bakotopia magazine issue 67

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

Joseph Gomez Captures

Halloween15 Minutes with

George LopezJoseph Gomez Captures

Halloween15 Minutes with

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

Nov. 12, 2009 – Nov. 25, 2009

BAKOTOPIA 2

BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com November 12, 2009

Fertile Funnymen!

By Andrew Price, Bakotopia.com contributorWhat do the Mafia, cannibalism, ritual sacri-

fice, vigilantes, spelling bees, gangster rap, trans-vestites, and divine intervention have in com-mon?

Besides the fact that Morgan Freeman hasprobably starred in more than one movie abouteach one, they are all subjects touched upon dur-ing the Pregnantville Sketch Comedy Troupe’spremiere comedy show —the approximately3,475,907th greatest show in the universe.

What is “Pregnantville”?Is it some sort of place where they send all the

unwed teenage mothers to live? Could it be atheme restaurant where you strap on a falsestomach at the door, and they only serve strange

foods like filet mignon with whipped cream andsprinkles on top? Maybe it’s an underground syn-dicate of female commandos with buns in theirrespective ovens, slowly gathering munitions andintelligence in preparation for some sort of mass,baby-killing holocaust?

If you’ve guessed any of these, you are clearlynot listening, and might we add that you are beingincredibly silly. “Pregnantville” is a sketch come-dy troupe putting on their first ever, live stageshow this month, featuring local writer/perform-ers Andrew Price (moi), John Spitzer, Matt Kieley,Mike Bedard, Brandon Nebitt and Nick Ono.

But what makes this sketch show any differentthan every other sketch show you’ve ever seenyour entire, humdrum, microscopic, insignificantlife?

Well, we can’t guarantee that it WILL be any dif-ferent than any of t hose other shows, but whatwe can tell you is that when we were writing theshow, we consistently giggled like little schoolgirls all hopped up on nitrous oxide the entiretime. Consider that to be the official ‘Preg-nantville Seal of Approval,’ and a twinkly-eyedpromise that the events perpetrated before your

eyes on those nights will completely change yourlife and reshape your entire outlook on the worldaround you. We are also obligated to inform youthat the Pregnantville estate has a more-than-competent legal team, and cannot be held liablefor any minds that are blown during — or as aresult of — our show.

Impending litigation aside, Pregnantville iscoming whether you like it or not. There will bethrills, chills, fear, excitement, outlandishly eccen-tric performances, grandiose musical numbers,flagrant mistreatment of the English languageand enough over-the-top, unnecessarily ridiculousdialogue to make Ed Wood blush.

It’s all happening Nov. 20, 21, 27 and 28, 11p.m., at The Empty Space Theatre, 706 Oak St.,right after their production of ChristopherDurang’s “Beyond Therapy” (going on at 8 p.m.,check it out too!)

Admission is $5, plus an open mind. Oh, andabout that whole humdrum, meaningless exis-tence thing. We’ve been going through somethings lately, and the stress level has been kindof high. That wasn’t appropriate. We apologize.online: www.myspace.com/pregnantville

ON THE COVER: “Pregnantville”comedy show promises irreverentlaughs that would make your mostardent Pro-Lifer blush with glee,opens Nov. 20 at TES! **Gun incover photo is a toy, so don’t trip!

Above from left, Pregnantville’s - Brandon Nebitt, Matt Kieley, Mike Bedard, Nick Ono, Andrew Price, and John Sptizer (laying across).Cover shot and above photo by Marissa Espericueta.

BAKOTOPIAOlivia Garcia VP/Content

[email protected] 395-7487

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

Teresa Adamo Associate Editor [email protected]

EDITORIAL

STAFF

Glenn Hammett Designer [email protected]

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

Marisol Sorto Office Administrator [email protected] 716-8640

P.O. Box 2344Bakersfield, CA 93303

ART

ADVERTISING

OFFICE

BAKOTOPIA

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

E D I TO R ’S N OT E

Matt Muñoz,Bakotopia Editor

I’m still getting over Halloween...

The candy, the costumes, the candy, the movie marathons - thankfully, it’sonly once a year. I doubt I could handle another 31 days of mischief, but then

again...it is tempting.I ended up spending half Halloween night at home watching the Ghost

Hunters LIVE marathon, which as it turns out, wasn’t actually “live”. I had my TVand live computer feed going side by side and things just weren’t syncing up.Pooo!

Wandering downtown I managed to catch a glimpse of the many costumes -festive, sexy, funny, and yes - gross.

Fortunately for you the reader, Bakotopia photog Joseph “GoGo” Gomez, whoturns the big “21” (finally) this month managed to weed out the latter and keep itcool. Turn to page 7 and get your reservations to the big party. According to

GoGo himself, “Everyone’s trying to get in”, and he’s even rented a giantspotlight to guide you safely. Joseph’s Bako photos are always on point,capturing local fun at its best from concerts to news to parties or wher-ever cute girls can be found! Happy Birthday, loco!

