TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Recent Stories

1. 

   Lorrie story: What a tale

   BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer

   Wednesday, Jun 19 2013 02:08 PM

   Love gone wrong, tragedy and redemption: Lorrie Morgan doesn't just sing country music, she lives it. In fact, Morgan's life and career have been full of highs -- a string of radio-friendly hits in the '90s -- and lows, including failed high-profile romances with the likes of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, actor/senator Fred Thompson and fellow country singer Sammy Kershaw.

   And then there was the alcohol-related death in 1989 of her husband Keith Whitley -- just as Morgan was about to break out with her own chart-topping success.

   Through it all, Morgan, 53, said she's always tried to keep life and work in perspective, never giving in to despair. Taking another chance at love, the singer took her sixth walk down the...

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2. 

   Big-bird alert: Ostrich ranch throws a party

   Ever heard that tale about ostriches hiding their heads in the sand? That's likely to ruffle some feathers over at Indian Point Ostrich Ranch. "Put their heads in the ground? They don't. It's a myth," said David Brust, spokesman for the...
3. 

   This volleyball tourney is spiked with mud

   It's time to get down and dirty for a Kern County tradition that's good clean fun. The 21st Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament to benefit the Epilepsy Society of Kern County takes place Saturday at Stramler Park. The venue, best known for...
4. 

   CAMILLE GAVIN: BHS grad returns for Stars concert

   New York-based singer-songwriter Emily Nicholas has a strong connection to Bakersfield in terms of friends, family and local theater. And for me and many other local residents, it's been a joy to see the Bakersfield High School graduate...

5. Cool stuff in the southwest? Put your prejudice aside

   Downtown may be home to the Arts District, but it's not the only place in Bakersfield where shoppers can find unique, artsy merchandise, and Dominique Curl is determined to prove it by presenting to Flea Market Super Weekend Mania. The...
6. 

   SCOTT COX: This Foo Fighter would do his honky-tonk heroes proud

   I went to the Crystal Palace last Thursday to see Foo Fighters guitar player Chris Shiflett. It seems Chris and some friends decided to devote a year to proper honky-tonk music. The tour they're on is obviously to get comfortable with the...

7. THE DISH: Texas barbecue joint rolls into Bakersfield

   There's nothing slow and low about the competition for Bakersfield's best barbecue, which is about to get hot. Make that smokin' hot. Dallas-based Dickey's Barbecue is breaking out the brisket, fried okra and sweet tea Thursday for the...
9. 

   MATT MUNOZ: Making most of her big break

   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...
10. 

    Baritone-deaf to his comic appeal? Not Michael McDonald

    It's a voice so unique and soulful that it has the power to take millions of baby boomers to the streets while triggering uncontrollable fits of laughter in the children of said baby boomers. But no one is happier than Michael "Yah Mo B...
11. 

    It's a bird, it's a plane ... it's Edwards AFB?

    If buzz and anticipation are any indication, the new Superman is about to conquer the world. But first he had to survive Edwards Air Force Base. "Man of Steel," which hits Bakersfield screens at 12:01 a.m. Friday, was shot on location at...

12. Chili and classic cars: You're welcome, dad

    Although there are plenty of activities vying for your attention this Father's Day weekend, Tehachapi makes its case with red-hot chili, cool weather and even cooler cars at the sixth annual Tehachapi Chili Cookoff & Car Show. If last year...
13. 

    SCOTT COX: Dark and twisted? Right up my alley, brother

    This week's coolest thing, believe it or not, is an e-book. I think. I'm not really sure what those are, and I've never had one before. I'm an old-fashioned actual-book kind of guy. Here's how it happened: I was watching "The Colbert...
14. 

    Chefs to make magic out of nuts

    If the weather forecast can be believed, providence is already smiling on the first-ever Kern County Nut Festival this Saturday at the Kern County Museum. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 80s and low 90s, good news for the team...