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

BLOOMIN’ & BOOMIN’Bako spoken word can’tbe stopped...

BLOOMIN’ & BOOMIN’Bako spoken word can’tbe stopped...

VELORIO’SNEW BI-LINGUAL BLAST

VELORIO’SNEW BI-LINGUAL BLAST

HHOOWW TTOO SSUURRVVIIVVEE CCOOMMIICC--CCOONN

HOW TO SURVIVE COMIC-CON

AUG. 20, 2009 - SEPT. 2, 2009

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor

Change has been good for Velorio.Just a year ago, the Bakersfield quintet was being watched on inter-national TV after winning SiTV’s ‘Jammin’ online band battle, and

making it to the finals broadcast. Like most new bands making a big impression early in the career, Velorio

took the experience and immediately planned their next moves, - write, tourand record.

Where their ‘07 debut EP stuck safely to experimental Latin roots, Velo-rio’s new offering takes big steps both musically and lyrically. Starting with“Nunca Cambiaras” (Never Change) to “Lights, Camera, Dissastifaction,”a tune that would make Incubus raise a shot glass, to “El Velorio,”(The Wake) harkening memories of Woodstock, this CD willmake you light another.

Simply titled, “Velorio”, it’s ready to dropon fans, and to celebrate they’re having abig party at Club Odyssey, inside The Dou-bletree Hotel on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 9 p.m.

As the world’s roc en espanol scene seemsto be taking a creative siesta by trying to imi-tate their U.S. idols, Velorio’s music reminds youof why you still wear your old Caifanes T-shirt. Youcan’t bring back the dead, but you can restassured that within the armies of bands spinningtheir wheels - there is hope in the Valle Central. Takethat Vive Latino!

Bakotopia sat down with the multi-instrumentalband that includes: Alvaro Caceres - lead vocals, guitar,trumpet; Ben Gomez - bass, vocals; Eric Powers - keys,vocals; Adrian Nevarez - drums, keys; and Jason Blakely -drums, bass, to find about their latest journey.

Velorio has gone through some lineup changes since the last time wespoke. How much has it affected your sound and mindset as an artist try-ing to make it happen?

V: Through the addition of Jason and Adrian, who are excellent, trainedmusicians we have taken our sound to a new musical level. The musician-ship and performance aspects are at a place that we’ve never beforeaccomplished and we look forward to everyone experiencing this.

How was the recent trip to Chicago?V: The audiences were captivated, everyone enjoyed it. We’re planning

another trip back soon. Before one of the shows, and armed with head-phones and an iPod, a couple of us walked around and had people listen tothe album. Twenty-five people followed us back to the show. We played Fies-ta del Sol, a street fair with over a million people in attendance over thecourse of four days, a private and intimate show atmosphere at Black GateStudios, and a good old bar show at The Cobra Lounge, a place with 365days of live music. This trip would not have been possible were it not for ourmanager Claudia Guerrero with Chicle Atomico.

How does it make you feel being a Bakersfield band being watched attimes by the whole world?

V: It freaks Adrian out. We’ve spent the last 2 1/2 years attempting tomake what you say a reality. Jason says, “It’s humbling. We’re flattered thatpeople take the time to hear and really listen to what it is we’re making avail-able. We’ve spent a long time working out parts and perfecting the sound toa point where we’re extremely proud of what has come of it, and are excitedto be sharing it with the world.”

What can fans look forward to with your new CD?V: The sound of Velorio has matured quite a bit from the EP, which was

recorded in a garage by three people. The LP is a culmination of five distinctpeople from different backgrounds conglomerating into a cohesive collabo-ration of style and taste, recorded in a professional studio in LA.

What were some of standout moments recording this record?V: We recorded the album at Veneto West with Ronan “Chris” Murphy, a

man with several hundred albums under his belt (Tool, Los Lobos, etc). He’snot just a rock producer; he’s worked on Latin music, popmusic, and most notably, world music. While recording, wehad several points when we were all recording simultane-ously; a percussion party, a shaker party, and a pedalparty. Magic was in the air and on the floor. The processof Ronan’s recording made it feel like we were hangingout with friends and having a good time.

What do you have in store for the fans on Aug.29?

V: If you enjoy music and like to move your body,this show is where you need to be. We’re veryexcited to share the stage with Get Up Get Downfor their last show in town, with Mento Buru, thepioneers of Latin music in Bakersfield, andThe Natural Movement, the sickest hip-hopact in town. Our goal for this release show is

to provide a showcase of different genres in townfor everyone to see.

Any freaky band-bonding rituals?V: We can’t tell you; you must be shown.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?V: We’re looking into playing several shows in Baja California; crossing

the border is what our music craves. We’ve been talking to several promot-ers and our manager regarding a west coast tour from Texas to Washingtonin the spring, the Bay Area and surrounding areas.

Latin rock’s earliest traces go back to Santana’s debut at Woodstock40 years ago this August. If you could go back in a time machine - how doyou think Velorio would do at the same festival?

V: We would have physically exploded if we played that show with San-tana. Woodstock would have been crazy; nearly unfathomable. The peoplewatching probably would have been tripped out. It would have changed ourlives; Alvie probably would have been assassinated, Ben would have goneinto a coma, only to wake up in the 80s saying “what happened to music?”Adrian would have sold the script of “Ghostbusters,” making him an instantmillionaire, Eric would have bet one of his friends he could start a religion,write a book and now have movie stars following him, and Jason would be ina movie with Jamie Foxx.

