Bako this week!

Food! Concerts! Rides! The Great Kern County Fair returns. BECA sharpens up for Saturday’s Band Razor. Last chance to catch The Kern Shakespeare Festival.

Believe it or not (and I know, it is very hard to believe), it is now fall and that means lots of activity in Bako as we get ready to head toward the holidays. Thankfully this week is not quite as crazy as last–(See this week’s slideshow to get an idea of some of last week’s frenzy of events)–because Bako might need a chance to breathe before we dive into the busy season.
However, I say this on a week when the Kern County Fair begins, the Shakespeare Festival continues, MetroGalleries hosts a concert, FLICS has a film offering and BECA hosts Band Razor–a show featuring several bands.

Of course, the biggest event of the week is the return of the Great Kern County Fair! My mouth is already watering for a corn dog, cinnamon roll, tri-tip sandwich, kettle corn, baked potato... Oh, and there’s concerts, rides, exhibits and family-friendly shows too. Wednesday night’s opening act is country singer Phil Vassar, Thursday it will be Tower of Power and Friday, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. All performances start at 8:00 p.m. on the Budweiser Pavilion. The concerts are free with fair admission: $8.00/adults, $3.00/ages 6-12, children under the age of 5 are free. Parking is $5.00. Fair hours are: Monday - Thursday 3:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; Friday the 25th from 10:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Friday, October 2nd, 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Saturdays Noon - 11:00 p.m. and Sundays, Noon - 10:00 p.m. On Friday, September 25th, seniors 55 and over can enjoy free admission to the fair.

For those into the local music scene or those wanting an introduction to the alternative arts in Bakersfield, don’t miss Saturday’s “Band Razor,” sponsored by BECA (Bakersfield Emerging Contemporary Artists). Seven bands will take the stage at Le Corusse Rouge and local artwork from BECA artists will be featured in the patio. The $5.00 admission benefits BECA as it moves into production of this year’s annual “Burn the Witch” all-woman art exhibit. “Band Razor,” which was created by BECA member Amanda Rosado, allows visual artists, singers and musicians to complement and support each other through the use of their talent. If you are a local artist or art-lover who wants to know how to get involved in Bakersfield’s growing art community, consider joining BECA. Membership is free & you will be the first to know of unique art events like “Band Razor.” More information can be found at www.BECA.ws. Le Corusse Rouge is located at 4647 White Lane. Show starts at 6:00 p.m. for all ages, over 21 after 9:00 p.m.

Lastly, and I mean that in the saddest way possible, the Kern Shakespeare Festival is in its last days. And I don't mean for just this year. Due to budget cuts, the Festival ends its 25-year run this Sunday, September 27th at Bakersfield College Indoor Theater. This year's productions are King Lear, taking the stage September 22, 24 and 26th and Midsummer Night's Dream, playing September 23, 25, and 27th. Shows start at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $5.50/adults, $3.50/students, children under 6 are not allowed in the theater. Don't let this opportunity to catch the Kern Shakespeare Festival pass you by--you won't get another chance.