Sunny with a Chance of Dance

In addition to KBAK 29 Eyewitness News’ Aaron Perlman’s weather casting ability, Aaron has been entertaining Bakersfield with is personality, sense of humor, and dancing skills since June 2013.

Stay Cool in the Pool

Photo taken from http://www.aquaticdesigngroup.com.

A cool and refreshing way you and your family can beat the heat this summer is at one of Bakersfield’s many different pools and spray parks.  Sandra Forsythe, secretary of recreational parks & spray parks for the city of Bakersfield explains that McMurtrey Acuatic Center, Jefferson, Martin Luther King & Silver Creek are all options.  “Jefferson, Martin Luther King & Silver Creek are just pools.  No slides”, Forsythe said.  Then there’s the spray parks which are completely separate from the pools and the aquatic center.  For someone who is not familiar with “spray parks”, they are parks, not pools that have toys that kids can pray water at each other with, according to Forsythe.  According to Forsythe pets are allowed only outside the parks and with a leash.  If you’re looking for a place to have your child’s birthday party or simply want to have a party,the pools and the aquatic center can help you out.  “It opens June 3rd to August 9th.  It’s open 7 days a week, 1-5pm”,Forsythe said about McMurtrey Acuatic Center.  This refreshing way to stay cool, is affordable for the family as  McMurtrey Aquatic Center charges $3 per person, or $10 for groups of 4 up to 6, according to bakersfieldswim.us.  More information on the Bakersfield pools and spray parks can be found at www.bakersfieldswim.us, or you can call the city of Bakersfield recreation & parks phone number at (661)326-FUNN(3866), or the McMurtrey Aquatic Center phone number at (661)852-7430.  With this big variety of spray parks and pools, you don’t have to shlep hundreds of miles to find water fun for your children.  It’s here right in your own backyard.

Photo taken from bakersfield.smugmug.com.

 

Interview with KAXL 88.3s Matt Pelishek

Photo taken from Matt Pelishek Life FM 88.3’s Facebook page.

Matt Pelishek is the host of the “Afternoon Joy  Ride” from 2-6pm on KAXL 88.3 Life FM.  KAXL is Bakersfield’s Christian radio station located at 110 S. Montclair # 205. Bakersfield,CA 93309.  KAXL can be contacted at (661)832-2800.

Murray Family Farms is Cherry on top this Mother’s Day Weekend

Photo taken by Alex Horvath / The Californian

With many different events to do in Bakersfield this weekend, one outdoor event you can enjoy with your family is the Cherry Festival at Murray Family Farms.  You can enjoy the Bakersfield sunshine while experiencing all things cherries with your Mom on her special day.  Murray Family Farms is hosting its second annual Cherry Festival this Saturday, May 11th.

Pete Tittl of the Bakersfield Californian gives us more information about the Cherry Festival, and gets first-hand information from Abel Varela, produce supervisor at Murray Family Farms.

“On Saturday, prepare to celebrate all things cherry with a variety of fruit and sweets, a seed-spitting contest, entertainment and more. The only thing you won’t be able to do is pick your own cherries — but they’re working on it.

“On our property, we bring cherries in (from our other location on Copus Road). We’re growing trees to pick. It’ll be about another year to mature. They’re 2-year-old trees; it’s a minimum three years (to maturity).”  (Murray Family Farms)

Murray Family Farms is hosting their cherry festival earlier this year.  It is strategic, based on what they learned from last year’s response.  Varela says,”Cherries came into season about a week and half ago. Last year we had it later, in late May. We want to have it earlier (this year), bring in more people. We wanted to get people excited about cherries.”

Even later in the season, last year’s turnout was impressive, according to media coordinator Jennifer Smith, who counted 1,000 attendees.”  (Cherry Festival)

With a variety of different types of cherries, Murray Family Farms has wide selection  of cherries and pastries and fruits to choose from this Mother’s Day weekend.

Run Like A Roadrunner

Photo taken from http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3019/2443763782_7c6bdd2c53_z.jpg.

California State University, Bakersfield is hosting a 5K Run/Walk as part of the Celebrate CSUB week on campus.  The 5K race is taking place on Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m.  The 5K will start at the Student Recreation Center, and through the CSUB campus, and end back at the Student Recreation Center.  The entry fee is $20 for the April 22, 8 a.m. pre-registration deadline, and $22 on race day.  The cost includes a T-shirt, a post-race breakfast, and a raffle ticket to win prizes.  The race is available to anyone in the community who would like to run.  Kris Grappendorf, the race organizer, said CSUB is hosting the race to provide an event that brings the community on campus, and that encourages people to be active.

