Bakersfield Life

Now what you hear is not a test...
It's the

Newsletter...hip hop you can't stop edition
How strong is the influence of hip-hop in Bakersfield?
Big, and I’m not talking a pair of old school Adidas and baseball caps tilted to the side with a factory sticker on the bill.
Take a visit to any area neighborhood in Bakersfield and you will find that the original NYC B-boy and B-girl culture has evolved into a unifying worldwide movement.
Back in issue 17 of Bakotopia (Dec. 13, 2007), we featured the mighty Wu-Tang Clan who made a stop by during their stormy reunion tour. Yes, they rocked, but more impressive was the mixed crowd - a real melting pot of different colors, faces, all singing along to every lyric and chorus in unison - no violence.
Interviewing local rappers Frost and The Natural Movement, I was once again reminded of the passionate nature of the art form. Distinctively different styles - a little borrowed from the past, but undeniably unique after all these years.
As a musician and longtime rap fan, it’s rare you get to catch a live rap show in Bakersfield. My first rap show was watching X-Clan downstairs at the Masonic Temple downtown, with guest Professor S and DJ Choc on the turntables back in the ’80s. No fights, just bouncing with Professor X who reminded us that “this is protected with the red, the black, and the green, with the key, sissies!” Old school, friend...
During the late-night photo shoot and interview, both Frost and The Natural Movement were surprisingly unaware of each other’s projects. That all changed once the camera snapped and hands shook.
We have another great issue, with contributions from some of our regular favorites as well as some new names. Keep on supporting our advertisers who keep the Bakotopia print pages free for you and yours.
(CLICK ON ANY PIC BELOW TO BE RE-DIRECTED AND READ NOW!)

NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 35 IS HERE!
ONE WORLD MANY MICS - FROST & THE NATURAL MOVEMENT!
(CLICK ON COVER AND FIND A RACK WITH OUR NEW MAP!)

COVER STORY: "ONE WORLD MANY MICS!"
LOCAL HIP-HOPPERS: FROST & THE NATURAL MOVEMENT KEEP IT RISING!

ABOUT THE COVER: BY HOLLY CARLYLE!

BLAK MIST SURFACES IN LOCAL RAP GAME!

BAKERSFIELD AWAITS ICE CUBE ON 8/27!

JOSEPH GOMEZ IS LIVE FROM ROCK THE BELLS '08!

FORBIDDEN ZONE DIRECTOR - RICHARD ELFMAN INTERVIEWED BY GREG GOODSELL!

JACQUELINE PILAR IS FOCUSED ON FASHION!

LIVE PIX: 2008 LOWRIDER NATIONALS - GIRLS, GAME, AND CARS!

'HEROES' IS COMING BACK TO TV ON 9/22!

STILL TIME TO ENTER! WIN TIX TO SEE ICE CUBE IN BAKO ON 8/27!

GAMESTOR GIL'S VIDEOGAME NEWS - DEF VERSION!

ARE JELLY'S AND MINI-SKIRTS BACK IN STRIDE?

LOCAL AUTHOR LOREN JOHN PRESLEY TRIUMPHS!

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

PIX FROM ALL KINDS OF LIVE EVENTS IN BAKO! DID OUR BAKORAZZI GET YOU?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 8/27/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST YOUR STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!


Peace,

Matt

Intruder Alert! Intruder Alert! Intruder Alert!
It's the

Newsletter..."Funkdafied" edition!

School’s almost back in session for all you college folk and high school is right around the corner.

Did anyone really get a chance to take a vacation? I did ... Sorry!?

Our economy isn’t doing too well, but that doesn’t mean you have to give in and be a bore.

I managed to save up some dough, play a few extra gigs with my band Mento Buru and off it was to Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland, yes Knott’s AND Dis.

I don’t care how old you are, once I pass through an amusement park gate, I turn into the biggest kid. Two days of running around, Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones, and stinky people. It wasn’t that bad — after a while, I came to the conclusion that we all have a “funky” side as humans, and there’s only so much AXE spray to save the world — just go with it. Shout out to my not-so-stinky son Mark, Josey, and her son, Brendan who joined me for the adventure.

When I got back to the office, Bakotopia was in full swing, and we’re back and packed with fruit-flavor!

In this issue: Jarod Palmer Intrudes and Alerts!; NL survives the Comic-Con nerdathon; Buck Shot gets berzerk; Jason Frost gets evicted, if you don’t take his books; a punk lit party at Russo’s; 800lb Gorilla is giving away a sweet bass; Gamestor Gil talks Maddenflu; Circa Survive magically appears; and more!

I heard from Chase — our former Super Intern — last week, and he says all is well in San Diego (so far). Good Luck, homie!

Don’t forget to visit our wonderful advertisers who keep us FREE! And if you spot an empty Bakotopia magazine rack, let us know, so we can fill you back up!

Special “Gracias” to photographer Joseph Gomez, who came in to save the day last minute.

(CLICK ON ANY PIC BELOW TO BE RE-DIRECTED AND READ NOW!)

NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 34 IS HERE!
"INTRUDER ALERT - BAKO'S OWN ONE MAN COMPU JAM!!
(CLICK ON COVER AND FIND A RACK WITH OUR NEW MAP!)

