‘Arts & Entertainment’ Articles
Written by tgrJams on 06 December 2011
C.A.S.A. Is Here for the Children
Please be there for C.A.S.A.
Russo’s Books 3rd Annual Christmas Book Drive for C.A.S.A.
Needs Your Help to Succeed!
By Thomas G. Robinson, Fake Reporter
Mi casa es tú casa. Probably one of the easiest translations of a Spanish saying to English. You see this saying all over, but usually at the entrance to someone’s home, or out on the patio by the bar-b-que pit, near the table. We know what it means, ‘my house is your house’, but we never really look at the words, or genuinely mean them right? I mean, I prefer the other well known quote, “Friends and fish both smell after three days!” Right?
But take a little closer look at the true meaning of that phrase and you’ll end up in some kind of setting like the CASA headquarters over on 24th Street. The office is always busy and they are constantly trying to get these children the help they need while they are dealing with the most “unchildish” of situations. In this case, it truly is the about “mi casa”.
You see, when kids are in an unfortunate situation where they have been listed by the courts as abused, neglected or abandoned, they become separated from their families and begin their journey through the juvenile court system. The Juvenile Court then notifies CASA , and an Advocate is assigned to their case. The Advocate evaluates the child and discusses with the judge his or her report prior to the judge making a decision. This is a great help for the judge who will now use this very important insight to decide the course of action the courts will take for the betterment of the child.
Now, going through this horrible mess at any given time of the year is not a good thing for a child. But add to that, that it’s Christmas Season, and there’s a whole new set of loneliness and a stronger sense of abandonment that they feel now, that they don’t at other times of the year.
Russo’s Books wants to help take some of the grief out of these children’s lives, if not but for a minute or two, or ten, or a couple of hours! And you can help too! How? By buying a brand new book and giving it to us to give to CASA, you will ensure that these children will not feel like they’ve been forgotten this holiday season! For some of these kids, it may even be the very first book that they can truly call their own! Something happens when you own a book. You get a sense of self worth and self esteem. You cherish it more. You may even want to read it over and over again.
We think that when children own their very own brand new book, it will not only take their minds off of the very big and awful situation they are going through, but it just may increase their wanting to embrace reading just a little more!
Our goal this year is to raise 400 books for CASA. Each child will receive one, maybe even two books from this effort. Won’t you help us?
So help CASA help these kids! Stop by Russo’s Books at The Marketplace and donate a book to a CASA Kid. Give the gift of literacy! Porque, mi casa es en realidad su casa, y me allegro de que lo es!
Tags: abuse, advocates, casa, children, christmas, donate, family, giving, help, russo's books
Posted in Activities For Kids, Arts & Entertainment, Book Reviews, Business News, Community Submitted News, Local News, Out and About | Comments Off
Written by tgrJams on 14 October 2011
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Doubt: A Parable, Poster designed by Mathey, McClure and Rodan
MATHEY DIRECTS DOUBT – ‘A MUST SEE!’ At BCT!
By Thomas G. Robinson, randomly writing
Bakersfield Community Theatre’s first main stage production for their 85th Season began last weekend with the play Doubt: A Parable, directed by Roger Mathey. The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play in 2005. Writer John Patrick Shanley originally called the play Doubt, and it originally opened off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club in November of 2004. It was a one-act play that ran about 90 minutes. When audiences left the theatre with differing opinions of the events Shanley added a second act. When the play was published in 2004, the title was changed to Doubt: A Parable.*
I found the English North American Dictionary’s definitions of the main words used in the title rather interesting in describing the kind of play you’re in for, read on:
Doubt – (transitive verb) [dowt] to think something unlikely, to feel unconvinced or uncertain about something, or think that something is unlikely. To not trust somebody or something. To suspect that somebody is not sincere or trustworthy, or that something is not true, likely, or genuine.
Parable – (noun) [párrəb’l] Moral or religious story. A short simple story intended to illustrate a moral or religious lesson. Story ascribed to Jesus Christ. A parable that appears in the Bible, as told by Jesus Christ.
With definitions so succinct, so definitive of the characters in the play, it’s only right that you feel like you’re in for something much more than your regular drama. This play holds your attention, keeps you wondering who is right, who’s at fault and what if… just what if the accusations are wrong… What if there is doubt?
I was taken aback when I learned that Mathey had agreed to direct this play. Not that he’s not a great director (which he clearly is), it was just strange to me since I know he just finished wrapping up a huge production in Los Angeles. Roger spent a good portion of the year writing, planning, successfully fundraising and networking for a show called You Make Me Physically Ill (a well received production that was given rave reviews by several Los Angeles theatre magazines).
