Crooked Folk rocks Bakersfield as one of the best bands in town

Photo provided by:  http://localrockstars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Crooked-Folk-Photo.jpg

Wanda Winkler, a writer for Playing the Field, interviewed Annie Schneider after meeting her at Starbucks to discuss Crooked Folk, her favorite Bakersfield band. 

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)

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)

WALK INTO SOME ENTERTAINMENT!

Looking for a little outdoor entertainment? Grab some friends and family and head on over to the River Walk. River Walk is a park located at Buena Vista Road and Stockdale Highway. One of the main attractions at the River Walk is the Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, an amazing outdoor public performance venue. I been to many concerts at the Bright House Networks Amphitheatre and I must say its a mind-blowing experience. If you would like to check out a concert at the venue go to http://www.bakersfieldampitheatre.us/

Do you love to go fishing? Grab your pole and tackle box and head over to the lake at the River Walk. Fishing at the River Walk is great, I remember the very first fish I caught it was a 15 inch bass. The lake has many different kinds of fish Species, Rainbow Trout, Bass, and Blue Gills to name a few. The River Walk consist of two lakes. The upper lake has a surface area of 3 acres and the lower lake is 2 acres and has become one of the most popular fishing spots in town. If you want to find out more information about the fishing at the River Walk park check out  http://www.kernfishing.com/content/lakes.com

If fish is not on your menu? Pack up some hotdogs and hamburgers and occupy one of the barbecues the River Walk has available. Great for family and friend picnics. The River Walk is a great outdoor adventure for all ages and can be your next destination for entertainment.

photo by Caric S.