bakotopia magazine issue 63

Big Poppa E’sSurprise Visit

BECA Goes‘Artamental’

w w w . b a k o t o p i a . c o mF R E EF R E E

SEPT. 17, 2009 -Sept. 30, 2009

BAKOTOPIA 3

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E D I TO R ’S N OT E

Matt Muñoz,Bakotopia Editor

Bakotopialand rejoice!

O ktoberfest is upon us, beginning Sept. 19 — in Germany, and ending in Bakersfield on Oct. 3.Time and time again, I’ve said it — This town loves to party. Could it be the air? The economy?Harvey Hall?

Whatever it is, we’re not complaining. How could you say no to cover models, Devon & Jennifer?

I can remember having a brief conversation with Cory and Kevin from Ugly Duck earlier this yearabout a “new event” coming to town. Sworn to secrecy, I kept to my word without spilling the brew.Now, it’s here and not a moment too soon! Time to blast some Falco and rock some Amadeus!

Having partaken in our share of local events, Bakotopia and Ugly Duck have partnered up to helpmake this event an annual shindig of uber-proportions. Tickets go on sale, beginning Sept. 19! What acoincidence.

We have some great content this issue, including an interview with Bako homeboy, Eirik Ott, whonow resides in Austin, TX. He was a key figure during the “golden years” of the Bako

arts scene during the early ’90s and hung out for a week and even performedsome righteous poetry for locals! He’s appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, 3X!

Thanks to everyone for your continued support of Bakotopia. Our advertisersrule, so show 'em some love and visit their business. Wunderbar!

Peace,

BAKOTOPIAOlivia Garcia VP/Content

[email protected] 395-7487

Matt Muñoz Editor/Product [email protected] 395-7660

Teresa Adamo Associate Editor [email protected]

EDITORIAL

STAFF

Kent Kuehl Designer [email protected]

Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager [email protected] 716-8632

Gustavo Carrillo Sales Executive

Mark Wells Sales Executive

Marisol Sorto Office Administrator [email protected] 716-8640

P.O. Box 2344Bakersfield, CA 93303

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BAKOTOPIA

BBAAKKOOTTOOPPIIAA..CCOOMM Contribute your own articles/stories/events. Upload photos.

BAKOTOPIA 4

KompletelyKaffeinatedKRAB!

By Robin Jones / KRAB,Bakotopia.com contributor

Seven years ago, I was luckyenough to be hired on as partof the KRAB Radio family.

Throughout these seven years, Ihave gained oodles of knowledgeand experience. My resume looksalmost as chunky as Jon Gosselin’sbeer belly (I kind of hate even refer-encing that buffoon).

However, no one cares about howqualified I am. Instead, I get ques-tions regarding what a KRAB DJ islike. Yep. So, here are someanswers* to a few common ques-tions asked about KRAB DJs.

Do You Guys Really Drink A Lotof Coffee?

Yes. Yes, we do. If you go backto the Aug. 6 issue of Bakotopia(you can also find it online at Bako-topia.com), you’ll see the coffeetally among the staff. All of it istrue, though Danny Spanks probablydrinks a little more than mentioned.You know how the Kool-Aid Man is just agiant pitcher ofsugar-freefruit

punch? Well, that’s Spanks… but inthe form of a giant carafe of coffee.What you hear on the radio is literal-ly coffee talking. He has not taken ahuman form in almost four years.And that, my friends, is how he gotthat awesome voice.

Are KRAB DJs Just as cool andpersonable off the air?

I’ll say this: the KRAB MorningShow kind of reminds me of theMarx Brothers. Or, for you oldschool youngsters who can remem-ber — “Animaniacs.” They runamuck through all of our studios,rolling their eyes at innuendo, andhonking bicycle horns. And this allhappens when their not doing theirshow. They are their most demurewhen they are on the air.

When the “Real Bruce Wayne”ends his shift by saying, “I hate youall,” he probably doesn’t mean ALLof you. I will go out on a limb,though, and assume that he proba-bly means, “I hate a lot of you.”Sometimes, when the buildingsmells like brimstone, I know that

Bruce is just around the corner.If I ever run into you inpublic at, oh let’s say a

store, it’s no accident. I

have a major temper and will proba-bly run into you with a shopping carton purpose. Also, as far as the“cool” thing is concerned — I havespent my past three summers inSan Diego for Comic Con. I’ll add tothat by mentioning that I am wearinga Star Trek T-shirt as I am writingthis. Clearly, I am the coolest per-son ever. Ahem.