COVER STORY: "JAROD PALMER - INTRUDER ALERT!"
Local electronica phenom is on tour now!

LIVE FROM COMIC-CON 2008! A BAKOTOPIA EXCLUSIVE!

BAKO MMA FIGHTERS AT TACHI PALACE! LIVE PIX!

ENTER TO WIN TIX TO SEE RAPPER ICE CUBE IN CONCERT ON 8/27/08!

BUCK SHOT - THE NEW HEADBANGIN' HOOTENANNY!

CONTEST: TAKE MY BOOKS PLEASE! JASON FROST NEEDS HELP!

GAMIN' WITH GIL - WEEKLY VIDEOGAME NEWS!

LES OF 800LB GORILLA IS GIVING AWAY THE BUCK OWENS BASS!

ANTHONY GREEN OF CIRCA SURVIVE - BAKOTOPIA INTERVIEW!

LIVE PIX: KISS TRIBUTE BAND - GODS OF THUNDER AT FISHLIPS 7/19!

ANGST-FILLED NOVELIST HAS SOMETHIN' FOR LULU AND YOU!
COMING TO RUSSO'S BOOKS - 8/9/08!

LOCAL CONSUMER LEAVES OPEN LETTER TO BODY XCHANGE - YOUR THOUGHTS?

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

PIX FROM ALL KINDS OF LIVE EVENTS IN BAKO! DID OUR BAKORAZZI GET YOU?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 8/13/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST YOUR STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!


Peace,

Matt

SDSU OR BUST!

It's the...

Newsletter...Feel My Art 2 Edition!

Hey Bakotopians! How are you doing? Good? That’s nice to hear! Not so good? I’m sorry about that.

Maybe a nice refreshing glass of iced tea and some music could cheer you up a bit? You could even throw a lemon slice or two in there. Life has been giving out lemons lately for a lot of people, and in this economy the exchange rate is going to knock you back a bit more.
What about another selection of local artists to express the array of emotions you’ve been toting around? I think we can do that.

Chase'nation

This is my last issue before I hit the road to continue my educational learnings at SDSU. So I’m leaving you not only with more local artists to satiate the ravenous response to the first venture, but also some other great content as well.

Greg Goodsell addresses the frustration of the local art scene, and Gamestor Gil has some more Gamestor Goods to share with you. Also, Bakersfield heads to Hollywood, Tarantino borrows from the French, pix from local events, the best event calendar ever, and more.

So thank you all again for your support, and don’t forget to also support our advertisers for helping keep this thing alive!

See you around!

Chase Brockett, Bakotopia staff

(CLICK ON ANY PIC BELOW TO BE RE-DIRECTED AND READ NOW!)

NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 33 IS HERE!
"FEEL MY ART 2 - PROFILING MORE OF THE NEW BAKO ART SCENE!
(CLICK ON COVER AND FIND A RACK WITH OUR NEW MAP!)

FEEL MY ART 2 - PROFILING MORE OF THE NEW SCENE!
THE LOCAL HEART OF ART - MEET MORE BAKO ARTISTS!

SUFFERING FOR ART'S SAKE - WHY BOTHER? FIND OUT!

FRESH RHYME SCHEME BECKONS BAKO POETS!

BAKO BANDS AND BELARDES AT ROCK N' READ!

GAMIN' WITH GIL - WEEKLY VIDEOGAME NEWS! HOT!

THE ORIGINS OF FICTION - TARANTINO BORROWS FROM THE FRENCH!

WIN TIX TO THE 11TH ANNUAL LOWRIDER NATIONALS!

EPITOME OF SOUND - MUSIC REVIEWS WITH DJ MOUSTACHE!

COMBINING CULTURES - PHILIPPINE WEEKEND: 7/25-27/08!

ALL STAR SUPERMAN - THE CAPED CRUSADER GETS COOL!

CATCHING UP WITH MCGEE'S - AGAIN!

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

PIX FROM ALL KINDS OF LIVE EVENTS IN BAKO! DID OUR BAKORAZZI GET YOU?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 7/30/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST YOUR STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!

So magically delicious!
It's the

Newsletter...St. Paddy's Rollergirl Day Edition!

When seasons change in Bako, it means only one thing in my world - allergies.
My loud coughing (which I inherited from my dad, who can also wake up a whole house with one sneeze) has probably been driving my co-workers crazy - or grossing them out.
Trying to ease the annoyance, I’ve been taking all the over-the-counter meds (including, but not limited to: Claritin, Sudafed, and Halls.) They seem to work OK, but after a while the drugged up feeling begins to wear, and I begin the transformation into a sort of allergy-stricken werewolf - stay back while I’m under the influence of these potent meds, or I’ll bite your freakin’ head off!
Bako has the air and allergens to knock down even the biggest of beasts, but not the Bakersfield Rollergirls, who grace this week’s cover of Bakotopia. Their story is definitely one of survival of the fittest, as you will find out inside. They’ve come a long way to become contenders in a sport that has been brewing underground for awhile. BRG Dezi Von Dropya even graced the cover of our premiere edition of Bakotopia, and has been a good friend ever since.
Of course, it’s also our St. Paddy’s Day edition, and thanks to our fantabulous intern, Chase, and playboy about town, Tekwiz, aka Popeye, they’ve got some interesting pieces to get you ready to do the town on March 17. If you’re not into putting yourself in a green alcoholic spin, you’ll also find that Bakotopia has some cool non-alcoholic arts, fun, and frolic at every page.
So don’t stop here - turn the page and get reading!
Thanks to KRAB Radio’s Meathead, Rocky, and Francis for being great Bakotopia supporters! You rocketh our world!
See everyone at Fishlips on St. Paddy’s Day!

