All 14 hockey songs to be played in arena tonight! - By N.L. Belardes

I wandered into the Condor's headquarters with the golden ticket in hand. Devin Rossiter (Condors media guy I refer to a lot as Patchboy) was sitting at his desk and I held out the CD for him to listen. Oh yeah he dug it. Craig Turney was next. Oh hell yeah he dug it. "We're gonna play the CD in the arena before the puck drops," he said.



The Stanley Cup is in the house. The Hockey CD is in the house.

And the Chiefs are in the house. You know the old paul Newman movie, Slapshot. Those Chiefs.

That's golden...

The final order:

Bobblehead - Rocky Nash
Condorstown - The Filthies
Born to Fight - Myndsick
Let's Score a Goal - Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers
Zebras - Dirty Spanglish
Zamboni Zombie - Three Chord Whore
Hat Trick - King Mark featuring St. Patrick
Condors Fight Song - Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers
Hockey Hangover - Rocky Nash
Power Play - Heath Dobbler and the Redhead Explosion
Penalty Box - Gramercy Riff
Time to Fight - Exithead
Birds of Prey - The KooKooNauts
Drunken Hockey Fight - Whiskey Galore

In the mix with the holy grail - By N.L. Belardes

What to wear?

New Amazon listing, new creepiness for Lords: Part One - By N.L. Belardes

We're finally listed on Amazon.com. That means you can leave a review of the novel. Please do. Good or bad, leave your thoughts... be the first!

What was Bakersfield really like?

Read about the creepy and maddened old newspaper publisher. Where was he lurking?


Purchase at Borders.
Purchase at Russos.
Purchase on Amazon.com
Buy from Noveltown
Or see me on the streets with a copy...

And more... If you haven't bought Lords, now is the time to find out just where this kid was headed:

From Chapter 6.
Heading north, Minstrel left Billy and the toy store in the shadows of fog and boyhood. The morning was drifting toward noontime as he pedaled as fast as he could, escaping the now shadow of his friend reading the comic book, and the wooden clown head of the toy store that scowled at his back. Like any boy his age, he could endlessly speed down city streets and barely grow tired. Today, the fog seemed to pull him northward for a while, onto a circle beneath a freeway overpass that sent people, cars, and bikes on a wide path around the ominous statue of Father Garces, the explorer who laid the eyes of Catholicism onto the valley in 1776. Garces stood tall, carved, holding a hat to his breast. A godly guardian of the streets, cars circled him endlessly on the asphalt surface of the circle beneath the overpass, their wheels in a constant screech like the sound of old marshland water birds. Minstrel saw the looming cement figure reach out to him like a great shadow of valley darkness, a behemoth shooting from the valley floor; he pedaled faster as he imagined Natives clinging to the statue’s cloak like impish shadows clawing toward a dark valley heart and chewing on bites of cement with their steely teeth.

On the other side of the circle the road took Minstrel from the guardian to the river. He knew why he had to go this way. He didn’t always know his own intentions, but this time he knew for himself what was just down the river.

Downtown streets open up into the blue-collar suburb of Oildale, another city like Bakersfield built over old swampland that once drained into Yokut fields. Not far from the overpass Minstrel could see a dark horizon of small wooden buildings, a junkyard, and the sandy, mist-covered shadow of the wily Kern River.

Minstrel stopped his bike on the river’s concrete Chester Avenue overpass. Below, the river stretched before him. It was once a mighty torrent but now poured its mountain runoff from a nearby canyon into farm-controlled waterways. This was a sandy bed, a sandy tribute to the mighty waterways of the old river that worked so hard to pound its way into the valley swamplands. He peered for a moment into the northern suburb that lay on the opposite side of the river bottom, then darted to a dirt path that paralleled the riverbed both to the east and west. He was surprised to see that there was some water in the river.

He headed west along a small trickle of a stream where two snowy egrets stepped in shallow water and searched for morsels among what was left of the Kern’s bottom-dwelling plants. He zipped past the large white birds and they fluttered away just as he hurtled westward in a thin layer of powdery dirt that barely covered the hardened earth.

The dust lay thick in places along the river. It was so thick that several times he had to stop and walk his bike through the powdery dirt. Soon, there wasn’t even a trickle of water in the riverbed. Plant life in the bed itself disappeared, with only the bent forms of cottonwood trees hunkering themselves over the path. Their branches were hand-like and gloomy. They held onto the river’s edge and floated their cottonwood stars like a heavenly mist.

Now read the book and go leave a review on Amazon.com...

Oh yes, blogging does pay: N.L.s day with Lord Stanley's Cup - By N.L Belardes

Thanks to the Condors ahead of time for asking me to come and hang out with them as they host THE actual Stanley Cup while on its ECHL tour this Wednesday, November 30.

Yes this is the equivalent of Kenny Mount wearing Joey Ramone's panties for the day, or the equivalent of chingpea getting to hold Joe Montana's Superbowl rings for an afternoon... or, dare I say, the equivalent of Matt Munoz dancing with the ghost of Ricky Ricardo in a great conga band duet...

I am in awe...

Now you go be the media and fulfill your dreams.

Tell me there's no love in blogging...

Mystery Photo Archivist Revealed!!!!! - By N.L. Belardes

Laurin Lee has been a big part of the Bakersfield music scene. How do I know? She's been secretly providing me photos from Bakersfield music yesteryear to post on nlbelardes.com. Oh yes, all those fun blogs where I unearthed photos are really a tribute to the music scene as scene through the photo lens of Laurin.

She's good.

Now she's doing a photo art show at Dagny's Coffeehouse December 1st. Go attend and meet the mystery photo archivist and see what else she has to show Bakersfield. Thanks to Laurin for all the fun!

Last Saturday night at the Rabobank - By N.L. Belardes

Bakersfield hockey song nights just keep getting better: 8,815 folks were in the house... Here's an excerpt from my hockey trash talk blog:

Oh yes it happened: another win. The superstition continues. Hockey songs are indeed the good luck talisman for the Condors posting wins. Forget lucky bingo trolls and not washing your feet for weeks on end. Forget kissing your girlfriend at 6:43pm before every game and wearing your lucky Easton Hockey T-shirt, the real luck is in the hockey song band nights… undefeated… 4-0. yaya oo-la-la!



Now check out the pics and the rest of the write-up...

Next up are Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers to perform on New Year's Eve in another one of the biggest games of the year. Order discount tickets through nlbelardes.com

Matildakay calls N.L.s bluff on the hockey CD conspiracy - By N.L. Belardes

Chalk one up to male blindness.

Anyone seen my house keys?

A gentle episode of coffee with Simon - By N.L. Belardes

Have you ever met Simon from Myndsick? He's bald. He's got a monsta goatee. He has more tattoos than you can count. And he sings some of the angriest music in town.

You'd think since Simon and I were going to hang out for an hour and talk shop that we'd do so swinging some big pieces of wood while smashing heads in local alleys. Oh wait, that's what that old publisher might have been doing when he was running that local press called the Bakersfield Californian back in the day.

You can read related fictional material in my book, if you so dare... there's an interesting scene with a baseball bat and a group of men and a kid getting smashed in a local park bathroom... that's based on a true account told to me by a reliable medical source.

Back to my meeting with Simon. No, we weren't talking shop over a 24-bottle case of Coronas. That would be Heath Dobbler over in that corner. Just kidding, Heath. Thanks for mentioning me in your kick ass blog today, "Ode to Mr. Belardes." I shed a tear then said a few curse words at the Seattle-Giants game just for you.

The Simon reality? Simon and I weren't angry at all even though we're both rebels in the scene. So in our gentleness, we went down to have a latte at Dagny's. Oh yes. You folks who keep stereotyping Simon as the angriest rocker in town have him all wrong... The guy's a kitty cat. Put some milk in his coffee and he's 1000 times calmer than Fonzie with a milkshake. But that's beside the point.

See, I had been on a mission to find a lost hockey song of his for the Hockey CD, and needed to get another copy. Some of you have seen my desk. You know how entire planets can get lost in the galactic debris floating around my computer. No, I don't have a goddam black hole by my anus (Uranus). Yes, I blamed everyone in sight who I thought had the CD with his song on it. I tried to blame chingpea, Matildakay, and Flower in the Dale. I pointed fingers, I attempted guilt trips and even heard Matildakay had ransacked her own Hawaii-bought purse and put a hole in it looking for the damn CD. Shit.

For a whole week I refused to call Simon. I was far too embarrassed. Thank God the man likes lattes. I mean, he could kill me with a stare. I doubly mean, he would but he's too damn nice. I triply mean, extra nice with sugar on top. Heath Dobbler is three times as mean as Simon for sure; possibly four. I seriously thought Heath was going to kill that freaky bell ringer by stuffing dog food into the guys shoebox, pants and mouth until the freak shut up or suffocated.