When I asked him why he was so interested in directing this play, having just come off of a long production in Los Angeles, he responded, “Directing Doubt came up way before You Make Me Physically Ill”, adding, “Sheila (McClure, Director of Shows at BCT) asked me awhile ago and I committed. She showed me a list of the shows that were planned for the next season and out of all of them I wanted Doubt. I wanted to keep it simple in scope.”
And so he did. The set is black box, but on a much larger scale. It is dark and demure. With it you get a little hint of Catholicism with the stained glass and pulpit, and Sister Aloysius’ office is exactly how you would imagine it to be. Cold. Uninviting. Unmerciful. Or is it?
Mathey has directed many plays in his vast career under his production company (Seat of Your Pants Productions), and has won some prestigious awards in Los Angeles, so it is no mistake that he knows how to put a cast together. He has managed to round up some of Bakersfield’s biggest talents for this production – Brian Sivesind, Barbara Gagnon, Ellie Sivesind and Althea Williams; all cast to perfection.
The two most notable are veterans of the local theatrical scene. Brian is the Executive Director at The Empty Space Theatre (a venue he founded in 2003 and just recently returned to the helm), and Barbara has been seen in various productions around town entertaining us for several years, never failing to shine. For this show, Barbara was able to win the role over many talented actresses who auditioned. When watching her in this production, it’s easy to see why.
Sivesind was pre-cast for this show by Mathey months before he set up auditions. This practice is usually frowned upon by actors who feel that it’s not a fair shake, to be left out of the opportunity to be a part of an intensely popular production. It’s an option that, if taken, had better be a call that is a connection from actor to character that an audience will consider a sure thing! It’s a risk not too many directors will take. However, when you watch Doubt, you can see that Sivesind’s portrayal of Father Flynn as a shaken, frustrated and overwhelmed priest on the wrong end of the constant accusations beset upon him by Sister Aloysius, why Mathey wanted him in this role.
“I precast Brian for multiple reasons”, Roger explained, “First, he is a tremendous actor, and as the Executive Director for The Empty Space Theatre, it’s good for BCT in relations. As for the women, there was real talent that read for the role of Sister Aloysius”
Brian has had some great roles over the years in Bakersfield, but who can forget his stirring performance in I Am My Own Wife, a one-man show that he did a few years ago at the Spotlight Theatre that simply blew me, and everyone around me, away. I can remember watching him become this person who, if you know Brian, is completely outside of him; he was engulfed in the character.
The night I saw the play, at the end, the standing ovation and thunderous applause he received was overwhelmingly delivered from a very enthusiastic and appreciative audience, and was so richly deserved. Where does one go from a performance like that?
I asked him why Father Flynn… Why now? “This role means a lot to me. It’s about people’s conclusions to situations when they don’t even have all the information”, Brian continues, “It’s a never-ending cycle, even if it’s not true”.
I noticed that he really looked good on stage, comfortable. He says, “It’s been over a year since I’ve been on stage, it’s time. The last time I performed at BCT was in 2003 in The Grapes of Wrath”.
Roger has no regrets on his casting choices, “I cast Barbara and Ellie because I’ve never worked with them before. I’ve been very lucky! All four actors are very talented. There is no weak link.”
One would doubt that Mathey will attempt to mirror anything done in the film version either. “I never saw it”, he says, “I refused to watch it. I wanted to wait until this play was done with before I see it.
It is my opinion, given the choices of theatrical productions in town, if you decide you want to view a show where it seems like all the planets have lined up to create the ‘just right’ mix of actors in a ‘just right’ script from a ‘just right’ director, there clearly is no doubt that this play would be the ‘just right’ thing to do.
Doubt runs at the Bakersfield Community Theatre for two more weeks. Tonight and Saturday at 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:30 PM) and Sunday at 2:00 PM, (doors open at 1:30 PM). Tickets are $15 for Adults and $12.00 for Senior Citizens, Students (with valid school ID) and Military (with an Armed Forces ID). Call 831.8114 for more information or to make reservations.
*** If you’ve read this far, you’re in luck! This weekend only, BCT is presenting BLACK FRIDAY, BLACK SATURDAY AND BLACK SUNDAY! Mention that you heard about their Black (fill in the day) Deal, and you’ll get a Buy One, Get One FREE deal for Adult tickets! That’s two tickets (a $30 value) for $15.00! Students, don’t feel left out. The same mention gets you in for HALF PRICE! That’s right. Mention the Black (Day) at the box-office and your $12.00 ticket becomes $6.00!
