Bikes and Boards of the ‘Field

A Comm 306 Original Film. BMX riders and skateboarders show off tricks at a Beach Park.

Keeping It Cool

The Strawberry Surf Rider smoothie (Photo courtesy of http://www.jambajuice.com).

Ah Bakersfield, the perfect place with the perfect temperature year-round. Okay, that’s not true. To be honest, it gets rather hot in this town.  With temperatures peaking well over 100 degrees, Bakersfield can feel like the Mojave Desert. What’s that you say? You don’t like weather that hot? Well don’t worry, neither do I. Luckily, I have a not-so-little secret to beating the unbearable heat. One of my favorite ways to outsmart Bakersfield’s blistering summer weather is by grabbing a perfectly blended smoothie from Jamba Juice. There’s nothing better than a freshly made, ice-cold, refreshing smoothie on one of the hottest days in town. One of my favorite drinks at Jamba Juice is a Strawberry Surf Rider. With the perfect blend of tangy lemonade, peaches, lime sherbet, ice, and of course strawberries, this drink never fails to solve my heat-related problems.  Jamba Juice offers several different types of smoothies to help cater to everyone’s taste. With drinks like Caribbean Passion, Razzmatazz, Pomegranate Paradise, and Mango-A-Go-Go, Jamba Juice offers a wide array of drinks to help keep everyone cool. In addition, their smoothies come in three different sizes: sixteen, original, and power. With prices ranging from about $3.50 up to about $6.00, Jamba Juice offers an affordable escape for those who need a break from the heat. Four convenient locations in town help make this smoothie joint one of the best places to go in order to escape the notorious Bakersfield heat. For more information, simply hop on the Internet and visit Jamba Juice’s website.

The inside of Jamba Juice (Photo courtesy of http://www.hootmag.org).

Bases Loaded

Home field of the North High Stars (Photo by Ashlan Chavez).

On my recent trip to my old “stomping grounds,” I had a chance to visit North High School and watch a varsity softball game. While I was there, I had the chance to interview my former head coach, Corrie Williams-Gannaway.

Pedal to the Metal

Behind the wheel at Jam Raceway. (Photo courtesy of bakersfieldcalifornian.com)

Despite people moaning and groaning about how “boring” Bakersfield appears, entertainment can be found just about anywhere in this town. Located at 6901 District Blvd., Jam Raceway provides families and friends with plenty of fun. This indoor go-kart arena combines speed and competition together in one package. Open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Jam Raceway satisfies everyone’s need for speed. Since the indoor go-kart arena is dedicated to safety, each person who will be driving is required to sign a racing waiver and minors must have their parents present in order to fill out the paperwork correctly. In addition, each person is required to watch a safety video on racing and he or she must also meet the minimum height requirements. Members can expect to pay $15 for a full 14-lap race, while non-members pay $20. Also available for purchase are a basic membership for $50 and a VIP membership for $100. Besides single races with friends and family, Jam Raceway also provides party rooms for any occasion. Prices start at $80 per hour and range up to $450 for a full eight-hour day. More information about Jam Raceway can be found at their website and also their Facebook page. Whether it is a simple race between you and your best friends, or a high-stakes race against your family members, Jam Raceway goes pedal to the metal.

The track at Jam Raceway before a high-speed race. (Photo courtesy of slick deals.net)

Still Rockin’ Jerry’s Pizza

Craig Owens from the band D.R.U.G.S. sings to a packed crowd at Jerry’s Pizza. (Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com

For more than 20 years, Jerry’s Pizza has acted as a beacon of entertainment for both music and food lovers alike. Located in the heart of downtown Bakersfield, at 1817 Chester Ave., Jerry’s Pizza is a safe haven for many different musicians. In addition, Jerry’s Pizza provides people with an established venue for the live music scene. Ever since its grand opening in 1992, the pub has welcomed anyone with a sufficient appetite and a taste for music.

“We kinda heard the buzz at school that there was this new pizza place downtown,” said 38-year-old music enthusiast, Jeanette Benavente. “A lot of places that you go to where you have performers come in, the food tends to be mediocre, but the food at Jerry’s Pizza is actually really good.”