Are ALL Radio DJs Unattractive?Shut your mouth. Seriously, have

you SEEN Miranda? Rrrrawr.How Do You REALLY Feel About

Nickelback?Whoops, looks like I'm out of

time.Hopefully, this gives you a little

insight as to what the KRAB staff islike. We're a nerdy, caffeine-fueled,horn honking bunch. And, honestly, Idon't think any of us would have itany other way.

*Some answers may not be true.Stay up to date with all of the

KRAB jocks at: www.KRAB.comListen for Matt from Bakotopia

on the KRAB morning show everyissue drop date. Next appearance:Oct. 1 in the 9am hour!

Ko

rner

BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com September 16, 2009

Behold, the secret it out! Find out whatmakes your favorite KRAB DJs tick.

Francis Danny

Meathead

Miranda

HowSweetIt IsRobin Jones

BAKOTOPIA 5


By Jen Raven,Bakotopia.com contributor

You may have caught her recentsolo show at the BasementGallery in July.

Perhaps you sat next to her at thelast members meeting of BakersfieldEmerging Contemporary Artists, akaBECA. Or maybe you've heard she'sgoing to be a board member for thisyear's Burn the Witch. But did you alsoknow she's just a little bit mental?

ARTaMental, that is. The creative genius behind ‘sweet

designs’ and ‘sweet independence’ isat it again with another very sweet cre-ation, ‘ARTaMentals,’ and it’s comingsoon to the J.P. Jennings Gallery indowntown Bakersfield. ChristinaSweet, as always, is on her A-game.

What the heck is an ARTaMental?Christina is so glad you asked! “ARTaMentals will be an afternoon

of instruction, lecture and support,”Christina says. “Our goal is for thisevent to serve as a steppingstone forartists, to help them find a positivedirection in their future work. We alsowant to encourage local artists, inmaking new contacts within their artcommunity.”

Think “Artuary” but in September.Saturday, Sept. 19, to be exact. And,hold on to your light sabers, Star Warsfans!

This round of BECA brain-food willinclude several new classes, includinga hands-on costuming lecture in cus-tom-fit Jedi Robes!

You don't want to miss this one, sci-fi geeks. Jen Raven will be teachingseveral very cool variations on the pat-tern in this hourlong class, and you willwalk away with a paper mock-up, and apattern packet of your very own ... just

in time for Halloween!In addition to this, BECA President

Nyoka will be teaching a new hands-onclass in color theory. Come preparedto do some painting for this one! Also,if you want to learn how to hang yourart like a pro, there is sure to be aclass on custom framing and hanginghardware.

Also featured at this event: ToddPowers of Foxglove Photography will beholding another low-costartwork/headshots special for portfo-lios. A networking table will be set upfor upcoming event flyers and busi-ness cards. And there will be a spe-cial BECA art raffle!

Who can take advantage of ARTa-Mentals? Anybody in the communityis welcome to attend the adult classes(including older teens with their par-ents’ permission). Each class is abargain at only $5 and 100 percent ofthe proceeds will help BECA bring'Burn the Witch IV' to life this October!

Stay tuned for the updated classschedule!

“This is going to be another greatBECA event. I'm looking forward toseeing new smiling faces, and to leav-ing people with a sense of inspira-tion,” says Christina. “BECA is an evergrowing force. We will never give up;we will not skip a beat.”

You can log on to:myspace.com/activism4artistsor visit www.beca.ws to get the latestinformation.

J.P. Jennings Gallery1700 Chester Ave.Saturday, Sept. 19Noon to 5 p.m.$5 per class,$1 discount w/ student ID

“ARTamentals” show on9/19 will offer artists newclasses to help those inneed of some new ideas

HowSweetIt Is

BAKOTOPIA 6


By Greg Goodsell,Bakotopia Contributor

I f you were around the Bakersfield down-town scene in the mid-’90s, quite a fewnames and places are sure to tug a nostal-

gic heartstring: Chaos Coffee, Spike 1000,Cradle of Thorns, American Thrift, Babcock'sBooks and Eirik Ott.

If that last name sounds familiar, it's prob-ably because you either read his column inThe Bakersfield Californian, or read hishome-brewed fanzines Fencepost or Thrust.Back then, Ott was a crazy skateboardingyoung man with a mission. His writingstepped on quite a few toes, and Ott wasn'tafraid to let a few people in the close-knitBakersfield indie scene that he thought theywere rank poseurs. Ott fled Bakersfield whena confluence of different things fell throughin '94, and bid a hasty adieu to attend col-lege in Chico.

Too often, such boho folks wind up in dull9-to-5 gigs with a spouse and family to sup-port, but not Ott. Influenced by the burgeon-ing spoken word scene, Ott took pen in hand

to compose his own material for poetryslams under the moniker, “Big Poppa E.”