Simon. He's nice. He would have offered the bell ringer a latte, some Myndsick bumper stickers, put a ring of flowers on his head and danced off into the sunset. No, really.

Simon and I had good conversation. Sounds like Freakfest was quite the crummy deal with the promoters running off with the cash leaving bands high and dry; vendors were left without security (they got ripped off) and everyone got kicked out of the campsite... wow! What a mess! Simon told the tale like a mere bedtime story.

We also talked about band marketing, plans for the hockey CD and some cool gigs to help promote the CD, and more...

Damn it if I don't want a grande-sized blended mocha after writing all that...

Oh by the way. Another friend of mine named Bambi found the CD. All the rest of the ladies threatened my life and gave me a well deserved verbal abusing for my male blindess and inability to find lost CDs.

On the Road to the Filthies and Mento: A tribute to the Dobbler Effect and Illpressed - By N.L. Belardes

I’d like to right away dedicate this entry to Heath Dobbler and Jesse Rivera. For one, I probably wouldn’t be writing on the Bakersfield music and art scene if it weren’t for stumbling across illpressed.com about a year ago and reading about local music. I knew I wanted to contribute to the scene, but if I hadn’t found Jesse’s site I probably would have tried an entirely different way to network with Bakersfield folks. I just hope Jesse continues writing. Jesse is a big part of the local Bakersfield music scene and has quite a passion for describing his experiences in the Bakersfield nightlife.

Writing takes a lot of energy. All you folks out there happily reading my site, Jesse’s, Heath’s and others are probably not aware of how much work and sacrifice away from family goes into recording our various perspectives of Bakersfield after dark. Our only compensation is the music and art that the Bakersfield scene provides for our entertainment.

Sure, I should start selling banner ads on my site, or add a ‘donation’ box, but would advertisers and the community really be supportive of our sites? Would you donate to keep a site like mine, Jesse’s, or Heath’s up and running? I don’t know, but I do know Jesse’s material to the populace has slowed considerably. And that bums me. He has made a huge sacrifice to cover the scene, and now, it’s as plain as day, he is not making the sacrifice now for whatever the reason. I just want to point out the incredible sacrifice Jesse has made to help bring you music news, free of charge. So I dedicate this entry to Jesse because he is inspirational even though he and I had a couple of stupid battles earlier in the year. But we found our groove and we support each other.

Example:

I called Jesse a few nights ago after hearing from Gramercy Riff that they were contributing a hockey song. They just heard about the Growing Up Fighting: Balersfield Hockey Vol. 1 and wanted a song on it. I joked with them and said something like, “Yeah, if you can get a song to me in a week.”

They did.

I called Jesse right away because he’s a huge fan of Gramercy Riff. “Hey Jesse, guess what?” I said.

“I hope you didn’t mind I just gave Gramercy Riff your number.”

He already knew. See, Jesse was ten steps ahead of me. As always, I have to dig for info on the music scene. Jesse just knows.

And of course this entry is also dedicated to Heath Dobbler. Old Heath, he’s been ranting on his site about asshole bell ringers and the country gone mad with idiot parents. I’ve steered clear of directly commenting. If I did I would get way too historical and political. He does some historical ranting, and I’m better left out of such discussions for fear it would make me look like a pretentious asshole.

Remember, I’m the guy who used to have a study carrel at the university with 100 books checked out at any given time. I’m the guy who literally walked down Gosford Road with one book up my ass and another opened as I headed to go study some more. Pick a topic in American history and I’ve read a bazillion books from 112 different perspectives and even studied the historians who wrote it to such detail that I knew how they grew up, what schools they went to, what their dreams were, and so forth… you get the point.

With that stated I will let Heath say what he has to say, and just yell, “Hear hear, good sir!” from the corner with my wimpy pear cider, and me all drunk but acknowledging that the concept of freedom in post-Millennial America is indeed manipulated by idiots on every level; and that includes the Federalists and anti-Federalists of yesteryear who argued about our ideologies, and then set up a government that caters to the wealthy. That’s about as political as I will get on here other than ranting about Danielle Belton being a liar, and her boss being a moron for calling me a bully.

So why emulate Heath today? Because he’s a no bullshit guy and I feel like writing a ‘no bullshit’ piece ala ‘The Dobbler Effect’ in scene writing which has a true gritty effect… just tell the people like it fucking is. Thanks punk-man, Heath. I’ll do that.

* * * *

So there I was hanging out last night with Matildakay and waiting for Mento Buru over at Lengthwise Brewery. I thought the show was at 7:30. I was wrong. I blame it all on this nasty cough and cold going around that has kicked my ass over the past five days. That and Thanksgiving. Nowadays when The War Days director and his brother aren’t around I just get all pissy. Maybe you have some big happy family gathering and turkey galore that you take for granted. When my homies are gone I have video games, football on TV, and my imagination. I had one friend stop by and that was after 6pm. Steve-O text messaged me. I got a couple of Happy Turkey Day calls, and one myspace Happy Day from Puck. That and a TV dinner. Holidays just aren’t too fun unless the kids are around. I don’t know how many time folks asked me, “So what are you doing for Thanksgiving?” I think that’s a standard conversation piece when folks just don’t know what to ask or say. I just told people I was going to work on a screenplay.





So there I was the day after Turkey Day, happy I was at least getting some chicken and fries, and there was no Mento Buru. Show was at 9:00. Well, fuck me raw. I thought I had my night perfectly planned out: Mento Buru 7:30-9:30 at Lengthwise and The Filthies 10:00-11:00 at McGees. Wasn’t going to happen. I should have stayed home and counted leaves in the front yard until 8:30!



We stayed and watched some of Nunez. I was disgruntled with him disappearing at the Book Release Show. For shits and giggles I gave him a hard time right before his set with Nunez and friends… Yeah, I fucked with him. So what? Didn’t bother his set. Nunez was right on… I fuck with the Fresno Falcons too… I hope those flapper punks lose tonight at the Teddy Bear Toss. You ever see 10,000 stuffed animals rain down on the ice? No? Then get to the game tonight. You can try to hit me in the head with a Kermit the Frog, stuffed Tigger, Pooh Bear or Teddy Bear in the Media Zone… Go buy a stuffed animal to donate for the kids. You won’t regret it.





I also had a nice conversation with Rebecca. She had just been a dissed photographer at some low rider meets swap-meet wedding. She was at the show to see her man ska-dance like some big-socks wearing Cuban Ricky Ricardo gone Big Eighties. Yeah, that’s Matt Munoz. While he was tearing up the Bakersfield music scene with original tunes, your parents were wearing ska-suspenders at Chaos Coffee back in the Downtown Bakersfield day’s of the early 1990s. Yeah, walking history. Rebecca, she co-owned Chaos Coffee over where Rileys is now. She gave me the lowdown about why they closed… but that’s another story. Now she’s an elementary school farmer raising carrots and bunnies, and a photo-artist… She left to go have a smoke with Cesareo Garasa and that was the end of her visit.

Up walked Caleb, bass player for Mento Buru. “No more jams at Sandrinis?” I asked. Oh yeah, he has little ones and he’s on paternity leave to feed the younguns; kind of a busy guy.

Nunez got to jamming just after I talked it up with Mike from the Soulsteppers. We spoke about Soul DJs in the Bakersfield mix. Oh yeah, there is a scene for such music here. They do their thing at Jerrys. He razzed me for not showing up the night I said I would. I can’t help that I get tired at night… I had already done a book signing and a Condors game… I needed sleep. But I did feel bad for not making it.

McGees: that new pay-ten-dollars-or-see-the-highway joint over at the Icehouse. Shit if there wasn’t a dress code too. Hell, I’d taken one of my kids’ shirts to wear (Hate doing laundry. I’m a fucking Mr. Mom) and didn’t even realize it read “Skunk Records” on the back and “Slightly Stoopid” on the front. Great look-and-feel for a novelist/writer in the scene at a dress-up joint. Wonderful. I noticed some girls had their boobs done all up nice just for the occasion—probably ten grand each with gold plated nipples. Hooray for having such a cash flow. Well I had a free T-shirt on from the Hurricane Relief Show and felt just as pretty. Lookin’ good just doesn’t cost thousands of dollars in silicon, require bleach blonde hair, or a scheme to date a rich man named Bubba, who has a little dick, but drives a Beamer.

God, Heath, this is so liberating!

So there we were: me, Matildakay, and now Flower in the Dale. We were sitting on some cushy couch but then got asked to move. They didn’t want any spilled drinks on the stainable posh furniture. I can dig that.

