Computer version); Spore Creatures (Nintendo DS)
Sept. 8: Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir (Nintendo DS); Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise (Nintendo DS)
Sept. 9: Bratz Ponyz 2 (Nintendo DS); Midnight Club: Los Angeles (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360); Sam & Max: Season One (Wii); Yakuza 2 (PS2); Zoids Assault (Xbox 360) Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii))
Sept. 14: Rock Band 2 (Xbox 360)
Sept. 15: Mushroom Men: Rise of the Fungi (Nintendo DS); Destroy All Humans Big Willy Unleashed (PlayStation Portable)
Sept. 16: Star Wars The Force Unleashed (Nintendo DS, Playstation Portable, Wii, PS3, XBox 360); Monster Lab (Wii, Nintendo DS, PS2); Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility (Wii); Yggdra Union (PlayStation Portable)

• 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

Story also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 36, 9-4-08

The Local Celebrities clear the air!

The Local Celebrities clear the air!
Fantastic foursome to host all-ages, ‘mesh music’ party Sept. 20 — join the crowd!

Above: The Local Celebrities, L to R: The Show, Meneace, Decadez, and B.C.

By Brett Caraway, Bakotopia.com contributor

For the story of these four artists to fit on paper, it might take a lifetime.

The members of the Local Celebrities consist of DecadeZ, Meneace, The Show, and B.C. It’s clear why their music is out of the ordinary. With a gift to avoid cliches, Local Celebrities are definitely a breath of fresh air in a somewhat polluted domain for modern day hip-hop music.

When describing their style of music, it's hard not to use the words “catchy,” “unique,” and “ambitious.” From theirs song titles alone, you can tell that The Local Celebrities do not follow normal linear hip-hop trends. Tunes such as: “Tonka Truck,” “Clark Kents,” and “D.I.T.A.,” all have aims towards a unique twist on similar topics. The first single to their album is called “Name Brand.” They also have a smash hit with the controversial song and video called “S.D.W.B.,” or Super Duper White Boy, which has already reached over 100,000 views on MySpace Videos.

In a hip hop world where anything that isn’t cliché is frowned upon, The Local Celebrities are coming at you with their own brand of “mesh music.” One may be prompted to ask, what is mesh music? It consists of all the influences between hip hop, R&B, pop, techno, and rock mixed into one sound.

As a group, their influence can be felt through their stage presence alone.

Having done shows from the Los Angeles area to the Bay, back to their hometown of Bakersfield, it is clearly shown that their style is marketable and accepted by the masses. With the key ability to work with almost any type of crowd, The Local Celebrities have performed in venues along with the Ying Yang Twins, The Pack, Paul Wall, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Vogue In The Moment (this was a complete rock show ... yet they still rocked the crowd).

When The Local Celebrities perform, it’s been said by fans and media that it is sure to be a big event, with The L.C. drawing in crowds of 300 to 500 every time they perform.

Even more amazing, the group has not even released a album yet and already have a serious buzz, but on Sept. 16, they will release “Almost Famous.”

A celebration to mark the release of their debut CD — an all-ages event — will be held on Sept. 20 at Screwy’s Night Club in downtown Bakersfield.

This will not only be the beginning of “The Local Celebrity Movement,” but the beginning of a new sound and local hip-hop scene the world has yet to hear or see generated from one of Bakersfield’s very own.

The Local Celebrities CD Release Party
-Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008
-Screwy’s Nightclub, 902 19th St.
-All ages / 301-4135

www.thelocalcelebrities.com

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 36, 9-4-08

Bakotopia’s ‘Back To School’ Bashes!

Bakotopia’s ‘Back To School’ Bashes!
Bako has the remedy to save you from the blahs Sept. 11-13, 2008

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor

Distraught over the end of summer? In need of just another week of partying?

Well, never fear!

Bakotopia and Tim Gardea Presents have three huge “Back To School Bashes” to help you get back in gear! Mark your calendars and get your friends in check!

<<HEAR OUR RADIO COMMERCIAL!