For people who would like to run in the race, but don’t have child care, CSUB has child care available.  While the race is in progress, kids 5 to 10 years old can enjoy organized physical activities from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. in the CSUB Old Gym.  The Old Gym is located on the other side of the CSUB Police Department from the Student Recreation Center.  Runners can pick up their kids after the race.

“The proceeds of the race go to CSUB’s Department of Physical Education and Kinesiology,” said Grappendorf.  The 5K race is part of the annual Celebrate CSUB day that the school holds every spring quarter.

“We’ve done it every year that we have had Celebrate CSUB.  I believe six years” said Grappendorf.

Deborah Burks, an assistant in the CSUB Office of the President is going to be at a booth at Celebrate CSUB.  Burks will be running a contest at her booth.

“We have trash cans that have been painted by art students, and we are going to have people passing by vote for the best trash can.  The winner will receive a prize basket full of goodies, and an award certificate,” Burks said.

According to Burks, Celebrate CSUB has become bigger and bigger.  All the booths, music and food give Celebrate CSUB a carnival atmosphere.

“We have robots, rocket ships, something for everyone,”  Burks said.  “Just about every department participates, to show off their wares.  That’s the idea behind Celebrate CSUB, said Burks.

“Celebrate CSUB” occurs every spring quarter at the CSUB campus, and takes place immediately after the morning freshman student orientation.  This is so new students and their families get to know the school better and for the school to get to know the students.  The new students can find out information about the different clubs at the school, and sign up for clubs as well.

For more information or to sign up for the race call Kris Grappendorf at (661) 654-2378 or email her at kgrappendorf@csub.edu.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

One family fun event people can do in Bakersfield is attend a California State University, Bakersfield baseball home game.

Photo one:  The Scene Setter shot

Photo taken by David Kaplan.

The CSUB Baseball field,Hardt Field,in between batters as CSUB takes on Dallas Baptist on Friday,April 19th.

Photo two:  The Medium shot

Photo taken by David Kaplan.

Dallas Baptist catcher (second to right) reacts after getting hurt on a play against CSUB at Hardt Field, on Friday, April 19th.

Photo three:  The Portrait shot

Photo taken by David Kaplan.

Superfan,Jordan Lovett  23, poses during CSUB’s baseball home game at Hardt Field, against Dallas Baptist, on Friday,April 19th.

Photo four:  Detail shot

Photo taken by David Kaplan.

The CSUB flag lets opposing teams know that they are in Roadrunner country.

Photo five:  Action shot

Photo taken by David Kaplan.

CSUB player, #1 Jordie Hein gets a hit, in CSUB’s baseball game against Dallas Baptist,at Hardt Field on Friday, April 19th.

The Drama in Bakersfield

Photo taken from eventful.com.

There is plenty of family friendly entertainment in Bakersfield to keep the family busy all year long.  When it comes to community theaters in Bakersfield, you have a variety of three community theaters to choose from.  There is Bakersfield Community Theatre, The Empty Space, and Spotlight Theatre.

First on center stage,Bakersfield Community Theatre.  Bakersfield Community Theatre a has long and successful history in Bakersfield.  According to BCT’s website, the theater is the longest running community theatre in Bakersfield stemming from 1927.   The first play ever presented by BCT was Frank Cravern’s  “The First Year”, performed at Bakersfield’s High School’s auditorium.   However BCT’s current venue, the BCT Playhouse was not built until 1961.   “In 2010, BCT was selected by the readers of the Bakersfield Californian as BEST OF: FAVORITE LIVE THEATRE.  Our shows keep getting better and our houses keep getting bigger,” according to the BCT website.  BCT’s next play is the children’s novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, showing Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm-8:30pm from June 7th-22nd,and Sundays at 2:00PM-3:30PM from June 9th-June 23rd.  General Admission is $12.00 for adults,$10.00 for children under 12,and free for children under 5.  BCT is located at 2400 S. Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93304, and can be contacted at 661-831-8114.  (BCT)

Next,The Empty Space. According to the Empty Space website The Empty Space which opened in 2003,has a reputation as the edgy theatre in town.  “The Empty Space” is the only community theater in Bakersfield that is free.  However,the theater does suggest a $10 donation for students, and $15 for adults.  The Empty Space is also the only community theater in Bakersfield to have a weekly improve night.  “Major League Improv” is at 6pm, every Saturday evening.  The next play showing at The Empty Space is the drama on teenage issues,”Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead”.  The play has it’s final two showing this Friday April,26th, and this Saturday April 27th,both at 11pm.  The Empty Space is located at “706 Oak Street Bakersfield, CA 93304,and can be contact at 661-327-PLAY (7529).  (The Empty Space)