(CLICK ON ANY PIC BELOW TO REACH YOUR ULTIMATE DESTINATION!)
ST. PADDY'S DAY MADNESS!
NEW FREE ISSUE OF BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE, ISSUE 23 IS OUT NOW!
FIND A RACK NEAR YOU, AND GET IN THE GROOVE, YO!

TWISTED SISTERHOOD: BAKERSFIELD ROLLERGIRLS!

ST. PADDY'S DAY BASHES IN BAKERSFIELD 2008!

CHASE TALKS ABOUT THE MAGIC THAT IS - GUINNESS STOUT!

THE 2008 KEYESVILLE ENDURANCE BIKE RACE IS BACK!

NL INTERVIEWS "MULLIGAN'S PENNIES" AUTHOR ROBBIE BYRNE!

THE PINK & BLACK PARTY CELEBRATES LIFE!

"ZOOT SUIT" IS COMING TO THE SPOTLIGHT THEATRE!

BAKERSFIELD'S VELORIO GO FROM BAKO TO CABLE TV!

CRAZY PHOTOS FROM THE DIGITAL UNDERGROUND SHOW! PART 1 & TWO!
PARENTAL ADVISORY SUGGESTED! WHAT'S WRONG WITH THESE FREAKS??

USER PICS FROM ALL OVER BAKO!
THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

PIX FROM ALL KINDS OF LIVE EVENTS IN BAKO! DID OUR BAKORAZZI GET YOU?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 3/12-13/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST YOUR STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!

Peace, love, and green beverages ...

MATTO

"Papa don't take no mess!"
It's the

Newsletter

Every February is officially known as Black History Month, in case you forgot.

It is of my opinion that there shouldn’t be just one month appointed to celebrate culture - it should be an everyday thing.

As a Mexican American, I was raised with cultural awareness all around me, thanks to my parents. My hometown is McFarland, so you can pretty much get the picture of what my life was like was growing up.

But McFarland wasn’t known for black culture. I had one black friend when I was about 7 years old. He was a member of the only black family in town, and I can only imagine what it was like for his family growing up in a town that was 99.9 percent Latino.

After he and his family moved, my only real contact with any inkling of African-American culture was whatever was on TV and radio. Soul, jazz, and Afro-Latin music was always big in our house growing up.

My mom would play her favorites - James Brown’s “Night Train” and “Al Green’s Greatest Hits” endlessly, my dad has always been into jazz music - Duke Ellington, Willie Bobo, and Mongo Santamaria, to name a few. Of course, what would life be like without Soul Train every Saturday thanks to my sisters?

When I entered college and took a black history class with Jesse Bradford at BC my eyes were opened to a beautiful culture I seemed to know very little about. Not to mention during the early ’90s hip-hop music was going through a “conscious” era and rap groups like Public Enemy and movie directors like Spike Lee were commanding attention.

Sure, it scared a lot of people away who didn’t understand the real message, but not me .. .I got it. I’m no authority on black history, but I can tell you that most people don’t realize how much the culture has become a permanent part of the American fabric.

So much of our style, fashion, music, rhythm, the way we talk … the “roots” are clear.

Before the month ends, make sure to take a moment and do some history searching of your own and raise your own consciousness.

Happy Black History Month!

(CLICK ON ANY PICTURE BELOW TO REACH YOUR CHOSEN DESTINATION!)

NEW ISSUE OF BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE IS OUT NOW!
FIND A RACK AND GET A FREE COPY NEAR YOU!

KICKIN' EDUTAINMENT AT THE DOME!
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS FROM KRS-ONE NICK V BASH AT THE DOME!

VOTING VOICES: BARACK INSPIRES THE SOUTH!

EPITOME OF SOUND: SOUL SIDES!

SEEKING SIKHISM: MIDDLE EAST MEETS BAKERSFIELD!

WELCOME BAKOTOPIA INTERN - CHASE BROCKETT!

DOWNTOWN VIOLENCE AND ENTERTAINMENT?

BAKOTOPIA and MAS MAGAZINE PRESENT AN ALL-AGES SHOW AT NARDUCCI'S!

THEATRE REVIEW: DROP DEAD AT THE EMPTY SPACE!

INTERVIEW WITH AUSTRALIA'S SICK PUPPIES! AUDIO & PRINT INTERVIEW!

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

PIX FROM ALL KINDS OF LIVE EVENTS IN BAKO! DID OUR BAKORAZZI GET YOU?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 2/26-27/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST YOUR STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!
PEACE......

MATTO