For seven years now, The Empty Space has been raising funds for the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault through the VDAY movement. VDAY consisted of "A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant and a Prayer" edited by Eve Ensler and Molly Doyle, the award winning "The Vagina Monologues" by Eve Ensler, and the VFAIR on March 14.
Bakersfield College and Women's History Month and More (WHAM) hosted a performance by Groupo Mexica Tiahui, a Mexican Folklorico Troupe, on March 4 in Forum East. The Mexica Tiahui Ballet Folklórico is a "non-profit organization at California State University, Bakersfield, whose goal is to preserve the history, art and culture of Mexico," said BC Chicano studies professor Rosa Garza.
The Bakersfield Diamond Divas opened their season with a crushing 130-36 win over the Prison City Derby Dames of Chino. According to Skateland management, more than 700 people showed up to watch the two roller derby teams in action, which is the largest turnout ever experienced by the Diamond Divas.
The Noriega Restaurant and Hotel was filled with the sound of bagpipes, March 12, as people came to experience the Kern River Celtic Association's seventh annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. At $28 a plate, the celebration included a family-style Basque dinner with corned beef and cabbage, and live entertainment from Celtic band Whiskey Galore.
Bakersfield College professors treated the community to a night of poetry on March 11 in BC's Fireside Room. Rosa Garza and Emeritus Nancy Edwards read poems for the event titled "Voices of Women." Garza, a BC alumni and Chicano studies professor, and Edwards, a retired BC creative writing professor, read a series, mostly about their experiences in life and as women.
March 7 marked the opening day of the season at Bakersfield Speedway. Contestants in the Mini, American, Hobby and International Motor Contest Association stocks, shredded exhaust pipes and tires as they battled for the winning title. Fans cheered as the speed machines fitted with high compression engines roared around the one-third-mile clay track, spitting dirt and smoke into the stands.
Artists from Bakersfield came together for a night of painting, music and crafts to celebrate diversity in the arts and raise money for charities while doing so. In an attempt to raise Bakersfield's bohemian index, the Bakersfield Emerging Contemporary Artists hosted the First Friday art show on March 5 in the streets of the downtown area centered on the intersection of 19th and Eye Street.
Comedian Johnny Sanchez, who starred in "Happy Feet" and was on Mad TV for two seasons, performed at CSUB in the Icardo Center on March 12. Sanchez grew up in Tulare. He is "glad I grew up in Tulare. It was the right balance. There was a nice mix of everybody.
On March 13, The Bellmoore opened its doors. The Bellmoore is an art gallery downtown located at 2001 Chester Ave. Its opening exhibit is, "Pruning Season," which features seven different artists from Kern County. These artists include Greg Jones, Marisela Oropeza and Hope.
On March 6, Tim Elam gave a presentation titled "Life on the Edge" at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History. Elam calls himself a "semi-retired geologist," and has had 28 years of experience working in the oil industry. Elam encouraged his audience to ask questions throughout his presentation, which many viewing did.
Celtic music is not the first thing that comes to mind when Bakersfield music is brought up, but at the Lengthwise Brewing Company on the night of March 13, Whiskey Galore, a four-piece Celtic band from Bakersfield, had the crowd singing along all night. Whiskey Galore came together in 1997 through percussionist Mike Bowen's and bagpiper Kevin Briley's appreciation for Celtic music and as the years passed, guitarist Jeff Davis and bassist Rich Spencer were added to the lineup.
The Arts Council of Kern is working together with residents of Bakersfield to host The Bakersfield House Concert Series. These concerts will feature artists of different genres, including Celtic, Irish, folk and blues. Steve Key, a singer and songwriter, will be performing on March 28.
A Bakersfield College student, with an extensive interest in art, has grown to develop numerous techniques and mediums by taking the art classes offered on campus. Juan Martinez, 20, is a second year student with a concentration in creating professional artwork.