BAKERSFIELD CONCERT SERIES

About BCCA
100+ Years Strong
Bakersfield Community Concert Association (BCCA) presents a yearly series of 5 programs featuring distinctive professional performers. We are an all-volunteer organization with non-profit corporation 501(c)(3) status. Founded in 1920, originally as Kern County Musical Association, we have continued to provide outstanding entertainment through the century. Founded by a group of prominent Bakersfield citizens dedicated to enhancing the cultural development of Bakersfield. Reverend Willis G. White, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Bakersfield, was the first President. Mrs. Keith McKee was the second President. Among the scores of Bakersfield music lovers that founded the Association were Mr. and Mrs. Dwight L. Clark, Mr. Harold J. Burt, Dr. “Zim” Zimmer, and Miss Grace Van Dyke Bird. Supporters of the Kern County Musical Association have included Dorothy M. Donahoe and Henrietta Weill.
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Incorporated in 1948, we were part of the Western Arts Alliance for many years, and contracted with some of the best agencies in New York for our fine performers. In 1963, that group became affiliated with the Community Concerts Association in New York City, which allowed our non-profit organization to present the highest quality of national and international attractions available, at a price affordable to all.
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The Bakersfield Community Concert Association is thankful for our past loyal board members and volunteers. Sadly, this year we lost Bob Smith who was a Board Member and Volunteer with BCCA for over 50 years. His dedication and contributions to the organization were greatly appreciated.
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BCCA has always been self-sustaining through its subscribers’ fees and individual donations. The BCCA board arranges for professional artists to perform at the Harvey Auditorium and to perform for the students of Kern County through Outreach concerts in the schools. With these student outreach concerts, we hope to instill a love of music in our students. Each year our goal is to sponsor several outreach concerts in the schools. This season there will be outreach concerts for Seraph Brass and Divas 3 in 2023.
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In addition to the student outreach concerts, we have students from various schools perform before each of our concerts in the lobby. Their school is then given an honorarium of $350 to help their arts programs. Our program allows the students to gain experience performing before an audience. It allows the students to see that live music is appreciated. They are also encouraged to stay and attend the community concert and learn more about the performing artists.
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Every season, Live On Stage (LOS) from Nashville, Tennessee, introduces and presents a brand new roster with artists chosen from hundreds of submissions at its National Conference and Showcase. According to LOS, “we choose only the best entertainers that we know will fit a variety of musical tastes in our network of concert association affiliates, giving them every advantage to sell out the season. Many of our artists are award winning, chart-topping and world-renowned, which is why Live On Stage is known for delivering Entertainment Excellence!"
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As we move forward beyond the pandemic, we are working toward a new marketing strategy including an emphasis on our new website and social media that will help increase membership. We have also begun to pursue corporate donations, sponsorships, and ads to be sold in the programs. We encourage individuals and businesses who would like to help underwrite all or even a portion of our concerts to please contact Board President, Amy McGuire at gypsyvln@gmail.com for more information.
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Thank you for your support.
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We look forward to a strong comeback of the BCCA!
Board of Directors 2022-2023

Amy McGuire……………...………………………..…………….......................................................................................................President
Teresa Rizo………………………………………...……….......................................................................................................Vice President
Debi Besenfelder………………………………..……………….......................................................................................................Secretary
Jennifer Jaegle…………………………………..……………….......................................................................................................Treasurer
Regina Pryor……………………………………...……......................................................................................................Membership Chair
Yinchi Chang………………………………......…….......................................................................................................Publicity/Webmaster
Michael Raney…………………………...………..………….....................................................................................................Concert Chair
Amy McGuire…………………………..…..……….......................................................................................................Artist Selection Chair
Teresa Rizo…………………………………..……....................................................................................................Student Outreach Chair
Carol E. Smith…………………………………….……........................................................................................................Member At Large
Elizabeth Ramos……………….……………….....................................................................................................Social Media Coordinator
Additional Board Members
Patty Sue Beadle
Nikki Chiasson
Ken Clark
Helia Corral
Denise Eyherabide
Vickie Murray
Lisa Raney
Nancy Somers
Deborah Verdugo
Lori Wenger
Volunteers 2022-2023
Jamie Bargen
Lyda Barger
Doris Duquette
Edward Durazo
Felice Durazo
Ruth Emfinger
Marcia Eyherabide
Emily Gellman
Jonnie Guerra
Marion Harlan
Jo Ellen Minner
Imogene Napier
Marjorie Powers
Kathie Sack
Cruz Santiago
Debra See
Sandee Senior
Program Patrons
GOLD - $500+
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Laura Cattani
Amy McGuire
Regina Pryor
Carol E. Smith (In Loving Memory of Bob Smith, strong supporter of BCCA)
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SILVER - $250-$499
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Dan Martin
Sheryl Sikola
Jene M. Ueberroth
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BRONZE - $100-$249
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Gavin & Patricia Banducci
Ron & Peggy Barker
Michael Daillak
Ted Garrison
William Huffstutter
Lila McIntyre
Larry & Kathryn Paddock
Michael & Lisa Raney
Teresa Rizo
Jerry & Anne Seydel
Sharon Schiefelbein
Dennis Shea
Marciel Stramler
Carol Thomason
Joe M. Traynor
Lori Wenger
John S. Werts
Carol L. White
Wayne Wood
Student Outreach Patrons
$500+
Margo Jones
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$200-$499
Michelle McClure
Amy McGuire
Regina Pryor
Linda R. Redman
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$100-$199
Jim & Susan Becherer
Mary Costamagna
Tom & Lynn Finch
William Huffstutter
Janet Johnson
Mary Morton (In Memory of Dan McGuire)
Larry & Kathryn Paddock
Michael & Lisa Raney
Leonard Sanoian
Gail Schulz
Dennis Shea
Marciel Stramler
Joe M. Traynor
Amy Walker
Lori Wenger
John S. Werts
Carol L. White
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