Above: New Found Glory

Thursday, Sept. 11: 6 p.m., $15, ALL AGES at The Dome, 2201 V St.: Pop-punk/emo vets New Found Glory kicks off their “Easycore Tour” with special guests ISHC, A Day To Remember, Four Year Strong, and Crime In Stereo! It’s been awhile since NFG have graced our local stage, but with a hot EP — and an appearance by their alter-egos ISHC (International Superheros of Hardcore) — the floor will be moshtastically berzerk!

Above: Millionaires

Friday, Sept. 12: 6 p.m., $10, ALL AGES at The Dome: Things will really get out of hand as Bakotopia cover girls The Millionaires — Melissa, Dani, and Allison — make their triumphant return to our city. This is the girls’ first show back in town following their crazy Rockin’ Roots show back in May, a sold-out nationwide tour, a live performance on MTV’s TRL, a bidding war by the major labels, and if that’s not enough - their keyboardist is Bako’s own Intruder Alert! Whew! Hopefully this time the stage will hold all the crazy fans who rushed them at Rockin’ Roots Special guests will be Intruder Alert, Big City Kids and The Penny Royalties.

Above: Monte Negro

Saturday, Sept. 13: 7 p.m., $10, at Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21st St. Bakotopia caps off the 3three-day party by moving on over to Narducci’s with roc en español newcomers Monte Negro, plus Velorio, No Mames Guey, Vanity Avenue, The May Fire, and Astra Heights. Narducci’s is a smaller venue than The Dome, but what you get is an up close and personal experience to satisfy your need Latinized rock n’ ska madness. Monte Negro was a newcomer to Rockin’ Roots back in May, and judging by the local response, we all knew they’d be back soon. With songs in English and Spanish, consider yourself more than welcome. Local heroes Velorio and Vanity Avenue will also be in the house to make you move, so don’t front!

Get your tickets today for all shows in Bakersfield at: The Dome (office), World Records, Wavelengths SBI, Going Underground Records, Mainland & Impact (Valley Plaza), The Stuffed Pipe, Outer Limits, Stockdale Music, T-Mobile & Fusions (East Hills Mall) & Midnight Music (Oildale) 661-477-6099.

Q&A Quickies:

Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory
NFG’s lead guitarist never tires of touring, starting at The Dome Sept. 11

B: Why kick-off your tour in Bakersfield, not we’re complaining?
Chad: Why not? Bakersfield is a town we know well, and we’re hitting a lot of smaller places — not LA or New York. We also rehearse in So Cal, so it all works out cool.

B: How does it feel to be a pop-punk music survivor?
Chad: We were lucky to come out before things like MySpace and all the Internet stuff. Now there’s just so much music being thrown in everyone’s face all the time. Scenes have changed, but New Found Glory has managed to stay true to ourselves. We’ve never cheapened ourselves to try to sound like what was cool at the time.

B: Will you be addressing the 9/11 tragedy during your show in Bakersfield?
Chad: I feel like people use Sept. 11 to their advantage now. I don’t want to make it a charade. It’s serious. We may bring it up, and people obviously remember.

We were on tour with Blink 182 the day that it happened. We saw the second plane hit live, and we didn’t know what to do - should we play? Kids didn’t know what to do, but we still showed up at the venue and talked about it. It was emotional.

B: Will you be performing any songs off the new CD you just finished with producer Mark Hoppus (Blink 182)?
Chad: One song. We’ve never toured with the EP “Tip Of The Iceberg,” so we’re going to play a lot of harder songs to go along with the theme of the tour.

B: Any message for your Bakersfield fans?
Chad: We’re psyched to play Bakersfield again, it’s been a long time. Get ready to mosh it up.

----------------------------

Melissa Marie of Millionaires
After a taste of the road, member of party trio is ready for more - at The Dome Sept. 12

B: What a year it’s been for Millionaires, how’s it going?
Melissa: It really hasn’t sunken in that this is actually happening for us. We were one of the headliners at the Audio Overload Festival, and it was just crazy — all the kids. Things couldn’t be better.