“I stopped doing music, and just starteddoing poetry full time. I started being part ofthe San Francisco scene, which was threehours away from Chico, started making aname for myself over there. In 1999, therewas the National Poetry Slam, which is sortof like the Olympics of performance poetry.My team won that year. We were in the NewYork Times, the Washington Post, ChicagoSun Times, “60 Minutes” … It was crazy. Iquit my job, I quit school, and went on tour,”he said.

Ott would find far-flung acclaim, and in aworld where so many artists have the day gigto keep them afloat, poetry is all Ott does.

“I make as much money as a manager atTaco Bell, but I don't have to work at TacoBell,” Ott explained at a recent open micaffair at Bakersfield's Barnes & Noble Book-store on Sept. 8. “I got $2,800 for a poetrygig in Alaska, and $800 of that went to travelexpenses and the rest I got to keep.”

Ott thoroughly entertained the standingroom-only audience on the night of his per-formance. While many still associate poetrywith high-talking esoteric, Ott's work isinfused with much humor and deals explicitlywith the commonality of human experience.

One poem dealt with the male gaze andthe wish fulfillment of coffeehouse devoteesthat the cute barista who looks up from thecounter harbors a secret crush on them. Ottlaid the story straight that these overworkedyoung women, in fact, only see them as cus-

tomers, and associate them with their weirdtics and unfortunate fashion decisions.

Ott also read a poem of early attractionamong pre-adolescents, of being ashamedly“in like” with the member of the oppositesex.

Even then, Ott was on his best behaviorthat night, realizing some of his “anatomical”poetic terms might not fly.

Ott has since been on the HBO series DefPoetry Jam three times.

“I was also the whitest person on (BET)Black Entertainment Television,” laughs Ott.“I stopped doing real jobs. I take jobs everynow and then, I like to do graphic design andpromotion, but for the most part, I publish mybooks and travel the country.”

Ott now makes his home in the creativehotbed of Austin, Texas, where he says “thatyou can't swing a dead cat without hitting anactor, musician or person with a video cam-era.”

While the poet makes the world his stageand Austin his home, he still harbors fondmemories of his time in Bakersfield.

“I didn't know it then, but back then wehad a vibrant little scene. I think beingpinned down and held in check just makesyou want to lash out and be heard even morestrongly than ever.”

In closing, Ott advises readers: “If youwant more info on what I've been up to, justsearch for 'Big Poppa E' on Wikipedia. That'smy stage name.”

www.brokenword.org/

Bakersfield nativedoes spoken wordfor a living & livesto tell the tale

Poppa Poetry ManPHOTOS BY MATT MUNOZ

Above: Eirik Ott makes an impromptu appearance at Barnes & Noble in Bakersfield during a weekly open mic night on sept. 8.

BAKOTOPIA 7

09

By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor

S top right there!Before you turn the page, your friends atBakotopia have decided to get you prepped

for Bakersfield Oktoberfest on October 3. No onelikes to be out of der loop!

Let's start with some Oktoberfest history…Oktoberfest is the biggest festival in Germany

and is held over 16 days leading up to the first Sun-day in October. The first Oktoberfest was held inMunich on October 18, 1810 to commemorate thewedding of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig (laterKing Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hild-burghausen. The festival has survived wars andeven David Hasselhoff during the reunification ofGermany in '89. From there, you're going to have todo your own history sleuthing - it gets way too tech-nical for party purposes.

Get plenty of rest the night before…Since our Oktoberfest is cut down to one day,

you'll have a lot of areas to cover. Get a full night'srest - and study the follwing lesson on how to makemost of your Oktoberfest experience.

Get your party posse together…A party is always better with a large group on the

same mission. Make a list of the funnest peopleyou know and make it an all day thing. Everyonecan share the tab, and there's always the one crazyfriend that will keep you in the mood all day.

Oktoberfest buzz words...Every cultural festival has its share of wild

expressions, Greeks say “Opa”, Jews say “Mazel

tov”, and Mexicans say “Orale'!” Here's a short listof German buzz words to help you annoy yourneighbor while swigging from your Das Boot stein:

• Prost! - “Cheers!”• Wunderbar! - “Wonderful!” • Nix da! - “No Way!”• Ja! - “Yeah!”• Danke! - “Thank You!”• Auf Wiedersehen! “Farewell!”• Achtung! - “Attention!”• Raus! - “Out!”