We also have local pranksters, Pregnantville and more!Thanks to all of this week’s contributors and advertisers

for keeping Bakotopia mag fun and free for you and yours!See you at Fishlips on 11/25!

Peace,

BAKOTOPIA 3

2303 River Blvd. • 661- 871-2303 Open: Mon - Sat 11am – 2am • Sun 1pm – 2am

NOV 21ST AT 9PM $5 COVER NOV 21ST AT 9PM $5 COVER Local Favorites, Back-Up Johnny Local Favorites, Back-Up Johnny

NOV 25TH, NITE BEFORE THANKSGIVING NOV 25TH, NITE BEFORE THANKSGIVING Jaggerbomb Gobblefest!! Just $4 Jaggerbomb Gobblefest!! Just $4 Happy Thanksgiving From Amestoy’s Happy Thanksgiving From Amestoy’s

SAT NOV 28TH “MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE TOY’S II” SAT NOV 28TH “MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE TOY’S II” 2ND Annual Fundraiser for the Salvation Army’s, Bakersfield Toy 2ND Annual Fundraiser for the Salvation Army’s, Bakersfield Toy Run held in Dec Run held in Dec Live Music – T.B.A. Live Music – T.B.A. Donations Taken at the Door. Donations Taken at the Door. In Loving Memory of Jim and Debbie Harmon In Loving Memory of Jim and Debbie Harmon

Thank You to Everyone Who Made The Grave Robbers Ball A Success for St. Judes

FRI NOV 13- Dub Seed 8pm -12 SAT NOV 14 – Mike Montano 2pm -6

FRI NOV 20 – Billy Russell & The Heaters 8pm-12am SAT NOV 21 -! Usual Suspects 2pm – 6pm

SUN NOV 22 – Bunky Spurling

n!

By Miranda Whitworth /KRAB, Bakotopia.com contributor

The holiday season is upon usand times seem to be tight foreveryone. Whether you celebrateChristmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza orNational Bouillabaisse Day manypeople are searching the couchcushions for change just toaccommodate the practice of giftgiving.

If you find yourself counting thepaydays in hopes of just making itto January 1st we here at KRABRadio have stepped up to help youlook like a person with a rock hardgrip on this joyous season.

KRAB has teamed up withMaya Cinemas for our first everKRAB’s Acoustic Christmas onDecember 14th. The show willfeature Say Anything, Cartel, Air-borne Toxic Event, After MidnightProject, Paper Tongues and RayFresco. Like KRAB’s Free for All 1& 2 this event will be completelyfree but seating is limited, youhave to win if you want to get in!

For those who have attendedthe station’s intimate acousticevents you know that this will bean amazing opportunity that youdon’t want to miss. Panic at theDisco, Great Northern and Saosinare prime examples of bands thathave lent their time to KRAB andour listeners in a private setting.They allowed us to experience acompletely different side of aband’s personality, providing a per-sonable and very candid perform-ance that was truly priceless.

Ray Fresco has already made a

stop here in Bakersfield openingfor 311 at the Fox Theatre and fol-lowed the show with a set at Fish-lips Bar and Grill. The Venturabased band has love for KernCounty as the first time they everheard their music played on theradio was here in town that sum-mer night. You can see footage ofthe band on YouTube. Com stop-ping traffic to listen to KRAB andcelebrate! Airborne Toxic Event isalso no stranger to the radio sta-tion their singles, “SometimeBefore Midnight” and “Does ThisMean You’re Moving On”?, havemade the rounds on our airwaves.The band also made the trip fromLA to Bakersfield earlier this yearto play an acoustic set for KRAB’safternoon listeners. Theunplugged show was amazing andI am sure Airborne Toxic Event willnot disappoint on December 14.

If you are looking to familiarizeyourself with the lineup for KRAB’sAcoustic Christmas log ontokrab.com and listen to music fromall six bands. In the meantimetune in to 106.1 KRAB for moreinformation on the show and yourchance at tickets. The only way toget in on this once in a lifetimeevent is to win. So, listen up andkeep your dialing fingers ready!

Stay up to date with all of theKRAB jocks at: www.KRAB.com.

Listen for Matt from Bakotopiaon the KRAB Morning Showevery issue drop date. NextAppearance - Special date: Nov.25 (Weds.) in the 9 a.m. hour!

KRAB holidaymadness is coming!

Ko

rner

Get the inside scoop on the big, FREE, upcoming‘Acoustic Christmas’ show on Dec. 14!

BAKOTOPIA 4


Above: members of Airborne Toxic Eventwith KRAB’s Danny Spanks (center) duringa station visit on 4/13/09.