So we moved to a booth and in walked Les Paw from Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers. And then Rob Shock and his wife, Liz. Of course we were all dressed in T-shirts. So much for the dress code. At least none of us had fakies.



I think Gus wants fakies. My throat was hurting from this shitty cold. You know Gus—he’s in The Filthies—and brought me a shot of tequila. He said, “It will burn the bacteria away in your throat.” Whatever. Just give me the shit before I cough all over Rob Shock. Oh yeah (I hate shots).

Needed a margarita to wash that down.



I got Rob Shock a little teary-eyed when I started talking a bit about the song “Power Play” that I’d been listening to a lot lately. Oh wait, let me spin it right now while I type this. Oh yeah, I dig it… Heath Dobbler singing, Rob Shock on lead in a great hockey punk song. I just wish that bastard Heath would have performed the song at the Rabobank. Fucker.

He knows I’m just jerking his punk-chain. Loosen it up a bit Heath and serenade me.



Feeling a little drunk I was a bit more open with my lingo which had Rob Shock laughing, “I’ve never seen Nick drink.” I squeezed a few knees under the table. I just hope it wasn’t Robs.



In came The Filthies. The fog machine gave the room a misty big rock show feel. Damn if the vocals weren’t too low. “Fuckin’ turn ‘em up, Kenny. I want to hear your vocals, not watch Gus shake his ass for Flower in the Dale all night.” Well, I wanted to yell that, anyways. None to fear, this was a great show in a great new venue for Bakersfield music. Flower in the Dale even got all hot and bothered about Gus in her blog. Geez, I wish the two would just get IT over with.



Yeah, the crowd outside seemed a little rough, filled with Jock bastards who would fight their own mothers out in the lot for just blinking the wrong way. I felt safer indoors with the rural rock punk band serenading me with their new song, “Condorstown.” Oh hell yes I was rocking! “Come on Condors don’t skate all night! Come on Condors let’s see a fight!!”

Now let’s hope the Condors take it to the Falcons tonight. Fuck em’ up, boys!

Krotch gets stuck in the weirdest place - By N.L. Belardes

In case you didn't know, there's an International Superstar Group of potty singers named KROTCH who got stuck in Bakersfield. I got word around Halloween these pseudo-Londoners were traveling through the central valley in a beat-up Ford van. Who knows why they’re in Bakersfield. Perhaps to torment us all. Maybe just for some comic relief.

Beware, the potty talk gets strong…

Growing Up Fighting: Bakersfield Hockey Vol. 1 closer to reality - By N.L. Belardes

I’m inching closer to releasing Growing Up Fighting: Bakersfield Hockey Vol. 1. This has been a crazy yet rewarding experience. Bakersfield bands have been very supportive of the project and each other. A few of the bands didn’t record their songs but are still performing at the Rabobank. That means I’m already going to have a few songs for Volume Two for the following season! Oh yes! Well, if we can sell any of this CD then we will have a second volume, I should add. If folks refuse to buy the product then Bakersfield Hockey Culture will only have one CD of cool hockey songs… but I’m hoping for two, possibly three. Be optimistic I say.



I’m having fun putting the songs in their final order.

Of course I can’t decide and keep fidgeting about whether the CD should start with Bobblehead or Condorstown. Here’s the order I have right now in my player. I’m kind of digging the flow:

Bobblehead - Rocky Nash
Condorstown - The Filthies
Let’s Go Score a Goal - Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers
Born to Fight - Myndsick
Zebras -Dirty Spanglish
Zamboni Zombie - Three Chord Whore
Hat Trick - King Mark and Friends
Condors Fight Song - Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers
Hockey Hangover - Rocky Nash
Birds of Prey - The KooKooNauts
Penalty Box - Gramercy Riff
Time to Fight - Exithead
Power Play - Heath Dobbler and the Red Head Explosion
All or Nothing - Soul Damage
Drunken Hockey Fight - Whiskey Galore


Get you some, now, Condors...!

Thanks to all the bands for participating and their fans for attending Condors games. Don't forget, this Saturday night is one of the biggest Condors games you will ever see. It's the annual Teddy Bear toss game and should pack at least 8000 into the Rabobank. My Dysfuntional Me will be performing a song I wrote called "I Hit an NHL Star" inspired by last year's boycott and the Condors smashing of Scott Gomez of the Alaska Aces... Now get off your ass and buy some tickets to the game from nlbelardes.com at discount group prices. Then go buy a Teddy Bear to throw onto the ice! It's way coooooool....

A final thanks to the Condors who appear on "Zamboni Zombie" and "Let's Go Score a Goal"...

Bomb scare at the paper. Not me, I swear! - By N.L. Belardes

Yeah, there are those who despise the local newspaper. And no, I don't despise them at all. And yes, there are those who leave packages by gas mains for who knows why.


Looks safe to me...

I was just leaving work a few minutes ago when I snapped these photos of the Californian building (Notice it's still standing, no worries) and a few of its workers milling about across the street...


Full steam ahead!

Looks like all is safe in the land of the big media...

Fresno Famous enters the Bakersfield blogosphere - By N.L. Belardes

I had been writing about helping to unite the Bakerfield/Fresno scenes since earlier in the year (read on: 1, 2, 3). Oh yes, a few people laughed at me. But then, those are probably the same people who laughed about the hockey compilation CD Growing Up Fighting: Bakersfield Hockey Vol. 1. And now there are at least 12 bands participating on that compilation celebrating the local music scene and hockey culture…

The music scene in Bakersfield has been united for some time. And I know there is a thriving Fresno music scene as well with plenty of artists on hand to uplift the Fresno scene. Between myself and a few other bloggers, and untold numbers on myspace.com, the Bakersfield scene is pretty well covered. But now you can read about some of the happenings in Fresno and Bakersfield right on the same blog. Go to thebuzzblogs.com and check out how much that site has been growing. You can now find the blog from fresnofamous.com, ‘Sour Grapes’. Get an informative peek at what else is happening just a little north of us in the valley.

And it’s good timing too. Fresnofamous.com was just mentioned in an article about the Fresno brain drain on the front page of the LA Times yesterday. Jarah Euston, one of the minds behind Fresno Famous is fulfilling her dream to beautify Fresno in arts collectives, architecture, as well as in culture and writing. And her efforts are worth noting, as she, like me, returned to her native Central Valley soil, and puts a legitimate effort into helping an arts scene grow and flourish…

Only, she even has an office... lucky girl. And that cool mural...

Yes, the brain drain goes on, but some of us academics have returned to do what we can to help…

Condors 3-0 on lucky hockey song nights - By N.L. Belardes

Yes, I did go have some serious hockey fun last night with Rocky Nash and 6,200 hockey fans...

That's more than 20,600 hockey fans on three UNDEFEATED nights to hear local music and watch the Condors kick tail...


Rocky and the Colonel in a "Bobblehead" duet...


Preston Nash and his old buddy Puck from The Puck Show


Check out the big crowd...


This pic creeps me out. Look at the mascot just standing there...


Another creepy pic: Cesareo way too serious...
Just kidding...

read all about last night and see more pics...

Oh and I cannot forget the kindness of local rockers, Addiction Theory who provided all the sound for Rocky Nash. You gotta love how the music scene is supporting right now. Marc DeLeon from American Standard supplied sound for Myndsick who just recently performed "Born to Fight" at the Rabobank. You have to appreciate the local music scene and what they're doing for local hockey culture...


Thank you Eric Carillo from Addiction Theory and the rest of the band!

Get yourself to the undefeated hockey song nights next Saturday with My Dysfunctional Me singing "I Hit an NHL Star"...

Support the scene. Support your team...

N.L. at the BIFF last night. Today at the BIFF, Condors game, and book signing - By N.L. Belardes

There’s still one entire day to spend at the Bakersfield Independent Film Festival. Starting today at 9AM you can see two film shorts and then blood and guts in The War Days… and more. This isn’t just a cheap little date at the movies. Forget Harry Potter and Johnny Cash for one minute and go to the BIFF.




The golden ticket to BIFFness...

Yesterday I followed Roger Mathey around as he promoted BIFF to everyone in sight who would let him talk about it. He talked it up with Meathead, Desi and Rocky on KRAB and he talked it up with a few TV Stations who were kind enough to head on out to the Spotlight Theater to see what was going on.





The film shorts from last night alone included a hilarious murderous romp through Little Red Riding Hood’s dark dreams in the FSU film, Moondance. That was clearly the crowd favorite as we all got to watch Little Red Riding Hood’s world fall apart and her get angry about it. The film was top notch. Great dialogue, great cinematics and a must see for local film students.