Go see Doubt: A Parable – This year’s MUST SEE production!
*Information provided by Wikipedia – Doubt: A Parable

Doubt: A Parable, Poster designed by Mathey, McClure and Rodan
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Community Submitted News, Local News, Out and About, Play Reviews | Comments Off
Written by Laura on 18 September 2011
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Community Submitted News, Local News, Out and About | Comments Off
Written by Laura on 18 September 2011


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 13, 2011 • CSUB ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Contact: Corey Costelloe (ccostelloe1@csub.edu) • 661.654.6071 (office) • 661.972.0932 (cell)
Golden Empire McDonald’s Operators Sign Corporate
Sponsorship with CSUB Athletics
Famous ‘Golden Arches’ to Appear on New Blue Floor in Icardo Center
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-Nelligan Sports Marketing along with CSU Bakersfield Athletics has announced a new multi-year, six-figure corporate
partnership with McDonald’s, the first major corporation to join the Roadrunners under their new relationship with Nelligan.
The deal with the independently-owned and operated group of McDonald’s restaurants, is one of the largest corporate sponsorships to date
for Roadrunner Athletics and will include some very visible pieces, most notably, McDonald’s famous ‘Golden Arches’ logo on CSUB’s one-ofa-
kind blue playing surface being installed today in the Icardo Center.
“It’s a natural fit, to bring McDonald’s and the golden arches together with the Roadrunners and our commitment to being ‘The New Gold
Standard’ in Division I athletics,” said CSUB Athletic Director Jeff Konya. “This is a great partnership, we thank Nelligan for their work and are
really excited to work with McDonald’s immediately.”
McDonald’s will also be the title sponsor of the ‘Roadrunner Kids Club’ for the young fans of CSUB. Also, beginning in 2012, McDonald’s will
be the title sponsor of the Roadrunner Golf Classic, with proceeds benefitting both CSUB student-athletes and the Ronald McDonald House
in Bakersfield. CSUB Athletics will also focus a major portion of their countless community service hours to helping the families at Ronald
McDonald House as well.
“Forging a long-term agreement with a company like McDonald’s is a reflection of ‘The New Gold Standard’ that we all believe in,” said Tim
Statezni, Nelligan Sports’ General Manager for CSU Bakersfield. “McDonald’s has shown their dedication to CSUB Athletics and in turn, we
will provide them with unmatched opportunities to reach not only our students, faculty and alumni but the community as a whole”.
McDonald’s partnership with the Roadrunners will not only focus on their outstanding food and service, but also on healthy eating habits and
the importance of being active.
“McDonald’s is a first-class organization and it means a lot for them to partner with CSUB Athletics in such a meaningful way,” said Konya.
“We look forward to all aspects of this relationship playing out for the Roadrunners, our fans and the good people and employees of the
McDonald’s franchises in Kern County.”
~www.GoRunners.com~
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Community Submitted News, Local News, Local Sports | Comments Off
Written by Laura on 18 September 2011
NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, BAKERSFIELD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern announces 11th community read
Sept. 13, 2010 — All of Kern County is invited to join the 11th annual community read organized by One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern. The book, “The Other Wes Moore” by Wes Moore, is part-memoir, part-biography. It’s a story of two Wes Moores growing up at the same time in the same neighborhoods, but who end up on vastly different life paths. One is a Rhodes Scholar, decorated war veteran and successful businessman. The other is serving a life sentence in prison.
The themes that resonate throughout the book can be found right here in Kern County, said Kristie Coons, coordinator of One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern. They include the importance of parenting, mentoring, education, and community in helping our youth grow up to make the right choices for success.
“We have a lot of Wes Moores in Kern County and as a community, we want to support good life outcomes for all of them,” Coons said.
Led by Kern County Library and CSU Bakersfield, the One Book committee has pulled in multiple community partners to present free programming related to the book. The read begins with a kickoff event on Sept. 20 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, followed by six weeks of expert panels, book discussions, arts events, and more.
The read culminates with the author himself giving a free talk at CSUB on Nov. 8. The author’s visit is made possible through CSUB’s Runner Reader Program, which incorporates a multicultural book for all freshmen on campus to read and share a common experience during their first year of college.