Above: Airborne Toxic Event perform anacoustic set at the KRAB studios on4/13/09. Photos by Miranda Whitworth

BAKOTOPIA 5


Fri Nov 13th – Sunday Snake Oil 9pm – 1am

Fri Nov 20th - Divided Highway 9pm – 1am

Sun Nov 22nd – Two Timers 2pm-6pm

Sat Nov 28th – Still Kickin’ 9pm-1am

(661) 831-1315 1821 S. Chester Ave (near Ming & Chester)

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!

14,000-print readers, over 9,000+ registered web users, 100,000+ monthly

web views can’t be wrong!

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

UPCOMING PRINT DEADLINES / FOR ISSUE RUN DATES:

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 with story

development,give me a shout anytime! YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED!

e-mail: [email protected] (Yes, me!)

WWW.BAKOTOPIA.COM

BAKOTOPIA 6


By Jordan Russell,Bakotopia.com contributor. Photo by Joseph Gomez. Model: Micaela CarrascoEven as summer dwindled into fall, I,

along with most Bakersfield dwellers, arefinding any and every excuse to vacate fromBakersfield’s sporadic and frustratingweather.

Let’s see … Grandma’s birthday? Let’sgo to the coast. National Punctuation Day?Get the ice chest.

While people tell me that there are somethat enjoy the weather here, I’m convincedthose people are delusional. Get out of yoursick fantasy world and step outside. I dareyou to try and justify my sweaty torso. Whyis it does it reach 90 degrees in November,yet still remain so excessively cold in themornings? Why can’t I make the right cloth-ing decisions in the morning without regret-ting it later? Bakersfield weather is aboutas frustrating as thinking up a clever analo-gy to validate your points in a 4 a.m. daze.Not that I would know.

Some blame global warming as the cul-prit of the Bakersfield blaze-fest. Somebelieve it’s just how Bakersfield is. Howev-er, almost everyone can agree that - beadsof sweat dripping from your brow in Novem-ber is a tad ridiculous.

The general consensus seems to saythat Bakersfield climate is rather bipolar.That said, I strongly urge someone to pre-scribe our city’s atmosphere some Prozacfor its inconsistencies. Maybe then I would-n’t complain so much. It wouldn’t be so badif the weather would have any semblance ofconsistency. It literally went up about 30degrees from the morning to the afternoonon many occasions. Or maybe I use exces-sive exaggerations for dramatic effect?Whatever the case, I hate the weather heremore than I hate the fact that there’s noth-ing to do in Bakersfield, but we’ll save thatrant for another day.

Luckily, I have devised a plan to combatthis schizophrenic weather. This foolproofplan of action will shield me from the harshsun rays, and dull the biting winter chill. Icall it “staying inside.” I’ve tried it multiple

times, and so farit’s worked 76 per-cent of the time. Infact, I’m doing itright now, as thisarticle is being con-ceived.

Though the majorityof the time I hate theweather in this city of ours,there are the days that theweather is absolutely perfect.These mythical days However,these days are too very rare, andspaced too far apart. On the daysthat these I like to thank my higherpower, followed by a disjointeddance of sorts, and end it with aprayer that it will happen againsomeday in my lifetime.

My only hope is that one day allyou out there will be able to wear thattrendy parka of yours throughout awhole day, rather than throwing it offmid-day due to your sweating problem.For those of you Bakersfieldians whohave lived in this city for most of yourlives, this article’s redundancy isadmitted. Sure it’s been saidbefore, but does it hurt to shedsome much un-needed sunlighton the topic?

I have a dream that one dayBakersfield will be able to sus-tain life in the summer; butuntil that day, I’m off to thecoast. After all, it is NationalGood Neighbor Day ...

*Yes sir, that’s thee Micaelafrom the ‘Rockin Roots’ coverof Bako mag enjoying ourlocal weather...

Local climate drives reader to love /hate frustration - do you agree?

Bakersfield’sLocal Warming

BAKOTOPIA 7


SSEEEENN

S SC C

E EN N

E E

Pictured at left, fromleft: Jordan Belardes,author NL Belardes,make-up artist GulliMonster, and LandenBelardes at 2009 Dayof The Dead celebra-tion at Golden StateMall on 11/2/09.

Bakotopia.com/seen

ON

TH

E

BAKOTOPIA 8


S SE EE EN N

ON

TH

ES S

C CE EN N

E E

Halloween 2009 at Nikki’s Smokin’BBQ and Club Replay.

