Buzz Bands

Hollywood 'Rock N Read' Features Bako Talent - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:42:00 +0000

Rock N Read: July 13: More Info

I’ve never had the chance to perform with my kid who is in the Bakersfield band Dirty Spanglish. No, I don’t mean me singing in a rock band, though I have dreamed of strumming the guitar a few times while my kid rocks out. Fat chance of that. Anyway, I mean just sharing the stage, which I will get to do down at the “Rock N Read” at the Virgin Megastore in Hollywood on Sunday July 13.

They’ll be rocking and I’ll be reading. I’m especially happy because organizer Stephanie Kuehnert, who is also the incredible author of “I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone,” and her cohort in the event, author of “Frenemies” Alexa Young, both dug Dirty Spanglish. What can I say, I love my kid’s music and that others dig them too. Their music is fun, catchy. It's a band with four kids who just like to be serious about having fun.

Sure, I’ve criticized Dirty Spanglish, recently publicly (and always privately) for not creating enough new music fast enough. But lately I’ve seen them go through a growth spurt that has taken them from their fun pop-punk origins into a more mature indie sound.

I like that, especially in a city that keeps seeing bands break up. Instead of giving up, they've stuck together. Here’s a bunch of kids who have been performing since the 8th grade (Seniors now at Bakersfield High School) and who have entertained their musical tastes long enough, which has allowed their sound to go through necessary evolutionary changes.

I haven’t heard their new material. Just whatever snippets Landen shares around the house: a chord, a lyric, sharing tempo changes, chord ideas. I’m happy with whatever I get to hear around the house.

Thursday, Dirty Spanglish is performing with Norfolk at the Gate, which is nearby to the ABC23 (KERO) Studios, across from Hall ambulance.

Both bands will be at the Rock N Read July 13. Norfolk, simply put, is one of my favorite Bako bands ever. Talk about an evolution of sound and bandmates...

Personally I’ve been toying with an essay that’s half written in my head, rather than read from my novel or from something else I’ve written (nlbelardes.com).

I was thinking an essay on the media…something both funny and serious that also richly describes Bakersfield while talking to an L.A. crowd. Hope to see you there...

Show Review: The Fast Computers Live at The Silverfox - By Jesse Rivera

noreply@blogger.com (JR) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:35:00 +0000

Touring bands always sound great and they always look hungry. They sound great because because they are actually playing night after night and they are well rehearsed. They look hungry because their tours are usually self-financed and on a shoe-string budget. Although Portland area rockers The Fast Computers didn't really look too hungry (maybe their hosts Gerhard and Cortnie Enns treated them to some fine Bakersfield cuisine before the show?) they did sound great and it only took them one song to get the crowd's attention at The Silverfox for a rare Tuesday night show.

The Fast Computers give new meaning to the word quirky as they bounced through a set of Elton-John-inspired synth pop at its best. Touring as a three piece: Synth, Bass, and Drums, there was no shortage of sound and the beats were funky.

Lead singer Peter Dean did his best to get the crowd at the Silverfox into the groove and he succeeded. Dancing with audience members climbing onto barstools, he made sure the Silverfox crowd got their money's worth ...Oh wait, Silverfox shows are always free!!

A special treat during the set were two songs sat on by Gerhard and Cortnie Enns of Bakersfield-Fresno band The Dalloways who were also playing host to the traveling band.

The Fast Computers will be heading down to San Diego tomorrow night then jump right back on the I-5 and head north to San Fransisco to finish off their 8 day tour of California.

Kid, Youth, Teen Bands Set To Rock The Gate Aug. 1st - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:48:00 +0000

Photo: L.A.'s Wild Youth and Bako band Dirty Spanglish get silly at last year's Harry Potter Wrock fest at Vroman's Bookstore.

Kid bands, youth bands, teen bands. They’re everywhere, lurking in garages, living rooms and kid nights held at local record shops, right?

Not as much as you think. In fact, it’s a rarity to see a youth-oriented show with a really young band like Wild Youth, who is coming here to Bakersfield Aug. 1 (not July 1st!) after once rocking Vromans with Dirty Spanglish on Harry Potter night last year. (DS has another 'literary rock' event coming up July 13 in Los Angeles at the "Rock and Read" at the Virgin Megastore in Hollywood).

While the Bakersfield music scene is like a tide that comes and goes, kid bands are also among those fragile waters. I’m amazed every time I think that my kid’s band, Dirty Spanglish is still together. They tell me they’re transforming to a more indie sound. But I have no idea and haven’t heard any of their music lately. Their pop punk is fun. Let’s hope their indie changeover keeps that playful appeal.

Right now I think there’s an interesting mix of local Bakersfield high-school age bands and younger that’s culminating in an upcoming show that’s sounding pretty darn fun for kids 18 and a whole lot younger.

Nick from Dirty Spanglish has put together a show at the converted church across from Hall Ambulance called The Gate. It’s a great venue and I like that it has rules: no cursing.

The even serve blended coffees--yum!

Photo: Dirty Spanglish

Mark your calendars early! The show on August 1st at the Gate features a host of local bands including several I haven’t seen. Abduction! Sounds fun and punky, while I’m kind of liking the attitude of The Rozzes on their MySpace.

Foiled! (Again) is also showing up. I believe they're local but haven't seen their MySpace yet...

We’ll see if Dirty Spanglish can wow me with their new indie sound. They’re promising some fun antics that night. Another fun band is a group of L.A. kids who I’m not sure are even in high school yet. They’re called Wild Youth and are just fun and talented kids who started as young as 11 years old...

Flier: The Gate Events

Punk, indie, rock pop. It’s all going to be at the show at the Gate on Aug 1.

I wonder if any of those GIRLS ROCK CAMP kids will show up?