Would you try the infamous “brown acid” they warned people not totake at Woodstock?

V: Wouldn’t you?

On the web: www.veloriomusic.comVelorio CD Release Party!w/Mento Buru, The Natural Movement, Get Up Get Down-Aug. 29th-Club Odyssey @ The Doubletree- 3100 Camino Del Rio Court 93308-9 p.m. / $10 / 21+ / Info & Pre-Sale Tix: 472-8378

Vive Velorio!Local Latin prog-rockers hit back with strong follow-up - CD party 8/29!

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

E D I TO R ’S N OT E

Matt Muñoz,Bakotopia Editor

When was the last time you sat down and had an actual unforced, faceto face, conversation?With all the cellphones, smartphones, Twittering, etc. ... Real human

interaction is slowly getting fazed out. Sad, but truly the effect of too much tech-nology.

Our cover gal and spoken-word artist, Ginn Williams, is all about making hervoice heard and not afraid to use it to get your attention.

I met Ginn for the first time at a Refresh Rhyme Scheme spoken-word night atSandrini’s not long ago. She stepped onstage commanding attention with anewly published book of poetry called, “Epic.” She smiled, then launched into apiece titled, “You’s a Fat B***h!” - a poem about being big, beautiful, and proud.She killed it that night!

She believes in her work and was cool enough to come to our “BakotopiaMagazine 1-year Anniversary Party” back in ‘08 and perform. She took overthe party, and continues to blaze stages to this day.

Bakotopia is proud to help introduce her to those in and out of theunderground, along with all the talented local poets who will be

appearing at the “Two Hours Inside” event happening at The Base-ment on Sept. 4. Read about it on pg. 8 and be there, yo!Thanks to this issue’s contributors and advertisers formaking Bakotopia bump at all times.

Birthday shout to my wonderful son, Mark “Blitz” Munoz.

BAKOTOPIA 3

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BAKOTOPIAOlivia Garcia VP/Content

ogarcia@bakersfield.com 395-7487

Matt Muñoz Editor/Product Managermmunoz@bakersfield.com 395-7660

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Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com

EDITORIAL

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Matt Jones Designer mattjones@bakersfield.com

Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632

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BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com August 20, 2009

Ko

rne

r Reachin’ Out!The KRAB morning krew has some fun in themountains and tries to help out locals in need.

Above: Meathead (seated center,) and Miranda (standing directly above,)get a visit by the Bakersfield Diamond Divas roller derby team on 8/7.

By Miranda / KRABBakotopia.com contributor

It’s 9 a.m. in Frazier Park. The sun is shining, the birds arechirping and I find myself

perched precariously on the back of ahot rod convertible attempting tokeep my balance while throwing fist-fuls of candy to children on the street.

Meathead sits next to me withhis little dog in his little shoulder bagwhile Francis rides along behind onhis bicycle wearing a KRAB hoodiedespite the 85 degree heat.

Question: Does “Grand Marshal-ing” a parade in a tiny mountaintown sound like the everyday com-ings and goings of a rock n’ roll dee-jay? If you said no, rethink youanswer. When it comes to the KRABlifestyle, the staff and our listenerstend to be living more and more out-side of the big shiny box.

It was a real honor for the KRABMorning Show to make an appear-ance at Frazier Park’s Fiesta DaysParade this Saturday, Aug. 1.

It gave us the chance to see whatKRAB listeners look like whenexposed to higher elevations and tobreath air not unhealthy for sensitive

groups. But in reality, the whole expe-rience allowed the three of us to seethat the face of the rock listener andthe job we do behind the mic isalways evolving. Between the musicand the jokes, Bakersfield’s localscene shines through in ways youwould not expect.

Much to the delight of Meatheadand Francis, we were hit with a torna-do of fierce fabulousness recentlywhen the Bakersfield Diamond Divasroller derby team stormed onto theshow on Friday, Aug. 7. Adorned infishnets, short skirts and platformshoes, the ladies of the local rollerderby scene showed us what it’s

really like to fight tooth and nail forthe glory of victory. As “Dutch Dyna-mite, Inner League Liaison” told us,“the bruises and sprained anklesare real.”

On the flip, we were approachedby another set of very determinedwomen who were fighting tooth andnail for a different cause - helpingdisabled kids attend summer camp.

Due to state cutbacks, The Soci-ety for Disabled Children’s CampBlue Jay, in Tehachapi, needed nurs-es to volunteer their time and expert-ise so the camp could go on. Whilewe all secretly wondered if anappearance on our morning showwould help the effort, we invited theCamp Blue Jay staff in to give it ashot. The word was spread, nurseswere found, and we realized the gen-erosity of our listeners far exceededour expectations.

When push comes to shove, thededication of the fans of KRAB hascaused us to step up our game.Whether it’s exposing the land to thefearless Diamond Divas or using ourpowers of radio for just plain oldgood, not evil. Here’s to Bakersfieldwayward, wild and wonderful.

There will be more of it to comecourtesy of KRAB!

Listen for Matt from Bakotopiaon the KRAB morning show everyissue drop date. Next appearance:Sept. 3! WWW.KRAB.COM

Above: Camp Blue Jay campers chillin’ in the great outdoors.

