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.

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.

The Bakersfield Community Concert Association is thankful for our past loyal board members and volunteers. Recently, 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.  In honor of all of our wonderful volunteers we have been giving lifetime achievement awards.  Last season we honored Bob Smith, Howard Silver, Carol Smith, Nikki Chiasson and Denise Eyherabide. This year our first honoree was Patty Sue Beadle.

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 Mariachi Divas and Jason Fabus Trio.

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.

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!”

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 [email protected] for more information.

Thank you for your support.

We look forward to a strong comeback of the BCCA!