Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
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The murals in Downtown Tehachapi are in need of repair. The most obvious is the 1915 Green Street Dance mural on Tehachapi Blvd., across from Railroad Park. Unfortunately, the binding agent on the mural is failing and the stucco is falling. As a result, it needs to be removed. This led to the creation of the Tehachapi Murals Project, which will evaluate each mural, and have them cleaned and resealed by the end of fall. Current members of the Tehachapi Murals Project are Charles White, Lyn...
Cora Sweeney and Saida Woolf started off entering the Gallery 'N' Gifts Young Artist shows as students of Valley Oaks Charter School. They received art instruction from local artist Colleen Ferrel and sought out opportunities across Southern California where they could improve their skills. Today, they are both studying Art at San Jose State University; Sweeney works in Studio Art where she hones her passion for painting, and Woolf pursues Animation Illustration creating animation reels and...
May is the month we focus on flowers and mothers. Flowers can be tended in gardens or found growing free on hillsides and in unexpected places like cracks in the sidewalk. Though flowers look delicate blowing in the breeze, they are made of hearty stuff and endure with great strength whatever life throws at them. The same can be said for mothers. It would not be an exaggeration to say that mothers are the backbone of society, civilization and life as we know it. We owe our very existence to a...
I'm Rob Saranpa, also known as "Nohawk Rob," a musician and a proud resident of Tehachapi since 1994. Let me take you back to how I landed here. Toward the end of 1993, I had the chance to tour across Europe and had a layover in Amsterdam – plenty of stories there! Upon returning to the San Fernando Valley, I felt the urge to move elsewhere. I had three options: Seattle to open a rehearsal studio, Las Vegas to play country music in hotels or Tehachapi to join a local band and have a day job at C...
Lyn Bennett has been painting murals since 2005. She's self-taught and thoroughly enjoys the process of taking a blank wall and making it interesting to look at. She's currently working with Tehachapi Murals to restore all of the murals in Tehachapi. Bennett was commissioned to start with the Avelino Martinez mural, which she has completed. She fondly describes the process for the mural, "The Martinez mural went pretty smoothly. The pieces that needed to be removed weren't terribly huge, and I...
Annual 5x5 Art Sale to benefit Rising Star Riders Rising Star Riders (RSR), in conjunction with the Tehachapi Arts Center, presents the annual 5x5 Art Show and Sale on May 3, (the first Friday of May), from 5:55 to 7:55 p.m. All art-sized 5x5 will be sold for $55.55. All sales proceeds and donations are contributed to the Rising Star Riders Foundation. Rising Star Riders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of children and adults with physical and/or emotional challenges. T...
I love the song "Blowin' in the Wind," written and first sung by Bob Dylan, then performed by many folk icons including Peter, Paul and Mary and Joan Baez. The words and melody weave between war, freedom and peace, asking and answering its own questions. How many roads, how many years, how many tears? The answers are both obvious and intangible at the same time, intangible as the wind. The Tehachapi Wind Festival at Meadowbrook Park was promoted for April 20 as a family affair of kite flying, ga...
The benefits of learning music are well documented for kids and older folks alike. I found this out going to my daughter's music concerts as she was growing up. Sarah J's instrument was the Alto Saxophone. I saw the benefits in her and all the kids that were playing in her jazz band and marching band. I also found out it does not matter if you are super talented or just have a love for playing and never had the time. I was very inspired by my daughter Sarah J to take up a instrument back then....
The bee's knees was flattering praise used by flappers in the 1920s and even earlier in the 1800s when shop owners sent their buyers out to "find me the bee's knees," meaning they wanted the best materials for their business. The term bee's knees defines something that is surprisingly wonderful or cool. It's a compliment. It's also a descriptor from the olden days, grown out of its prime and now passe'. But did you know that bees actually do have knees? They have what could be termed balls and s...
The celebration of young artists at Gallery N' Gifts on April 6 was a grand event. People from several nearby cities came to see what our local youth were up to creatively, and they were not disappointed. Watercolors, sculptures, acrylic, oils, pen, pencil and mixed media artwork were on colorful display in this annual event sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association. "It is so fun to see what these talented kids come up with each April, and even more fun to watch the artistic growth of the...
New hours at the Arts Center We are now open six days a week. Regular hours are Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note: We stay open later for unique events such as Thursday's Farmers Market, local fairs, community events and holidays. If the flags are out, we're open! Classes and Events First Friday falls on April 5, so don't forget to come out for food, fun and drinks from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Tehachapi Arts Center. Enjoy the music and refreshments and meet...
This is the season where families invite rabbits into their homes, rabbits who bring baskets of goodies. The most playful ones take joy in hiding colored eggs for children to find. Dyed eggs and chocolates abound, with an abundance of jelly beans and the occasional sugary peep. Spring has sprung and Easter is nigh. Rabbits as main characters in novels abound as well. The poignant "Velveteen Rabbit" by Margery Williams brings us the tender story of love between a boy and his stuffed rabbit. A...