Miranda

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BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com August 20, 2009

Trout’s Nightclub 805 n. chester ave.

lone oak lounge 10612 rosedale hwy.

le corusse rouge 4647 white lane

the wright place 2695-c mount vernon

nikki’s smokin bbq 1616 30th st.

rockstarz 7737 meany st,

~ 7 days a week (399-6700)

~ Tue. & thur. 8pm - 1am

~ Tue. 8pm - midnight

~ Thur. 8pm - midnight

~ Thur. 8pm - 12am

~ wed. 8pm - 2am

661-343-5602 B-Ryders Sun. 8-12 - Esquire Lounge Sat. 8-1

7401 White Ln. 2507 S. Chester Ave.

Help Shorty!Get your car washed and giveto a great cause on 8/22!

By Cory JenkinsBakotopia.com contributor

The Firehouse, 7701 WhiteLn., will be the sight of a spe-cially taped episode of the

reality TV show, “Shorty’s Rescue”on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Luigi Rossi (AKA Shorty) is a “lit-tle person” talent agent and ownerof Shortywood Productions, living inLos Angeles. Shorty’s passion andlove for pit bulls, an often neglectedand abused breed of dog, has led tothe creation of Shorty’s Rescue, anonprofit organization. As an organi-zation, Shorty’s Rescue - “Envisionsa compassionate world where pitbulls reside in responsible, loving

homes and where their honor and positive image is restored and preserved.” The reality series of the same name will follow Luigi Rossi and other volun-

teers of the organization and document their efforts as they strive to makethe world a better place for neglected pit bulls and canines in general.

The local Alpha Canine Society will have up to 10 dogs at the event that willbe up for adoption. Actress Linda Blair (The Exorcist), will also be at the eventto create awareness for her charity, The Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation.

Don’t forget the little person carwash and carshow! Shorty and other littleperson volunteers of his organi-

zation will be washing cars toraise money for Shorty’s Res-cue Foundation. Price for thecar wash is $10 .

The carshow will featurea wide variety of customvehicles from throughoutCalifornia including sever-al from Bako’s own Nok-turnal car club.

On the web:

www.shortysrescue.comwww.lindablairworldheart.org

Above from left: Pro skater ChrisHamilton, Shorty, and Hercules.

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BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com August 20, 2009

By The Penny Royalties, Bakotopia.com contributor

Your senses are waiting to be stimulated, and the electricity in yourmind is waiting to be turned on. We are ready to flip the switch for youat the PA fundraiser “Revolution Festival” happening at The Basement

Gallery, 1532 18th St., on August 28, from 4 p.m.-midnight. The festival lineup will include: The Penny Royalties, Backup Johnny, Vanity

Avenue, Sell Yourself, Russians With Rayguns, Leksure, The Action Index, MollyHartley, Sideways, and more to be announced. Each band will be playing 30minute sets. The all-ages show is only $5, and all monies raised will gotowards the purchase of a new, much needed, PA system for the gallery.

The “Nameless Crew” will also be featuring some art work and live paintingas bands play.

Art isn’t just a painting or a picture. Sounds make your senses go haywire. Asong can remind you of childhood memories or great people or how you felt atone time or the other. Music is just as powerful as the art we look at, but, ifthere is no PA system at The Basement to bring great music to your own town,then we’re going to be stuck in the same routine, listening to the same bandsover and over again and going to the same places to see music over and overagain.

The Penny Royalties are teaming up with gallery owner Deon Bell to helpbring something new to Bakersfield.

Allow me to kick some philosophy …People want change and people want something real. If you look at a paint-

ing you see the exterior of an artist’s inner self. Listen to a song, and you’relooking within a musician’s inner self.

The Penny’s Personal PA Plea

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

By Matt Munoz Bakotopia Editor

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 theloop!10,000-print readers, over 7,000+ registered web users, 100,000+ monthly

web views can’t be wrong!

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

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

give me a shout anytime! YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED!

UPCOMING PRINT DEADLINES / FOR ISSUE RUN DATES:

9/02............................................. ISSUE 63 (9/17 - 9/30)9/16........................................... ISSUE 64 (10/1 - 10/14) 9/30............................................. ISSUE 65 (10/15 - 10/28)10/14 .......................................... ISSUE 66 (10/29 - 11/11)10/28........................................... ISSUE 67 (11/12 - 11/25)11/11 ....................................... ISSUE 68 (11/26 - 12/9)11/23 ....................................... ISSUE 69 (12/10 - 12/23)12/9 ....................................... ISSUE 70 (12/24 - 1/6/10)

If you have any ideas or feedback, or need some help withstory development, give me a shout anytime!matt@bakotopia.comWWW.BAKOTOPIA.COM

Local artists become activists for the sake of local arts community - join them on Aug.28.

Above: The Penny Royalties live at The Basement on July 11. PHOTO BYDAVID KARNOWSKI

Everyone can be an artist and we want The Basement to help bring thatout of everyone. We need change and culture here in Bakersfield - somethingto bring the people together and The Basement is a place to do it. Come outand check out the “Revolution Festival” on Aug, 28.

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BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com August 20, 2009

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X Games 15 Motocross MadnessBy Melissa O’NealBakotopia.com contributor

Nowhere in the world is there such a spec-tacle of motocross madness as at XGames 15, in SoCal.

The world’s best of the best on two wheels con-vene to show off what they spend their lives practic-ing for: an awesome display of death-defying tricks,some of which challenge the laws of physics andquestion the very fiber of the human fabric.

Fan Review: Bakotopia contest winner shares some of her experience at this year’s fest!to accomplish a vast array of mind-blowing trickssuch as the Lazy Boy, Stripper, Superman SeatGrab, and Heart Attack, wowed the crowd. Afteran awesome display by all of the top athletes,dedicated to their late Metal Mulitia brother Jere-my Lusk who passed on in a motocross accidentin February, the results were determined througha difficult judging process.