B: A sold-out tour all over the US. How is it to experience that your first time out?
Melissa: We never thought things would be so big. We sold out the pre-sale at the Knitting Factory L.A., the first show, and then we were hoping to just have good shows on the west — those were all sold-out. But once we started we started making our way to the east coast, we had no idea how many fans we had. None of us had ever been there. It was amazing, every night was sold-out.

B: Did you tour around in a small van the whole time?
Melissa: A 15-passenger van. For girls, it’s different than guys, though. We had to stay in motel rooms, because there was no way we could stay together in that van longer than one day together.

B: How was performing on MTV’s TRL?
Melissa: It was the first week of tour, and we had cancel a couple dates. They flew us over to be on the show. I mean to have your video on TRL is pretty dope, but to actually perform live is such a crazy experience. For us to be unsigned and not even together for a year!

B: Any wild tour moments?
Melissa: It was the last show of the tour. It was the best show, then all of a sudden these kids just rushed the stage. I got hit in the face with an elbow, and I had blood all over my face and clothes.

B: How was touring with our Jarod Palmer on Keyboards?
Melissa: He was amazing. We had never performed with him until the first day of tour. By the end of the show, he would know every song by heart.

B: Your Rockin’ Roots show in May was out of control, what can Bakersfield fans expect this time?
Melissa: Craziness. Hopefully the stage won’t look like it’s going to collapse (laughs)!

For more information on all three shows, visit:
www.timgardeapresents.com

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 36, 9-4-08

About The Cover: Road Ragers

ABOUT THE COVER:
ROAD RAGERS

Photographer Holly Carlyle has done it again.

“We need to be in street,” said Holly as we made our way towards the Panorama bluffs to get the shot for the latest issue of Bakotopia on Aug. 25.

Holly and the homies of Haggard Longboards were brave enough to put their lives on the line for the sake of art.

For that, we salute you!

www.hollycarlylephotography.com

Karoke @ The Junction Lounge

5 nights a week.8:30 till closing.Your fav KJ thur-sat..

Fan Review: Ice Cube concert 8/27/08

I first heard Ice Cube when I was little. First song was, 'A Bitch is A Bitch', with Too Short.

Loved the song right from the get go. I admit I didnt care to much for Too Short then, but after listening to his calm flows and bad ass beats, I began to like him. But there was something about that song that clicked in this white boys head. I don't know what it was, and I didnt go around calling girls the B word either.

I had bought the tape(yes tape, so you can predate how old I am :P) from the Fair one year. When that song came on I was rolling. I had never heard anything like it before. For the longest time I never listend to any other rap or bought anymore tapes. Why? Because I was little. I still dont know how I managed to buy the tape in the first place. I guess the people didnt care at the Fair that year. Lucky for me right?

It wasn't until I moved to Las Vegas and met a friend who had more of his albums. Lethal Injection, Predator, and Death Certificate. After listing to those, I was hooked on rap music. Right around then I was exposed to Dr.Dre as well. A great man in his own right, but Ice Cube had more albums out. Did I buy the albums for myself? Nope. I couldnt. I wasnt of age yet to buy that great stuff. I never asked my parents to buy them either and I don't know why. They had given me so much freedom to explore my interests. Hell I even listend to NIN(The Downward Spiral) and I had got that from the BMG music club.lol My friend was nice enough to let me borrow them whenever I wanted to listen to them.

To make a long story short because I'm drinking right now and thinkin' back about my childhood, I got to see Ice Cube in concert for the first time. What's even more great is I won the tickets from this website(Bakotopia!!!)because I had been trying to buy some but since I get off work late, the box office is always closed.

You have to see him live! The next time he is here in Bakersfield, you need to go. HAVE TO GO. You will not regret it!

Opening this weekend: Babies Having Babies

We have been working so hard for this play to be a major success!

The only way it can truly be a full success is if you come and see us!!!

This play was first introduced as an after school special in the early 1980s. This play is about 5 very different girls who meet at a counseling session for pregnant teens.

These girls have a difficult time coming to terms with their choices, but with time and each other's help, they realized that their choice is a learning experience.