Photos by Joseph Gomezwww.myspace.com/josephgomezphoto

BAKOTOPIA 9


BAKOTOPIA 10


• Spray Tanning - Starting at $25 • Rockstar nails & toes by Rochelle • Hotties Way Lingerie & Costumes • Tattoos by Dalton Taylor • Discounted Spa Packages Available

2020 N. Chester Ave (661)387-0742 Across the street from Zorbas

NEW OWNER • NEWLY REMODELED

Mon – Fri 8am – 7pm

Sat 8am – 5pm

UNLIMITED Tanning Packages

Laydown or Standup available (As low as $20 a mo.)

A Healing Touch MASSAGE By Kathy

(Special $40 an hour)

15 TV’S DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

SAT NOV 14 @ 6PM NFL & C ollege Games (CALL FOR INFO)

Excludes Events

Breakfast Served On Sundays – 9-11am 900 Truxtun Ave Ste 110 • (661)322-9800

Mon-Fri 11-11p Sat & Sun 9-10p

A PLACE WHERE THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN HAVE A GOOD TIME

NOVEMBER 12

Karaoke (Every Thurs. & Sun.)The Belveder, 3090Brundage Ln. 9 p.m. /21+ / 325-2139

The Chop Tops w/Fatt Katt & MidnightSinners - LIVE!Narducci’s, 622 E. 21st7 p.m. / $12 / 21+

NOVEMBER 13Vampire Weekend -LIVE! The Dome, 2201 VSt. 8 p.m. / $25.50 / AllAges. 322-5200 /www.vallitix.com

Charlie & TheValentine Killersw/ Iron Outlaws & moreFishlips, 1517 18th St.9 p.m. / $7 / 21+

Rockwell’s DartTourney (also Sat.)Trout’s Honkytonk805 N. Chester (theDale) 6:30 p.m.

Sunday Snake Oil!The Dive Bar, 1821Chester Ave. 9 p.m. /21+ / 831-1315

Beat Surrender - DJNight! Sandrini’s, 1918Eye St. 9 p.m. / 21+

BAKOTOPIA.COM/SEEN

Divided Highway LIVE!Elevation Lounge, 818Real Rd. Free / 9pm /21+ / 325-6864.

Dub Seeds - LIVE!Pyrenee’s Café601 Sumner St.8 p.m. / FREE / 21+

NOVEMBER 14The Councilmen - LIVE!‘CD Release Party’ w/Last American Buffalo &Diamond LightSandrini’s, 1918 Eye St.9 p.m. / 21+ / $5

Sunday Snake Oil!Elevation Lounge, 818Real Rd. Free/ 9pm /21+ / 325-6864.

As The Crow Fly - LIVE!Chalet Basque, 200 OakSt., 7 p.m. / FREE! / 21+

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

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

Derby Double Header!Derby Revolution vs SanDiego & Battle BornDerby Demons,Saunders Park, 3300Palm St. 5:30 pm. - 10p.m. FREE!

Arden Park Rootsaka “Sublime Tribute”?BRyder’s, 7401 WhiteLn. 7 p.m. / 397-7304

DJ Danny Boi - LIVE!The Nile Bar 1721 19thSt. 9 p.m. / 363-3179

Bakersfield BluesSociety “Jam Session” Trout’s Honkytonk805 N. Chester (theDale) 2-8 p.m. / 21+ /399-6700

NOVEMBER 15

Country George - LIVE!Ethel’s, 4310 AlfredHarrell Hwy., 12pm, Free,873-7613.

NOVEMBER 16

Sea of Treachoryw/ Suffokate &Blindwitness. Jerry’sPizza, 1817 Chester Ave.6 p.m. / $12 / All Ages

Monday Nite Football !w/ESPN! (Every Monday)Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 5p.m. / 21+

Monday Nite Footballw/Francis Mayer ofKRAB! (every Monday!)Camino Real Restaurant5 p.m. / 852-0493

NOVEMBER 17

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

NOVEMBER 18Flobots & more - LIVE!Narducci’s, 622 E. 21st7 p.m. / $18 / All Ages

AGENDAWHAT’S ON IT

B = Highly recommended

BAKOTOPIA 11


BANQUET ROOM AVAILABLE 622 E. 21ST ST (661) 324 – 2961

GRAND OPENING

BridgetBridget BridgetBartenderBartender

Bartender

Happy Hour Mon-Fri

3pm-7pm

$2.50 Mondos $1.75 Domestic

$3.00 Wells

818 Real Rd,Suite B • (661) 325-6864 Entrance Between Sizzler And The Days Inn/Regency In Back

• Pool Table • Juke Box • Darts • Karaoke Tuesdays • Dj On Thursdays • Live Music

Fri (And Or) Sat

Nov 13 – Divided Highway Nov 14 – Sunday Snake Oil

Roger Clyne & ThePeacemakers w/ The 99’s.Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. /$13 / 21+

NOVEMBER 19Escape The Fate - LIVE!w/ Vogue In The Movement,Shilo & Automatic Redial. The Dome, 2201 V St.6 p.m. / $17 / All Ages

Pato Banton w/ Dub Seeds.Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. /$10 / 21+

NOVEMBER 20HAVE A BEER & FALL IN LOVE!“The Pulse” ‘Electronic MusicEvent’. Golden State Mall3201 F St. $7 Adv. - $10 Door7 p.m. - 1 a.m. / All Ages472-5935 (info)

Mike Montano BandBRyder’s Bar, 7401 White Ln. 9p.m. / Free / 21+ / 397-7401

Sean Morey from Bob & TomShow, Fishlips, 1517 18th St.8 p.m. / $13 / 21+www.vallitix.com

Still Kickin’ - LIVE!Ethel’s, 4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy.,8pm, Free, 873-7613.