Look Oktoberfab…This isn't a summertime, flip-flop, shorts, slob

fest, it's Oktoberfest! Get into the spirit, and sportsome lederhosen - the shorts with suspenders anda hat with a feather in it. Ladies in lederhosen areguaranteed sexiness if cut the “right way”, so doyour research and make some yourself, or buysome online and get ready for the million photosyou will be posing for all day. You're guaranteed tobe an instant hit.

Learn to polka…While you might not have time to learn a full Ger-

man polka, do a Google search and you're sure tofind link or videos on how to do it right with somebasic steps and not flop around like a piece ofsoggy strudel. Remember fellas, the way to awoman's heart just might be through the eroticpower of der polka!

Moderation, friend…The Oktoberfest gates open at 3pm and close at

10pm, that gives you approximately 7 hours to getyour most righteous fill and groove on. We suggestyou try the various foods, in between the cold brewyou crave. Drink water throughout the day too, it'llhelp keep things in proper “balance”.

Keep things fun and have a designated driver…Safety is the key to having a good time. Make

sure everyone's got a smile goin' and that you havea designated driver. If you have a sober party goer,ask them to keep tabs on key chains. That way youcan reminisce about doing the polka the next morn-ing, and plan for next year!

NOW YOU’RE READY! TURN DER PAGE!

COURTESY PHOTOSAbove: The real Oktoberfest in Germany.


2009 OktoberfestSurvival Guide

BAKOTOPIA 8


A chtung, baby! Oktoberfest is coming!You read correctly, Germany’s annual 16-day festi-val of food, music, dancing and Bavarian brewhaha

is making its way to Bakersfield for one day only. Grab your lederhosen and get ready to celebrate with

your friends and family on Saturday, Oct. 3, at StramlerPark. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. and last until 10p.m.. This great event is brought to you by Bakotopia andUgly Duck Marketing of Bakersfield.

An idea years in the making for freunds (friends) andUgly Duck colleagues — Cory Jenkins and Kevin Harrer —the two decided it was time to start a new local culturaltradition.

“Bakersfield’s so culturally diverse. We have theBasque picnic, Greek food festival, Cinco de Mayo, so whynot an Oktoberfest,” said Jenkins of the inspirationbehind the duo’s plan to add a German heritage festival tothe annual list of successful celebrations. “We wanted tokick this off last year, but decided to wait until the timewas right.”

Fellow organizer, Harrer, excitedly echoes Jenkinsenthusiasm as an experienced “Oktoberfester” himself.

“I’ve been to a couple Oktoberfests held in Californiathat are huge,” he said. “My parents have even been toMunich, Germany to celebrate. One thing we all agreedupon after our experiences are that everyone gets alongreally well, and the look and feel of the event is great.Plus, the real Oktoberfest ends in Germany the day afterours on Oct. 4.”

Well said, especially since Bakersfield never turnsdown a reason to party.

“Since we made the announcement, people are gettingreally excited,” said Jenkins of the public’s immediateresponse. “Locals with German surnames are alreadymaking requests on beer and food. We’re also encourag-ing people to dress up and have some fun with this.”

Jenkins’ “dress-up” statement refers to the traditionalgarb seen at a real Oktoberfest.

Lederhosen, which means “leather trousers” — tradi-tional Germanic work attire consisting of shorts with sus-penders and worn with a variety of shirts, hats and shoes.

Original lederhosen were made of leather and aren’t ascommon in the workplace as they were back in the day,but can be seen on festive occasions. (Think of the guysin the Ricola throat lozenge commercials, and you’ll getthe picture.)

Women are also known to sport men’s lederhosen, butcan opt to go a more feminine route with a dress called aDirndl (bodice, blouse, full skirt, and apron).

Either way, festival goers are asked to spice it up, cre-ate your own style, or make it sexy like our lovely Bako-topia cover girls - Jennifer and Devon. Who knows? Youmight even win a prize!

“There will be a contest for best dressed at the event,”smiled Harrer, who looks forward to seeing some peculiarsights himself.

Now that you have your outfit planned out,what's next? Get your belly ready, because the menu will be a mix of

both the authentic and American variety - courtesy of localcatering businesses, sure to please even the most ardentAustrian.

“There will be a big Bavarian menu,” said Jenkins.He’s not joking either. Try pronouncing these delicacies

you’ll find at Bakersfield Oktoberfest on Oct.3: MuncherWeisswurste, Nurnberge Rostbratwurstl, Schweinebraten,and Riesenbrwurst — all sausage and beef recipes withthat authentic kick, plus potatoes, cabbage, sauerkrautand more!

And what goes great with rich foods? Ice cold brews towash it down and make room for more. After all, an Okto-berfest without beer would be a serious party foul.

