Weekend Alert!!

Ahhhh… the weekend in Bakersfield.. What shall we do? That depends. Do you enjoy film? Are you into fine art? Like free stuff and an elegant atmosphere? Is reading your thing? Do you have kids to entertain? Or would you like to catch some live theater? Well, here’s a short list of things to do this weekend to get you started on your quest for weekend fun!

(Friday Night) FLICS at The Fox Theater presents, Goodbye Solo, an American film by director Ramin Bahrani at 7:30 p.m. $5.00/General Admission. The film examines the attempts of a cab driver to befriend an older gentleman he believes is contemplating suicide. The movie has been described as, “Powerful”, “Inspiring”, and even “Cheerful”. In English; rated R.

(Friday & Saturday) It’s the last weekend to catch Beyond Therapy, a tale of awkward yet comic relationships, directed by Ron Warren, at The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. The production is FREE with donation. (Suggested donation is $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.) Call to make your reservation to guarantee your seat! 661 327-PLAY (7529) Dates: November 20, 21 at 8:00 p.m.

(Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Come and take part in a new Bakersfield tradition, the Beaujolais Nouveau Fest at Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar, 3310 Truxtun Ave, Suite 160. Celebrate the new vintage and enjoy a special menu, wine tasting, live music, grape stomping and more! Also, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, Valentien will be having a “Give and Get” promotion all weekend: On Friday, if you donate a new or gently used blanket you will be the recipient of a FREE Small Plate; on Saturday, bring in NEW personal grooming items (dental, hair care, etc.) and Valentien will give you a FREE bowl of French onion soup; Sunday, anyone donating a new or gently used coat will be given a FREE dessert! C’est Bon!

(Saturday) Nick Belardes and Company will be at Russo’s Books at the Marketplace (9000 Ming Avenue, #I-4) 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Nick will be reading an excerpt from his book, “Random Obsessions” as well as reciting poetry, while retired creative writing professor and special guest, Nancy Edwards, will also recite poetry. Landen Belardes and Alex Mitts will be performing acoustic music. Autographed copies of Nick’s book will also be available for purchase—could make a great stocking stuffer!!

(Saturday) For the kiddies, Border’s Book Store will be having a Polar Express Pajama Party at 11:00 a.m. at their store located at 4980 Stockdale Highway. Activites are based on the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg and will include games, stories, bells and more. Call 661 328-9800 for more information.

(Also!) This weekend would be a fantastic time to check out the various art exhibits on display around Bakersfield. Surface Gallery, at 1703 20th St, currently has a beautiful show of fresh, modern pottery entitled, “A Trio of Oakland Potters: Jason Dunn, Noelle Nakama, and Hue Yang.” Pieces are available at every price level. The gallery is open 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday. Contact Surface Gallery: 661 323-4090

The Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St., wraps up its gorgeous Dia de los Muertos, Colors of China and Eye Street Gallery exhibits as it prepares to make room for a new opening in December. Don’t miss your opportunity to catch this local and international mix of artwork on display until November 22. Bonus: Saturday is Free Family Day/Arts and Sciences Day with FREE admission and kid-friendly activities from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.(museum opens at 12:00 p.m.) Visit www.BMOA.org or contact David Gordon at 661 323 7219 for more information.

This is also the last weekend to catch the diverse photography collections of Susan Reep, Altered Landscapes and Michael Fagans, Unguarded Moments at Metro Galleries, 1604 19th Street, before a new exhibit opens in this space. Susan’s hand-crafted collage work and Michael’s behind-the-scenes glimpses of war complement and contrast each other on literally two levels of the downtown gallery. Metro Galleries hours are 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

GO! SEE! DO!