NOVEMBER 21Mento Buru & DJ Mikey - LIVE!BRyder’s Bar, 7401 White Ln.9 p.m. / Free / 21+ / 397-7401

Backup Johnny - LIVE!Amestoy’s, 2303 River Blvd. 9p.m. / $5 / 21+ / 871-2303

Automatic Redial & Out ofFrame. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St.9 p.m. / 21+ / 322-8900

NOVEMBER 24DJ Michael Anthony “Thanksgiving Fundraiser”BRyder’s Bar, 7401 White Ln. 9p.m. / Free / 21+ / 397-7401

NOVEMBER 25Jaegerbomb GobblefestAmestoy’s, 2302 River Blvd.8 p.m. / 21+ / $4

The Councilmen - LIVE!BRyder’s Bar, 7401 White Ln. 9p.m. / Free / 21+ / 397-7401

NOVEMBER 27The English Beat - LLIIVVEE!w/ The SubterraneanizzlesFishlips, 1517 18th St.9 p.m. / $15 adv. - $20 door /21+ / www.vallitix.com /322-5200 - SKA, BABY, SKA!

NOVEMBER 28Mento Buru & DJ Mikey - LLIIVVEE!McMurphy’s, 14 Monterey St.9 p.m. / $5 / 21+

“Make Noise 4 Toys”!Annual fundraiser w/ live music& more! Amestoy’s, 2303 RiverBlvd. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 871-2303

POST YOUR EVENTS FREE ATWWW.BAKOTOPIA.COM TOMAKE THE MAG & WEEKLYEVENT E-BLASTS TO FANS!

WEDNESDAY!NOVEMBER 25TH!BAKOTOPIA’S Annual... “Night B4 Thanksgiving Jam”!

w/ Mento Buru, Velorio &DJ Mikey - LIVE!

-Fishlips, 1517 18th St.-7 p.m. - ?-$5 / 21+ /324-2557

Early arrival recommended!Busiest night of the year indowntown Bako!

S P O T L I G H T

BAKOTOPIA 12


By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia EditorComedian George Lopez is boldly

going where no Chicano has gonebefore.

Preparing to throw his sombrerointo the ring, TV’s funniest papais taking his fearlessness intounchartered territory with anew, late-night talk show,“Lopez Tonight.”

The show, which pre-miered at 11 p.m., Monday,Nov, 9 on TBS, plans to keepthe weekly, party going with afierce cast of talent in tow.

From the show’s bandleader, Michael Bearden, whopreviously worked on MichaelJackson’s “This Is It” prior to thesinger’s death, to a “secret” list ofhot guests, it’s looking like prime timefor Lopez’s next stratospheric step.

Standing among the giants — Leno,Conan, and Letterman, one factor hashim making history. He’s the first Latinoto host his own U.S. late-night show.

Embraced by American TV audi-ences, much in part to the popu-lar “George Lopez Show”now in syndication, youcan’t change the chan-nel without catching aglimpse of the come-dian. Recently seen atthe White House host-ing a celebration ofHispanic musical her-itage with the FirstFamily, as well onCNN’s “Latino InAmerica” report, itseems there’s nostopping Lopez. Anddon’t forget his ever-growing list ofmovie roles …“Mr.Troop,” anyone?

Like actors

Edward James Olmos and Rodriguez, Lopez has alwaysoffered to lend a helping hand when needed. Close ties to

Bakersfield and United Farm Workers Co-founderDolores Huerta remain active today, as well as stating

his views on a variety of subjects sensitive to thearea.

Bakotopia caught up with Lopez, via a telephoneinterview on Oct. 20, prior to the show’s premiereto get the inside scoop on “Lopez Tonight,” theblurred lines between stage and real life, andhis own take on possible cuts of the Modernlanguage department at CSUB.

Your list of achievements is impressive,but your appearance at the White Housereally stood out. How was the experience?

I’m fearless baby! To me, I took it as achallenge. I know Barack (Obama) a littlebit, but I thought, “Let me make the Presi-dent and the First Lady laugh, and I reallyfelt comfortable with what I had. When they

laughed, now that’s the top. Now, there’s noone who is more important than anyone I’m

going to run into than the leader of thefree world.

