What? Culture in Bakersfield?

Yes, it’s true. It has been found, in pockets, in this dusty, histamine-laced valley—even here in our own city: a burgeoning art scene, a bevy of things to do and people who care about our community! Need proof? Just check out Go. See. Do. to see some of the things happening in the next couple of weeks. There are benefits, art shows, concerts, fundraisers, theater performances—even a spoken word event!


This weekend, in addition to art, live music, food & wine samples and an atmosphere that will make you believe you’ve left Bakoland, the monthly Arts District treat, First Friday, will include two exhibit openings downtown. “Latination,” which opens at Metro Galleries, 1604 19th Street, will feature the artwork of local and other Hispanic artists; “One,” opening at Surface Gallery, 1703 20th Street (across from the Fox Theater), is the celebration of the one-year anniversary of the locally owned gallery. The accomplishment is definitely one worth celebrating in a town that does not make it easy to survive. Proving the point, recently closed underground gallery and indie art center, Basement Gallery (which thankfully looks like it has a new lease on life—more details to follow), will be sorely missed at Friday’s event but its spirit will live on as members of BECA (Bakersfield Emerging Contemporary Artists) hold a fundraiser including carnival games and an art raffle at 19th and Eye Streets, just outside their former headquarters. BECA is a local group comprised of individuals who want to connect with other artists and art lovers to create, discuss and participate in building an art community in Bakersfield. To get involved join BECA at http://www.meetup.com/Bakersfield-Emerging-Contemporary-Artists.

Also keeping the spirit alive is Ginn Williams and her fellow poets who bring a spoken word event, “Two Hours Inside,” to Fishlips on Thursday, September 3rd. This event had to relocate to a new venue after the Basement closure and should not be missed by lovers of the letters, emerging poets or anyone who wants to support having more really cool art events in Bakersfield. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and poetry flows at 7:00 p.m. SHARP. Admission is $10.00.

Over in the northeast corner of the world, an often-overlooked venue, Jones Gallery at Bakersfield College, will play host to its own as staff art professors put on an exhibit of their works. The opening reception is on Thursday, September 3rd from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. and the show runs through October 1st. If you happen to be up on the bluffs taking in the sunset, stop by for a great opportunity to support the BC art program.

Lastly, don’t forget the new season of Flics at the Fox starts next Friday, September 11th. Also, the 37th Annual Greek Festival will be making our mouths water with Greek delicacies, as well as entertaining us with dancing and general merry-making. This always fun event runs next weekend, Friday the 11th and Saturday the 12th. More details on these and other events next week.

That’s it for now. Stop by anytime to see what’s happening in this old town of ours and to check out event slideshows where you might just be part of the action.