Album Review: Coldplay's Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends - By Jesse Rivera

noreply@blogger.com (JR) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:40:00 +0000

I was never much of a Coldplay fan but from the moment I heard the song "Viva La Vida" on the ITunes commercial I was hooked and found myself anxiously awaiting its release.

Prior to its June 18th release date, the album had not one but two songs -- "Viva La Vida" and "Violet Hill" -- receiving massive exposure in Europe and America.

The album takes its name from a Frida Kahlo painting. It's a fitting title to say the least, considering the ablum is as complicated, full of life and death, as a Frida Khalo painting. It is layered with sonic colours and textures you can never get tired of looking at it, or in Coldplay's case, you can never get tired of listening to it.

I also love the fact that the album is only 10 songs and comes in at just under 46 mins total. It's not too much and it leaves you wanting more so you have no other choice then to just listen to it over and over and over again. If the album were any longer it could get boring and over indulgent. Keeping it short and sweet avoids this downfall that many album have whenever their creators feel the need to fill all 73 minutes available on a CD. Short and sweet, baby -- that's how I like it.

The first four songs on the album: "Life In Technicolor"; "Cemeteries of London"; "Lost"; "42") just melt into each other one right after the other in one massive movement of sound. Brian Eno produced the album and does a great job of creating richly diverse songs that feel like you've known them your whole life after listening to them just once.

The middle of the album is made up of two songs taking up nearly 14 minutes of time. "Lovers In Japan"/"Reign In Blood" and "Yes" are the doors in between the first and second part of the album. As one closes, the other opens, and what we find is the rest of the album. The latter part of the album is made up of the songs: "Viva La Vida"; "Violet Hill"; "Strawberry Swing"; and last but not least "Death And All His Friends".

I cannot listen to this album and not think of U2's Unforgettable Fire and The Joshua Tree. This album is Coldplay's fourth and finds them at a place in their career where they are right in between their Unforgettable Fire and their Joshua Tree. A place in between greatness and legendary, a place in between rock heroes and rock gods... Like it or not, they handle it quite well.

I can listen to this album over and over. Every time I think I've found my favorite track on the album another one grabs my attention.

With 73 tour dates already announced in North America and the rest of the world, Coldplay seems about ready to conquer the planet.

They've just conquered me!!!

Still don't believe me? Head on over to Coldplay's Myspace and take a listen. Oh your more of a visuals type of person? Okay, head on over to their YouTube and take a look.

Weekend Music Scene Preview - By Jesse Rivera

noreply@blogger.com (JR) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:17:00 +0000

Huge shows all over town this weekend, don't get left out of the fun!

First off without a doubt the biggest show in town this weekend has to be hands down, DJ Mikey, Seed, Mento Buru, Fishbone at...you guessed it Saturday June 21st at Fishlips. Three amazing eclectic bands providing a musical history lesson of California Ska/Punk/Funk/Golden Valley Stylee music all on one stage right before your eyes! Get your tickets early as this show is going to be off the chain!!

But first, Friday night's (June 19) music. We got the Punks out at Vinny's, The Iron Outlaws at Amestoy's and there's Velorio at Sandrini's! All this action is going on tonight.

Saturday June 20 Vecar and the Get Up Get Down are at The Gate (This is an all-ages show!!). I will personally be at Narducci's (622 E 21st St) for an Avant-Garde art show featuring several local artists (Travis Von Shriltz and Nyoka Jameson just to drop a couple of names).

The Art Show is all-ages from 7:00-10:00pm and then goes 21 and over from 10:00pm-1:00am. The show will also feature a very special performance by local Bakersfield rockers The Indians. They will be performing AC/DC's classic album Back In Black in it's entirety.

So don't tell me there's nothing to do in this town! Like I said, Saturday night I'll be chillin with the artists and rockin out to the Indians. As for Friday, I still haven't made up my mind, but I'm leaning toward Amestoy's and the Iron Outlaws. See you out there, Bakersfield. Support your scene!!

From Ritual To Romance - By Jesse Rivera

noreply@blogger.com (JR) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:33:00 +0000

Speaking of hard working bands. Another Bakersfield band: From Ritual To Romance is getting ready to drop a new EP entitled Plan A Disguised As Plan B. I was lucky enough to get a copy of the CD last week and give it a listen to a couple of days before the boys let me sit in on a Saturday afternoon rehearsal.

The CD is packaged nicely in a jewel case wrapped in cellophane and sealed with a bar code even!! These guys take themselves pretty serious...

I couldn't help but feel like Vince Vaughn in a scene toward the end of the movie Swingers. The scene is where Vaughn's character is so proud of the progress made by his best friend, played by John Faverea, that he jumps onto a table in a diner and begins shouting, "...cause you're all grown up and your groused up and your all grown up..." This is exactly how proud I felt of these boys, or sorry young men after the first listening to of their new EP.

Their sound has gone from power screamo pop to progressive hard rock. I swear some of these guitar riffs are almost Allman Brothers-esque. The arrangements are better. The vocals and harmonies are tighter; there is just a whole new sophistication to their sound and it is amazing. If you don't believe me then just buy a copy of the CD and see for yourself.

Like I said the CD sounds great but if you want to truly give yourself the full on From Ritual To Romance experience you need to see these guys live. They will be playing a CD release show Friday, June 13 at Jerry's Pizza (1817 Chester Ave) you should really make the effort.

The band has spent the better part of the last two years putting all their time, money and energy into getting their new CD recorded, mastered and packaged. No expense was spared. It is a quality product all the way down to the liner notes (..in which I'm not thanked I'd like to add...lol!). They spent over $6,000 of their own hard earned cash. "I can't remember the last time I bought myself something new," band member Macario Gutierrez said to me on the day I came over to pick up a copy of the CD.

