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Bakersfield might be a desert community, but when it comes to live music, it’s an oasis! Bakersfield’s music scene can trace its roots to the “Bakersfield sound” made popular in the 1950s. Country music took a foothold in this town, known mostly for oil production and agriculture. Bakersfield country was a reaction to the slick sound coming out of Nashville and was rooted in the honky-tonk bars frequented by the oil rig workers. Today’s Bakersfield boasts a number of great venues where you can see almost any genre of music, seven nights a week.

Live Music Venues

If you’re taking guitar lessons in Bakersfield, you have access to some great live music! In addition to taking lessons, it’s important to expose yourself to as much live music performance as you can. Seeing live music can help put the theory and techniques you learn into perspective. After your guitar lessons in Bakersfield, head out to some local venues and see some great guitarists! Here are a few places to check out...

• One of the originators of the Bakersfield sound in the 1950s was Buck Owens. In fact, he never left, and he opened a place that is still hosting legendary performers today! Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is the honky-tonk to visit to hear the greatest country guitar in the state! Local and national touring artists grace the stage. There’s also a great on-site museum where you can learn more about the history behind Bakersfield sound.
• If alternative rock is more your style, Bakersfield has a couple of hotspots to check out and catch a show. Jerry’s Pizza and Pub is a great place to grab a pizza and relax. It has a very unique basement club that has built a reputation for hosting the hottest local and regional touring bands in Bakersfield. Jerry’s is a really supportive member of the local scene, and when you’re ready, it's a great place to debut your new band!
• Another Italian restaurant that not only features great food, but great indie rock is Sandrini’s. Featuring solo guitar singer/songwriters mid-week and indie rock on the weekends, Sandrini’s is a guitarist’s haven! Come and hear some of the best local guitarists show their stuff.

Music Festivals

Bakersfield’s temperate climate allows it the ability to host music festivals year round! Festivals are a great opportunity to hear a variety of different guitarists and musical genres in one place, at one time!

• If you love soul and R&B, the Soultruistic Arts and Music Festival has got you covered!
• The Kern County Fair features different music every night on various stages though out the fairgrounds. From country to rock, pop, even jazz, you’ll have plenty of chances to check out some amazing guitarists!

Colleges and Universities

Universities are a great place to hear live music. Often, the performances are not what you would typically see in a club. For example, California State University Bakersfield is a great place to go and hear young up-and-coming musicians perform. If you have an interest in classical guitar and modern composition, the university offers a full performance schedule and many of the performances are free.

Taking guitar lessons in Bakersfield is a great way to learn how to play the guitar, since you have the opportunity to see many talented guitarists perform. Best of luck with your lessons, and may you enjoy the Bakersfield music scene!