The UCLA Film School horror short, Tear was also top notch. Such incredible camera work for a low budget thriller.

The stylistic stalker tale Days N Nights was hard for me to follow. The musical score was fun, and the strange twist at the end was as cheesy as the fun filter effects of this grainy Seventies era style film.

Damaged TV was also a crowd favorite. Take Meathead and Desi, throw in some Rocky Nash and watch them make a mockery of the local music scene. It’s a must see. In written form if I came anywhere close to what these guys do to local musicians and music I would have 1000 scathing emails. But these guys pull it off with hilarity. And it’s all in good fun and looks like the musicians are having a good time too.

Because I'm stuck for time writing this I won't go into detail but I will say that Ashley Ashley creeped the hell out of me in the film trailer for At 11:00.... holy crap!!

The full length feature from last night, Shakespeare’s Plan 12 From Outer Space was an artistic piece that I really could not figure out. Although filled with funny and cheesy moments spoofing old Fifties sci-fi B movies, I was lost in the dialogue and grainy structure of the film… in the end, I stayed on to watch, had great laughs, great fun, was inspired and awed by the local talents in filmmaking that Roger Mathey has somehow pulled together for what is to be the leading Bakersfield film festival in the years to come…

Now don't forget: Film Festival all day at the Spotlight, Book signing at Borders from 1-4, and Hockey song at the Condors game tonight...

N.L. in the independent film, literary, and music/hockey scene - By N.L. Belardes

Please support a local event:

Friday night: Bakersfield Independent Film Festival - begins at 8PM - Spotlight Theatre
Saturday Morning: Bakersfield Independent Film Festival - begins at 9AM - Spotlight Theatre
Saturday Afternoon: Borders book signing - 1-4PM - Please stop by! With sugar on top...?
Saturday evening: Rocky Nash at the Rabobank to sing two hockey songs - 5:45PM - also inside the Rabobank during first period intermission. Buy discount tickets off N.L. site...

Heath Dobbler and the bell ringer - By N.L. Belardes

Ever wonder what happens when local musician/writer/ranter Heath Dobbler heads to the store during the holiday season? Here's a little tale about the local 'save humanity' bell ringer and our good friend that you just have to read. If that isn't enough, please check out some of Heath's latest postings on various topics, approached and written about in a way that only Heath can...

And don't forget to attend BIFF!

The War Days to show for the second time at Spotlight Theatre Saturday morning 9am (BIFF) - By N.L. Belardes

Yes, The War Days is back! Go see it at the BIFF this Saturday morning at 9am... If you like war movies, this is one local 35-minute film you wont want to miss...









Read the blog.
Read the interview with the director.
See the movie trailer.
Read about the TV 17 interview back in May.
Read the illpressed review of the film.
Read the controversy at the premiere.


Heck yeah I'm proud!

Mystery photo archive unearthed! Pigeontoe - By N.L. Belardes

Once again, I am posting some images from that mystery photographer from the past; and yes, this mysterious person is soon to be revealed! I popped open the dusty trunk again and found clues to a band called 'Pigeontoe', circa 1999. Now I did a little research on the Web but didn't find anything. I'm sure lots of folks out there know lots about this band. I don't... at the time I was in Las Vegas hanging out with animators at the Fremont Street Experience...

This Week in Bakersfield Theater - By Roger Mathey

THIS WEEK IN BAKERSFIELD THEATER:
Week ending November 20, 2005

CLOSING:
1. Beyond the Horizon (prime time) at The Empty Space
2. LQVE & H8TE (late night) at The Empty Space
3. Criminal Minds at Bakersfield College

OPENING:
4. BIFF! Bakersfield Independent Film Festival at the Spotlight Theatre

ONGOING:
5. Major League Improv at the Spotlight Theater
6. Over The River and Through the Woods at Bakersfield Community Theater
7. My Favorite Year at Stars Dinner Theater
8. Zorro at The Gaslight Melodrama and Dance Hall

AUDITIONS:
9. Five Women Wearing the Same Dress at Bakersfield Community Theater
10. Into the Woods at North of the River Junior Theater

MISCELLANEOUS:
11. Dias de los Muertos Art Exhibit at The Empty Space Gallery
12. Guide to seeing all the shows you can in a weekend

UPCOMING:
Nat Dove at the Spotlight Theatre (Nov. 25)
Jude Johnstone at the Spotlight Theatre (Nov. 26)
Miracle on 34th Street at the Spotlight Theater (Dec. 2)
Hurry Up, Santa at The Empty Space (Dec. 2)
Beauty is a Beast at Bakersfield Community Theater (Dec)
A Christmas Carol at Gaslight Melodrama Music and Dance Hall (Dec)


CLOSING:

1. Beyond the Horizon
at THE EMPTY SPACE (prime time)
Written by Eugene O'Neill
Directed by Bob Kempf

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm

The Empty Space proudly presents Beyond the Horizon, the classic American drama by Eugene O'Neill, arguably the greatest American playwright.

Directed by The Empty Space's Artistic Director, Bob Kempf, Beyond the Horizon (O'Neill's first Pulitzer Prize-winning play) is a powerful tragedy involving two brothers of opposite dispositions, who have grown up on the family farm. Rob, the college-educated younger brother, is planning on taking a three-year sea voyage to South America and Asia, but when the woman both brothers love professes her love for Rob, his older brother Andy takes the spot on the ship while Rob stays home to marry and help run the farm. These impulsive decisions play crucial roles in the siblings' future.

Critics widely consider Beyond the Horizon a turning point in American drama, toward greater psychological realism and emotional intensity. Beyond the Horizon, with its rustically poetic expressiveness and hauntingly poignant encounters, most certainly set the stage for O'Neill's greatest works, Long Day's Journey Into Night, The Iceman Cometh, and Ah, Wilderness!

The fine cast is composed of Jeremiah Heitman (Rob Mayo), Jason Monroe (Andy Mayo), Sarah Taylor (Ruth Atkins), Don McPherson (Captain Dick Scott), Ariane Hughes (Katey Mayo), Amy Hall (Sarah Atkins), Bob Kempf (James Mayo), Phil Velasquez (Dr. Fawcett), and Ryan Watts (Ben).

Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM from November 4 - 19, with a 4 PM Sunday matinee on November 13.

Cost to see the show is FREE, but a suggested donation of $5 for students and $10 for adults is asked.

The Empty Space is located at 706 Oak Street.

Reservations for or information can be obtained by calling The Empty Space at 327-PLAY (327-7529).


2. LQVE & H8TE
at THE EMPTY SPACE (late night)
Written by Koriand'r Heimpf
Directed by Jeremiah Heitman

Friday and Saturday at 11pm

"Who am I? What am I? Why am I?" Koriand'r Heimpf's newest plays, LQVE & H8TE, abstractly examine the complexities of what it means to be. LQVE & H8TE are sure to challenge the mind and indulge the senses. The play is directed by Jeremiah Heitman and includes the talents of: Lacey A. Maples, Phil Velasquez, Ariane Hughes, Bryce Skidmore, Guinevere Park-Hall, Keith Silvas, Ryan Watts and Amy Hall.

Cost to see the show is FREE, but a suggested donation of $5 for students and $10 for adults is asked.

The Empty Space is located at 706 Oak Street.

Reservations for or information can be obtained by calling The Empty Space at 327-PLAY (327-7529).


3. Criminal Minds
at BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE INDOOR THEATER
Written by Robin Swicord
Directed by Kimberly Chin

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm

This play is Bonnie and Clyde meets Memento. This humorous, compelling play is set at an abandoned mini golf course. An ex convict, his long suffering wife, and an escapee named Renfro are hiding out. The husband is convinced Renfro is a criminal genius, even though it is impossible for him to remember anything longer than 30 seconds. The play is a series of hilarious episodes in which they try to help Renfro remember so they can employ his talents to strike it rich. Eventually, they succeed only too well.

Tickets are $8 general admission, $5 for students/seniors

Call 395 4326 for more information.

Playing at the Bakersfield Indoor Theater, 1801 Panorama Drive


OPENING:

4. BIFF! The Bakersfield Independent Film Festival
seat of your pants PRODUCTIONS at THE SPOTLIGHT THEATER

Friday at 8pm
Saturday All Day

seat of your pants Productions presents
BIFF - The Bakersfield Independent Film Festival

In an effort to showcase some of the more obscure, avant garde, underground, and lesser seen works of Bakersfield's filmmakers and actors, seat of your pants Productions has organized a film festival that will showcase their works.

Organizer and SOYP Artistic Director Roger Mathey has met several filmmakers and actors in Bakersfield over the years who have never had their works shown in a festival or on a big screen. "I wanted to give those people a chance to have their work seen. Good or bad, that is all in the eye of the beholder. These people have worked hard to make their art, some behind the camera and some in front and here is an opportunity for them to share that with others."