Like I said, I'm really proud of these guys I hope they get what they deserve!

SEED: Hardest Working Band In Bakersfield? - By Jesse Rivera

noreply@blogger.com (JR) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:32:00 +0000

I'm having a great time really just getting reacquainted with this wonderful Bakersfield Music Scene after being gone for a little while. I spent last week getting back in touch with bands I dug back in the day (I'm talking way back like 2004-2006 back!)

Most of the bands who were around then have broken up, their members splintering into a 100 new bands. Some of the members never even got back into bands. Some just play for themselves in garages with buddies. Bummer... Well lucky for me some of those old bands are still out there playing shows.

Tonight I'm going down to Sandrini's (1918 Eye St. Between 19th & 20th Streets) and get reacquainted with the reggae rocksteady, Californialiscious sounds of local Bakersfield band, SEED.

I remember I used to see these guys playing shows with all the local metal/hardcore bands doing all they could to spread their good vibe. Well most of those bands are gone now but SEED is still going strong. In the couple of years since I've seen them they have landed gigs and shared the stage not just with every local Bakersfield band who's ever played a show. But also with the likes Eek A Mouse, Pato Banton, The Mad Caddies, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Digital Underground, and Afroman, just to drop a few names.

I caught up with SEED recently and asked them 5 Easy Questions!:

JR: Hey man, who all is in SEED and how do they get down?

SEED: Gary Rink is on bass. His style is like nothing you've ever seen and he always blows people away with his live performances and antics. He also teaches bass at Stockdale Music. Joel Henderson is on drums and has been with SEED for 4 years -- very jazzy and bluesy. He teaches drums as well. Chris Taylor on vox/guitar -- mostly a singer/songwriter but can still rip a solo, too. Chris also writes most of the SEED material.

JR: Is it true, SEED is the hardest working band in Bakersfield?

SEED: Well I dunno if it's true but it definitely feels like it! We play just about every weekend, sometimes 2 or 3 shows a week. On one hand we don't want people to get sick of us, but on the other hand, we can't say 'no' if someone asks for some SEED.

JR: I noticed on your Myspace, you have songs for sale. If I was gonna spend five bucks on some good SEED which five songs would you recommend I buy?

SEED: Well, if you're gonna spend some money on some songs, you should wait till our full length album comes out (shortly!) but if you must...Get Low is probably our most popular, Trenchtown has that rootsy feel, and if you're mad at 'the man' then The System is for you! Flirty Girl and Runaround are some good ones too.

JR: I'm trying to talk a friend of mine into going to your show tonight at Sandrini's. What should I tell them to expect from SEED live?

SEED: I'd say that your friend better be prepared to dance! People love to groove and shake to our reggae-rock style, especially after a couple of drinks. They'll enjoy many of our original songs as well as the recognizable cover tunes we do. Of course they would also be surprised at the full sound and energy that a 3-man band can produce.

JR: What local band is your favorite. You can name more then one if you'd like.

SEED: Our favorite local band? There's definitely more than one. the Travis Byler Project is always fun. Backup Johnny is cool. And you gotta love Mento Buru

If you can't make it down to Sandrini's tonight you can catch SEED tomorrow night (Friday the 13th!) at Fishlips or back at Fishlips on Saturday June 21st with Mento Buru opening up for Fishbone!!!

Performer Held At Gunpoint 3 Times Talks New Video - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:09:00 +0000

Los Angeles/Hollywood Spoken Word rockster Rich Ferguson has a new must-see video out that really rips at the heart of urban American living. Having once studied with beat poet Allen Ginsberg, Ferguson's video is a brilliant take on how a true-to-life poet captures glimpses of a typical American's daily life.

Ferguson has performed all over L.A., including Disney Hall's RedCat Theatre. He's even appearing in New York soon. His album, "Where I Came From" has gotten quite a bit of airplay. That's a lot for a poet backed by a talented rock band who has helped take his rhymes into a world of Trip Hop. Of course, Ferguson's MySpace refers to his album as: "Imagine Kerouac kissing Massive Attack with a side order of Swordfish Trombone."

It's a catchy new real-world take on the kind of poetry-rock fusion that needs great rapping, rhyming and lyrical beats.

And Ferguson is the real deal. I once caught up with he and LA Times Best Selling Author Brad Listi, both writers for TheNervousBreakdown.com. Ferguson broke out in song and I captured it on video that you can see in this article on non-striking writers.

"All The Times" mashes human existence into the consciousness of a poet considering statistical analysis for a man's past sins and successes. The song poses questions and gives numerical answers, albeit sometimes spicy and racy, but altogether so real that many people will feel they're a part of the song.

When asked about writing the song, Ferguson said, “I just started thinking about the things that I had done and hadn’t done in my life and the frequency ... I was seeing myself as an accumulation of things.”

Asked what the sum of all those numbers about himself in the video might be, Ferguson said, “I don’t know, some of those things are kind of boring.”

But then just as in the song where Ferguson mentions how many times a gun has been pointed at him, he said, “There actually were three times guns were pointed at me.”

Ferguson said he was held up at a gas station in high school, that once he got lost in Harlem and got held up and another time was held up in San Francisco. He said when he ponders that part of the song he thinks, “Damn that’s messed up. I’m sort of lucky to be alive.”

Watch Video For "All The Times":

5 Easy Questions with Heath Dobbler of The IN-Denials - By Jesse Rivera

noreply@blogger.com (JR) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:20:00 +0000

A long time ago in a Bakersfield Music Scene far far away there was a band named 3 Cent Nickel and they did all they could to bring some decent punk shows onto the streets of this here town. Their scene thrived for just a while, then like all other local bands, they broke up and their scene cooled down.