Although Benavente usually orders pizza when she attends Jerry’s, the pub also offers other tastes such as calzones, sandwiches, and burgers. For the 21-and-over crowd, alcoholic beverages may be purchased. Offering a variety of different foods and beverages allows Jerry’s Pizza to appeal to everyone’s taste buds. Besides offering plenty to drink and eat, the pub is a place where many different kinds of people come to hang out with friends. On any given night, people can expect to see Jerry’s Pizza roaring with laughter and buzzing with energy.

“Jerry’s Pizza is a place where I went to listen to great music with good friends,” said 28-year-old music connoisseur, Danielle Dillon. “It brings back a lot of very happy memories for me and reminds me of when I was younger.”

Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p. m. Monday through Saturday, Jerry’s Pizza welcomes people of all ages. In addition, the pub also welcomes a wide variety of different types of music lovers. From “punks” to “metal heads,” Jerry’s Pizza plays host to a broad spectrum of individuals. Whether catering to the older generation or a younger one, the doors to Jerry’s are always open.

“I think it’s important for the newer generations to be able to experience what us older generations got to enjoy,” Dillon said.

Music lies at the very core of what Jerry’s Pizza represents. Two upcoming shows to keep and eye out for are on Sunday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 24. The first show will feature the post-hardcore band Senses Fail, while the second show will feature pop-punk/rock band Bayside. More details about these concerts, as well as future events, can be found at the pub’s Facebook page. Concerts at Jerry’s Pizza allow music lovers to gather at one common place and share their passion for the art. It is for this reason that people can also expect to hear plenty of music blasting out from the pub’s sweltering basement.

“Jerry’s Pizza has had a pretty good impact and influence on my musical taste,” Dillon said. “It’s always fun seeing the opening acts that aren’t quite known and finding that you really actually like them.”

A typical picture of the crowd Jerry’s Pizza draws. (Photo courtesy http://www.flickr.com)

The Not-So Minor Leagues

High school sports are a vital part of Bakersfield’s entertainment scene and attending one of the local games is meant for groups of all ages. With spring sports games every Tuesday and Thursday, people can expect to see plenty of action and plays that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The North High School softball field. “Home of the Stars.” (Picture by Ashlan Chavez)

 

Players from the East Bakersfield junior varsity softball team anticipate a base hit. (Photo by Ashlan Chavez)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashley Salinas shows fans inning information as teammates Stephanie Rodriguez (middle) and Nicole Myzel (front) look on. (Picture by Ashlan Chavez)

 

Third baseman Corina, aka “Coco,” Morales expresses frustration with her performance at the game on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. (Photo by Ashlan Chavez)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East Bakersfield left-fielder, Marina Cordova steals third base. (Picture by Ashlan Chavez)

 

Sophomore, Ashley Salinas steals third base. (Photo by Ashlan Chavez)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assistant junior varsity coach, Dominique Lopez talks strategic base running with Marina Cordova. (Picture by Ashlan Chavez)

 

Head coach Joe Gonzalez goes over a post-game analysis with his players.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members of The East Bakersfield junior varsity softball team gather for a post-game victory cheer. (Photo by Ashlan Chavez)

 

Up In Smoke

Many people are still under the impression that Bakersfield is just a small-town city with nothing to do. Maybe that is true for people who choose to stay inside their own homes, but for those who are willing to step outside of their bubble, Bakersfield has plenty of sources of entertainment. Bakersfield has a variety of different options. The only limits are those that people choose to place on themselves.

Inside King Tut Hookah Lounge. (photo courtesy of http://www.yelp.com)

•             King Tut Hookah Lounge, located at 10606 Hageman Rd., is one of Bakersfield’s best hookah bars. Doubling as a restaurant, this place offers plenty to eat and drink. King Tut is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves courses from mouth-watering salad to perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, served over rice with a side of fresh vegetables to match. Guests can choose to dine inside, or choose a relaxing spot on the patio. Open from 11am-2am on Monday through Wednesday and Sunday and 11a.m.-4a.m. Thursday through Saturday, King Tut offers live music and entertainment for the 18-and-older crowd. At about $10-$15 a plate and frequent offers of $5 for hookah, King Tut is sure to have something to satisfy people’s taste.
  