“We have four labeled beers direct from Germany, pluslocally there’s Lengthwise, BJ’s, Kern River — all brewingOktoberfest and fall seasonal ales,” said Harrer of thefine flavors being sold and served in a souvenir Das Bootbeer stein. “But it's not just a drinking festival, so partakein all the festivities to get the full experience.”

To help you keep up the whole day, organizers havedone their homework to supply the Oktoberfest with com-petitions like the “Stein Carrying Contest,” the “SteinHolding Contest,” and to keep your feet from gettingweary — “The Red River Dutchmen,” a real live polkaband.

Just make sure you practice your balance - have you

seen polka dancing? It ain’t no disco. You can also mellowout with the soulful pop grooves of Soulajar — sure tohelp keep you nice and mellow during party breaks.

That's a pretty good deal for a $5 advanced adultadmission or $10 at the gate. Or if you're really feeling themood — you can also buy special party packs at $35 pre-sale or $40 at the door. Each party pack consists of oneadmission ticket, two drink tickets, a 1-liter traditionalOktoberfest stein or Das Boot stein, and a gourmet meal.

Before we forget, we must remind you that this event isfor adults 21 & over only, sorry kiddos.

“Kids have the Kern County Fair, and adults have Okto-berfest,” said Jenkins.

Like other local events of its kind, the first annualBakersfield Oktoberfest is giving a portion of allproceeds to M.A.R.E. (Mastering Abilities RidingEquines), a therapeutic organization that helpsthe disabled through horseriding and otherequine-related activities.

“M.A.R.E lost about $70,000 worth ofgrants cut by the state,” explained Harrer.“We're hoping this will help replenish some ofthose funds.”

Picture yourself under a real Oktoberfest tentwith other party goers, complete with lights, anddecorations. It's Bako-bonding at its finest andthere's no excuse for not jumping in to join the all-day fest. And remember - party hardy, but alwayshave a designated driver.

“Since most of us can't travel to Munich,we're bringing Munich to Bakersfield,” saidHarrer. “We're offering everyone some-thing fun to do in town and would like tosee it keep building for years to come”.

Wunderbar!

For more info on Bakersfield Oktober-fest, visit their official website:

www.bakersfieldoktoberfest.comEnter to win a FREE Bakersfield Oktober-fest party pack! Visit:

www.bakotopia.com for details!

Get ready for a new local tradition starting Oct. 3rd at Stramler Park!

PHOTOS BY OMAR ZAMUDIO / WWW.OMARZAMUDIO.COM

Pictured on the coverr, from left: Devon Cera & Jennifer Hungerford (also pictured at right)

BAKOTOPIA 9

disco. You can also mellows of Soulajar — sure toduring party breaks. a $5 advanced adultOr if you're really feeling theial party packs at $35 pre-arty pack consists of oneets, a 1-liter traditionalstein, and a gourmet meal.emind you that this event iskiddos.Fair, and adults have Okto-

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BAKOTOPIA 10


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SEPT. 17Foster & Friends - LIVE!BRyder's 7401 White Ln.8:30 p.m. / 21+ / $3397-7304

Karaoke (Every Thurs. & Sun.)The Belvedere3090 Brundage Ln.9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139

“Most Fab Story Ever Told”The Empty Space 706 Oak St. (ALSO SAT.)$15-$10 / 8 pm / 327-PLAY

SEPT. 18Dramarama - LIVE!BRyder's, 7401 White Ln.8:30 p.m. / 21+/397-7304

The Subterraneans - LIVE!Fishlips, 1517 18th St.9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557

Sunday Snake Oil - LIVE!The Belvedere (also Sat.)3090 Brundage Ln.9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139

Glenda Robles Band - LIVE!Pyrenees Café601 Sumner St.8 p.m. / 21+ / 323-0053

SEPT. 19Gov't Mule w/ CarnieFox Theater, 2001 H St.8 p.m. / $28.50

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

“Most Fab Story Ever Told”The Empty Space 706 Oak St. (ALSO SAT.)$15-$10 / 2 pm / 327-PLAY

Thee Majestics - LIVE!“35th Anniversary”Le Corusse Rouge4647 White Lane9 p.m. / 21+ / 834-1611

“Bon Fire” AC/DC TributeFishlips, 1517 18th St.9 p.m. / 21+ / $15324-2557

3 Bad Jacks, Iron Outlaws &more! Burlesque dancers &pin-up contest!Narducci's Café622 E. 21st St.9 pm / $10 / 21+ /324-2961

“B Town Blues Fest”Sonny Landreth,Soul of John Black, & moreCSUB Amphitheatre3:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.$40 - $20 / 17 & UnderFREE! 831-3100