The break up of the band landed Guitarist Rob Shock and Bassist Heath Dobbler into The IN-Denials. Their other guitarist Clay Pigeons ended up playing with The 28's. Both of these bands amazingly are still together and often play shows in support of each other, bringing some pretty decent out-of-town talent most of the time. Though they've been silent here of late, out of nowhere they have two big shows coming up this month. Friday June 6, then again just two weeks later, both shows at legendary Vinny's Bar (2700 S Union).

Since they've been away for awhile and I've been away for awhile. I thought there'd be no better time then the present to reach out to my main man Heath Dobbler of The IN-Denials and ask him....FIVE EASY QUESTIONS!

JR: We all know Rob Shock and Heath Dobbler of course. But who are those other two dudes in The IN-Denials, could you please introduce them?

Dobbler: Elias is an all around heck of a drummer! He's probably had to back off of the talent level a bit to jam with us since we're not a very demanding band, but he's the stuff near enough. Gage has been MIA the last few weeks, so we'll hold all applause on his contributions for the time being.

JR: Two shows in one month, what's the deal?

Dobbler: Kind of an eyebrow raiser for us definitely. Basically, there have been some out-of-town punk bands needing a gig, as well as some support from our local scene. Being that we're skinny on local punk bands here in Bakersfield, we set em up for the night and offered our services as fine Bakersfield hosts.

JR: Wow that's awesome! You're all gonna be there. What are the odds of a Three Cent Nickel reunion for at least one song? If so could it be "Allyson Fudge"?

Dobbler: NO!!! Actually Clay and the 28's had to pull out due to an injury with their drummer. Though Clay might show up to support the gig, there has been a long standing order to shelve all of the 3 Cent Nickle stuff until further notice... DARN-IT!!!

JR: Who the heck are the Giddy Ups?

Dobbler: Hands down a supreme pop punk quartet from Fresno, CA. These guys are just something else. They are a mixture of Screeching Weasel, The Queers, The Groovie Ghoulies, etc... Basically everything for a total 90s pop punk renaissance wrapped into one.

JR: What's next for the IN-Denials?

Dobbler: Friday's gig... after that, the 20th's gig... after that, another gig... and some new songs somewhere along the way. We're simple folk, we write and play songs and that's about it!

JR: There you have it folks straight from the Punks mouth himself! Friday night June 6, Vinny's bar around 9pm. Just 5 Bucks!! Be there.

The Return of Gramercy Riff? - By Jesse Rivera

noreply@blogger.com (JR) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:07:00 +0000

Is it a full on reunion or just a couple of shows to revisit some old ghosts? Who knows for sure, and I wasn't going to waste Bakersfield band, Gramercy Riff's time by asking them a bunch of questions for fear I would scare them back into hiding.

After two years of silence the Riff re-emerged this past week with not one but two shows. The first on Memorial day at Golden State Mall opening up for Circa Survive and the second on one of the many side stages at this past weekend's Rockin Roots Fest at Stramler Park.

It had been years since I last saw Gramercy Riff play a show. I want to say the last time I saw them play was at Vinny's Bar; I also want to say this was their last show together, but I could be wrong so don't quote me on that on. All I wanted to do was sit back and enjoy a show by one of my all-time favorite local bands.

Like I said, it had been years and the Riff seem to have picked up right where they left off. They're old stuff sounded better then ever. Songs like "Height of Culture" and my favorite "Autumn's Hundred Stories" were as strong as I had ever heard the Riff play them. They were all well practiced and unless you knew they hadn't played together in over two years you never could have guessed it.

Their maturity and growth as musicians however was most evident on two newer songs: "Music To Shake Your Baby" and "There's No Emoticon,"(I remember I once watched them rehearse the latter of these two songs for a good half hour. Joel starting and stopping the Riff every time it didn't sound just right). These guys have known each other now for years and even though they hadn't played together in so long you could see the trust and the brotherhood as musicians was still there.

If you want to hear the newer stuff it's on their Myspace. For a couple of Riff classics check out their Garage Band Page

So is it a full on reunion or just a 'last hooray' as the Myspace Bulletin announcing the shows stated? Whichever it is I'm just glad I got to see the Riff one last time.

Just in case your forgot, Gramercy Riff is:
Joel on Guitar and Vocals
Jeff on Guitar and Vocals
Chris on Bass and Vocals
Jaime on Drums

Brian Head Welch Leaves Fortitude Records, To Launch New Site, Solo Tour - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:04:00 +0000

Just got word that Brian "Head" Welch, who many know as Korn's former guitarist, and now New York Times Best-Selling author for the memoir "Save Me From Myself," has left Fortitude Records.

His Head2Christ forums are shutting down and a new Web site will be launched at www.brianheadwelch.net.

Watch Nick 2.0 Video:

Welch also has a new MySpace page that list two dates for an upcoming solo tour.

Take a peek at my interview with Welch and listen to MP3 downloads as we spoke about his book, "Save Me From Myself." His solo album will have the same title...

Win Tickets To Jimmy Eat World/Paramore Concert, Go To Bako Parks Spring Fest, And See Big Trouts Unveiling - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:25:00 +0000

Bako Parks Spring Festival goes into full bloom Saturday, and no, it's not all about the music. On April 5 - 6, there’s the Walk for Life, artisans, food and plenty to do for kids.

But let's be serious, music is what matters here on the Buzz Bands blog...

There are two stages you can watch bands at SpringFest. On Saturday night, four bands will be performing at the Bright House Amphitheatre from 5 to 9 p.m.. Credential Recordings indie band, Lost Ocean hits the stage at 6:15 p.m. for a must-see performance. Hayes Field, Honky Tonk Truckers and Right Cross will also be performing. On both Saturday and Sunday, bands will be hitting the SpringFest mobile stage right amongst the artisans from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The two-piece alt country/Irish music band, Black Dog will be performing both days. Stay tuned for other local acts there as well. The music is all free.