Tehachapi Valley Arts Association is excited to announce their 2024 All Tehachapi Youth Art Contest. For more than 30 years, the contest has been an exciting opportunity for young artists to show off their beautiful works of art. Please help TVAA celebrate the creative efforts of our local youth by joining the First Friday celebration at Gallery 'N' Gifts on April 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a special Saturday cookies and punch reception on April 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a...
It's time again for green beer, Irish butter and corned beef with cabbage, or for non-meat eaters, maybe a lovely veggie platter of potatoes, cabbage and carrots garnished with parsley and pearl onions. Yes, St. Patrick's Day has arrived. The wearing of the green comes with leprechauns and perhaps a sprinkling of fairies. Or maybe cowboys. I did cover Irish cowboys a few years back, but as with many good books, revisiting with a new eye brings a fresh perspective. The Irish cowboy was real,...
What do dogs, bears and meerkats have in common? Well, usually not that much, but in this review they all are surrounded by mystery and murder. Three authors have woven stories around these animals, and it may be hard to recognize the leading characters, because as you know, children and animals tend to steal the show. I enjoyed sharing a dog's point of view along with runaway Chase Ryder and grieving veterinarian Sully, in "Wanted." In this first book by K.J. Corgan of the Chase Ryder series,...
After all the reds and pinks of Valentine's Day, I think of February as being a lavender month. Perhaps that is because February's birthstone is amethyst, with its deep purple brilliance and luster. Or perhaps I am ready for spring flowers with the happy faces of pansies, an early contender in the garden. Whatever the reason, I chose the following books to review because of their covers. This is not my usual process. "Tea is for Trouble," by Karen Sue Walker, presents cover art of a pretty...
The 2024 Winter Photo Contest held by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery 'N' Gifts had its opening with a well-attended First Friday event on Feb. 2. Fewer entries came in this year due to the bad timing of winter storms, but those who braved the elements to enter came prepared to make things tough on the judges. "Gallery 'N' Gifts has hosted Photo Contests every February and August since 2005," said President, Gale Caldwell. "I have never been as moved by a photo as this year's Best...
What can be more romantic than the moon? That big mysterious orb shines softly down on earth in the darkness of night, while sliding translucent across daylight skies. Whether full or merely slivers of itself, the moon is surrounded by billions of stars holding the secrets of the universe close, while enticing lovers to embrace. February is the month of love, offering an abundance of flowers from florists, to grocery stores and street corners. There is candy too, especially tempting chocolates...
The 2024 Winter Photo Contest is back, and Tehachapi Valley Arts Association is challenging amateur photographers of all ages to submit their favorite photos from Jan. 19-28 at Gallery ‘N’ Gifts for a chance to win the $100 Best of Show prize, or one of six $25 first place prizes in the following categories: Landscape & Nature, Travel & Architecture, Animals, Black & White/Sepia, People/Portrait, Transportation and Youth Photography. Each category will also have ribbons for 2nd, 3rd and honorable mention placings. For rules and information you...
January is a good month to dream as it is the month that we honor Martin Luther King Jr. We are reminded of his dream speech and his desire for a time when promises of freedom, justice and equality becomes a reality for all. There are so many books on King, written for all ages and all kinds of readers. The book I enjoy the most is the illustrated picture book "I Have a Dream" with its simplicity and vibrant art embracing the spirit of King's speech and giving weight and purpose to each one of...
I can't remember not having some kind of snowfall before or right after Thanksgiving in Tehachapi. Yet, here I sit writing this review a few days before New Years, without a flake in sight. What is up with that? It is totally possible that between the time I submit my book review and the actual printing and physical delivery of the paper, snow will have fallen. But then again, it may not. I am prepared with either outcome as I have books filled with snow. Timeless picture books have introduced c...
In this issue, we celebrate the 5th anniversary of everyone's favorite bookworm. On Dec. 22, 2018, Midge Lyn'dee published her first book review with The Loop newspaper. Since then, more than 150 reviews have been written, 350 books explored and countless gems of wisdom provided. Join us as we thank Midge for inspiring us to pick up a book, grab a cup of our favorite warm beverage and get lost in words. Keep us reading Midge! Celebrations Have you been celebrating this December? Celebrating...
Amy Nelson is a photographer located in the Kern River valley. She specializes in landscape and nature photography. She has also expanded to wedding and portrait photography. Amy's love for photography started at a very young age. Growing up in the Los Angeles area, her parents always emphasized an appreciation of nature. The family traveled to the Kern River Valley to escape the busy city life. Her father would give Amy disposable cameras and she would go exploring and hiking taking photos of...
TVAA was formed soon after World War II. In 1945, Tehachapi's soldiers were returning home. Many had developed new skills and talents while serving their country. The women who had waited at home had also developed skills and artistic talents – after all, this was a time of new beginnings, creativity and make do with what you have. It was a time of hope and wanting to bring color and beauty to their surroundings. A casual group of artists and crafters was formed – the Tehachapi Valley Arts Ass...
Some people need to ease into a holiday mood in order to embrace all the trimmings. I just jump right in and immediately enjoy it all. The lights, the music, the overwhelming number of Hallmark movies. I especially enjoy the books. I first turn toward the classics. "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens remains a world treasure as the story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (first published in 1843) survives numerous re-writings and performances, on both stage and big screen, by many actors over the...