Australian rider BlakeWilliams edged Jeremy“Twitch” Steinberg to claimthe gold medal byone point, all thewhile riding a four-stroke dirtbike in the two-stroke dominated freestylemotocross discipline. NateAdams earned the bronzemedal.

Thanks for the ticketsBakotopia! I had a blast!

Stay tuned for more contests and fun at:www.bakotopia.com

On Aug. 1, The Home Depot Center main arenawas transformed into an intricately groomed dirttrack used in both the Supermoto and Freestylemotocross events. For nearly 12 hours, the best ofthe best from around the world performed andcompeted while the audience was held in a stateof awe.

The men’s Supermoto competition was anintense, high-speed race around the whoops, hair-pin turns, and jumps of the well-planned dirt trackfilling the entire arena floor. Ivan Lazzarini, anextremely talented Italian rider, dominated thetrack and took gold by a long shot. He was fol-lowed up by USA’s Mark Burkhart and FrenchmanAdrian Chareyre.

In the first-ever women’s Supermoto competi-tion at X Games, some very talented female rid-ers showed equal skill and speed to the men.Ashley Fiolek, 18, became the inaugural women’sgold medalist in X-Games history after a slowstart and an astonishing comeback, leading Jes-sica Patterson and Elizabeth Bash.

In men’s Supercross, the USA dominated allthree top medals, with Josh Hansen taking gold,Justin Brayton with silver, and Kevin Windhamwith bronze.

The freestyle competition, which incorporatesfreestyle ramps into the existent supercross track

,

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Above and top of page: X Games 15 views from standson 8/1.

At right: Author, fotog,and X Games 15 fan,Melissa O’Neal.

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BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com August 20, 2009

Bakersfield’s best poetry slammers step into the spotlightat “Two Hours Inside,” on Sept. 4 at The Basement!By Jen Raven,Bakotopia.com Contributor

When she takes the stage, she com-mands the attention of every listenerin the room, by the force of her will ...

and her words. She pulls no punches, takes noprisoners, and recently, when she told the mem-bers of Bakersfield’s spoken word communitythat it was time to “jump,” she was met with aloud chorus of, “How high?”

This is Ginn Williams; published author, per-formance poet, and Queen of Quite A Lot ... espe-cially when it comes to the world of words. Her lat-est project, “Two Hours Inside,” will take the localarts scene by storm this September, drawing onthe creative talents of Bakersfield’s best spoken-word artists.

Ginn Williams “ ... Tell me you’re/morally challenged/intellectu-ally insufficient/a disrespectful/disoriented/delu-sional/conscience absent/certified/space cadet... But don’t tell me you’re a man.”

Anyone who’s witnessed Ginn perform would

be surprised to discover that Ginn has a shy side,but it’s true. “It’s been a personal goal for myself,to get over my fear of small groups. I prefer to getlost in the crowd ... I loved thecrowd at the Bakotopia One-YearAnniversary party.”

Why so shy? “For me, writing and performing

are extremely personal. I’m morecomfortable telling my business tothe crowd, because I feel like I canbe 100 percent honest and notworry about being judged. I thinkthat’s also the reason my work isso raw, and to the point; I don’tbother trying to hide things.”

Ginn has been adamant aboutseparating her personal life fromher work.

“People who are close to poets might beuncomfortable with such personal informationbeing made public, on the page, or from thestage. I think that’s why so many of us keep it to

ourselves or only share that part of us with otherwriters.”

Ginn means to take spoken word in Bakers-field to a higher plane ... and amore public one. Inspired by thework of Christina Varvel of RefreshRhyme Scheme, Ginn set out tocreate “Two Hours Inside.” Thegroup of hand-picked local poetswill share their works, and alsoshare the personal stories behindthem, in this special event comingto The Basement Gallery, 153219th St., on Sept. 4 at 7pm.

But it’s not just about gettingmore personal.

“With this event, I want to intro-duce Bakersfield to its next roundof spoken-word artists. These are

talented people, and they have a lot to offer theirarts community.”

Christina Varvel“I demand unconditional love and complete

Word Up! Word Up!

PPiiccttuurreedd ffrroomm lleefftt:: EEvvaann RRoossss,, EEbboonnee KKiinngg,, GGiinnnn WWiilllliiaammss,, AAaarroonn AAsshhee,, CChhrriissttiinnaa VVaarrvveell.. PHOTOS BY TODD POWERS / ADDITIONAL COVER GRAPHIC ART BY IAN YOUNG.

freedom. That is why I am terrible.” If you’re active at all in the local performance-

poetry scene, chances are you’ve run into Christi-na Varvel. Creator of Bakersfield’s own “RefreshRhyme Scheme,” Christina is passionate abouthonesty and communication - two things you canfind in abundance at her spoken-word events.

“I feel very strongly about listening to otherpeople,” Christina tells me. “So often, people getfrustrated because they feel no one is truly listen-ing ... and there are so many different kinds ofcommunicating. Listening is a way of honoringone another.”

When onstage, Christina tells me, poets giveus a peek into their personal worlds.

“When they perform, they are completely hon-est and naked in their communication, and wecompletely connect on that level for a moment ...it’s amazing to experience.”

Christina believes that such honest, personalcommunication is also good for the community.