The 99 seat Spotlight Theatre seemed a perfect venue for this event. With a quality that makes you feel as if you are in a movie theater but with an intimacy that should be known for the independent film, the theater worked for the festival's needs.

The feature films will range from comedies to dramas, from movies based on Shakespeare to depictions of war. Each feature will be shown with a number of short films with everything from animation to ninjas. All of the porjects were made locally or feature local talent in some way, shape, or form. And in the true spirit of independent film, none were made with any studio backing… just on the backs of the filmmakers themselves.

Over a dozen works will be shown at the festival, all ranging from shorts to features. It will take place on the night of Friday November 18 and all day Saturday November 19.

BAKERSFIELD INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL LINE UP.

FRIDAY NIGHT:
8:00pm
AT 11:00 - PG-13
TEAR - PG
DAYS 'N NIGHTS - PG-13
DAMAGED TV - PG-13
SHAKESPEARE'S PLAN 12 FROM OUTER SPACE - R

SATURDAY:
9a
GONE FISHIN - G
STOOPID HEROES - G
THE WAR DAYS - PG
BUBBA & SISSY GIT HITCHED - PG

11:30p
PRESIDENT COPS - PG
FIRST SUPPER - PG
DISPOSABLE - PG-13

2p
MOMENT - PG
THE DRIVE HOME - PG-13
POP KOWBOY - R

8p
BAKERSFIELD NINJAS - PG-13
B&E - R
NAKED TWISTER - R
TOUCHING HAMLET - R

Cost for this event is $5 for each 3 hour block or $10 for the entire festival.

The Spotlight Theatre is located at 1622 19th Street in Downtown Bakersfield.

For more information, call 661 634 0692 or 310 930 7254. You can also e-mail at SOYP1223@AOL.COM

ONGOING:

5. Major League Improv
at THE SPOTLIGHT THEATER

Saturday 6:00pm

Looking for some Major League funny on a Saturday night?

A Major League Improv match features two teams of improvisers competing for laughs and points, with a referee keeping things moving and calling fouls. An average of seven to twelve games are played during a match, drawn from a repertoire of over a hundred improv games. For example, in "Shakespeare" a team will improvise a scene inspired by an audience suggestion in Shakespearean style. In the game of "Elimination Rap", a
player will create a rap on the spot, trading off each yo mama's phrases, getting thrown out if they fall off the meter, or fail to rhyme. In Forward/Reverse" a player sends another player back and forth at will, as though scanning a scene in a VCR, sending players into a frenzy. Every show is different, with different players, different games, and different audiences supplying new suggestions.

$6 Students and $8 Adults at the door.

The Spotlight Theater is located at 1622 19th Street.
You can save a buck by calling (661) 634-0692 and making reservations.


6. Over the River and Through the Woods
at BAKERSFIELD COMMUNITY THEATER
Written by Joe DiPietro
Directed by Tim Fromm

Friday and Saturday at 8pm

The play centers on the plight of Nick Cristano (Rich Bench), a single Italian-American man whose presence at Sunday dinner is the highlight of the week for his four grandparents, Frank (Roy Scarazzo), Aida (Brenda Toland), Nunzio (Darryl Stewart) and Emma (Brenda Keele.) When Nick announces he is moving 3,000 miles away, the grandparents decide to use the beautiful Caitlin O’Hare (Katherine Dane) as a lure to keep him safely close at hand.

Join this outstanding cast for their presentation of Over the River and Through the Woods, which “Back Stage” declared, “even funnier than his (DiPietro’s) long running musical revue, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.

Ticket Prices:
$10 General Admission
$8 Students, Seniors, & Active Military

Bakersfield Community Theater is located at 2400 South Chester Ave.

Call 831 8114 for more information or to make reservations.


7. My Favorite Year
at STARS DINNER THEATER
Written by Dennis Palumbo
Directed by Jon Johanssen

Friday and Saturday at 8pm, dinner at 6:30p
Sundat at 2p, lunch at 12:30p

A heartfelt musical set in 1954, where Benjy Stone, freshman writer on TV's King Kaiser Comedy Cavalcade, is assigned the daunting task of baby-sitting veteran Hollywood swashbuckler Alan Swann while he's doing a live guest appearance on the show. The effort to keep the reckless Swann off the booze and out of the papers during the rehearsal week nearly drives Benjy to the brink, when he's given an unexpected glimpse into Swann's broken heart that teaches him about human frailty, tragedy, comedy, love - and about what made 1954 his favorite year.

For more information or to make reservations call (661)325-6100

Stars Dinner Theater is located at 1931 Chester Avenue, Downtown Bakersfield


8. Zorro
at THE GASLIGHT MELODRAMA AND DANCE HALL
Written by David Zent
Directed by Hal Friedman

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 4pm

Ready for some swashbuckling gun and some sabre swinging adventure? The masked hero of the west comes to the Gaslight Melodrama in an all-new original adventure written by David Zent and directed by Hal Friedman! Come down and join in the fun!

The Moose Head lounge offers a variety of beverages including coffee,
tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, sodas, wine and beer. If you get an
attack of the munchies, there are hot dogs, barbecue beef sandwiches,
quiche, lasagna, pretzels and popcorn, all of which are reasonably
priced with no item more than $5.

Tickets are $17 general admission and $15 for seniors over 60, children
under 11 and current members of the military. Season tickets are also
available.

The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall is located at 12748 Jomani
Drive

For more information or to make reservations call (661) 587-3371


AUDITIONS:

9. Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
at BAKERSFIELD COMMUNITY THEATER
Written by Alan Ball
Directed by Julie Jordan Scott

December 3, 1-5 PM
December 5, 7-10 PM

During an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tennessee, estate, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason to avoid the proceedings below.

They are Frances, (Playable early 20's) a painfully sweet but sheltered fundamentalist;

Mindy,(playable late 30's) the cheerful, wise-cracking lesbian sister of the groom;

Georgeanne,(playable early/mid thirties) whose heartbreak over her own failed marriage triggers outrageous behavior;

Meredith, (playable early 20's) the bride’s younger sister whose precocious rebelliousness masks a dark secret; and

Trisha, (playable early/mid 30's) a jaded beauty whose die-hard cynicism about men is called into question when she meets

Tripp, (playable late 20's) a charming bad-boy usher to whom there is more than meets the eye.

As the afternoon wears on, these five very different women joyously discover a common bond in this wickedly funny, irreverent and touching celebration of the women’s spirit.

Please call or e-mail the Director, Julie Jordan Scott, with any questions. Phone - 661.444.2735 email: julie@5passions.com

Bakersfield Community Theatre is located at 2400 South Chester Avenue


10. Into The Woods
at THE NORTH OF THE RIVER JUNIOR THEATER

Saturday, November 19

NOR Junior Theatre will hold Auditions for the musical Into the Woods, Saturday, November 19th.

Grades K-6 at 9:00 AM and Grades 7- 12 at 1:00 PM.

Location: Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 East Roberts Ln in Oildale.

Please come prepared to sing. This is sponsored by the North of the River Park and Recreation District so registration fees apply. $60 non-residents and $50 resident fee.

For additional information, contact the NOR Recreation Dept at 392-2000.

MISCELLANEOUS:

10. Dias de los Muertos Art Show
at THE EMPTY SPACE GALLERY

This year The Empty Space Gallery presents the first annual art exhibition, Dias de los Muertos.


The Empty Space Gallery art opening and festival honors the enduring connection and communication between the dead and the living. The holiday typically involves processions, art installations and exhibitions, community altars and "rooms for the dead" as well as public performances, music and dancing. It is not a mournful holiday, but one of laughter and celebration that has become an important venue for the contemporary arts. The Day of the Dead recognizes death as a part of the cycle of life. Our celebration will include many of these elements including an eclectic group show featuring the works of Danielle Belton, Julia Heatherwick, Elizabeth Hinkle, Nick Belardes, Barbara Reid, John Held, JR., A.S. Ashley, Gita Lloyd, Julie Frankel and more. The audience will also have an opportunity to remember deceased loved ones and honor their memory by bringing something to contribute to the community altar.

This first annual DÃ a de los Muertos exhibition includes traditional ofrendas and contemporary art paintings, photography and box constructions (nichos)-created by California artists that reflect the similarities and differences in the practice of these ancient spiritual beliefs as well as personal and artistic interpretations. The shared spirituality inherent in DÃ as de los Muertos will serve as the basis of an exhibition with an inclusive perspective. Our Gallery is open thirty minutes prior to show time and by appointment.