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Gears of War 2 TourneyGamestor, East Hills Mall12 p.m. / $10 / All Ages871-7900 (for info)www.gamestor.com

Near Miss Mallet - LIVE!Mama Hillybeans426 E. Tehachapi Blvd.Tehachapi, CA.7 p.m. / $5 / 822-BEAN

HeroesAreForever,GenocideAftermath,Adalia, & MollyHartlyThe Gate2010 “O” St.7 p.m. / $7 / All Ages

Major League Improv(Every Sat.)The Empty Space706 Oak St..6 p.m. / 327 - PLAY

Usual Suspects - LIVE!Pyrenee's Café601 Sumner St.2-6p.m. / 21+ / 323-0053

SEPT. 21

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Monday Night Football Nite!Big screen TV, $8 buffetw/ ESPN Radio!Fishlips, 1517 18th St.5 p.m. / 21+

SEPT. 22

Mac Attack's Karaoke (Every Tues., Wed., Fri.)The Junction2620 Buck Owens Blvd.8 p.m. / 21+ / 327-9651

SEPT. 23Phil Vassar - LIVE!Budweiser PavilionKC Fairgrounds8 p.m. / FREE / All Ages

W.E.E.D. WednesdayFishlips, 151718th St.4 - 9p.m. /$5 dinner specials*Travis Byler live at 8 p.m.

SEPT. 24MÁS Magazine presents… Tower of Power - LIVE!Budweiser PavilionKC Fairgrounds8 p.m. / FREE / All Ages

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Kama Ruby - LIVE!Metro Galleries, 1604 19thSt., 7:30 p.m. / $10Call: 634-9598

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SEPT. 25Billy RussellPyrenees Café, 601 SumnerSt., 8 p.m. / 21+ / 323-0053

“Most Fab Story Ever Told”The Empty Space706 Oak St. (ALSO SAT.)$15-$10 / 8 pm / 327-PLAY

Mento Buru - LIVE!The Cellar Door101 W Main St.Visalia, CA / 9 p.m. / 21+ 559-636-9463

AKA - LIVE!The Belvedere (also Sat.)3090 Brundage Ln.9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139

Backup Johnny - LIVE!Fishlips, 1517 18th St.9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557

SEPT. 26Mento Buru w/DJ Mikey!BRyder's 7401 White Ln.9 p.m. / 21+ / $5397-7304

PONG661 Beer Pong!Fishlips, 1517 18th St.1 p.m. / 21+ / $30

The Afterparty - LIVE!Fishlips, 1517 18th St.9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557

“Band Razor”BECA Fundraiserw/ local bands!Le Corusse Rouge4647 White Lane6 p.m. (all ages until 9 p.m.)$5 / 834-1611

BE GOOD HUMANS!

Usual Suspects - LIVE!Pyrenees Café601 Sumner St.2-6 p.m. / 21+ / 323-0053

SEPT. 28Hanson - LIVE!Budweiser PavilionKC Fairgrounds8 p.m. / FREE / All Ages

SEPT. 29Rick Springfield - LIVE!Budweiser PavilionKC Fairgrounds8 p.m. / FREE / All Ages

SEPT. 30W.E.E.D. WednesdayFishlips, 151718th St.

4 - 9p.m. /$5 dinner specials

*Travis Byler live at 8 p.m.

ENTER TO WIN OKTOBER-FEST PARTY PACKS AT:WWW.BAKOTOPIA.COM

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SPOTLIGHT

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BAKOTOPIA 12


COURTESY PHOTOAbove: Three Chord Whore

PHOTOBY TODD POWERS / FOXGLOVE PHOTOGRAPHYAbove: Destroy The Throne featuring Nyoka Jameson (center).

By Jen Raven, Bakotopia.com contributor

This Razor cuts both ways: Get ready for thefirst ever “Band Razor” at Le CorusseRouge!

More than just your average fundraiser, thisfantastic fusion of artwork and music will haveyou seeing red with hot live music onstage andhot new artwork on the patio. The show takesplace on Sept. 26 at Le Corusse Rouge, 4647White Lane, kicking off at 6 p.m.

Bakersfield Emerging Contemporary Artistsmember and creator of the “Band Razor” Aman-da Rosado says, “I love the local band scene.I’ve recently become more involved in the localvisual art scene, and I would love to mesh thetwo together.... I want to help these bandsbecome more well-known around town, whilealso helping BECA to become a nonprofit.”

BECA, or Bakersfield Emerging ContemporaryArtists, is adding new members with each regu-lar meeting and is working toward its 501(c)3nonprofit status.

“As a legal nonprofit, we’d be able to do somuch more as a club for the arts community,”says BECA President Nyoka Jameson.

