This week in Bakersfield, CA—Do not miss these events!!

BAKO--I WANT TO SEE YOU OUT THERE!!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: “Saving Grace”, a fundraiser to benefit Ricky’s Retreat, the Bakersfield’s AIDS Project Hospice House and Resource Center which has fallen into default. (Read the Bakersfield Express article by Jason Gutierrez here: “The Grassroots Effort to Save Ricky’s Retreat.”) This event will include live music from indie-rock artist Eric Himan, a silent auction featuring art from many local talent including Jill Thayer, Yvonne Cavanagh, Liz Sherwyn, Susan Reep, Barbara Reid and photography from Solorzano Photography’s Paul Pomeroy. The wonderfully ambient MetroGalleries, 1604 19th Street, will play host; Food, wine and dessert will be provided by Valentien, Spotlight Café, Imbibe and Frosting Ink. Tickets for this wonderful, worthwhile event are only $30.00. Even if you can’t attend, please consider making a bid in the auction. More info or to RSVP, call Jason Guitierrez, 661-496-9245.

Also starting Tuesday, if you can’t get enough theater in Bakersfield, the Kern Shakespeare Festival makes its fall return to Bakersfield College’s Indoor Theater. Alternating evenings, this year’s productions will be, “Midsummer Night’s Dream” (September 17, 19, 23, 25 & 27)  and “King Lear” (September 18, 20, 22, 24 & 26). Plays commence at 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $5.50 for adults and $3.50 for students. Keep in mind, no one under the age of six is allowed. Tickets may be purchased at the door or call the BC ticket office at 661-395-4326 for reservations.

On Thursday the 17th, plan to attend the opening of three fine exhibits at Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMOA), 1930 R St.: “Colors of China: Paintings, Calligraphy and Children’s Art”, “Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)” and “Eye Gallery” (featuring local artists). A 20-30 minute traditional Mexican blessing ceremony with dancing will take place on the grounds at 5:30 p.m., just prior to the official opening of the exhibits at 6:00 p.m. Appetizers and no-host bar will be available; $10.00 non-members, admission free to members of BMOA. Click on the link in the Go. See. Do. section for full descriptions of the exhibits and to find out what else the Museum is planning.

Are you an artist with no plans for Saturday? Well now you know where to go and what to do! BECA (Bakersfield Emerging Contemporary Artists) presents ARTamentals, a day of art classes and mini-seminars at JP Jennings, 1700 Chester Avenue (corner of 17th and Chester). Classes are $5.00 each and proceeds benefit BECA. For full line-up of classes, go to BECA’s website (See Go. See. Do. on this page’s sidebar) and click on the calendar. There will be activities for kids as well as adults. Check it out & support your local art scene!

Also on Saturday, World Records presents the 5th Annual B-Town Blues Fest from 3:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the CSUB Amphitheater. This is a benefit for Houchin Blood Bank and in fact, discounts apply for blood donors. (Call Houchin for more info: 1-877-364-5844.) Reserved tables are $40/seat; Lawn tickets $30/adult, $20/students, military & seniors; 17 and under free. Dinner tickets are $10.00. Performers include: Sonny Landreth, Janiva Magness, The Soul of John Black, A Piece of Joy and more. Sounds like a good time!

Finally, the 28th Annual Fun in the Sun Car Show, takes place on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Kern County Museum. Regular admission to the Museum will apply, $7.00-10.00. This show will feature over 150 pre-1959 cars. If you would like to register a car, contact Debbie Wilson at 661-587-6379 or Larry Coburn at 661-832-8340.

There’s a lot of other great stuff going on which I will be “tweeting” each day. Make sure you’re following me on Twitter to get the latest updates. www.Twitter.com/BACpage. And don’t forget, if you attend these events, you might see yourself in next week’s slideshow!!