“When we first started this program, we had the author come talk to students at the end of fall quarter. Now that we’ve partnered with One Book, we get to invite the community to come onto campus as well,” said Emerson Case, CSUB English Professor and First Year Experience Coordinator.
Community members are encouraged to read the book, hold book discussions, participate in the many events related to the read, and consider becoming a mentor to local youth. People may also donate copies of “The Other Wes Moore” to disadvantaged youths. Every $10 donation puts a book in the hand of a young person in Kern County. Checks should be made out to “Friends of the Kern County Library, Inc.” with “One Book Project” in the notation line. Drop donations off at Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave.
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PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20
Kick-Off Event: The kick-off for the 2011 One Book Read of The Other Wes Moore will feature special guest speakers and local youth talent reflecting the book’s themes through dancing, dramatic readings, and testimonials. FREE. Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center Gym, 1000 S. Owens St., (661) 322-9874.
7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22
Movie Showing & Discussion: Will Smith stars in the film The Pursuit of Happyness, a moving tale inspired by the true story of a salesman struggling to build a future for himself and his young son. Like author Wes Moore, he overcame many life obstacles. FREE. East Bakersfield High School, Auditorium, 2200 Quincy Dr., (661) 871-7221.
7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23
Bakersfield High School Tribute Ceremony: The late Wes Moore, aka “The Colonel,” led the Driller band at Bakersfield High School from 1946 to 1979, influencing countless youth in positive ways. A home football game half-time tribute will honor Bakersfield’s own Wes Moore. Call for admission prices. Bakersfield High School, Griffith Field, 1241 “G” St., (661) 324-9841.
2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24
Book Discussion: Families are invited to attend an active community discussion relating the themes from The Other Wes Moore to everyday life in Lamont. FREE. Lamont Branch, 8304 Segrue Road, Lamont, (661) 854-5934.
4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4
Book Discussion: How One Decision Changed My Life – Everyone is invited to join a unique discussion centering around their one positive life-changing decision. FREE. Russo’s at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., (661) 665-1643.
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6
Town Hall Meeting: Solutions for our Children’s Future – Community leaders offer an evening of discussion and possible solutions to the obstacles to success facing local families; music and entertainment provided. FREE. Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 825 California Ave., (661) 325-1978.
10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14
Preschool Storytime/Parent Workshop: That’s How the Story Starts – Families are invited to learn tips and tricks on creating family storytimes powerful enough to help raise responsible and compassionate children. Join special guest reader and early childhood expert Wendy Wayne for a parenting workshop following the storytime. FREE. Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave., (661) 868-0745.
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11
Dramatic Readings: Moore or Less: You Get What You Give – Local actors will present an evening of dramatic readings as they interpret the story of Wes Moore. Meet/greet mixer 6 p.m., reading at 7 p.m. FREE. Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 “R” St., (661) 323-7219.
4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14
Lecture: CSUB History Dept. presents a History Forum featuring Dr. Sheila Lloyd, Asst. Prof. of English at University of Redlands. The lecture will focus on our society’s attraction to the exceptional few while holding low expectations for the majority of the population. FREE. $5 parking. CSUB Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway, (661) 654-2166.
Noon Saturday, Oct. 15
Community Festival: Join in the family fun at the Good Neighbor Festival. A community celebration and resource fair will offer vendor booths, entertainment, games, prizes and food. The festival will honor local hidden heroes of the Southeast community. FREE. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park,1000 S. Owens St., (661) 322-9874.
4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Panel Discussion: Winning Our Future – An engaging intergenerational conversation with expert community leaders in education, parenting, spiritual guidance, and law enforcement will address the societal issues which affect our lives in Kern County. FREE. Bakersfield Senior Center, 530 4th St., (661) 325-1113.
11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18
Toddler Time/Parent Workshop: Parents are invited to accompany their 18-month through 2-year-old-children for music, nursery rhymes, stories, interactive play, and a workshop featuring a local expert on pre-kindergarten readiness. FREE. Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave., (661) 868-0745.
7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18
Panel Discussion: Life Choices Panel – Local youth and law enforcement representatives from multiple agencies will tell their own stories of success, failure and redemption. FREE. Bakersfield College Fireside Room, 1801 Panorama Dr., (661) 326-3803.
3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19
Children’s Art Event: Picture Yourself – This session of Art in the Afternoon will help your child imagine their future while developing different art techniques and expanding creativity through word and collage art, supplies provided. FREE. Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave., (661) 868-0745.