“If you don’t openly engage with people fromdiverse backgrounds, you miss out on a lot ofreally beautiful things,” she says. “We shouldnever stop learning, growing, or listening ... every-one has something to teach us.”

Of the upcoming “Two Hours Inside” event,Christina says. “This is an epic opportunity forpoets in Bakersfield to get themselves out there,and I’m extremely honored that I’ve been askedto be a part of it.”

Ebone King“This is the birth of the Femme Leo ... The

Hiroshima lioness.” When it comes to writing poetry, Ebone King

believes that “a poem is a captured moment. Ifyou don’t seize that moment, you will never writethat poem in any other time; you are taking holdof the emotional outpouring, no matter what it is.”

A relative newcomer to the spoken word,Ebone “Loved it ... the first time I attended aRefresh event. I felt like, this is where I belong!I’ve found my people! I felt like I was home ... andI’m ecstatic to be a part of this movement.”

Before Refresh, Ebone worked briefly with arap group called “Lyfe,” but for the most part shewas on her own. “I always say I’m roaring,because I’m a Leo,” Ebone tells me. “I tap intothe adrenaline (when I perform) and it helps thepoems to just roar out.”

One of her recent works, “Hiroshima Lioness”deals with coming into her own, as a poet.

“The poem follows me on this journey of me grow-ing into my adult lion and letting out my feline roar ...and realizing just what it is I’m here for. I’m very excit-ed,and looking forward to the upcoming show!”

Aaron Ashe“Where prisons are not over-crowded but book

shelves at the local library are. Where a brighterfuture is not so far and OUR community reallymeans it’s OURS.”

As a musician, writing has always been a partof Aaron’s life. “Some of my writing makes it intomusic, and some remains poetry.

“It’s all very intertwined,” Aaron tells me. “Poetryhas always been so infused in the music I create.”

Not only a musician and poet, but a painter anda teacher as well, Aaron draws his inspiration fromthe events of everyday life, and he encourages hisstudents not to take them for granted - especiallywhen it comes to the events in our arts scene.

“This town has a lot to offer, but people missout because they’re not informed, or becausethey’re not willing to try new things. The more youexperience the world, the better chance youhave of finding what it is you want to do withyour life ... of discovering new gifts you mightnot have known you had.”

Of Refresh, Aaron says a lot of positivethings have already come about, as a result ofthe events.

“Our town needs this. Every town needs this!Spoken word is an amazing art form, when donewell. Every time, I feel a responsibility to bring thatlevel of intensity to my performances, so peoplecan appreciate the art form more than they didwhen they walked in the door.”

Of the upcoming “Two Hours Inside,” Aaron isthrilled to be involved.

“I always try to do my best, onstage, and it’snice to get recognition for that. I’m absolute-ly looking forward to the show; you don’toften get an opportunity in Bakersfieldto experience something like this.”

Evan Ross“I’m begging you to untie this

knot in my stomach/Because it’sbecome so hard to sleep/Withoutgrinding your name into my enamelfor the world to hear.”

Evan became acquainted withGinn at her book signing, when“Epic” first hit the shelves.Impressed by her book, he con-tacted Ginn online, and becameinvolved with Refresh RhymeScheme soon after.

“I felt very welcomed,”Evan said, of Refresh.“Before that, I didn’t knowanyone else involved in spo-ken word, and it was nice tomeet people who enjoyed it asmuch as I did.”

Evan feels he’s already grown agreat deal, as a poet, in the few years since he’sjoined spoken word in Bakersfield.

“There’s something about performing onstage,in front of friends and strangers, that is very cleans-ing; I feel a lot more comfortable with myself as aresult. I believe I’ll be doing this for the rest of my

life,whether I make a career out of it or not.”As far as the “Two Hours Inside” event goes,

Evan said he felt “apprehensive at first, since thisshow is on such a grand scale. But I love perform-ing, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

“I think this event will do great things for thecommunity, as far as spoken word is concerned,”Evan says. “Up until now, performance poetry hasbeen mostly underground here in Bakersfield; butthis event is going to bring it to the public.”

“Two Hours Inside” is Sept. 4 and features per-formances from the best of Bakersfield’s spokenword artists, including Ginn Williams, Jen Raven,Aaron Ashe, Ebone King, Julie Jordan-Scott, andEvan Ross. Gourmet refreshments will be provid-ed by Chef Tye Bell. Admission: $10. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Showruns from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Doors close at 7p.m.Sharp, no exceptions. The Basement Gallery,1532 19th and Eye St. For more info, visit:

www.myspace.com/twohoursinside

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BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com Month 00, 2009

AUGUST 20

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

The Trading CompanySandrini’s1918 Eye St.9 p.m. / 21+

Reggae Thursday’sw/ Dub Seeds (every Thurs.)Camino Real Restaurant3500 Truxtun Ave.8 p.m. / 21+ / 852-0493

AUGUST 21

Golden Bough - LIVE!Mama Hillybeans426 E. Tehachapi Blvd.Tehachapi, CA.7 p.m. / $12 - $15 / 822-BEAN

“Dangerous Hours”Dave Matthews TributeBRyder’s,7401 White Ln. /9 p.m. 21+ / 397-7304

Just Dave Band - LIVE!Fishlips, 1517 18th St.9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557

“The Player’s Ball”w/ Too Short - LIVE!The Nile Bar, 1721 19th 8 p.m. / 21+ / $30322-5200www.vallitix.com

The Afterparty - LIVE!Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St.9 p.m. / 21+

Diver DownCactus Valley4215 Rosedale Hwy.9 p.m. / 21+ / 633-1948

AUGUST 22NL Belardes’“Random Obsessions”Book Release Bash!Borders Books4980 Stockdale Hwy.2 p.m. / 328-9800

Then…the afterparty!