And don't forget historic Trouts Bar in Oildale, which is just down the street from the former Buck Owens Recording Studio/River Theatre. They're having an unveiling Saturday night of a mural of a Bakersfield Sound legend by Patti Doolittle. Oh, and country music legend Red Simpson is going to perform, as well as David Reeves Carpenter and The Blackboard Playboys. Show up for a night of April birthday celebration fun. Show up at 8 p.m.

Jimmy Eat World? Yes they can!

THANKS FOR PLAYING: We have notified the winners. Thanks to everyone for leaving comments.

Don't forget to read Chase Sprockett's interview on Bakotopia with Jimmy Eat World.

Two Irish-Mexican Kids At A St. Patrick’s Day Fishlips Bash - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:13:00 +0000

Two Mexican-Irish Musicians Playing Fishlips March 17

People who know me understand that I often write about dual-ethnic issues with a Latino twist because I grew up in a half-and-half household. One parent was Caucasian (Germanic and Scandinavian), the other, Latino (Mexican). Both are passed now.

Though I was closer to my mother, it’s just plain and simple that I gravitate more to my Latino side. Maybe I’m more in touch with it because I live in the hugely Hispanic state of California. Maybe it’s the great food, the great Latino people I’ve known over the years, or the many experiences with the people in my family I grew up with. There’s always the mythical stories my family has told about coming to California and the fact that I am more Latino than any other ethnicity.

I have written Chicano fiction filled to the brim with magic realism and have done my best to play a small role in local Latino-themed politics over the past few years. I like to cook Latino foods too. I do all of that and people look at me and say, “Are you Italian or Greek?”

It’s what you are on the inside that matters, right?

The fact is, I usually think about myself too much in relation to such issues and never enough about my own sons, Jordan, 18, and Landen, 16. I don’t think enough about the unique outlook they share because of having a mostly Irish-Mexican heritage.

Let me reiterate—I have no Irish in me.

Don't Miss St. Patty's Day At Fishlips In Bakersfield, Calif.:

When Lauren Helper of MAS Magazine contacted me about including my kids in dual-ethnic Latino-Irish themed story, it really got me thinking about how these two youngsters connect to the world around them. Sure, they are performing some great Irish tunes this upcoming St. Patrick’s Day at Fishlips with their two-piece band, Black Dog, but even more so, I am honored that our local prestigious Latino magazine would take the time to explore such a dual-ethnic heritage.

It’s really an interesting to talk about Latino topics with Jordan after he’s put in a session of Chicano Studies at Bakersfield College, or hear Landen, or the both of them perform Irish music in preparation for Monday’s festivities. That makes for a fun blending of culture right in one household.

My kids really have a special connection to each other and their heritage because of music, history and the foods I sometimes cook. But their willingness and ability to explore such avenues is what makes them special. That’s all a parent can ask.

So, a Mexican-Irish St. Patty’s Day celebration isn’t as far off as you think. Read the article “Kindred Spirits” in Mas, which discusses the deep connection between Irish and Mexicans. You might just find yourself coming down for a foot stomping good time.

Then take a look at the St. Patty's Day event on the Bakotopia.com calendar of events. You’ll get a nice blend of cultural music from around the Bakersfield area, all gathering for some silly Irish-related fun.

Bakersfield Downtown: The Dalloways And The Shooting Aftermath

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:55:00 +0000

Photo by Jessical Moncrief
View slideshow

Before the show last Saturday, I wondered if the Sandrini’s crowd would be receptive to the local brit pop hustlers, The Dalloways. I’m not a big fan of Sandrini’s Bar, not because it’s underground and I feel like I’m in a Hobbit hole, or because it’s the kind of bar that gets stuffy during the summer. I think it’s because I always feel like the location is temporary. Downtown Bakersfield bars sometimes change names the way Cher does costumes. And the downtown Bakersfield weekend clientele, sometimes rough around the edges, might not dig a sensational band like the Dalloways.

The Dalloways: take the best of brit pop, put them in a teleportation machine ala the movie “The Fly.” Slip an American flag in the other end. Then watch the fusion. Only it’s not monstrous at all or fake like Jeff Goldblum on insect steroids. It’s just what it is: brit pop with an American shoegazy feel. Or should I just say dreamy with a hard American edge?

Anyway, I was proven wrong. The show last Saturday was really better than anticipated.

I already knew the music was going to be good. I’d been spinning the Dalloways new e.p., “Dirty Money, Filthy Love,” and was loving it.

Early in the day I picked up Matt Munoz of Mento Buru/Bakotopia. His kid Mark and my youngest, Lando, tagged along. We invaded Gerhard Enns home and I filmed a portion of a mini-documentary of them practicing. Most of the footage was of their cover of David Bowie’s “Young Americans.” I did include a little of the Dalloway’s song, “Trona.”

View ABC23 Mini-Documentary, The Dalloways Young Americans:

I should add here that “Dirty Money, Filthy Love” is an energetic step from their first album, “Penalty Crusade.” If their first album was Industrial Revolution brit pop, then their follow-up e.p. is London music genre gone green, because their song “Me and Thomas Hardy” is an uplifting bass-driven slide into a new-and-improved Dalloways.

Even Matt Munoz, who had been decimated by recent allergies, and who can be a devilish music critic, was feeling pretty upbeat.

Enough said. I dig the music. You get the point.