  An inside look at Flame and Skewers. (photo by http://www.archinect.com)

•             Flame and Skewers is another popular hookah lounge in Bakersfield. Located at 5482 California Ave., this hookah bar also doubles as a restaurant. With a menu that serves sandwiches starting at just $5 and their mouthwatering combination plate that consists of three different types of meat, flavorful rice, and fresh vegetables at about $14, Flame and Skewers offers plenty of food for the family. For those who are 18 and over, Flame and Skewers also has a hookah bar. With nearly 40 different types of shisha flavors, friends can enjoy hookah for hours. At about $13 per hookah, guests can choose to either relax on the patio, or enjoy the black light lounge with plenty of music from live DJ’s. With its restaurant portion open from 10a.m. until 10p.m. every night and its hookah lounge open passed 2a.m., people can expect to see a packed crowd at Flame and Skewers.
•             One of the most popular hookah bars in Bakersfield is Elixir. Located at 1110 Calloway Dr., this hookah bar knows how to reel in a crowd. Open from 11a.m. until 2a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11a.m. until 4a.m. on Friday and Saturday, Elixir keeps packing people in. Their menu boasts sandwiches and salads bursting with flavor, starting at about $3. Drinks are also provided to guests starting at just over $1. People coming by to check out this hookah lounge can expect music from live DJ’s and plenty of different shisha flavors to keep everyone satisfied.

The entrance of Elixir Hookah Lounge. (photo courtesy of http://www.elixirhookah.com)

Turning Up the Volume at Jerry’s Pizza

Members of Senses Fail posing for a photoshoot. (Photo by http://www.altpress.com)

Senses Fail and Bayside are both set to storm Jerry’s Pizza. On Sunday, April 21, the post-hardcore band Senses Fail will perform in the sweaty basement at the local pub. With their most recent album release by the name of “Renacer,” Senses Fail proves that they are still a force to be reckoned with. With heavy-hitting guitar riffs from songs like “The Path” and “Renacer,” paired with screaming vocals by lead singer Buddy Nielsen, a circle pit will surely take over the majority of the basement. However, if moshing does not sound like your particular cup of tea, it would be best to stand near the back of the room. Although the band is primarily a post-hardcore band, songs like “War Paint” and “Vines,” show that traces of the band’s punk sound can still be heard. From start to finish, the newest album by Senses Fail carries a heavy vibe. As Nielsen screams out, “your flesh, my bones, young hearts, old souls,” faithful fans as well as newcomers will not experience disappointment. Songs from “Renacer” can be found on their website.

Following Senses Fail, on Wednesday, April 24, pop-punk/rock band Bayside will put on a show beneath Jerry’s Pizza. With their release of the album “Killing Time,” Bayside will be sure to draw a large crowd. Upbeat songs like “Sick Sick Sick” and “Already Gone” provide audiences with a good beat matched with equally good lyrics. Lead singer Anthony Raneri does not fall short of producing a catchy tune. Tour dates and more information on Bayside can be found on the band’s website.

Members of the band Bayside in a candid moment. (Photo courtesy of http://www.mtv.com)

Downtown Pizza Jams

           

Colin Frangicetto of Circa Survive at Jerry’s Pizza. (Photo courtesy of noimagephotography.com)

 Bakersfield, California, where is that? Many people often say that there is nothing to do in the city of Bakersfield and it is often described as…boring. Well, that just simply is not the case. Jerry’s Pizza stands as one of Downtown Bakersfield’s not-so-hidden relics. The tiny, hole-in-the-wall pub frequently plays host to several different concerts and the food holds its own. Whether you choose to go in for a bite to eat or rock out to a local concert, Jerry’s Pizza does not disappoint. This local pub offers a variety of different types of food from salads, sandwiches and burgers, to calzones and their famous pizza. Pizza lovers can choose from one of the tasty combination pizzas, the Hawaiian pizza, the Meat Lovers option, or they can simply make their own. For the 21-and-over crowd only, beer is readily available. Besides the food and drinks, another well-known fact about Jerry’s Pizza is the entertainment. In partnership with

 

 

 

 

Tim Gardea, Jerry’s Pizza continuously hosts several concerts throughout the year. Inside its sweltering basement, music enthusiasts can expect loud music, close interaction with each band, and a room packed to the ceiling with fun. The pub has held concerts with big-time bands such as Korn, Circa Survive, AFI, and Paramore. Other shows included bands such as The Dear Hunter, Lydia, Senses Fail, and Bayside. So, whether it is a night out with the family for dinner, a lunch meal with friends, or rockin’ out to a raging concert, Jerry’s Pizza is sure to provide plenty of entertainment.

Rise From The Ashes Tour at Jerry’s Pizza. (Photo courtesy of chalkalive.buzznet.com)