Mento Buru - LIVE!“15 Crucial Traxx”CD Release Party!w/ DJ Mikey y que!BRyder’s,7401 White Ln.9 p.m. / 21+ / $5397-7304

Chrisanova’s Beatles Tribute & TributeSandrini’s, 1918 Eye St.10 p.m. / 21+

Diminished CapacityFishlips, 1517 18th St.9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557

AUGUST 23

VANS Warped Tourw/ NOFX, Millionaires,Jeffree Star, and MORE!Home Depot Center18400 Avalon BoulevardCarson, CA11 a.m. / All Ages / $33www.ticketmaster.com

AUGUST 24Defektors & Sex Church w/ Processors,Phallic YouthThe Basement Gallery1532 19th St.7 p.m. / $5 / All Ages

Alisa’s Karaoke Nation(Every Mon.)Riley’s Tavern1523 19th St.9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-3268

AUGUST 25

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

Phonecalls, Peacew/ Definitions, Anna BakerMetro Galleries1604 19th St.7 p.m. / $5 / All Ages

AUGUST 27

Mento Buru - LIVE!“Concerts by The Fountain - Grand Finale”The Marketplace9000 Ming Ave.7 p.m. / FREE / All Ages

Les Dudek - LIVE!Fishlips, 1517 18th St.8 p.m. / $23 / 21+www.vallitix.com

Cage The ElephantBRyder’s, 7401 White Ln7 p.m. / $10 / All Agestimgardeapresents.com

AGENDAWHAT’S ON IT

B = Highly recommended

BB

B

B

BAKOTOPIA 11

BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com Month 00, 2009

LIVE DJ

WEDNESDAY THRU SATURDAY

Purple Rhinestone Eagle, Ovarian Cysters Order of File & Claw, S**t Haps.. The Basement Gallery1532 19th St.7 p.m. / $5 / All Ages

Caspian Hat DanceSandrini’s, 1918 Eye St.9 p.m. / 21+

Fatt Katt & The Von ZippersThe Crystal Palace2800 Buck Owens Blvd.7:30 p.m. / Free / 328-7560

AUGUST 28

Backup JohnnyFishlips, 1517 18th St.9 p.m. / $5 / 21+

The Councilmen & GuestsSandrini’s, 1918 Eye St.10 p.m. / 21+

Jill Knight & Mare WakefieldMama Hillybeans426 E. Tehachapi Blvd.Tehachapi, CA.7 p.m. / $12 - $15 / 822-BEAN

“An Evening of Magic”w/ Ron Saylor &Christopher LopezBC Indoor Theatre1801 Panorama Dr.7 p.m. / $20 / 872-3699

Catch 22 - LIVE!The Lone Oak10612 Rosedale Hwy9 p.m. / 21+ / 589-0412

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

AUGUST 29

“Rhythm Wars”2 on 2 B-Boy Battle!Breakdancing Competitionand Hip-Hop festival!$1,000 grand prize!Live music by Lethal Lungs& more!The Dome, 2201 V St.5 p.m. / All Ages$20 - $25myspace.com/nonstopbboyent

“Damage Inc.”A Metallica TributeBRyder’s,7401 White Ln. /9 p.m. 21+ / 397-7304

Myopus - LIVE!Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St. 9 p.m. / 21+

B Foundation w/Dub SeedsFishlips, 1517 18th St.9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557

NL Belardes’“Random Obsessions”Book SigningBarnes & Noble4001 California Avenue2 p.m. / 631-2575

AUGUST 30

Ministry of Lovew/ Broken End StereoJerry’s Pizza1817 Chester Ave.6 p.m. / $10 / All Ageswww.timgardeapresents.com

SEPT 2

HAPPY B-DAY MARK MUNOZ!

SEPT 4

MAS MAGAZINE & METRO GALLERIESPresent “Latination”Latin Art Showw/ Live music, food, and film!Metro Galleries1604 19th St.6 p.m. / Call: 634-9598

TWITTER.COM/BAKOTOPIADON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29VV EE LL OO RR II OO ’’ SS CC DD PP AA RR TT YY !!w/ Mento Buru, Get Up Get Down,The Natural Movement-Club Odyssey / The Doubletree-3100 Camino Del Rio Court-9 p.m. / 21+ /$10 admission-Info: 472-8378

SPOTLIGHT

B

B

BAKOTOPIA 12

BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com August 20, 2009

SD Comic-Con 2009Fan dude review: Find out what you missed - and what you better not next year!

By Cesareo GarasaBakotopia.com contributor

The San Diego Comic-Con has been sup-plying comic book fans with their nourish-ment for over forty years.

It is essentially “nerd-vana” for anyone wholoves anything geek-centric. I’m talking aboutcomic books, video games, genre movies (horror,fantasy sci-fi, I’m looking at you!) Japanese Animeand all manner of toys. I’ve been to small conven-tions before (in the 80’s in Palmdale and Bakers-field) but those were nothing to prepare me forthe Leviathan spectacle of what was the SanDiego Comic-Con, July 23-26. To give you an idea,I will refer to it furthermore as just Comic-Con.