That night Rickey Bird and Jason Sanders from Hectic Films set up a projector for the music video presentation of the Dalloway’s song, “Dirty Money, Filthy Love.” These guys are so guerrilla they taped a sheet onto the brick wall, which I should say, turned out nicely for a screen.

The video is a creepy bar-scene love story. OK, not really a love story, but there’s some funny moments. I make a cameo as a drunk guy at the bar who encourages a young stud to go for a hot chick. And the Dalloways are all mafia-looking in their fashionable attire.

View Dalloways Video, "Dirty Money, Filthy Love":

The show ended as upbeat as it began with the cover of “Young Americans” feeling entirely fun and fresh. The backup singers added a lush touch to an already incredible lineup that would make Bowie proud were he to step into the Btown underground.

After the show is another story. While I played some music in a car for Jason Sanders to listen to as part of a soundtrack for Hectic Films’ upcoming zombie movie, there was a downtown shooting. Hectic Films’ Rickey Bird had filmed the aftermath and was on the run after being chased. He met up with us, sweating, paranoid, and in a slight panic.

He had heard gunfire, grabbed his camera, and headed to the Syndicate bar where he filmed a man covered in blood and another man on the crowd. The scene was chaotic. He played the video, and to be honest, it looked like a scene out of “Cloverfield”: jumpy, jerky, camera pointed at odd angles, shots of a crowd, some yelling, some yelling at him. Luckily no monster in sight.

Read ABC23 article, "Cameraman Chased After Filming Shooting Aftermath."

View Nick 2.0 Segment Discussing Shooting Aftermath:

After making sure he wasn’t followed, I then headed down to the scene with my mini-HD camera rolling. I could tell within the few minutes since he’d been down by the Syndicate, the crowd was more subdued and beginning to be guided away from the scene by police.

Yet the crowd was still around, hanging in the energized air, curious, angry, wondering, some drunk, some looking for trouble, some trying to find friends and get to cars. There were a lot of thuggish looking brutes giving me the eye for filming. I could tell they weren’t about to start anything because police had the area covered in personnel.

One guy walked up to me and drunkenly told me I was nosey. Of course he had just walked into the scene to find out what had happened from his friends who hovered on a nearby wall, smoking cigarettes and wondering how word could have spread so fast in the downtown scene. I guess we were both nosey.

By then I had seen enough. I stuffed my camera into my pocket and headed to Zingos for some biscuits and gravy. It had been a long night and a long day, mostly spent revolved around music. Though I couldn’t help but think about the last song I’d heard and all the youthful faces in the downtown scene.

Ahh the young Americans…

Dalloways, being a Bakersfield and Fresno band, will have another release party for their e.p. at Fresno’s Starline in the Tower District. Let’s hope the Fresno scene is just as polite as Sandrini’s.

Don't forget to read about the Dalloways and see them interviewed in the ABC23 article, "Bands Get Creative To Battle MySpace Glut"

Is Bako Band Promoter In Hot Water After Fresno Kids Pepper-sprayed? - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:18:00 +0000

The Fresno Bee and The Fresnan Blog are both talking about Bakersfield band promoter, Tim Gardea, who they reported may have overbooked an event at Fresno's The Exit Thursday night.

The event apparently got out of hand and kids were possibly pepper-sprayed by security and police. One source indicated the pepper spray didn't come from police came from a a band manager who was later fired.

Mikie Seay in his post Tim Gardea Screwed Fresno Again writes:

When I heard that the SKSK show was oversold (not knowing who the promoter was), the first promoter that popped into my head was Tim Gardea Presents. Not shocked to find out it was their show. Lets hope that TGP somehow makes up for their lame Fresno promoting.

He says it's not the first time Gardea has done a poor job of hosting a show in the Fresno area. Seay has written about Gardea before in the Fresno Famous community blogosphere. Seay Writes:

Warning to Fresnans going to a future Tim Gardea Presents show: don't buy your tickets at his website unless excessive line-waiting is how you like to get fired-up for a show.

Mike Oz of the Fresno Beehive posted two YouTube videos, one which shows a crowd perspective. It looks chaotic, though you can tell some kids are likely coughing and sputtering from the result of pepper spray. (Original Fresno Bee post on debacle)

All the talk is about the venue getting overbooked, the fire marshall arriving and kids getting pepper-sprayed after the crowd got unruly for being cut off from the show.

So who is to blame? Bakersfield promoter who booked the bands? The venue for over-selling tickets? Unruly kids? Security? A band manager with a hot finger on a can of pepper spray? Maybe all of the above made for a disastrous night that could have been worse.

Just another reminder that the highway rivalry isn't just between the Falcons and the Condors. Sometimes it's too easy for towns like Fresno and Bakersfield to blame each other when events like this occur. Let's hope for safe shows in both areas. This is some rare unruliness.

Bakersfield Latino Rockers Velorio Make New Music Video - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:37:00 +0000

Bakersfield Latin Band, Velorio

Out of all the blog articles I write, music-related news is in my top two favorites to pen. Part of the reason is because Bakersfield is so richly talented in music culture.

And I'm not just talking the rock and indie scene. You've heard what I've had to say about local Irish music, got a glimpse of brit pop, and of course there's Latino musicians like Velorio; They include a blend of jazz in their mix. All you have to do is go to their MySpace page to check out the septet's songs, "Hijo Del Son" or "Respirir."

They're both wonderfully mixed and sung. I played them twice Monday morning just because they're so good.

Anyway, Jessica Monclief shot photos of Velorio making their new music video over at the Replay Lounge over the past weekend.

Check out her slideshow:

Velorio Makes New Music Video

Or watch their video promo:

Velorio performs this Friday, Jan. 18, at Sandrini's in downtown Bakersfield for their one-year anniversary bash: 1918 Eye St, Bakersfield, California 93304; Cost: $7

I don't know when their video will be completed...

