Latest Kern County, California and US & world news from 23ABC in Bakersfield, Calif.
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00:00 Our Bakersfield history is anchored in our local historic treasures from music
00:05 to food and of course the buildings where it all happens. Over the years
00:10 though we've had to say goodbye to many of these historic landmarks and this
00:13 week with the announcement of the closure of Narducci's our local music
00:17 scene is filled with memories but also a bitter farewell.
00:25 Well Narducci's in East Bakersfield I mean it's a landmark it's part of East
00:30 Bakersfield history. The first time I played here was like 25 years ago it's
00:37 it's always been a place where music has always come together. Bakersfield
00:41 musicians are in mourning as they recall the first time they entered Narducci's
00:46 building. I used to work at Luigi's and we would have our parties here and the
00:51 old owner Jimmy he would start playing saxophone and then he wanted to
00:55 challenge Gino to a race. Originally a hotel and restaurant passed down from
01:01 owner to owner until it was taken over by Marino Narducci in 1967. Narducci's
01:06 son Jimmy eventually took over for his father and added more elements of music
01:11 to the venue. Jim Narducci back in the day was known for booking bands all the
01:16 time. Lead man for local band Three Red Flags Phillip Williams said that one of
01:20 the unique traits that Narducci brought to the Bakersfield sound was variety. The
01:24 stage was huge so you know if you wanted to do your like Mick Jagger walk across
01:28 the thing you could but the all ages thing that just brought everybody
01:31 together. I actually played here when I was I think 11 or 12. Soda crackers
01:38 frontman Zane Adamo said his first visit to Narducci's was nerve-wracking. First
01:43 time in like a bar kind of thing and I remember the rule was I had to stay on
01:46 stage. But now a seasoned musician Adamo says he's sorry to see the doors closed.
01:51 I like to think that these places will stick around and the revitalization that
01:58 downtown Bakersfield sing will spill over into this part of town too as well.
02:02 We pride ourselves on the Bakersfield sound and being such a place for
02:07 cultivating new music, new sounds just like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard did
02:11 back in the day but when we lose a venue that's another place for you know over
02:15 two to three hundred bands won't get to play. This isn't the first time Narducci's
02:20 has closed its doors. The popular spot has seen hardship in the past but they'd
02:24 reopened last year and continued offering spots to local bands. Edgar
02:28 really stand-up guy so I really appreciate everything that Edgar did and
02:32 put into this business. Last year not only a chance for bands to play but for
02:36 more memories to be made. Daughters friends came and I could tell them you
02:40 know I first played here when I was your age you know. And given its history many
02:45 musicians hoping this isn't truly goodbye. You know we'll just have to wait
02:49 and see but I think it's gonna be back. Narducci's can't go away it's part of
02:52 Bakersfield history. And of course with the announcement of this closure all the
02:56 bands that were scheduled to perform at Narducci's are now having to reschedule
02:59 at other venues. Reporting in Old Kern for 23 ABC News I'm Veronica Morley
03:04 connecting you.