I honestly hope to see you there! Attached is a picture of the flyer. We perform on Aug 29, Aug 30, Sept 5, and Sept 6 at 8pm. On Sunday Aug. 31 there will be a resource fair where there will be information about pregnancy prevention, then at 4pm there will be a performance.

Each show will be at The Empty Space Theatre. This show does have some controversial issues, but it's lesson is strong and will be understood by all.

BABIES HAVING BABIES:
Based on the multiple award-winning CBS School Break Special, BABIES HAVING BABIES stands the test of time as an important and influential story. No other script for young adults has generated such enthusiastic response, both from the critics and the audience, as this insightful and compelling tale of teen pregnancy.

BABIES HAVING BABIES plays August 29, 30, September 5, 6 at 8pm with a 2pm Sunday matinee on August 31.

Admission to BABIES HAVING BABIES is free, with a suggested donation of $15 for General Admission, and $10 for Students and Seniors.

For reservations or more information, please call 661-327-PLAY.

THE EMPTY SPACE is located at 706 Oak Street, Bakersfield CA 93304.

Another Talented Artiste!

It's been quite an experience to work with some local talent, most of which have given me the opportunity to seek new levels within the art of photography. Believe it or not, I began shooting wildlife photography and posted my work at revxus.deviantart.com, where I instantly achieved recognition. Since then, I've been hooked.

I contstantly search for new ways to expand my work, new ways to experiement with local talent and new ways of capturing that one shot that speaks to everyeone. Yes, it has been a pleasure working with local talent.

At this time, I continue to search for local talent in order to capture them in ways never done before. My style is a bit different and non-traditional, and Bakotopia's last article on local photographers Holly Carlyle and Jacqueline Pilar have inspired me.

Model Mayhem is a new way to find local talent, had they not mentioned it previously I would still be posting ads on craigslist - fortunately, thanks to these talented artists I have now found new ways to capture intriguing, rare moments through the eyes of a simple lens.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, I now reside in Bakersfield. I am 26 years old, and I enjoy music, sports, and the outdoors. Welcome to my world, this is my work. (ETStudios.deviantart.com)

Ruthless Agression

Today I have become aware. Aware of circumstances that must take place, it is one of those few, rare times where you have absolutely no control, no power. I must contemplate on the future, and what needs to be done tomorrow must start today. As I drove down Spruce St in downtown Bakersfield I came to accept my fate. It feels as if it was yesterday that I was at the top of the world, like I was unstoppable. Perhaps, these things have occurred in order to bring me closer to something I don't yet know.

What I do know today, is that what will happen tomorrow does not matter anymore. It seems as though, my future has already been written. One year behind bars is all it takes, in order to satisfy those who have falsely accused me I must accept these terms. Unfortunately, I have no support. I have drained myself of everything I once had, my numbness has overcome my human nature. I am no longer part of this world, almost as if my body continues to wonder and pace about the corridors of sorrow.

I once thought, they were my friends. I, after all, do have a family to provide for. The pity is absolutely unnecessary and untruthful. But, my fate has been written. The satisfaction to those who have accused me, should be met.

At least, I was able to enjoy a little more time with my son. I was able to re-kindle that fire I once had before I married my wife, and most importantly the moment I thought I'd never see... meeting my first daughter when she arrived May 14, 2008. It's been an uphill battle with challenges not yet seen, and I have mastered the skill of moving forward. There are times, however, when you can no longer handle the situation at hand and you become desperately impatient and in complete loss of self-control.

I have called the national suicide hotline, I have lost many jobs, and I have dealt with difficult situations that have strengthened me within. Kern County, for me, is no longer a place I long to be. Perhaps all the hatred inside combined with anger, frustration, and malevolence have all spoken out - but I must tell you, I have lost more than what you could possibly think of.

Within thirty days I must present myself in front of a judge, accept my plea and its judgement. Then, accept the actions that will soon follow. I can already hear the clinging sounds of the hand and ankle-cuffs. I have accepted responsibilities which I feel are unfair, and are subject to future redemption. I have not yet learned to forgive. Perhaps I will be doomed to hell in doing so, however, the price that must be paid is far higher than the crime.