I’ve been to big conventions before, specifical-ly NAMM (which was written in Bakotopia maga-zine earlier in the year by good old ‘JR’ at Bako-topia.com) where tens of thousands of freakymusicians gather to see all the shiny new gearthat they can’t afford. Nay, folks. Comic-Con iswhere over 130,000 people gather to fawn overall things fandom. I guess it would be fawn-dom.

I’ve been reading comics since the late seven-ties and have been an avid collector since thebeginning of the ‘80s. I was aware of the Comic-Con but just never got around to it, like talkingabout a vacation that never happens because lifealways gets in the way. Comic-Con was justComic-con until around 2000 when Hollywoodfound out that fanboys ( the typical name todescribe us) are the ultimate test group for theirmovies. Remember, comic book movies died inthe mid-90s with Batman and Robin, a movie soatrocious that it killed off an entire genre ofmovies. Once X-Men became a success, thesuits went and bought any and all comic bookproperties they could put their hands on. Thesame thing is happening with video games now.

A movie that generates buzz at Comic-Con willopen big. Guaranteed. Every year all the movie

SD Comic-Con 2009

welcome company. Now, it’s not all great - thefood is incredibly expensive and walking througha big crowd is never fun. I would recommendbrown bagging it if you decide to go. You’reallowed a backpack but nothing that has wheels.

Also, a few things for anyone that wants togo:

1. Get a 4-day pass NOW: It will sell out fromnow on. Get your passes MANY months inadvance. Like, now. Remember, this is now a Hol-lywood thing and they are on their s**t boys andgirls.

2. Attend preview night: For those that get afour day pass (Thu-Sun) you get an invite toWednesday preview night. Trust me, get yourbadge on that night instead of having to wait inline on Thursday morning with (literally) 1,000other people in line.

3. (BYOF) Bring Your Own Food: See above.4. Have a place to stay with free parking and

stay there: Parking on Thursday? $10. Saturday?$30-$40, if you’re lucky. Trust me - sleep in yourcar if you have to. Unscented baby wipes ROCK!

5. Get the program and decide where to go:It’s like Disneyland. If the program is at 3 p.m.,get there at 2 p.m. at the latest. There’s so muchto do that you must choose. Don’t take it forgranted that you will get into where you want togo. If you see a line, brave it. Once the doorsclose then it’s back to being a con zombie.

6. Bring money: San Diego is fun but willalways take its toll one way or another.

7. Buy your passes now at comiccon.net:They will be sold out.

Also, sunscreen, vitamins, talcum powder(don’t chafe!) a backpack/bag and a CAMERA aregospel. They give a lot of stuff away.Go with an open mind, a few bucksand a game plan and all will be well.

Remember: If you’re there for thecomic books then you’llhave ample opportunityto wet your whistle onone of the most amaz-ing art forms in theworld. If you’re therefor the movies, thenget in line as soonas you can to ‘HallH.’ They don’t kickanyone out, so ifyou want to catchsomething at 3p.m., get there asearly as possible.comic-con.org

companies pimp out their upcoming movies byhaving the film’s main cast and crew in a paneland introduce new footage in Hall H (a huge hallwith four massive plasma screens that seats6500 people yet always fills up) where attendeescan also ask questions to the stars and filmmak-ers.

For example: this year had panels for “NewMoon,” “Avatar,” and “Iron Man 1” among manymany others. “New Moon” in particular had peo-ple waiting in line for two days before the Comic-Con even started. This has inspired a new breedof geek - the Holly-nerd. A Holly-nerd is a nerd thatinstead of showing his authority by reciting factsand figures based on fandom knowledge, tries toassume it by name dropping celebrities and agen-cies.

Kinda like this …Old School Nerd: “I think that the only Dare-

devil worth reading is the Frank Miller run. All elseis garbage.”

New School Nerd: “My good friend over atWilliam Morris said that Frank - You know...FrankMiller? - he said that Frank just signed up to makea new movie for Fox.”

The con has two levels: an upstairs and down-stairs. The downstairs is just a massive hall withbooths from different companies. The upstairshas many halls with different programs happen-ing every hour. To the east of the main hall is theaforementioned ‘Hall H’ that has the BIG movies.The smaller halls upstairs have TV shows, animeand panels on actual comic books!

You can meet up-coming artists and creatorsand get original art at “artist alley.” You will seethe best costumes. Have you ever overheard aconversation where someone’s talking about amovie you love and you can’t help but includeyourself into the discussion? Not only are youincluded but welcome. That’s almost everyonethere. Everyone’s polite (most us geeks are) and

AAbboovvee:: WWoollvveerriinnee ((cceenntteerr,,)) aanndd hhiiss llaaddiieess ttaakkee oovveerr CCoommiicc--CCoonn.. PHOTOS BY TATIANA GARASA

BAKOTOPIA 13

BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com August 20, 2009

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Fan Review: Rock The Bells ‘09

By Tai*ga StyleBakotopia.com contributor

Ared carpet, a VIP lounge, and $16 frozen margaritas. Sounds like the latest nightclub hot spot, right? Actually, theseamenities could be found at Guerrilla Union’s famous Rock The

Bells hip-hop fest on Aug. 8. Unfortunately, the show that brought together hip-hop royalty and under-

ground emcees, to the city of San Bernardino,CA seems to be on holiday. Inits place - an over-priced commercialized spectacle - at least in this writer’seyes.