The Band Razor event will take place Satur-day, Sept. 26, starting at 6 pm and will featurethe musical stylings of local acts, Three ChordWhore, Luckystiff, Tribal Alliance, Trading Com-pany, Skin Reaper, Destroy the Throne, and Side-ways.

Original artwork displayed on the patio will

include the works of BECA visual artists and willbe available for sale starting at 1 p.m. The $5cover at the door will help BECA with the legalexpenses that are part of filing for a 501(c)3nonprofit status.

Are there plans for more Band Razor eventsin the future? You bet!

Says Amanda, “My plan for future BandRazors is to get everyone in on this.... We are allpart of this local arts scene, and I want to helpset the example; that we all need to worktogether and help one another out.”

Many of the bands involved in this fund-raiserare of the same mind.

Destroy the Throne, a newer band to thescene, has been community minded from thestart.

“Our very first show together was part of afundraiser and memorial service,” says leadvocalist Nyoka. “Of course, we are part of thisfundraiser in support of BECA. But we also justlove Le Corusse Rouge. It's one of our favoriteplaces to perform.”

“Band Razor”Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White LaneSaturday, Sept. 26Starts at 6 p.. (21 and over after 9 p.m.)$5 cover to help benefit BECA Visit: www.beca.ws for more info

Band fundraiser in SW Bako is about art scene unity on 9/26.

Raze The Rouge!

BAKOTOPIA 13


By Gabriel Ramirez, Bakotopia.com contributor

As we wait anxiously for the latest chapter of “Heroes” to take flight at itsnew time slot 8 p.m.Sept. 21 on NBC, let’s re-cap previous volumes...

Volume 1: Genesis, they derailed a ploy to blow up New York.

Volume 2: Generations, they prevented the released of a lethal virus.

Volume 3: Villains, they fought against their inner darkness.

Volume 4: Fugitives, they took on the U.S. government.

Now in Volume 5: “Redemption,” NBC’s “Heroes” are seeking redemption,but is the title of the fifth volume also meant as a reboot or final attempt tosave the series?

Let’s be honest with ourselves and first admit that the last two volumes of“Heroes” were filled with inconsistent plot development, remedial writing anda method of story telling that no longer resembled the award nominated Vol-ume 1.

I will admit that I will be a fan of “Heroes” until the series finale, but what dowe have to look forward to this volume?

When we last left our “Heroes,” they were being hunted down like animals,or more like the X-Men — but let’s not even go there.

In the last volume, we were promised the ‘real’ death of one of the mainheroes, and, well, we got the death of Nathan Petrelli, sort of, but then saw him

resurrected as Sylar was forced to take Nathan’s form and with his clairsen-tience ability also absorb all of Nathan’s memories, therefore becomingNathan and, in a way, meaning that Nathan is not completely dead.

In “Redemption,” we will see the Nathan/Sylar persona begin to recovermemories that not even Nathan remembered, while at the same time Sylar willhaunt Matt Parkman who is responsible for the body switch.

On the Bennett front, we will see our indestructible Claire going to college inan attempt to show that our “Heroes” are trying to go back to living a normallife, which I think they have been trying to do since Volume 2.

One of the more interesting components of the new season will be the Car-nival, a band of super-powered people who feel they don’t have to hide theirabilities. The Carnival highlights the question being brought up by the writersthis volume: Should you live a lie or accept the reality you have been dealt?

New to this season are Sam, an earth-manipulator and head of the Carni-val, played by Robert Knepper; Lydia, a clairvoyant played by Dawn Olivieri, andEdgar, a speedster, and knife thrower played by Ray Park, who you mightremember as Toad from X-Men and Darth Maul from The Phantom Menace.

All in all, the season is once again promising us a return to the “Heroes” weremember from Volume 1, and I personally am keeping my fingers crossed.

I hear once again Monica Dawson, everyone's favorite muscle mimic, willnot be joining the cast but tons of surprises are in store for fans. Enjoy!

nbc.com/Heroes

Could this be the end of TV's former king of prime-time sci-fi?

‘Heroes’ Returns’

BAKOTOPIA 14


How to get your stuff inBakotopia Magazine Follow these steps and you are in - it’s so easy! Best local promotion in town!


Follow these steps and you are in, it’s so easy! YOU BECOME THE MEDIA! The web is buzzing with good stories and blogs about everyday life in Bakers-field and the surrounding areas, and readers want you to share! 1) Get your ideas together: a story, event, photos, band, show, food review -ANYTHING FLOATING AROUND YOUR MIND & COMMUNITY IS COOL!2) Start writing to your heart’s content!3) 400-500 words will do, but if you’re on a roll, keep writing, or if it’s short andsweet, go ahead and submit it online or via e-mail!4) Don’t worry about being the best writer out there - we’ll help you with editing.5) Make sure to include a high-res photo or graphic to accompany your piece. Ifyou don't have one, we'll find one for you!