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Local History Lecture: The Legacy of Friendship House – For over five decades, the Friendship House on Cottonwood Road has inspired and mentored families of Southeast Bakersfield. Friendship House pioneer, Fuchsia Ward, will tell the story of the founding of the Friendship House against the backdrop of an era of exciting political change. FREE. Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave., (661) 868-0745.
7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27
Poetry Slam: Positive Prose and Poetry: Action Through Art – What does it take to create poetry so powerful it lifts people up and out of a dark place? Local writers and poets invite the community to gather for an evening of spoken word. FREE. Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave., (661) 831-8114.
Thurs. Nov. 3 – Sun. Nov. 6
Live Theater: CSUB Theatre Dept. presents Ernest Gaines’ A Lesson Before Dying. A young man in late 1940s Cajun country facing the death penalty learns what it means to be a man. Call for performance times and admission. CSUB Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Hwy., (661) 654-3150.
7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8
Evening with the Author: CSUB presents Wes Moore, the best selling author of the unique dual biography The Other Wes Moore. Enjoy an evening of interactive conversation with book signing to follow. FREE. Parking Lot I is free after 6 p.m. CSUB Student Recreation Center Gym, 9001 Stockdale Hwy., (661) 654-2144.
Jennifer Burger (Baldwin)
Public Affairs Coordinator
California State University, Bakersfield
Connect with us at Facebook.com/csubakersfield
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Book Reviews, Community Submitted News, Local News | Comments Off
Written by One Bakersfield on 03 September 2011
Come see live theater by the Kern River! Arts Council of Kern (ACK) Board Member Margaret Lemucchi is passionate about building audiences for Bakersfield non-profit theaters. She and her husband Timothy are hosting a fundraising event at their home in Uplands of Kern to showcase the great talent of the five Bakersfield Theatres: Bakersfield Community Theatre, Bakersfield Music Theatre, The Empty Space, Spotlight Theatre, and Stars.
Tickets are $35 ($30 ACK members) per person and include hors d’oeuvres, a drink ticket, five performances and a Kern River sunset. A no-host wine bar will be available for additional drinks. Please come on Sunday, September 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Performances will take place between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.
For tickets, please call the Arts Council at 661.324.9000
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Written by tgrJams on 21 July 2011
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Poster for Super Villain, The 2nd Printing
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Michael Solko, James Kopp and Ronnie Warren in full costume!
By: Thomas G. Robinson
The time is now. The place, a busy city filled with skyscrapers, a donut shop and giant metal spiders. The people who slowly appear as the lights get brighter and the audience can now see

Michael Solko, James Kopp and Ronnie Warren in full costume!
in full view are The Remote (who uses remote control devices to bring forth some sort of revenge or attack, with a “sometimes it works” ratio), Professor Gimp (Remote’s trusty side-kick, who happens to be half robot and not really “gimpy” at all) and Teri the Tarot Card Terrorist (the cold-hearted killer who has a soft touch for The Remote).
A victim appears to be tied to a contraption that will result in painfully ending his life. Struggle as he will, there appears to be no hope for the hapless sidekick. What to do, what to do… normally the audience members would be fidgeting in their seats for some kind of hint, thinking there’s no way the wimpy character (played by Matt Christensen) is going to survive this tortuous attack. But just as we are about to believe that we are going to witness the demise of Sidekick,… who should appear in a triumphant feat of bravery? Yes, in swoops Excelsior (the Super Hero in this story, and the man who stands firm on all his beliefs, which of course are directly the opposite of The Remote!). And this is just the beginning.
We were first introduced to The Remote, a self proclaimed “Super Villain”, three years ago when actor, writer and director James Kopp brought his original three-act play to The Empty Space Theatre and hit community theatre gold! Sold Out nights, laughter galore, and explosions were the norm during the show’s initial two week run. People not only enjoyed the show in its premiere run, they kept coming back, and bringing friends! It was almost as if Bakersfield was trying to tell James something – and that something was, “I think you’ve found your audience!”
The Remote considers himself a villain so devious that he has no problem blowing up a building filled with clowns. He brags about drinking Unicorn blood, which apparently has the same effect a bottle of vodka would bring. He demands attention from his girlfriends, and then berates them continuously when they are there for him. It goes on and on, the reasons to dislike this bad guy… but, try as you might, you can’t help but root for him when he attempts to wipe the city out by detonating a hydrogen bomb he placed in the building some five years ago! Will he be able to succeed with his dasterdly plan?