You were there for Presi-dent Obama when he

ran for office…Yes, I was.

Lopez!Comedian/Sitcom star gets new gig: late-night talk show host

Lovin’La Vida

Lovin’La Vida

BAKOTOPIA 13


CNN’s “Latino In America” special report was seen by theworld. How do you handle all those projects and being “on” allthe time?

I’m “on” all the time, because it’s real. It’s not a caricature, it’snot an act. So, when you’re inherently real - it’s almost like cook-ing, you don’t have to look at the recipe book to make yourfavorite dish. You just do it, you just know it. You know howmuch, you know when to add a little bit more, take a little bit less.

And I’ve learned through success and through failure of whatto do. Now, in all of the success that I’ve had, I don’t look at it, likea lot of people do saying, “Why me”?

You know, I work my tail off. That’s probably, “why me”?In the stars, “Why anybody”? But for hardwork and determina-

tion, I understand if you go just by that criteria - why it would beme. I just outworked everybody.

And I did it with two bad kidneys, and now I’m doing it withone good one!

How would you describe your show, “Lopez Tonight”? Your setlooks incredible!

The set is badass. I describe it as potentially having the oppor-tunity to be the commander of the brand new space shuttle -something that’s about ready to blast off.

Nobody goes into space by themselves. I’m taking a lot of peo-ple with me. I’m taking Michael Bearden, who was Michael Jack-son’s musical director for “This Is It”. I’m taking that band withme, and everybody who is on this show - from the writers to thedirector, to the band…

Entering the late-night TV scene as the first Latino host isvery ambitious, how do you “pump up” your team?

I had a conversation Michael Bearden away from the band, aswell as with the band last night when I saw them for the first timeand rehearsal…We just don’t want to win - we want to knock peo-ple out.

Hosting a talk show can be full of surprises, how are youapproaching being the host to a variety of guest?

One thing that I think that I have being a comedian for 30years, and just coming off a big HBO special - 14,000 people, isthe sense of fearlessness that you need to be really good.

I want them (guests) to be funny. I don’t want them to be sittingthere, sounding bored, or be a whipping post for jokes. I’m nottrying to fire off three jokes while they’re talking about their kids.I want to listen, and yeah, if I have something amusing to say, I’llthrow it in, , take the subject into a different conversation, ordigress. How ‘bout that, I’m gonna try and “digress” a few times.

Who are some of the popular talent slated for the show’s guestline-up?

They are movie stars, great musicians, and they are very tal-ented people, all of them. And a lot of them are my friends.

Do you think you’ve approached ‘Cosby Status’ as someonewho’s transcended the realm of being just an entertainer? Peo-ple watch and listen when you’re on-air, and not just Latinos.

No, no, no…I don’t think about it like that. I’m not ready for that. I appreci-

ate it, and I know that it’s unique, and it’s one thing…I created a position for myself that didn’t exist when I first got

into this business. Edward James Olmos was an amazing activist,but he’s not in the light as he once was.

Do you feel actors like Olmos had to make certain choices tolimit that activism?

Yeah, but my struggle isn’t always about that, but it’s inherent-ly always wrapped in something that I say.

Like The Cosby Show before you - your character on theGeorge Lopez Show has become the surrogate TV father for a lotof kids, especially now in syndication. How do you feel aboutthat?

They’re extensions of what you do, not extensions of who youare. You know, we still have to protect the castle, man. So whenI’m not in my suit or I’m not on a stage, I don’t act as much like

that George Lopez. In the beginning when I started doing my sitcom, they would

say, “Well, how much different is George Lopez on the show thanGeorge Lopez in real-life? They were almost the same, because Ihadn’t evolved so that there would be different variables ofGeorge Lopez.

Now there are - one that would go on Regis & Kelly, and onethat would go on HBO - not the same person. The one that did thesitcom is not going to be the one hosting this show.

You are active on Twitter, getting praise and heat for yourwork - are you okay with armchair critics?

I don’t mind that. One of the beauties of success, is that you geta lot of dissention. It’s nice, because it would have debilitated mein 2001, even before I got into the game.

Now I look at it with a sense of humor, because they (the view-er), know that George Lopez - the comedian, they don’t know theeGeorge Lopez.

You know, they might think my comedy is racist, but thenagain - is everything for everybody? No.

So when they say, “Hey, you suck, I don’t like your show”. It’slike, that’s the comedian (George Lopez), or that’s the show.

Any plans to move away from performing adult themed come-dy routines?

I don’t think so. You know, when I did Showtime, that was apretty clean one. And then when I went to HBO, HBO was HBO.George Carlin & Chris Rock never pulled a punch, Richard Pryoror anybody who was that genre of comedian. Dice, orKinison…And it’s HBO, I wasn’t about to go soft on HBO after Iwaited 20 years to be on HBO.

