Last month saw the passing of two popular and beloved local musicians within weeks of each other: singer Keith Hall (Steppin' In, Aint No Thang, Howlin' Hall) and bassist Rob Thomas (Rox, No Quarter, Captain Hook).
Canadian indie band Men I Trust will play the Fox Theater on Sept. 23.
A Bakersfield Sound legend will again take the stage with The Soda Crackers on Saturday for a show at historic Fairfax Grange 570 Dance Hall.
Ever been to a concert when the opening band received a long and loud standing ovation? That was the scene at World Records last November, according to venue owner Pat Evans, when Robert Jon & The Wreck led off the Samantha Fish show and brought the house down.
The Spanish word "sendero" has multiple meanings and definitions.
Celebrate America this Saturday at "Off We Go," a patriotic joint concert taking place at Bakersfield College.
Fans are ready to be “Foiled” again as Blue October heads out on a special 20th anniversary tour.
It will be a night of Stars on Nov. 12 when Anne Wilson comes to town.
With the Memorial Day holiday weekend on the horizon, and summer not too far away, most of us entertain the eternal question that Mick Jones of The Clash put so eloquently: "Should I stay, or should I go?"
Way back in 1998, World Records had 20,000 CDs to listen to and a steady stream of new releases. Many of the most exciting releases were from a phenomenal class of modern blues artists like Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya, Tinsley Ellis, Roy Rogers, Tab Benoit, …
Enjoy music in the great outdoors again with the return of Skye on the River. The seasonal gathering will take place Saturday at Okihi Nature Retreat.
Local country fans are gearing up for a hot summer with the news that Gavin Adcock will play Dignity Health Theater.
On the heels of celebrating May the 4th, "Star Wars" fans can continue the festivities this week with help from the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.
Kern Dance Alliance is ready to again lift up the valley’s art community.
One wouldn't think of Brazil as a hotbed of original country music, much less an extension of the original Bakersfield Sound, but for musician Natan Freitas, who is a popular performer there, his music and his life reflects it.
The multitalented Jim Messina returns with his band to perform Friday at World Records.
The Writers' Round happening Thursday night at Legends Event Center is one of my favorite kinds of events for singer-songwriters and for audience members who have the patience and the curiosity to learn how the meat is made.
Coco Montoya When: 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: World Records, 2815 F St. Admission: $45; call 661-325-1982 for tickets
In December, I described the Fairfax Grange as such: "The dance hall, with its hardwood floors, raised stage and church steeple architecture — a church converted into a honky tonk, a perfect vessel for spreading the gospel of the original Bakersfield Sound — is an artifact from another time."
Experience "The Great Classics" this month with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.
Musicians looking to beat the heat but not the gigs this summer are invited to play in the mountains.
Get a musical start on the season with the latest Spring Soulstice.
We're all born drummers. Because by the time we arrive we do so with our own beat.
Describing Vanessa Collier, one can use several of descriptors: singer, songwriter, saxophonist, guitarist and bandleader.
Acclaimed violinist Eunice Kim will join the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra on March 21 for its tribute to beloved composer Ludwig van Beethoven.
When St. Patrick’s Day falls on a weekday, the celebration just needs to begin a little early. BarrelHouse Brewing has the right idea with its St. Patrick’s Celebration concert and party on Saturday.
I firmly believe that the 3 Days in Space music festival, an annual collaboration between Killer Kern Records and The Empty Space, is Bakersfield's musical rite of spring.
In this busy Lenten season, First Presbyterian Church is back to offer a midweek respite with its annual Lenten Organ Series.
Country music in its varying forms will fill the stage at Ovation Theatre this Saturday. As part of its latest Concerts at the Ovation, the downtown venue will host three acts for a special night of music.
Country trio Midland is headed back to Bakersfield.
In terms of his creative depth and personal longevity, relevance, proficiency and output, Bakersfield’s pedal steel icon Norm Hamlet merits profound respect and admiration.
Critically acclaimed soul group Durand Jones & the Indications is ready to jam in downtown Bakersfield next month.
Fans will be “Sailing” later on the waves of award-winning smooth ballads this June when Christopher Cross plays the Fox Theater.
BarrelHouse Brewing is geared up to let the good times roll this Fat Tuesday. Local band Mento Buru will host its annual celebration at a new venue.
Writing about Paul South's album "Monsters in Love" in my 2024 year-end recap of that year, I described his "gonzo time warp to the best music of the 1980s" as what it would sound like "if you put The Bears-era Adrian Belew, Todd Rundgren, The Tubes, Peter Gabriel and XTC in a blender" (minu…
There’s no doubt that Ron Kean has made a big impact on the local music community.
Temblor Brewing Co. will roll out the red carpet to celebrate the king of reggae on Saturday with the help of Mento Buru. For the 11th year, the band will head up the Bob Marley Jamdown in celebration of the iconic musician.
Tehachapi band Blue Mountain Tribe is looking forward to playing a benefit concert in Los Angeles for struggling victims of last year's Palisades Fire.
If the list of live music events this weekend were any indication, it would be safe to say that the currently prevalent styles of music being performed around town were country, Americana and, to a lesser extent, Southern rock.
Christian hip-hop artist Miles Minnick will bring his New Mainstream Tour to the Nile Theater on April 15.
The rafters will ring with a joyful noise on Friday evening when Cal State Bakersfield hosts the eighth annual Gospel Fest at Harvey Auditorium at Bakersfield High School.
Prepare to head back to the rockin’ 1950s with the high-energy show “Pianomania!” this Sunday at Harvey Auditorium.
When I last wrote about the Songwriter's Soapbox in February, I described it as "a consistent showcase for local singer-songwriter talent."
In what must be sweet music to the ears of symphony fans is news that Stilian Kirov will continue his role with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra through 2032.
Looking for a great way to begin the new year of 2026? Longing to wash out old worries and fill your mind and soul with good vibrations? Nothing works better than an afternoon of inspiring live music!
The final big project is almost ready to rock at the Woolworth's Building. The Basement is set to open at the end of the month, providing a performance venue as well as event space, recording studio and rehearsal spaces.
If it’s January, you know it's time to jam at the Great 48. This first big local music event of the year will bring hundreds of performers from all over the state to jam at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center.
Walking through the work in progress that is set to be the Well Comedy Club's new home on 18th Street, I can still see the bones of the venues that came before it.
Expect chaos, catharsis and connection when Hail The Sun comes to play the Nile Theater on May 7.
There may be “Heartache Tonight,” but there’s no need to worry come Feb. 5 when Take It To The Limit returns to the Fox Theater.