Check out more Bakersfield Latino music in the article, "Man Overcomes Loss Through Day Of The Dead Music"

ABC23 Mini-Documentary Of Celtic Band Whiskey Galore Recording New Album - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:25:00 +0000

YouTube only feature:

*This video has been updated

Boy did I have some fun the other night being a fly on the wall in the recording studio with one of the best Irish bands in America.

This YouTube only mini-documentary features the Bakersfield Band Whiskey Galore. They were recently at Bakersfield Recording Studio with an in-studio audience that provided some serious cheers and hurrahs during the band's bagpiping action.

Whiskey Galore is featured yearly at Las Vegas Fremont Street for St. Patrick's Day festivities. They're also a regular of Bakersfield's Lengthwise Brewery. Piper Kevin Briley is masterful on the Scottish Bagpipes and the uillean pipes. They even perform some ACDC that will rock your socks off. Their motto is "American Bred, Celtic Fed." Gotta love that.

I hope you enjoy this foot-stomping 6-minute mini-documentary as much as I enjoyed being there. Oh, and their new album will be out soon. I'll keep you posted...

Dalloways Make Music Videos Speakeasy Style - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:09:00 +0000

Dalloways in speakasy version of song, "Dirty Money."

I'll be posting video here eventually from the Hectic Films shoot of a Dalloways music video at an underground bar at the local restaurant, Benjamins.

There were two songs they were shooting for, one of which is "Dirty Money" off their forthcoming e.p. and album, "The Distant Fairs."

If you like the resurgence of 80s Brit Pop you'll love the Dalloways. I did some really bad acting in it. More soon...

They posted a rough cut of some of "Dirty Money," "I Love You Regardless," and "Me And Thomas Hardy" on their Myspace. The back-up vocals and guitars rock. Check it out. "Me And Thomas Hardy" has some serious groove going on from bassist Matt Wall.

Bass player falls down and keeps on jamming! - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:36:00 +0000

I don't have what it takes to sit through a bazillion bands from 6 - Midnight at the Dome, but I did see a few bands at their Halloween Show.

I will be posting some video on Aural Attack and Intruder Alert, but for now, watch this classic moment caught on film when my kid's band, Dirty Spanglish, performed their mini-cult classic, "She's A Jones Soda."

During their performance, members from Aural Attack jumped on the stage, sung with the band, and general caused only a minor ruckus. Of course the funniest moment was when bass player, Nicky Jack Acid Crack went flying through the air, but kept on playing.

That's rock and roll! When you're done watching that video, check out the new Dirty Spanglish song, "We Are Man."

Dirty Spanglish Oct. 20 at Studio 99 - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 20:18:00 +0000

I hung out with Lando and Matildakay at the first Bakersfield Condor ice hockey game of the season. Lando plugged his band's gig Saturday night at Studio 99. He's a crazy kid.

I was bummed I missed the Filthies at Sandrini's Bar Friday night.

But that's what's great about Bakersfield. You miss one show and you know there will be more...

The Still Life To Perform At Condors Plaza 10/10/10 Event - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:39:00 +0000

The Still Life Show

So far the Still Life Show and The Silence Club are scheduled for Wednesday's 10/10 @ 10 Condor's family event in the plaza in front of the Rabobank.

Many of you know I moonlight for the Indie Literary Press as well as work for ABC23.
Noveltown is in its third season of bringing bands to the Condors, which includes the hockey CD, "Growing Up Fighting: Bakersfield Hockey Vol. 1," which features all local area bands. Order a copy here.

Time of event is from 2-6pm.

- n.l.

Have the Plain White T's Changed That Much? - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:05:00 +0000

The Plain White T's are performing tonight in Bakersfield. Are your kids going?

I knew the Plain White T’s were a decent indie band stepping into Bakersfield. So I almost attended back on May 23, 2007. Hey, at least I knew about their last performance! Did you? People who have read my bazillion band reviews on my Paperback Writer blog know I mostly covered Bakersfield rather than out-of-town bands. Although I have enjoyed writing about World Wide Spies, Jessie Deluxe and a few others...

Since starting Bakersfield Buzz Bands I’ve stepped out of my shell a little bit more to at least discuss other bands. So I just had to bring up the difference in the media frenzy over the Plain White T’s this time around.

A hit song makes all the difference.

Their song “Hey There Delilah” was number 7 last week on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. This week their song is number 13. Not too shabby.

Recent airplay, gung-ho fans, and a distribution deal with Wal-Mart and their marketing engine has culminated in a media frenzy over promoting and possibly covering the band’s gimmick performance in a Wal-Mart parking lot on Rosedale Highway at 7 p.m. tonight.

Not a bad idea. I’ve discussed such tactics with Lost Ocean. They have Target distribution, so why not hit their parking lots?

I’m sure fans will be eager to see the Plain White T's this time around. Yet, it’s too bad so many people jumped on the bandwagon instead of realizing that local venues like the Dome, Backstage, Studio 99, Jerry’s Pizza, the Crystal Palace, Riley’s Tavern, Munoz Gym, Downtown Records and more do host great local indie/punk/metal shows on a weekly basis. It’s not just about hit songs and big corporate parking lots. Great bands are in Bakersfield all the time.

I mean really, the Plain White T’s were just here in May. Have they changed so much in just a few months?

Go support your local music scene.

Click here for a partial list of local bands/venues.

Smashmouth, the ethics of VIP, and the dressing room - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:47:00 +0000

Wednesday night I wandered over to the dusty Kern County Fair. You know the place. It’s where the dust storm of 1977 left most of the remains of its terrible storm. Every year fair-goers stampede it into a swirling sneezy frenzy.