To make an appointment, or for more information, please call 327-PLAY and leave a message for Julia Heatherwick, our Gallery Director.


11. YOUR MAP TO THE WEEKEND IN THE PERFORMING ARTS...

Don't know how to get this all done this weekend? Allow me to show you
how you can enjoy the arts fully...

THURSDAY:

Head on over to Bakersfield College's Indoor Theater and catch the hilarity of CRIMINAL MINDS, playing at 8pm

FRIDAY:

Head on to the Empty Space and catch the classic Eugene O'Neill play BEYOND THE HORIZON in its closing weekend at 8pm!

Then stick around and see the closing weekend of the new late night one acts LQVE & H8TE at 11pm!

SATURDAY:
Come all day and see the various short films and features of BIFF! THE BAKERSFIELD INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL all day at the Spotlight Theater starting at 9am!

Stay around the Spotlight Theater and get your funny on with MAJOR LEAGUE IMPROV at 6pm!

After that stay at the Spotlight and catch the closing of the BIFF! with the feature film TOUCHING HAMLET preceded by a number of short films at 8pm!

SUNDAY:

Go down to the Bakersfield Community Theaterand catch the hilarity of OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS playing at 2pm!

Then go over to the Gaslight Melodrama for the zaniness and swashbuckling fun of ZORRO at 4pm!

And now you've got a complete weekend of supporting theater and the
arts and you have been thoroughly entertained!


That's it for this week!

Peace out,
Roger Mathey


Much of this information can be found by joining the Yahoo group "Bakersfield Theater". Sign up today at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bakersfield-Theater/

Got an opinion on local theater? Want to voice one? Go to
http://bakersfield.com/blogs and look up the DramaRama Blog!

Want to know more about the arts in Bakersfield, from music to theater
to art? Check out NL Belardes site at:
http://www.nlbelardes.com/blogger/musicrev.html
.

"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently."
--Friedrich Nietzsche--

Photo Tour Exclusive - Midnight Panic plays for N.L. at the Ranch - By N.L. Belardes

Last Friday night started out as a typical Bakersfield in November. I put in my eight hours at work, shrugged my shoulders at the end of one of those blue sky Bakersfield kind of days, then moved on to my next assignment: a photo tour out at the Ranch.

This wasn’t just any ranch. I headed out towards the outskirts of western Bakersfield, out past Renfro Road where the sun beats down even in the dusty sunset winters. Yeah, there were horses, rabbits, chickens…; I think there were chickens, and an old dog named Bear that was the nicest old yeller you ever met. Having lived a long life of survival, he’d been run over by a semi and once shot with a .22; and kids would ride him like an old Galapagos turtle. You don’t find dogs like that at just any old house on the Ponderosa. Besides, this was a rock and roll ranch, home of W.V. of ‘Through the Roof Records’, the label of Bakersfield band, Midnight Panic.





Just who is Midnight Panic? If you missed my article, “The coronation of Mark Chavez and Midnight Panic,” then you probably don’t know what’s been going on in the local scene with the former front man of Adema and his new band. Midnight Panic is formed of four professional hard-rocking musicians Marky Chavez, Mike Montano Jr., Peter Shubert and Matt Low.

A few months ago Midnight Panic had their Family Show out at Studio 99. It was one of those rare exclusive must-have-a-ticket shows just down the road from Buck Owens and his big Crystal Horse (You know the one. It’s where Elvis’ old car hangs above the bar). The Family Show was a great time to see a lot of people in the Bakersfield scene get together for the premiere of some new local/world class rock music to hit the scene.







Many Bakersfield bands don’t have the advantage that Midnight Panic has with a fanbase and marketing skills already developed by Marky Chavez’ past tango with Adema in the big rock and roll scene. Those rock star days have granted him status as not just an up-and-coming star, but as an experienced musician who has formed a band of great guys who all have the determination to follow Marky’s lead into a new phase of their rock and roll career. It’s a team effort, and that’s apparent. When you have the will to succeed, the marketing know-how, the established fanbase, and strong backing, then you have to succeed.

I entered the Ranch, walked through a large two-story home and into a wide backyard. Just past a large rectangular swimming pool I could hear the band practicing; their hard rocking sounds echoed into the November night, filtered across the pool, past the corrals and across the Bakersfield landscape at night. No, they weren’t performing outside but in a studio where they take the rock and roll business at a serious level that most local bands just can’t because of inexperience, lack of connections and marketing know-how, lack of a well-thought out game plan to get signed, and so on. Like Cesareo Garasa once told me, “There are bands on many tiers, and until they see what it’s like, they’re just aiming in the dark.” And that’s a tough part for any band with stars in their eyes… or a novelist for that matter.

The studio itself wasn’t huge, but fit the band and their equipment nicely. A lone picture of Elvis hung high on one wall, and several beer cans sat in various areas in a room packed with equipment, a sign of a hard day’s work in the studio.







Marky greeted me after W.V. showed me around a bit and he and the band got right to business. “Need earplugs?” he asked. I declined and he liked that. Midnight Panic wanted to perform their entire set for me, starting with an experimental song about Hurricane Katrina. They jumped right into it, and I dove deeper into my glimpse of rock and roll stardom. This was the former front man for Adema, newly coronated as the frontman of Midnight Panic, step-brother to a mega-rock star in Korn, but with a large following of his own that he and Midnight Panic were creating new music for.

Marky Chavez represents Bakersfield rock at one of its peaks. He may have slipped out of Adema, but there are always new projects to take hold of. It’s up to bands like Midnight Panic, Korn and Adema to pave the way and represent a city rich in rock and country music history; and I think they can and should do it.

And Midnight Panic is doing it right by embracing their hometown. You don’t see Korn and Adema written about much in the local paper or on nlbelardes.com, though I would love to write about those bands. But to reach rock and roll stars could be tough even locally. Maybe I should try that and see what happens? N.L. on the trail of Korn... In the meantime it’s an honor to have been out at the Ranch. And that’s because Midnight Panic didn’t try to make me feel like a small time Bakersfield nothing, but an artist just like all the other actors, directors, musicians, painters, writers in town who are looking to be embraced and accepted by fellow artists.







"This Hurricane Katrina inspired song", Chavez discussed just before beginning, “is the most political song I’ve ever written. I don’t normally write political songs, but Katrina really affected me because there were a lot of people who wouldn’t do anything to help in the disaster.”

The song was exciting, moody, darkly woven and tightly sung, as were all the songs in their set, including both “Give Me One Chance,” and “Celebrate,” from their myspace page. I purposely didn't take notes. I just came to experience the music, to submerse myself in it; and I did. I like where Midnight Panic is headed. Their music has that radio-friendly hard rocking edge that is hard to come by and great to listen to... look forward to my next article on the band where I get more in-depth here...

For me, I was happy to be at the Ranch, happy to hear such great music, and happy sit out by the W.V. pool to have a heart-to-heart talk with Midnight Panic where Marky talked about his days in Europe and missing home. “When you’re out on the road, sometimes all you have are the people around you to depend on in a strange country far from home. That can get to you. And I think it did to me.”

But Marky Chavez has learned from his hardened touring experiences and moved on. He’s giving it all a second chance because he loves music, loves to create, and loves the challenge. “It’s been a long workday,” he said. “We’ve been on the phones with distributors all day to get this CD out to the people. It’s tough, but we’re getting somewhere.”

And I believe that. Every member of his band has a past of hard-working devotion to music. Drummer Matt Low, an old surfer/musician originally from the Californian coast, tore through practice with commitment and devotion to the band’s goals, even with a sore shoulder. “I just want a music career,” he said in our lengthy conversation about his past over on the coast as a kid growing up obsessed with music and then eventually moving to Bakersfield… “I practiced every day for hours on end. Drumming has just been what I’ve wanted to do even as a kid… I came to Bakersfield to find work. I already had family here.”

And that devotion is in all the eyes of Midnight Panic.

In the end, I left the Ranch with some good conversation, great music, and happy to be a part of a music and art scene that helps each other...

The CD Release Party is likely on Tuesday, December 13. Soon as I find out where, I will let you know. Get ready for another big band to fly out of Bakersfield into the big rock and roll scene. I just hope I’m there to help cover it…

A literary perspective on the Lords of Bakersfield - By N.L. Belardes

It’s been interesting reading comments on Lords: Part One. I have been getting a lot of support, and very little non-support. The non-support mostly comes from the Bakersfield Californian angry about what they think are bullying statements from me, and God knows why they won’t write about Lords: Part One, and a few folks unhappy with the old Dim article who are attacking for the sake of attacking. Either way, folks are reading a personal blog, and that’s nice to see; although I may take down comments because there’s just too much ‘heated’ language on both sides.

