Bakersfield.com: Kern County news, events, classifieds, shopping, & search

MATT MUNOZ: Big names headline at B Ryder's

BY MATT MUNOZ, Bakotopia.com editor
mmunoz@bakersfield.com | Wednesday, Aug 04 2010 05:09 PM

Last Updated Wednesday, Aug 04 2010 05:09 PM

<U> </U>Just looking at the lineup for Friday's Strange Noize Tour stop at B Ryder's makes me dizzy.

Headlining the big outdoor-indoor music fest is Huntington Beach rap rock vets, Hed PE. Blending elements of metal, hip-hop and reggae, these headliners are following some pretty big openers with Kottonmouth Kings' Johnny Richter, Kutt Calhoun, rapper Big B and Blestenation. All artists are members of the Southern Californian-based Subnoize Records and SRH Clothing family. Formed in 1991 by Kottomouth Kings manager Kevin Zinger, SRH has become the official clothier for not only bands on the Subnoize label, but also their loyal fanbase. Specializing in male and female fashions and accessories with tattoo-inspired artwork, the style is especially popular among the extreme-sport scene.

"We just started out as a small company with the Kottonmouth Kings at the forefront of the whole thing," said rapper Bryan "Big B" Mahoney via telephone. "It just became this movement of music, skate, moto-cross, and everything mixed in with this underground lifestyle."

The name SRH, an acronym standing for everything from "Support Radical Habits," to "Stoners Reeking Habit" depending on who you ask in the scene, is often dismissed as just another fratboy fashion trend. But for Mahoney, the company prides itself in the spirit of other music-related fashion companies -- namely Def Jam's Records hugely successful Phat Farm brand, and others.

"It's getting like that all across the U.S., and really the world. Subnoize and SRH put something together that just became this movement, more than just a couple brands out there. We have a hand in everything from fashion -- all the way down to the music. I think people realized that it's not just about going to the store and buying a T-shirt."

The Friday all-ages event begins as 3 p.m. at B Ryder's with a bikini contest, free giveaways including tickets to the even-bigger SRH Fest happening the following day in San Bernardino, and plenty of "bros." Tickets are $20 and available at the venue. For more info visit: timgardeapresents.com.

Surviving Circa Survive show

Last Friday's Circa Survive concert at Jerry's was a truly sweaty affair. Believe it or not, the venue managed to safely accommodate as many local fans as it could hold. Seen trying to catch a glimpse of the actions were members of The Hollow and photographer Jeremy Gonzalez, who was kind enough to snap up a load of photos that really make you feel like you were there. Preferring to be in the heat of the action instead of behind the barricades, Gonzalez's plan to capture the moment isn't for the weak.

"I try to get a good spot, then wrap my camera strap around me as tight as possible, keep my arm as high as I can, balancing myself. I wait until the crowd gets really pumped up to get the shots. It's cool to be right in the middle of it all, getting pushed around and feeling it all, even the pain. The energy for this show was amazing."

To see Gonzalez's full photo report from deep in the Jerry's Pizza basement, visit the bakotopia.com homepage.

Cutting to The Core

You should also check out new local hip-hop Internet radio site: thecorelive.com. The site features live video and music streaming presented by some resident DJs and personalities. I recently tuned in to "The Inconvenient Truth," the site's morning talk and music show hosted by T.D. and CUTM Dave. I'm still not sure what's going on, but I did get to watch CUTM Dave enjoy a Corona camera at 9 a.m.

Matt's picks

Nappy Roots with The Dirty Politicians and DJ Mikey at Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m., Thursday, $12, 324-2557.

Hailing from Bowling Green, Ky., The Nappy Roots 2002 debut, "Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz," had one of the best jams of the year with "Po' Folks." After a follow-up release, they all but disappeared into the shadows of the "dirty dirty" South. Now, the group is back with a new CD, "The Pursuit of Nappyness," and ready to rejuvenate the state of the genre. Opening the show is Bako's DJ Mikey and The Dirty Politicians, who every time I've seen live add another member or two, or three.

The Hollow with Switchboard of Souls at The Gate, 2010 O St., 7 p.m. Friday, $7, 324-2557.

Electro-rockers The Hollow have one of the most polished-sounding local demos in circulation. Fronted by lead vocalist known simply as "Tink" who resembles a sexy version of Tinkerbell, their song "The Key" made its debut on Bakotopia Radio last week to rave reviews. The group's other members -- "The Jerm" and "JR" -- sport some crazy masks, but don't expect any Slipknot foolery. You'll be hearing more about this band soon.

KC Rollergirls Benefit Luau at The Dome, 2201 V St., noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, $10, 327-0190.

Local tough chicks on skates show off their tender sides to help out Centennial High junior Taryne Hallford, who suffers from a rare disease known as dysautonomia. There will an outdoor car show and concert with local bands all afternoon, then things will get loud inside into the evening. Donations will be accepted and all funds will go toward helping Taryne's medical costs.