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Rockin' Roots 2008
Topics: Rockin Roots Festival, 2008, Preview, Bakotopia, Stramler Park
Posted by Chase Wed May 28, 2008 11:34:13 PDT
Viewed 663 times
0 responses 0 comments Location: 3805 N. Chester, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Rockin’ Roots 2008
Local annual festival kicks into gear for 2008 on Saturday, May 31^st, at 10 a.m., at Stramler Park


Kottonmouth Kings                               Scary Kids Scaring Kids

By: Chase Brockett: Bakotopia Staff

It’s warming up again and that means it’s time for the 2008 annual Rockin’ Roots Festival at Stramler Park.  Doors opening at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 31^st and a $25 ticket will lead you to eight different stages and over 100 bands throughout the day. 

Each year this festival gives local bands a chance to share a venue with bigger acts like this year’s Eek-A-Mouse, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Kottonmouth Kings, Suicide Silence, and more.  Below you’ll find out who some of these local bands are and what makes them worthwhile, so check them out and support the local music scene at Rockin’ Roots 2008. 


EEK A MOUSE

SEED

 

Up from the ground, from roots and rock, comes a new flavor of dub. Formed under the sign of the lion in 2003 this power trio has created a sound that can be stretched under a handful of genres including progressive reggae, punk, rock, blues and ska. In a town where country, screamo and emo infest the music scene, SEED’s approach is not to conform into what mainstream music dictates.

Upon moving back to California from Las Vegas, singer/guitarist Chris Taylor was eager to start a project that would surpass the one he just left behind. Finding time between drum lessons and other bands, Joel Henderson agreed to be SEED’s full time percussionist. Together they immediately began the arduous search for a dependable bass player. After a couple psycho drunks & losing one after a gig in Sin City, the band finally gained their missing component, Gary Rink. His melodic, over the top bass lines have given SEED the sound they needed & they have been unstoppable ever since!

By word of mouth SEED has landed gigs with Pepper, Bargain Music, reggae legend EEK A MOUSE, Pato Banton, The Mad Caddies, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Digital Underground, and Afroman just to name a few. You can catch a SEED playing all over California, from Arcata to San Diego, Long Beach to Fresno...even VEGAS! You’ll beg for more after you dance to this power trio’s funky rhythms and hard hitting grooves. SEED provides music for the soul. Then they split your head with a little distortion. Rasta fans, SEED is on the loose!

Stage five: 1:30

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The Councilmen

 

Born and raised Bakersfield boys, The Councilmen today are Keaton York, Taylor Haley and Julie Sanchez. Their music blends styles, with each member’s varied backgrounds contributing to a unique and original sound. One Bakotopia blogger said “They're sound is so great, a mixture of rock/blues/soul/ and grunge.  The sound is total downtown Bako, it smells like beer and leaves you sticky and feeling dizzy…”

Most weekends that is exactly where you will find them – downtown in places like Sandrini’s, Narducci’s, Fishlips and now with the additions to Amestoy’s, on the eastside.

Their song “Cadillac Girl” caught the attention of a local racer this spring and they were asked to play the March Meets for 200 + people. Rumor is their live show is what people come back for. In the words of one of the band’s friends/supporters “It’s interesting to sit back and watch them win over the crowd. They gain new supporters at every show.”

The Councilmen are currently writing and recording. They plan to release a new CD late August 2008.

Stage six: 3:50 p.m.

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The Otter Pops

On warm, sunny days you can walk by any sandy beach or riverbank and see otters at play.  Doing their best to one-up seals by learning how to balance things on their noses is a passion that every single member of this noble species shares.  It is this that forms the sole base of their social structure and is the single identifying mark of an otter; pure hatred for seals.  If a seal is ever spotted dead on the beach, one can be rest assured that the cause was not a rise in seal suicide rates or global warming, but a jealous, calculating and cold otter.  This unspoken war has gone on for millennia.  Yet, the otters have a second hatred and fear.

You see, otters have a tendency to just…pop, and it's a lot more violent when it happens than it sounds.  No one knows why these tragedies happen and, in many cases, no one even cares. 

We're here to change all that.  With slick pop melodies, smooth and grooving bass-lines, in-your-face guitar solos, and songs that have nothing to do with otters, pop, "the", or exclamation points.  Well…maybe exclamation points.

Stage six: 9:15 p.m.

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Fading Out Silence

Having been a part of the Bakersfield music scene for about two years now, local band (from up the hill in Tehachapi) Fading out Silence is ready to make some noise!  After the addition of new drummer Thomas, the band is prepared to release it's 5 song EP 'Songs. Journeys. Heroes Conflicted.' in June 2008. 

Stage six: 8:40 p.m.

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SHILO

LUCK, this 4 letter word has done whatever it can to evade the grasp of Bakersfield original rock band Shilo. Since 2004 Shilo has changed its line up numerous times and has had a total of 15 different bass players, lead singers, and drummers before reaching the solid state it has today.

After constant member dedication issues and being taken advantage of by members of the industry, this five piece is ready for anything and prepared to do whatever it takes to make you dance to its drums and bass or melt your face off with its heavy punching guitars!

Stage one: 4:10 p.m.

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The 2008 Rockin' Roots Festival!
-Saturday, May 31st, 2008!
-Stramler Park, 3805  N. Chester Ave
-Doors Open at 10AM
-$25 per ticket  / All Ages

Tickets available online at timgardeapresents.com & the following locations *ticket fees may apply: World Records, Wavelengths SBI, Outer Limits Going Underground, HowCoool.com the Shoppe, the Stuffed Pipe, Impact Streetwear (in the Valley Plaza), Valentino’s (Fresno) Stockdale Music, T mobile (East Hills Mall), Mainland (Market Place) & Mainland (Plaza)

Full story, map and showtimes, printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 29. 5-29-08

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