If you’re a RTB regular like myself, you remember standing in the scorchingSan Bernardino sun until your feet got numb and your skin bright red. You’llalso remember drinking the overpriced water to keep cool,or passing outfrom heat exhaustion like I did once (good times.) And if you’re a hard core hip-hop head, you remember going into the “concert pit of no return.” I call it thatbecause if you went in, chances are you would be without food,water,andmore importantly a restroom for hours. Getting out was close to impossible,BUT it was all worth seeing a good show,meeting new people with the samelove of music,and having the bragging rights when you got home.

This year’s show was held at The San Manuel Amphitheatre, in Devore,(same venue as last, different name). I had no complaints of the venueitself. It was clean, and the surrounding hills and lake was a nice changefrom the original NOS Fairgrounds from the show’s original years.

But watching a majority of fans stuck in segregated seating for an eventlike this was a disappointment, especially those sitting in their own privateVIP booth, equipped with servers, food menus. Fans with “lawn seating”had no access inside the amphitheatre or the main stage; only the vendorarea and the “Paid Dues” side stage. Long gone are the days where youhad to earn your place in the pit. Now, a pink wrist band with the words“ENTER PIT AT YOUR OWN RISK” allowed fans to be where they longed tobe, front and center.

Despite the noticeable changes, The Bells continued its tradition ofshowcasing hip-hop pioneers, this year being no exception.

House of Pain bandmates Danny Boi, Everlast, and DJ Lethal joinedforces with Slain and Non Phixion’s Ill Bill as the super crew La Coka Nostraperforming new cuts from they’re new album “A Brand You Can Trust” aswell as ‘90s classics “Jump Around” and “Who’s the Man?” The iconicSlick Rick, served as the very special guest, as he blessed fans with histimeless classics. Busta Rhymes gave us a short medley of his club hits,but it was the legendary Roots crew that stole the show with their funky ren-dition of classics “Seed 2.0” and my favorite “You Got Me”.

Rock The Bells has certainly changed over the past few years, raising a levelof hip-hop recognition that creator Chang Weisburg might not have expected.

Is hip-hop’s biggest annual pow-wow getting too big for its britches?

Once the underdog, Rock The Bells is now in competition with othermainstream music festivals. Who knows what might happen next year?

If you’re missing the original Rock The Bells vibe, check out next year’sPaid Dues Festival.

Don’t forget to support true hip-hop music and preserve the culture.Peace to all my B Boys & B Girls.For live photos from RTB ‘09, visit: www.bakotopia.com/seenwww.guerillaunion.com/rockthebellswww.guerillaunion.com/paiddues

AAbboovvee:: LLaa CCookkaa NNoossttrraa rreepprreesseenntt ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aatt RRTTBB oonn 88//88..PHOTO BY DJ MIKEY

BAKOTOPIA 14

BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com August 20, 2009

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2009 Lowrider Nationals, with New Boyz, Fluid and more, August 9 at KC FairgroundsPHOTOS BY MATT MUNOZ

BAKOTOPIA 15

BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com August 20, 2009

Automatic RedialStarting over has never sounded so good for this local quintet.

By Sean Weimer, Bakotopia.com contributor

Formed in Bakersfield in 2005, AutomaticRedial has played at a series of localvenues, and out of town venues - includ-

ing the Whiskey a-Go-Go in Hollywood. AR have shared the stage with many popular

bands including: Wheatus, Bayside, Death ByStereo, and Vogue in the Movement. The high-light of their career so far happened when theywon the 2008 “Tim Gardea Presents: Battle ofthe Bands” at Golden State Mall.

The grand prize from this event enabledthem to record their first full-length album, “OneMore Disaster,” which was released in June,2008.

Their second album is currently in the workswith the expertise of their audio consultant,Nick Forcillo from Jesus Shack studios, and willfeature their new single, “Lost Child.”

Automatic Redial represents a broad rangeof musical varieties and influences. As it is diffi-

cult to identify their sound with one specificgenre, an accurate description of their musicwould be progressive rock/hardcore, with influ-ences including Atreyu and Killswitch Engage. Afew years after their inception, the band decid-ed to go on an eight month hiatus to refocustheir style, goals, including eliminating all oftheir previously written material.

With the acquisition of their current vocalist,Gary Taylor, they got exactly what they wanted inorder to obtain their desired sound. Gary hadno previous experience with music that requiredscreaming vocals and lyrics that required amore progressive style of singing, but it soonclicked.

Other band members include a trio of broth-ers: Matt Bledsoe - lead guitar, David Bledsoe -rhythm guitar, and Andrew Bledsoe - bass gui-tar, and myself, Sean Weimer - drums.

The various influences provided by eachband member give Automatic Redial what they

would call the “perfect blend and combinationof unique musical contributions and styles.”

AR would like to say thanks to Blake andDebbie Bledsoe, and current roadie and closefriend, Kasey Talhelm, for their continued sup-port and motivation.

Throughout the next few months, the bandwill continue their studio sessions, workingtowards the completion of their second album,along with continuing to promote it by playingshows at local venues.

You can catch Automatic Redial live on Sept.7, with A Skylit Drive, at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817Chester Ave., at 6:30 p.m.The show will be allages, and only $10. Plus, if you hear AR musicon KRAB’s “Spank It Or Crank It” show withDanny Spanks, make sure you say,“CRANK IT!”

For more information, booking information,or just to drop them a line or two, please feelfree to contact them at their webpage:www.myspace.com/automaticredial

Above from left, Automatic Redial’s - Matt Bledsoe, Gary Taylor, Sean Weimer, Andrew Bledsoe, and David Bledsoe. COURTESY PHOTO

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