With the spotlight now on “Spotlight Theatre”, this community theater in Bakersfield has shown classics,dramas,comedies,and musicals since 1999.  SpotlightTheatre as well as “BCT” offer a youth theatre department (children staring in plays).  (Spotlight Theatre)  Spotlight.com tells us how the Spotlight Theatre is the only theatre to have Marvin Ramey’s Dance experience.  Spotlight Theatre has no upcoming plays at the moment.  Spotlight Theatre is located at 1622 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301,and can be contacted at 661-634-0692‎.  (Spotlight Theatre)

With a selection of three community the theatres to choose from, Bakersfield has a wide selection of community theatre plays.  Both BCT and Spotlight Theatre offer internships, to people in the community.  BCT is online at bakersfieldcommunitytheatre.webs.com,  The Empty Space website is, www.esonline.org, and Spotlight Theatre’s website is www.thespotlighttheater.com.

Run Forrest Run!

Photo taken from http://www.csub.edu/celebrate/photogallery/

California State University, Bakersfield is hosting a “5K Run/Walk” as part of the Celebrate CSUB week on campus.  The race is taking place on Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m.  The race will start at the Student Recreation Center, and then go through the CSUB campus, and end back at the Student Recreation Center.  The cost is $20 for the April 22, 8a.m. pre-registration deadline, and $22 on race day.  The cost includes a T-shirt, a post-race breakfast, and a raffle ticket that will put you in the running to win prizes.  The race is available to CSUB students and anyone else in the community who would like to run.  Kris Grappendorf, the race organizer and contact person said CSUB is hosting the race to a provide a community event that brings the community on campus, and that encourages people to be active.

“The proceeds of the race go to CSUB’s Department of Physical Education & Kinesiology,” said Grappendorf.  The 5K race is part of the annual “Celebrate CSUB” week that the school has every Spring quarter.  “We’ve done it every year that we have had Celebrate CSUB.  I believe six years” said Grappendorf.

Student Recreation Center worker and Physical Education & Kinesiology major Anthony Hilario will be working at the race for the second straight year.  Hilario, a 23-year-old senior year at CSUB will assist runners who are registering for the race on race day, he will direct runners where to run in the actual race, and he will be at a booth after the race.  When talking about his job in the race Hilario said, “Basically maneuver the race to run smoothly.”

For more information about the race, or to sign up for the race call Kris Grappendorf at (661) 654-2378 or email her at kgrappendorf@csub.edu.

“It’s Theatre Time Charlie Brown”

picture from http://www.kutheatre.com

It’s Theatre Time Charlie Brown

Who says there’s nothing to do in Bakersfield, Ca?  Bakersfield is full of entertainment, and specifically, community theater entertainment.  With three community theatres, Bakersfield always has a play going on.  Next weekend is the first of two weekends that “The Empty Space” community theatre will be presenting the play, Bert V. Royal play,“Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead”.  The play opens on Friday, April 19th at 11pm, with additional performances on Sunday, April 20th, Saturday, April 26th, and Sunday, April 27th all at 11pm.

“The Empty Space” is a community theatre made up of volunteer actors.  All the plays at “The Empty Space” are free, but the theatre does encourage donations.

“The Empty Space” website talks about “The play “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” written by Bert V. Royal and directed by Michael Pawloski.  The play is about CB who’s dog’s death causes to him to wonder about life after death.  When CB meets an artistic kid, he gets peace of mind.  (www.esonline.org)                                    .

When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. But a chance meeting with an artistic kid, the target of this group’s bullying, offers CB a peace of mind and sets in motion a friendship that will push teen angst to the very limits. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that’s both haunting and hopeful.

Do you like improvisational comedy?  Did you love the show “Who’s Line is it Anyway?”  “The Empty Space” also shows the improvisational comedy show “Major League Improv” every

Saturday night at 6pm.  “Major League Improv” is on the fly, unrehearsed comedy that is family-friendly and audience-interactive.

You can make reservations for shows at “The Empty Space” at www.esonline.org.  Or call them at 661-327-7529.  “The Empty Space” is located at 706 Oak St. Bakersfield, Ca 93304.  There is always some play showing at “The Empty Space”, or at least the “Major League Improve” comedy show playing.

So, the truth is there are things to do in Bakersfield to keep you and your family entertained.  Bakersfield is not a dull boring town.  It’s a big town with a variety of types of entertainment, especially community theater.  You just have to about what is going on in Bakersfield.

hyperlinks:
http://www.esonline.org/#/upcoming/4551990535
http://www.esonline.org/#/mli/4552024370