I am amazed that a few haters keep commenting. Personally, when I don’t like what I’m reading, I stop going to that site. I gave up on Salon.com partly because they started charging folks, and partly because the articles weren’t interesting enough for me to want to pay money. I can get enough for free from all the many news links listed on the drudgereport.com. And when I don’t like an author or writer, I am not usually hateful about it. I just stop reading. But then as a local musician put to me recently, “Small town gossip gets hateful, Nick.”

I do have to say that a couple of the comments I received were rather uneducated and do require some comment of my own. One was a comment that Lords: Part One regurgitates what the Californian already wrote regarding the Lords of Bakersfield. They’re referring to the 2003 Bakersfield Californian articles by Robert Price. First off, they need to look at the book ‘Valley Fire’ which offers a lot more study of the topic and is where Robert Price got some of his information. That was the book that really broke the stories.

Robert Price’s tongue-and-cheek blurb on Lords: Part One being redundant was fun as well, though misguided because he hadn’t read the book. He admitted to me that he hadn’t read it so I assume he was merely poking fun with his comment. I have strong doubts whether the commenter purchased my book and read it as well. More than likely the Robert Price blurb was read and so agreed upon by the commenter. Maybe not. I’m just guessing.

But why would I say comments of ‘regurgitation’ and ‘redundancy’ are uneducated? Well for one, you have to wonder if the commenter or Robert Price have even lifted a history book. I’m sure Robert Price has. He appears well educated and articulate, though it’s his ‘redundancy’ jest that is misleading and would make a historian like me even bring up such a notion.

Why? Any good look at history is historiographical in nature, as history is constantly re-examined from new compared to old perspectives, or the varying ‘Schools of Thought’. Each view offers potential new insight, critique and debate over historical philosophies. Such multiple views of the past give greater meaning and understanding to people, events, economies, politics and society. History itself is so balkanized that good college texts all provide a historiographical approach with many ideas and views per historical topic. That means, you read about an event from the various perspectives written by the scholars. You don’t read from one perspective and that’s that. That would be uneducated. Americans are guilty of such study of the past every day. You think there can’t be new history books on the American Civil War? Think again. Studying such an event is not redundant at all, and the news stories breaking the Civil War happened, oh, a long time ago… There are new works on the subject all the time coming out of leading universities and valiantly discussed in the William and Mary Quarterly and Journal of American History by leading scholars on the subject. And the perspectives are many: Economic, Consensus, Progressive, Marxist, Feminine, African-American, and so on. Such perspectives keep history itself in check and utilizes new historical source material. Newspaper articles are the easiest source material to use, and are often some of the most biased for historians to scour… that’s why historians poke their noses into every source material available: oral histories, marriage records, video, archaeological, medical, war records, diaries, and so on and are too numerous to list.

My take on the Lords of Bakersfield is just one more perspective on events described in the local newspaper…

While my novel follows the historical path and some of the details presented in the Californian articles, in no other way can you compare the two. My psychological approach to the characters and the new fictitious details presented in telling the story describe a unique perspective to the Lords of Bakersfield.

Anyone who thinks the Bakersfield Californian is the end all for the study of the Lords of Bakersfield is merely being spoon fed history through one perspective: the local print media. History will look back on the history of the Lords of Bakersfield and say, “The articles were not enough, and the N.L. Belardes book was not enough.”

What I provide is a literary perspective of the Lords of Bakersfield that deepens an urban myth. Myth? Because there is no evidence. Although rich in historical detail, my work takes a unique path that the Californian could never write in a million years. Their tales of murder and treachery are journalist entries that suggest a possible legend. Through the newspaper each reader must make the connection and decides for themselves if the stories are true or not; that is, whether there may or may not be Lords of Bakersfield lurking about in the present and past.

My novel does not allow the reader to make the connection whether true or not. I write the Lords of Bakersfield stories as if they ARE true—at least for the sake of the novel. That’s what you have to do in a story: you must make characters believable. My job as a novelist is to make you believe at least while you are reading (whether fictitious or otherwise). If you’re sitting watching Star Wars and the entire time you’re thinking “This isn’t real.” Then you haven’t bought into the story at all. You don’t like the characters, you don’t like the storyline, and you’re bored. You might as well pop the DVD out and watch the news: if that’s all you believe.

Let me just clarify something else here: when I tell people that Robert Price’s 2003 conspiracy theory articles were inspiration for my novel, that’s the truth. His articles include an introduction by Mike Jenner that reads,

Why we wrote these articles: A conspiracy theory born in the late 1970s and early '80s had become a long-forgotten legend until last September, when the slaying of Assistant District Attorney Stephen M. Tauzer gave new life to speculation about "The Lords of Bakersfield."

The articles linked old newspaper stories, and being a Bakersfield Californian look at conspiracy, the articles were just that: articles. The information was sparse and disjointed and not rich enough for a novel. That’s why I did more research. By themselves, the Bakersfield Californian articles on the Lords of Bakersfield, though inspiring, are not enough for any of us.

But if all your faith in history is not in the scholars who analyze history through historical works, and yes, that can include literature, and instead, your view of history is through the media, then you’re really missing out and you are under-educating yourself to the high school reading level of any local newspaper.

As a historian once told me, “History is a sea of books. Learn to swim.”

Fatt Katt talks hockey song with Condors on TV 23 tonight - By N.L. Belardes

Oh yeah, folks love the hockey songs... watch TV 23's story on Fatt Katt and the Vonzipper's contribution to Growing Up Fighting: Bakersfield Hockey Vol. 1... tonight on the 6 o'clock news...

Drama in the Bakersfield blog scene - By N.L. Belardes

The drama just keeps getting better...

thebuzzblogs.com counters bakersfield.com's dropping of the N.L. Belardes blog by kicking Danielle Belton's most fashionable blog to the curb...



Ouch.

Welcome to the new age of media.

Support the arts, support this site! - By N.L. Belardes

In case you think I get paid to write this blog and do podcasts. I don’t. This is simply a personal blog launched months ago that has captured some popularity. Please help maintain this site by picking up a copy of Lords: Part One. Consider it a donation to helping this blog function. And I do need your help. If you are entertained by the drama in the music, art, theatre, and literary scene and my fun narrative, then, please, support the site and support the literary arts. Both Russos and Borders carry Lords: Part One. Or you can purchase online while pre-ordering the hockey CD.



Thanks to Tim K. for the new blog name suggestion. I might change it again. Just trying this one out…

I have a book signings at Borders, BIFF!(Bakersfield Independent Film Festival) and possibly at the Condors game, all on Saturday. Saturday morning I will be out at the Spotlight Theatre by 9am watching some cool movies and signing books. Later, from 1-4 pm I will be out at Borders Books… The around 5:30PM I will be outside the Condors Arena hanging out with Rocky Nash selling copies of Lords: Part One.

Go check out the Bakersfield Independent Film Festival - By N.L. Belardes

And you say there's nothing to do in Bakersfield:

Check out these two flyers I made. These are real actors and directors from Bakersfield movies! Now go watch some local films this weekend. When you're done, go make a movie or your own for BIFF2!

BIFF!

BAKERSFIELD INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL LINE UP.



FRIDAY NIGHT
8PM

AT 11:00 - PG-13 (:04) This short film is a preview for director Michael Prince's upcoming feature to be out in Summer, 2006. Featuring a number of Bakersfield actors and a lot of recognizable locations... isn't that Jerry's? Produced by Michael Prince and James Mongold and featuring the talents of Justin Zachary and Maurice Pittman

TEAR - PG (:04) This short features the story of a young man out for a drive in the night... but is there someone in the back seat? And what will happen if he stops the car to find out? Starring Stevin Espinoza

MOONDANCE - PG-13 (:10) Starring Jarad "Meathead" Mann

DAYS N NIGHTS - PG-13 (:12) Is he being followed? And for what sinister purpose? Follow him over the course of several days and nights as he tries to elude his stalker. Directed by Michael Prince and starring Bob Cloud.

DAMAGED TV PG-13 (:30)- KRAB radio’s Desi and Meathead (along with the lovely Rocky Nash) bring you their sense of twisted humor in this half hour television series airing on cable television.

SHAKESPEARE'S PLAN 12 FROM OUTER SPACE - R (1:55) This far out adaptation is a throwback from some of the classic sci-fi movies of the 60's! Check out the crazy special effects in this Shakespearean based movie. Featuring the talents of David Nigel Lloyd





SATURDAY:
9:00a
GONE FISHIN’ - G (:04) Clever stop motion animation is used to tell this whimisical fishing tale as it seems the bait and tackle manages to go out without the fisherman himself. Directed by Rod Lester.

