TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

In presenting the Boar's Head Festival this weekend, the congregation of St. John's Lutheran Church is reviving what many consider a highlight of the Christmas season.

"We've been on hiatus for four years, but this is our 19th performance," said June Gaede, who has written and directed every one of the pageants.

"I think it's going to feel quite new," she said. "I've tightened up the script quite a bit."

This year's festival begins with the re-creation of a 14th century mid-winter pageant in King Wenceslas' court. In medieval times, presenting the head of a boar -- a wild pig complete with an apple between its teeth -- was a symbol of good triumphing over evil.

"It's a fierce and ugly boar's head, carried in on a platter," Gaede said. "It's authentic -- done by a taxidermist."

As the pageant continues, the lords and ladies are entertained by knights, jesters and music sung by the church's choirs led by Paul Tepker and accompanied by a full orchestra. In all, there are about 100 performers.

At one point in the festivities the mood changes and the scene shifts into the retelling of the birth of the Christ child.

"About two-thirds of the way through, the king asks: 'Is this all there is?'" Gaede explained. "Then it segues into a vision, and we see Mary and Joseph and Jesus, and the trek of the wise men. When the king sees this, he suddenly realizes what Christmas is all about."

Many of the period-style garments to be worn this year are new. Gaede describes them as "visually very beautiful -- lots of heavy brocade and lamé."

New purchases and hand-sewn garments were a necessity, said the former North High School drama teacher. After retiring from the high school, Gaede assumed her present position in Cal State Bakersfield's graduate school of education.

"At first we scavenged for old velvet and other things at North High -- some of the costumes have gone through two or three recyclings," she said. "But this year Roxanne (Campbell) and I went to the Las Vegas costume show and the Los Angeles market."

Also new is the women's millinery -- many of the hats were made by Carol Dobbs. One of the more surprising aspects of the festival is that it's free.

"St. John's has always had a philosophy of reaching out to the community," Gaede said. "This pageant is a genuine gift to the community."

Those who plan to attend, however, are asked to pick up a ticket at the church or at one of the local businesses where they are available: Lambourne Travel in downtown Bakersfield, California Keyboards on Oak Street, or Russo's Books at The Marketplace.

Even the refreshments -- homemade cookies, spiced punch and coffee -- served at the "Afterglow Reception" following the performance -- are free. And at some point during the evening, about five Christmas-themed quilts will be given away.

All of the coverlets were made by members of the church's quilting society, a group that goes by a name that's as fitting as it is comforting: "Peace by Piece."

Solo show at The Foundry

"Abby Normal" is what local artist Jessica McEuen is calling her First Friday exhibit at The Foundry. I asked her what the title means and learned it's a phrase spoken by the character Igor in Mel Brooks' classic comedy "Young Frankenstein."

Igor, she explained, has been ordered to find a brain for the monster. Upon being asked whose brain he found, Igor replies, "Abby someone." When questioned further, he answers, "Abby ... Normal."

McEuen thinks the name defines both herself and her artwork, which she describes as "slightly off center."

"Sometimes I think my own brain may belong to Mr. Abby Normal," she said, noting that during her school years she always scored "right down the middle" on left brain/right brain tests.

"I am logical and literal," she added, "but have always managed to put a twisted spin on things that has to come from somewhere off to the right."

Her exhibit will be on display through Jan. 2. The Foundry tends to keep irregular hours, so I suggest calling before you to go to make sure it'll be open.

Plein air artists' exhibit

A display of about a dozen paintings done on location by members of the Bakersfield Art Association opens with a reception Friday evening at the Art Center.

Norma Eaton, who is sharing coordinator duties with Beth Carstens, said participating artists were limited to two entries. Most of the paintings show scenes of Kern County, although one or two of the artists who enjoy traveling will be displaying artwork done in European countries.

The Art Center started its Red Ribbon sale last Friday. Eaton said nearly everything has been discounted to attract buyers seeking Christmas gifts. Also, the gallery has extended its hours for the holidays. In addition to its usual Tuesday through Friday schedule it will be open on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 24.

African jazz

Dancer and singer Ayo Sharpe Mouzon will be featured at the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop's meeting next Wednesday at Le Corusse Rouge. Her program will include African rhythm, songs, dances and lyrical jazz poetry. She will be accompanied by her husband, John Mouzon on djembe drums, a traditional West African instrument. The band includes Rick Taira, bass guitar; Robert Martinez, congas; Steve Merrick, piano; and Steve Eisen, trumpet.

I've seen the Mouzons perform as a duo in other venues and what they do is distinctive as well as entertaining.

Also, starting this Saturday and on Dec. 10 and 17, Ayo Mouzon will offer African dance lessons at her studio, 4000 Easton Drive. Cost is $10 per lesson or $20 for all three sessions.