Helpful tips...Get your stuff in before deadlines so we can make adjustments, if necessary!Events posted on www.bakotopia.com get priority placement in the print cal-endar!Sign-up for your free profile at www.bakotopia.com, to get regular e-blastsabout upcoming happenings, news flashes, contests, and more to stay in the

loop!

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web views can’t be wrong!

Wanna advertise with Bako? Best rates in town, call: 661-716-8640

UPCOMING PRINT DEADLINES / FOR ISSUE RUN DATES:

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If you have any ideas or feedback, or need some help with story development,

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e-mail: [email protected]

BAKOTOPIA 15



Bakersfield’s adopted funky family is com-ing back to visit.

Bay Area’s finest — Tower of Power— will be appearing at the KC Fair’s BudweiserPavilion, on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. Theconcert is free with fair admission.

Horn-heavy creators of “The OaklandStroke,” along with classics like, “You’re Still AYoung Man,” “What is Hip?” and “Soul Vaccina-tion” among others — T.O.P.’s live show is amust for local music fans.

With 16 studio albums, numerous compila-tions and imports, and live albums under theircollective belt, Tower Of Power, or T.O.P., havemaintained their loyal following. And much liketheir SF musical brethren, Santana, Tower OfPower continues to keep their creative pulsepounding by recording and performing regularlyto sold-out crowds everywhere.

Scoring a big break after auditioning for SanFrancisco artistic visionary, Bill Graham, duringthe heyday of the famed Fillmore West in the1960’s, the band entered The Bay Area’s psy-chedelic music scene as young innovators.Who would have thought a band of soul musicplaying teenagers could infiltrate the “FlowerPower” masses of the Vietnam-era with sophisticated musical and funkystyles, beyond anything “The Godfather of Soul,” James Brown, had ever com-posed?

That was over 40 years ago, and the band hasn’t slowed down one bit.

This past April, T.O.P. released their latestCD, “The Great American Soulbook,” a collec-tion of soul classics, performed by the bandand some special guests.

UK soulstress Joss Stone, Tom Jones,rhythm & blues legend Sam Moore, and HueyLewis all lent their voices to the project. Somesongs included on the disc are, “I Thank You,”“It Take Two,” “Mr. Pitiful,” and “634-5789.”Looking at the disc’s liner notes, recording ses-sions also included keyboardist George Duke,and original guitarist Bruce Conte. All packedwith the T.O.P. touch, “The Great American Soul-book,” is a fitting tribute to their musical inspi-rations as well as a reminder that no one doesfunkier than Tower.

Tower of Power’s present line-up includes:Castillo — tenor sax, Stephen “Doc” Kupka —baritone sax, Francis “Rocco” Prestia — bass,David Garibaldi — drums, Larry Braggs — leadvocals, Roger Smith — keyboards, Tom E.Politzer — first tenor sax, alto sax, Adolfo Acos-ta — trumpet, Michael Bogart — lead trumpet,and Mark Harper — guitar.

The annual KC Fair Tower of Power show canbest be described as a sort of “reunion night”for attendees. Along with dancing along to allthe classic hits, taking a look around you’re

bound to see old friends, musicians, and families with kids, all bouncing intune.

It just goes to show, the power of “Tower!”www.towerofpower.com

Tower of Power - LIVE!Presented by MAS Magazine-Thursday, September 24-8 p.m.-KC Fair Budweiser PavilionAdmission free with fair admission-www.kerncountyfair.com

Tower of Power facts• The band was originally knownas The Motowns, before chang-ing it to the “hipper” Tower of Power during a recordingsession in Hayward, Calif.• James Brown made T.O.P. record listening sessionsmandatory for his own band.•“You’re Still A Young Man,” is loosely based on a person-al experience of Castillo’s.• Bakersfield saxophonist Paul Perez recorded on ensem-ble sessions for '93’s “T.O.P.” CD.• T.O.P has continued to perform non-stop since forming in1968.• Emilio’s favorite part about performing at the fair —besides the fans — is the lengua tacos!

Bakersfield favorites return to the KC Fair on Sept. 24

The power of “Tower!”

bakotopia magazine issue 63

Documents

o t o p i

bakotopia editorbakotopialand

usual suspects

krab djs

continued support of

c o mf r e ef r e esept

ugly duck

golden years