Maybe it was the rise in profile? Even when I had the TV show,it just stayed very adult.

I’d like an opinion on an issue our local, and heavily Latinoenrolled, Cal State University is facing. Latino studies programsare facing the chopping block right now, due to our economy -including the popular Spanish dept., Chicano studies, etc., yetother less popular depts., remain safe. You have strong ties tothe Central Valley with UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta. Whenyou hear something like that, what comes to mind?

What comes to my mind is what’s always perceived to be theweakest link in the chain is what snaps first. So, to the people thatare making the decisions - to them, what can they live without?

Well, if you’re probably Anglo, you can live without ChicanoStudies. And you can live without the programs that affect “us”.

And the time when times get tough, instead of looking at theoverall program - you look at those programs and say, “This iswhat we’re cutting”.

And then if you go and protest, it’s like, “Oh, there they goagain”. You know “There they go again” for a reason.

If there was a way that I could help them, I’m sure DoloresHuerta would have contacted me. I always have the opening lineof communication to her and to that area.

From appearing on everyone else’s talk shows to the stage,you’ve proven yourself a worthy guest. It’s looking like the per-fect time for you own talk show...

It’s “prime time”, right? But I don’t think that this is a show, that’s going to build to suc-

cess - I think it’s going to happen immediately and we’re going tohold onto it. And I think it’s going to be one of those things thatpeople embrace and get into from the beginning.

Any final message for your Bakersfield fans?I love Bakersfield, hang in there.

Lopez Tonight” is on Monday - Thursdays at 11pm onTBS. Check your local listings.

www.lopeztonight.com/“You memmer”?

BAKOTOPIA 14


661.327.9784 2935 F Street • Bakersfield, CA 93301

In as little as 6 months become experienced and licensed using specialized Microdermabrasion, Galvanic & High Frequency equipment. Secure your future doing the latest

professional facials, eye lashes, make-up and skin care. Specializing in the use of Jane Iredale Mineral Make-up

and Pevonia Botanica Spa products. We are nationallyaccredited and offer financial aid to those who qualify.

All work done by supervised students.

CollectibleVinyl RecordsCD’sDVD’sBooksComics &Video GamesVisit us “In the Cottages” across from Rabobank ArenaOr on the web at: www.darkstarrecordsandbooks.com

1024 Truxtun Ave.

Mariah Carey’s Big

Gamble

By Gabriel Ramirez, Bakotopia.com contributor

Before this year I have to admit I only really knew Mariah Carey for tworeasons: we line danced to her song “Fantasy” in junior high school.

I also remember the day she went on MTV’s TRL and had a melt downwhile giving out ice cream to the audience.

But my perspective of the Diva of divas has been incredibly changedafter seeing her latest performance at the Pearl Theater in Las Vegas’Palms Hotel.

You must know that this was my first Carey concert and I am not a fan ofconcerts at all, because my philosophy has always been why pay hundredsof dollars to hear something I can simply turn on the radio to hear.

Carey performed at the Pearl Theater September 11, 12 and October 9,and 10th - the day I attended.

Carey, the imperfect angel that she is, came down from the ceiling of thestage in one of her trademark glitter bedazzled dresses. She sang hits from

her old records as well as some of her recently released material from“Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.”

The concert was truly a unique experience in which Carey directlyaddressed and made contact with the audience, answering to audiencecommentary, reading signs, taking stuffed animal gifts and even having agay man propose to his boyfriend on stage midway through the concertwhile Carey toasted the couple with a glass of champagne.

Carey’s musical talent and the visibly enamored audience who never losta bit of energy might make Carey a perfect candidate for a long term resi-dence in Las Vegas, placing her among other great diva’s such as: Cher,Celine Dion, and Bette Midler.

For her truly outstanding performance and ever-angelic voice I gave Careya standing ovation all night, and hope to one day see her again in concert.

Overall the highlight of the night was getting a personal wave from Careyas she entered the Bellagio lobby on her way to husband Nick Cannon’sbirthday party at the Banks Night Club.

If there is ever another X-Men film I want Carey to play the nightclub-singing mutant Dazzler, who possesses the power to launch fireworks fromher hand-but that is just my own not-so-private fantasy.

If you want to hear some of her new material you can purchase Carey’slatest CD “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” now!

There are rumors from Carey herself that she might be going on a world-wide tour soon, which would be her first in four years.

You can also catch Carey as a social worker in “Precious”, Lee Daniel’sadaptation of the dark novel “Push” by Sapphire out in theaters now, whichalready has Oscar buzz. www.mariahcarey.com

Fan Review: ‘90s diva heads to the city of sinin search of pop redemption - Vegas style!