STOOPID HEROES - G (:11) Three youths throw on capes and costumes and use their powers for good. Until one of their sisters breaks into their secret hideout and steals their powers from them! Starring Richard Van Horne

THE WAR DAYS - PG (:30) During the Vietnam War, a group of six soldiers set out to find a Chinese scientist that had plans to start a nuclear war. Directed by Landen Belardes. Starring Seth Cervantes, Shaun Alaniz, Landen Belardes and Matt Prieto.

BUBBA & SISSY GIT HITCHED? - PG (1:43) Feel sorry for po' Bubba & Sissy as they try to git hitched but their gosh darned family always seems to be in the way! Directed by Mark J Wilson. Starring Karl Wade and Libby Letlow

11:30am


PRESIDENT COPS - PG (:05) Abe Lincoln and GW Bush join forces to fight crime! But what happens when GW grows fond of the little boy they saved? Are his crimefighting days over? Starring Richard Van Horne

HAPPY TREES – PG (:20) Starring Bryan "Desi" Batista

TRIP THE LIGHTS FANTASTIC – PG (:10) Starring Jarad "Meathead" Mann

FIRST SUPPER - PG (:21) A light hearted romance as two people share their feelings for each other over a meal and discover more than just fine dining. Directed by Michael Prince. Starring John and Kathi Loughman.


DISPOSABLE - PG-13 (:30) Ever leave one of yours lying around? Well, see what might happen when you go and get those pictures developed. Directed by Mark J. Wilson. Starring Michael Prince, Jennifer Prince, and Darriel Herron.



2:00p


MOMENT - PG (:05) What can you remember in a moment? As he sees his loved one in pain, he reflects on what has gone on before but can it save? Directed by Starring Stevin Espinoza and Jeny Rendt-Scott Sanchez.


THE DRIVE HOME - PG-13 (:17)
Two brothers deal with their emotions and their own personal relationship after the death of their father as they drive home from the funeral. Directed by Kyle Watson. Starring Jarrod Ackerley and Justin Zachary.

POP KOWBOY - R (1:45) He loves the comboy lifestyle and he so wants to be one. So why does he dress the way he does and worse, why does he act the way he does? Produced by Mark J Wilson.

8:00p


BAKERSFIELD NINJAS - PG-13 (:05) Three intrepid martial artists, slip into their black pajamas and prowl the deadly streets... of Bakersfield. Directed by Starring Jeremiah Heitman, Tracy Herda, and Stevin Espinoza


RICHARD - PG-13 (:05) That boy next door seems a little creepy. And when you try and cheat his family, he’ll show you why he looks that way. Starring Richard Van Horne.

B&E - R (:30) Two would be robbers seem to not be able to do anything right... including their big score, which turns out to be a bust that they are going to get busted for. Directed by Phill Kopp. Starring Joe Mitchell, Phill Kopp, and Rebecca Lotze.

NAKED TWISTER - R (:36) It started as a quiet evening of board games and it ends with a night of secrets and lies... but will it help to reveal the truth or will that make things worse? Directed by Roger Mathey. Starring Andrew McCarty, Justin Zachary, Libby Letlow, Erika Napolitano, and Gary Smith.

TOUCHING HAMLET - R (2:05) Two filmmakers decide to embark on their destiny... to make a movie version of the greatest play of all time... and make it into a porno! Can it be done with this crew? Directed by Ian Swanson. Starring Brian J Sivesind and Ian Swanson

Bakersfield Californian calls local blogger an uncivil bully - By N.L. Belardes

OK, so that local uncivil blogger bully accusation by the Bakersfield Californian is about me. Wow, was I laughing at that one. Here I am, one little blogger in the universe being called a bully by the big bad downtown media machine with 100s of employees, writers by the bucketload, and an entire armada of bloggers. To think I am a bully for expressing my opinion that if Belton can't do the job someone else should?

I don't like being lied to by the local print media giant. Aren't we supposed to trust them to be true and faithful to the public good? Maybe not. Maybe media is supposed to just be an impartial witness to the truth. Maybe not. Because every media has a Conservative or liberal slant; that's the truth as perceptions get skewed every day and then fed to the people as information burgers from the media vats. Go study the New York Times and then tell me it has the same perception of American and global events as Fox News, or the LA Times. Go read the French newspapers. Now you're talking slants. Heck, I have an N.L. Belardes perception of the universe. I don't pretend to see through anyone else's eyes.

I defended myself and local literary arts. I see no bullying action in defending one's opinion that local literary arts should be examined, especially by a creative writer entertainment reporter.

Like I can bully that monster media machine from my living room. The only way I am bullying them is if I have secret readers in the Californian whose eyeballs are glued to my site. Maybe those closet readers feel bullied by my meager opinion: one man's opinion, as opposed to the entire media circus I'm imagining in my happy little fantasy of media clowns all trying to jam themselves into one car for a fast get-a-way from my little opinion-filled alleged 'bullying' blog.'

How can I be bullying if I told Baldwin that I would openly criticize the Californian and she accepted that? Get this, I even offered to sign a contract that they never wrote. They could have put in their contract, 'No bullying', I mean, 'No picking on the Californian in any critical way due to fragility.' Doesn't mean I would have signed it. But you get the point.

And the contract was my idea! I can happily post those emails as well as Danielle's misleading emails for the non-believers... these are the facts!

For your entertainment reading I am including the 'bully accusation' email from the Californian followed by my response. I hope you all are as entertained as I am...


Nick,

Ever since we decided to create a list of community blogs we have
planned to put the link to your site in that section. It is a better
fit and makes more sense.

Did your recent comments accelerate the process of removing your link?
Yes.

I am Danielle's immediate supervisor, Nick. To date I have never
received an unsolicited email from you. I have never received a phone
call from you. Rather than calling me and discussing your book and the
coverage it has gotten, you have launched into unsubstantiated attacks
at the paper and Danielle Belton.

It is clear that you do not want to have a civil dialogue about
coverage, but rather hope to bully the staff here into writing about
your book through baseless accusations of conspiracy and demands for
their termination.

We have mentioned your book in The Californian on three occasions. So
far, that is an appropriate level of coverage, in my opinion. At this
point, any decision to cover your book in greater detail will be
decided by myself or one of my bosses — not Danielle Belton.

Sincerely,

Davin McHenry
Web Editor
The Bakersfield Californian



I edited mine of misspelled words. Oops... happy reading as I allegedly bully back to the Bakersfield Californian...


Hi Davin,

I was supposed to call you? No one ever said to call
you. Why didn't you call me? Belton should have
pointed me towards you in the first place instead of
dodging me in her emails. She mentioned 'trying
editors' after claiming policy wouldn't cater to my
kind, but never mentioned your name once. I merely
inquired with her because she even stated on my
website to contact her about press. That what lots of
folks do in the music and arts scene, they contact
Belton.

I am offended by Miss Belton's attitude and lack of
concern for my novel and Bakersfield/Kern County
literary arts. Danielle Belton was rude to me, and
unsupportive. I did try to have a dialogue. She shut
me down; and I have substantiated my arguments based
on her emails. Didn't you read what she wrote? Surely
she copied you in her emails. She wrote the
Californian doesn't talk about what she considers
self-published books, while the Californian in the past
two days have ran one article (possibly two) on what
she considers self published books, not to mention the
Centennial History book. That pretty much catches her
in a lie. That's substantiation.

Her emails were clear that she was speaking for the
entire Californian, so why would I take that to
another level? Am I supposed to know the chain of
command and protocol at the Californian when her
emails were written in a manner that she was fully
aware of Californian policy? Let's face it. I caught
her in a lie and I'm no bully.

If I were a bully I would have commented directly onto
her blog.

I merely defended that local authors and Lords: Part
One deserve media attention. It has had little
attention from the Californian. Your perception may
think of me as 'bullying', but the bullying I believe,
came from Belton who tried to shut me down when
bringing up the topic of my book, and then lied about
the Californian's policy instead of having a dialogue
with me. Besides, how can I be a bully with a blog
opinion piece? Are all letters to the editors that are
negative considered bullying too? And my letter wasn't
to the editor. I didn't email it to anyone. I didn't
nail it to the Californian's door. I didn't email the
blog to anyone either. My readership is tiny compared to the
Californian's massive tentacles. Yet I am the bully? So
much for the Californian taking criticism. Baldwin was
wrong. I can understand pulling the blog after I
called for Belton to be fired, but my headlines were
pulled when I barely started to get critical.
Bullying; that's an excuse.

As far as coverage for my work, I hadn't planned on
contacting the Californian anyways. By defending
myself I am fully aware that the Californian will