This show has it all – drama, action, comedy, explosions, swearing and laughter in this play. With almost the same cast as when it was debuted, the show is a must-see for those who love dark humor and snow cones. The show stars Matt Christensen, James Kopp, Bryan Maddern, Jennie Maddern, Guinevere PHD, Michael Solko, Dallas Plater, Thomas G. Robinson and Ronnie Warren as Professor Gimp.
Super Villain!!: The 2nd Printing opens tomorrow at Bakersfield Community Theatre. Tickets on sale at BCT Box Office for $10. The show runs for four performances only! July 22, 23, 29 and 30. Doors open at 7:30 and Show starts at 8:00. BCT is located at 2400 So. Chester Avenue. Reservations are Strongly Suggested and can be made by calling 661.831.8114.
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Written by One Bakersfield on 27 May 2011
On Saturday, June 4, 2011 the CSUB Jazz Ensemble and CSUB Jazz Singers will present the final jazz concert of the academic year. The concert – Spring Fling! – will feature some of the best soloists the CSU Bakersfield Music Department has to offer. The concert starts at 8 p.m. in the Doré Theatre on the CSU Bakersfield campus. Tickets will be available 45-minutes before showtime at the door. General Admission tickets cost $10, Senior tickets are $6, Students, faculty, staff and alumni get into the event for $4 and current CSUB students get in FREE with their Runner ID.
The CSUB Jazz Singers, under the direction of Peggy Sears, will feature arrangements by Darmon Meader – from New York Voices. The astounding Meader arrangement of the Ellington classic, “Cottontail” is but one highlight of the planned concert. Vocalist Michael Redd will play the part of saxophonist Ben Webster from the original recording. Other tunes include: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, “Oh, Lady Be Good”, “Black Bird” and others. Many CSUB vocal students will be featured throughout the night, including: Anna Baker, Elizabeth Provencio, Robert Hamilton and others.
The CSUB Jazz Ensemble, led by interim director Jim Scully, will perform music by Gordon Goodwin, Thelonious Monk, Frank Mantooth and others. Many fine student soloists will be featured, including Mark Manda, Chris Nguyen, Mat Willis, Brent Williams, Todd Holliday and others.
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Written by One Bakersfield on 23 May 2011
The Todd Madigan Gallery and CSUB Art Department are proud to present “Changing of the Guard,” the class of 2011′s graduation thesis show on exhibit from May 19 to June 11. The opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Art is a tool that helps change society: it forces us to see otherwise, it enables beauty to enter into our daily lives in various ways, and it challenges our own existence. Art can deal with every issue that we as a human race encounter. Art is life.
With the retirement and departure of Mike Heivly to Virginian lands and the tragic and untimely death of George Ketterl, the Art Department’s faculty have undergone significant changes. The current senior class is one of the last groups of students who have absorbed wisdom from these two great anti-establishment professors. “Changing of the Guard” presents the final vestiges of this era.
“Changing of the Guard” gives us a sampling of what art can be.
Students included in this exhibition are: Araceli E. Arroyo, Jennifer Arvizu, Emily Becerra, Tristyn Burnett, Claudia Castellanos Fuentes, Katherine Cooksey, Joseph Cooper, Amalia Diaz, Sara Drennan, Casey Glassey, Andrew Hawley, Sarah Helms, Christopher Likins, Raul Magdaleno, Allison Mello, Anysa Saleh, Irene Santiago, Jana Schultz, Jeffery Siner, John Stumpf, Kati Vernon, Jason Watkins, and Isabel Zamora.
The Todd Madigan Gallery is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, contact gallery curator Joey Kotting at kjotting@csub.edu or 661-654-2238.
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Written by One Bakersfield on 19 May 2011

Linda Larma & Daughter’s Academe of Dance will be celebrating the studio’s 35th anniversary with their annual recital held at the Fox Theater, 2001 H St. June 6th, 7th and 8th at 7pm.
The recital will showcase over 500 dancers ages 2 years and older in Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop and Jazz
Tickets may be purchased by calling Valletix at
661-322-5200 or at the Fox
Making Little Girls Dancing Dream Come True…
Linda Larma and Daughters Academe of Dance has been teaching the joy of dance to children of Kern County since 1976. The Academe of Dance is committed to providing a family friendly environment while your child learns and grows. The professional teachers at Linda Larma’s provide age appropriate instruction with the utmost care for your child. Tiny Tots are their specialty. With a convenient Rosedale location, they are located next door to the Gaslight Melodrama. Linda Larma and Daughters Academe of Dance is the official dance studio for The Gaslight Melodrama Theater and Music Hall.
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