By Thomas G. Robinson, Bakotopia.com Contributor

Going to the original limited release of “This Is It,” celebrating the geniusthat was Michael Jackson (with never-before-seen footage of Michaelbehind the scenes preparing for his comeback concert in London’s famed02 Arena), I was already in a melancholy mood. I knew it would be a combi-nation of happy and sad, seeing him dance and sing, but knowing he’s nolonger with us … how are they going to capture this? How will it be handled?

I was surprised that on this Wednesday evening, the theater waspacked! The sign in the window said, “sold out,” but once inside, I noticedthere were a few empty seats. Still, for a weeknight, that was incredible.Some people had come with store-bought Michael Jackson t-shirts on (meincluded), some had made their own with silk-screened images of the movieposter … very cool. But the mood was nothing different for going to anyother movie … Until the lights went out.

You could have heard a pin drop. The movie just starts, no warning, with astatement prepared by AEG/Sony. Then straight to the dancers excited tobe working with the man that all dancers tip their hats to. We are treated toMichael Joseph Jackson, who looks surprisingly healthy, moves like he’s halfhis age, and ever so polite. Even when an earpiece he’s wearing is creatinga painful response to the music “like a fist is pushing hard into my ear,” hecalmly and with “love, l-o-v-e” asks that they do something about it.

MJ’s voice sounds fantastic. He’s singing the songs that we are so want-

ing to hear again, and he’s in full control of every aspect of the show. He’smoving in his trademark manner, adding more popping and robotic move-ments than ever before, and dancing better than the men half his age. Eventhough he’s trying to save his voice for the concert, he cannot help but reactto the emotion of the song by getting into it and singing at full force, thenplayfully scolding everyone around him for making him do that.

Overall, it was a joy to see the movie. I didn’t know what to expect, but Idid expect to see Michael for the last time, doing what he was born to do.My son said that (because he’s seen many MJ videos showing the great-ness of this entertainer) he felt that Michael was “holding back.” I thoughtabout that and responded, if you are practicing for a show, you are goingthrough the motions. You are trying things out and you’re singing to crewmembers and stage hands. You are not in “the element.” Having seenMichael perform live during the Bad Tour in 1988, I can attest to the energythe crowd supplies him. I told him, imagine him on stage in front of tens ofthousands of people, and you would have seen Michael in top form. Even inthis format, the rehearsals, he was in top form, just without the crowd.

The theater crowd was great. It’s not often that people applaud at a flatscreen in a theater. The last time I experienced that was during “Dream-girls” and the credits displayed “introducing Jennifer Hudson” after herknock-you-out performance. There were several moments (I counted four)where the crowd in the theatre audience applauded in the thrill of watchingone of Michael’s performances! Wow.

Directed by the show’s choreographer Kenny Ortega, the movie is playingin theaters all around the world and is breaking sales records! It is in the-aters now for two weeks here at Edwards Cinema and The Mayan. I encour-age all MJ fans (and even those who question his greatness, no especiallythose who question his greatness) to go see this film, to remember what athrill it was to see The King of Pop on stage, in his element. My only com-plaint: The volume should have been higher, as, after all, it’s a concert! Thisshould be viewed on the big screen with the speakers at full volume!

This Is It ... It’s joyous. It’s sad. It reminds us of what could have been. Itreminds us of the genius that was Michael Jackson.

www.thisisit-movie.com/

BAKOTOPIA 15


This Is It!Fan Review: Michael Jackson’s final bow is anamazing experience for old and new fans

DO IT LEGALLY UNDER CALIFORNIA STATE LAW,

PROP 215 (HS 11362.5)

West Coast Evaluations

2421 Haley St., Suite #420 Bakersfield, CA 93305

NOW NOW OPEN! OPEN!

Confidential Evaluations by CA-Licensed Doctors

(888) MED-KUSH (888-633-5874)

Every Wednesday from 2 to 6 pm

$10 OFF with this ad

R. STAN LE Y SECURITY SERVICE , INC .

GUARDS • P ATROL SPECIAL EVE NTS

634-9 2 83

LIC#:PP012134

12420 Jomani Dr. Suite: B Bakersfield,Ca 93312 661.589.7411 MEDICAL MARIJUANA

WE PROVIDE EXCLUSIVE INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT FOR KERN COUNTY

Process claims with every Medical Insurance Company in the U.S (except Federally sponsored programs)

Not-For –Profit Corporation Only Patients with proper paperwork & ID are allowed Entrance

MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM – 8PM CLOSED SUNDAY

Alle

n Rd

.

Rosedale Hwy

Jomani Dr.

bakotopia magazine issue 67

Documents

o t o p i

c o mf r e ef r e enov

george lopezw w w

pregnantville iscoming

pregnantville estate

ers andrew price moi

seenyour entire

entire outlook