OK, I’m being harsh only because I’m sneezing while writing my report of hanging out at the Smashmouth concert at opening night of the Kern County Fair with Matt Munoz from Bakotopia and two friends of his who shall remain nameless.

Images: Smashmouth At Kern County Fair

I got a call that Matt was going to support an old friend of his, Mark Steven Cervantes, who is the Smashmouth percussionist. They have a drummer too. I don’t remember his name although I do remember he wore the same cowboy hat when drumming recently for Dwight Yoakam who performed at the annual Buck Owens Birthday Bash.

Cervantes is a buddy of Matt Munoz from the early days of Munoz’ still long-running band, Mento Buru. Can you say Ricky Ricardo of Bakersfield? You’ve had to have heard the Latino ska of Mento Buru somewhere in Bakersfield over the past 15 years.

Upon the start of the show, Munoz and company were on a quest for beer. We were at the Budweiser Pavillion. So what the heck? No beer in the pavilion? I wasn’t in a drinking mood, but followed along…

Video:

Pretty soon we were back in the pavilion where Munoz and company got kicked out of the VIP ghost town. The VIP section was separate from the stage and was nothing but empty chairs and a beer tent. OK, a few chairs were occupied. (They said it was overcrowded…huh?)

None to worry. We had all-access passes (except to the VIP area) which allowed us to camp out on stage; a little to the side of course where a woman’s baby almost ran onstage a few times.

Video:

After a few classic Smashmouth tunes Munoz’ Cervantes motioned for Munoz to come over and play the congas.

Munoz did, and in style. Though the congas were tuned a little high, they still sounded good. Munoz rocked while Cervantes smashed symbols and drums.

After the concert we made our way to the dressing room. I filmed Cervantes and Munoz talk about music history and old friends. In the video you can see Smashmouth lead singer, Steve Harwell mill about the room, and I have great video of their rock star lair, complete with alcoholic beverages, chips and salsa.

Video:

I then had a conversation with Cervantes about a dream he has of musicians helping underprivileged youth. It’s sort of a School of Rock thing, with a bit of a different spin.

Of course we talked about the Simpsons too. But that’s another discussion.

It was a great night, a bit dusty, but with some rocking fresh tunes and classics from Smashmouth’s early days. Oh yeah, they even rocked with some Van Halen!

I kept a set list from the show and gave it to my kid…

Dalloways test new songs, while Inferno Brights honor Dirty Spanglish - By N.L. Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 02:32:00 +0000

Dalloways at the Back Room...

I wandered over to the Back Room which is attached to the Dome last Friday night with Jay Jones from ABC23. We arrived on a tip from Dirty Spanglish who told me the Dalloways were going to perform. That’s always good news as they haven’t gigged in a while.

For those of you who don’t know about the Dalloways, you better get used to me talking about them. They’re a Fresno-Bakersfield band with deep roots into brit pop, dream lounge and what others might ethereally consider shoegaze.

Sadly they’re now a four piece, as their Latino guitarist, Ricky Gonzales seems MIA. None for the worse, their new songs are just as melodic, maybe even a little more mature than their already intellectual first album, “Penalty Crusade.”

Although there are no horns live as I hear there are on the upcoming e.p. “Dirty Money” and forthcoming album, “Distant Fairs,” their live version of Dirty Money was a rocking brit pop anthem worthy of Gary Enns big Rickenbocker riffs.

Dalloways set list

Cortnie Enns seems to add more back-up than I heard on "Penalty Crusade" pieces which was a nice touch. Bassist Matt Wall was just as funky with his bass than ever. Definitely worth a listen if you’re around for their next gig.

After the gig: Cortnie from the Dalloways with Matildakay at Zingo's Cafe.

Lead man Gary Enns is no creative slouch as he’s an English/Creative Writing professor from Cerro Coso community college. He helps put out a lit journal titled Metamorphoses that yours truly has been in. He also has a funky lit blog titled “Ruined By Books” that’s worth a peek on top of putting out some of the central valley’s rare brit pop tunes.

Check out this digi-cam interview with the Dalloways:

Last but not least, though the Dives were a no show, a new young band called the Inferno Brights kicked into their second ever gig and honored Dirty Spanglish with a cover of their song, "She's a Jones Soda." Gotta dig that kind of an honor...

Inferno Brights get superheroish

Local bands, Buzz Band ethics, and the L.A. performance tape - By N.L Belardes

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Belardes) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 21:37:00 +0000

There’s an interesting twist in a music scene topic originally posted on my personal website. I was slammed recently for being unethical, which stemmed from a Bakersfield band’s representative feeling snubbed for a band not being on a survey on the Buzz Bands page.

Drama in the music over nothing? You bet.

Even though I explained in a myspace message that the band was originally on a list of about 15 bands in the survey which got cut off when I posted it, I was still slammed as being unethical.

Why? This local band recently appeared in Los Angeles to perform at a large club. So they’re representative felt snubbed by not being on the favorite band list. What’s silly is I can easily post more surveys on the Buzz Bands page.

So don’t think the current survey is the only Buzz Band survey there’s ever going to be on the site. And if you’re in a local band, don’t feel snubbed, there will be more surveys, and they’re all meant for fun anyways.

In an interesting twist, even though this person in the music scene wrote that the band he often represents by networking online wrote that the band isn’t hurting for local promotion, a videotape showed up at the ABC23 studios of the band’s recent performance in Los Angeles.

Coincidence? Or a reaction to my original blog posting?

Not sure. One local anchorman had the tape and talked about airing some of it over the weekend. I didn’t say anything to him about the original blog post on my personal site as I didn’t want to influence the situation. So if the tape didn’t air, it wasn’t because I discussed being slammed by their representative as unethical.

I’ll keep you posted of any further developments.