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Bakersfield's 'Idol' hits Hollywood round

There's so much buzz surrounding "American Idol" these days, you'd never know the show -- accused of losing a little steam in recent years -- is on its ninth season. But the heat continues Tuesday as new judge Ellen DeGeneres debuts and local fans get another look at Bakersfield performer Jim Ranger.

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This rest stop worth taking a few hours for

Likely you have driven by Bravo Farms, about six miles south of Kingsburg on Highway 99, without giving it a thought. Maybe the 1950s Nash Metropolitan poking out from a rooftop caught your attention. But unless you needed gas, you probably never thought about stopping.
HERB BENHAM: Not to sound desperate, but please invite us

A friend is turning 60. There's a lot of that going around. I'm glad I haven't caught the disease.
The talented Mr. Ryan: Artist/teacher leaves imprint on students

Whether he's painting a canvas, acting on stage, or talking to you face to face, Bill Ryan has a reputation for coming on strong. He's been described as energetic, explosive and eclectic. And those qualities come through loud and clear in paintings.
Metro Galleries in a California state of mind

Lush green fields, blue skies outlined by cotton ball clouds and earthy mountains with a glimmer of majestic lavender are the images that embody the beauty of California's landscapes, and now you'll find them all under one roof.
CAMILLE GAVIN: 'Romeo' raw but effective

Overall, Spotlight Theatre's "Romeo and Juliet" runs like a well-oiled machine in the hands of director Brian Sivesind.
Group hopes to move into heart of the arts

Renewed negotiations to rent the former Curves building on Eye Street have heightened the Bakersfield Art Association's hope of landing a new home in the downtown arts district.
He wrote it and he'll conduct it Saturday

Cal State music professor and composer Doug Davis will conduct the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra in the premiere of his new work "Eleanor and Estalle" on Saturday evening at the theater at Rabobank Convention Center.
Comedy gives Prime Cut edge

The Prime Cut, known for its tasty Cajun fare and home of the Pete Tittl-beloved Merv Burger, is wading into the waters of live entertainment, offering up its venue for comedy shows (the first one was last month).
Buck kept vow to bring singer to town

I consider myself B.J. Thomas' biggest fan, and I owe it all to a chance encounter with him at the 1985 Kern County Fair. And I owe B.J.'s upcoming concert in Bakersfield to Buck Owens, a man so honorable that he kept his word to me even after his death.
When the Padre was the Padre

Photographer Felix Adamo's penchant for all things vintage Bakersfield has translated into another fine art photography exhibit filled with images that tell a story of a time, a place and a town.
Valley on TV: Series explores common issues

KVPT-Valley Public Television and the Great Valley Center have joined forces for a new public affairs series called "Great Valley, debuting Friday. The program will focus on problems facing the valley and potential solutions, and feature occasional guests from Bakersfield and Kern County.
The Padre: Class checks in, but has soul checked out?

I'm the kind of gal who, waaay back in the day, was known to close out a night of bar-hopping at the Padre's Town Casino among an assortment of oddballs and characters, aglow from a cocktail or two, singing along as the piano player tinkled away. That room had vibe.
Pete Tittl: Tequila! Agave has spirits and spirit

We begin this week's column with a moment of silence for Cazuelas Mary Grill and Bar on Oak Street. It passed away, unnoticed by me, late last year, and the location has now become the home of Agave Grill and Cantina. Cazuelas Mary was a type of place with a vibrant menu that featured things like mole verde pork chops or the types of casseroles owner Blanco Bernal remembered from her childhood. Her menu featured roasted peppers and a great Spanish sheep's milk cheese called manchego. That alone might frighten those who don't like to veer far from good ol' Monterey Jack, but the kitchen was a vibrant addition to our restaurant scene.
Paramore tickets on sale Saturday

Love the performing arts? Three marquee events are coming up, so it's time to plan your big night out.
Mentoring aids those without family support

Your first Thanksgiving dinner, first Christmas tree, first birthday cake: Most of us can't remember those important milestones because we were too young when they happened.
Save the first dance for daddy

A girl's daddy leaves pretty big shoes to fill, as many boyfriends and husbands eventually discover.
JOSE MACIEL: It's fun until you meet your match

Sometimes opportunity comes knocking and we're just not willing or able to answer. Such is the case for me now that Tiger Woods has gone into hiding. With his absence, opportunity came for someone to take his place. The timing could not have been worse: I recently gave up golf. Or it finally gave up on me.
'The Train' worth seeing

Look out, folks; a train is coming. More to the point, THE train is coming. Even more to the point, Wayne "The Train" Hancock is coming. To Fishlips. Tonight.
'Extra magic' just enough for 'Idol'

Simon, Randy and Kara might be the toughest judges in America, but Jim Ranger, Bakersfield's great hope to become the next American Idol, is pretty good with pressure.
Art with personality

Versatile is a good way of describing Alison Beitzel's approach to art. Most of the charcoal portraits she has on display at two local restaurants, Amestoy's and Narducci's are realistic.