The future has not yet been written. At least for now, I was able to live just a little bit... must move forward and not look back. Starting anew must be a priority, and with that I shall end. The harm you have caused me has also been spread towards my wife and my children, and your smile continues to endure. So long, Bakersfield. I will return.

Final Auditions for IN THE BOOM BOOM ROOM Saturday 8/23 12-3 PM & Monday 8/25 6-8 PM

Final Auditions for IN THE BOOM BOOM ROOM
Saturday 8/3 12-3 PM & Monday 8/25 6-8 PM
Bakersfield Community Theatre – 2400 S. CHESTER AVE., BAKERSFIELD
(BETWEEN MING & WILSON enter through parking lot on S. O Street and Wilson)

David Rabe’s Tony Award nominated surreal drama features:

CHRISSY: Mid to late 20’s to early 30’s
Vulnerable, naive, confused, abused and used. Strives for a dance career while working as
a go-go dancer. There is a child-like essence about her. She is easily led and cares more about pleasing others then herself. Chrissy’s has a good spirit and a heart of gold. She was once Daddy’s little girl.

HAROLD: Chrissy’s father. Late 50’s to early 60’s. Uneducated. A blue collar worker, when he worked.
In and out of jail for Petty crimes. A racist and former womanizer with a bizarrely romantic nature. He is both pathetic and sympathetic.

HELEN: Early to mid 50’s. Helen is comfortable in the role of the dutiful wife. Once a shapely beauty herself, she has maintained much of her beauty and sex appeal, but there is a worn and tired quality about her. She has wasted much of her life trying to “keep her man.” Today Helen pays less attention to her looks and figure and more attention trying to enjoy the companionship of her husband Harold She is finally getting some attention now that her daughter is no longer around much to steal Harold’s heart and attention.

AL: Chrissy’s off and on boyfriend. A good looking and rough drifter, jailbird and charmer.
Jobless, mostly homeless except when he finds a woman to take care of him, which is frequently.

RALPHIE: Al’s sidekick, partner in petty crimes and second fiddle for Al’s women.
An acid head who lives in an LSD reality of his own. A colorful caricature of a character.

SUSAN: Mid 30’s to early 40’s.Dance Captain and manager of the Boom Boom Room. Attractive, fit, Self confident, strong, bitter and bisexual.

GUY: Chrissy’s flamboyantly gay downstairs neighbor, who be-friend’s Chrissy. Colorful, talkative, narcissistic with a well camouflaged hostility. Makes his living as a sperm donor.

ERIC: Cerebral and emotionally constipated. A suited suitor, searching for answers, love
and the meaning of life.

The Boom Boom Room Dancers: Melissa, Sally & Viki.
Early to late 20’s, attractive, sexy, enjoy dancing. (Will work with Choreogrpaher on mid 60’s go-go dances)
They befriend Chrissy, advise her dance with her and compete with her for the attention of the male patrons of the Boom Boom Room.

THE MAN: Disheveled, lecherous emcee of another go-go club that caters to the lowest of the low-life.

KJ

Greg Pisano, Local Karaoke Host, Singer, Going to the National Karaoke Finals In Laughlin NV.

He is going to be representing Kern County and Bakersfield at this event....Greg currently hosts a Karaoke Show Thursday thru Saturday in the Junction Lounge at the Best Western Inn on Buck Owens blvd.

Last year Greg received 2nd place in Karaoke hosting and 9th place in singing the year prior 2006. He is going after 1st place Karaoke hosting this year and also entering the singing competition in the country category.

Greg is seeking assistance in attending this event.. ie. sponsorship or donations to help in the cost of attending this years competition. If you would like to help, come out and see him at the Junction, Thursday thru Saturday 8:30 to closing on each night. The Junction has some of the best Karaoke singers in town attending on a regular basis..... Also if there is a concert at the Crystal Palace, you never know who will be dropping in for a little winding down.....

Come on out and have some fun with us.