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1. 

   MATT MUNOZ: Making most of her big break

   By Matt Munoz

   Wednesday, Jun 12 2013 05:36 PM

   When iconic rock vocalist Pat Benatar gave Brynn Marie a chance, the aspiring artist went out and hit it with her best shot every night.

   "I had the chance to open for Pat last summer in Oklahoma and was asked back again and again," said the 28-year-old singer of landing the coveted gig that brings her to Rabobank Theater on Friday night, opening for Benatar and Cheap Trick. "Then one evening in February, I got a phone call for an offer to open this summer tour. I really owe it all to Pat, who really gave me a shot and told me to always stay true and to never give up."

   Her latest EP, "Things Change," showcases her blend of country and rock influences. "I'm inspired by artists who have taken risks, from Shania Twain, Faith Hill, the...

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2. 

   MATT MUNOZ: Indie band festival still rockin'

   Bakersfield's annual gathering of eclectic musical tribes and vibes known as Rockin' Roots returns to Stramler Park this weekend. Headlining Friday's event will be indie rock heroes Circa Survive, I See Stars and Hyper Crush. On Saturday,...
3. 

   MATT MUNOZ: Does 3-D work with live bands?

   Remember the disappointment of watching "Amityville 3D," "Comin' at Ya!," and even worse, "Jaws 3D," in the '80s? It was all a cheesy waste of technology, sent away to the vaults for decades. Now, the return of 3-D has given Hollywood a...
4. 

   MATT MUNOZ: Artists work it out at Rabobank

   Last week's visit by Latin singer Juanes was no average tour stop. The Grammy-winning artist, who kicked off his "Loud & Unplugged" tour before a full house at Rabobank Theater on Friday, spent a number of days rehearsing and doing press...
5. 

   MATT MUNOZ: Primus coming right at you!

   Bizarre, amazing, twisted and funky are just a few of the terms fans have used to describe the musical madness of Primus. Known for pushing the basic three-piece rock sound into regions bordering on the wacky, the veteran trio's technical...
6. 

   MATT MUNOZ: Ukulele shredder heads our way

   Acclaimed South African bassist Bakithi Kumalo will make a rare appearance in Bakersfield on Tuesday and Thursday for a series of music clinics focusing on the other instrument he loves: the ukulele. Panama-Buena Vista educator Kevin...
7. 

   MATT MUNOZ: Hip-hop artist paying his dues

   Local rapper Salvador Rosette, aka Sunny Rose, considers himself a blessed man. Counting the days until the official release party for his second CD, "SOA2," at Ink Bar Friday night, the 29-year-old lyricist and emcee is about to enter...
9. 

   MATT MUNOZ: DJ takes a spin to Coachella

   Bakersfield is being soundly represented at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio -- which enters its final weekend Friday -- with the eclectic sounds of Alex Rodriguez, aka DJ Moustache, who was offered the chance of a...
10. 

    MATT MUNOZ: Time to get your reggae on, mon

    The members of Bakersfield reggae rock quintet Amity Flow are a detail-oriented lot. And for a reggae band that's saying a lot, mon. Finishing up preparations before they set out on their first tour, it appears they have a handle on...
11. 

    MATT MUNOZ: Arvin to Texas to ... big time?

    When Marcus Leary packed his bags bound for Texas, he took plenty of Central Valley musical roots along for the ride. Armed with a brand new country CD, "A Man That Can Love You," the former Arvin resident, 42, is hitting the promotional...
12. 

    MATT MUNOZ: Spring breakdown -- it's TV for me

    Remember when MTV had its "Spring Break" telecasts live from Daytona Beach? My friends and I could never afford the trip to join the wild crowds between high school and college, but for a week we were glued to our TV ogling the sea of...
13. 

    Local longboard fans on a roll

    Despite some last-minute setbacks, last Saturday's Homegrown Longboard River Ride and Push Race rolled on to major success. With 46 contestants from across Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Morro Bay, and even as far away as Colorado, the...
14. 

    MATT MUNOZ: Sinbad still keeping comedy clean

    Whether you're into feasting on corned beef and cabbage or raging on St. Patrick's Day, locals have a few choice weekend options for getting their green groove on. Flashback comedy to alternative rock, or format-free independent radio,...