Greeter: Dave Wheldon and Jerene Batiste
Flag: Ron Eaves
Prayer: Clinton Timmer
Song: Joe Hay
Good news announcements:
Brad Barnes announced that due to the outstanding care of Dr. Shawn Shambaugh, his latest PET scan indicated no cancer! There really can’t be a better announcement than that. Congrats Brad and thank you Dr. Shambaugh for your care.
Garro Ellis announced that a former Rotarian has donated a 1925 Buick to the Waterman Foundation to be used as a raffle item. More to come!
President Joe congratulated Mayor Goh and Ashley Vorhees for their excellent prayers at the Bakersfield Prayer Breakfast. The event was a huge success.
Finally, President Joe reminded everyone that the President's Gala will be held on March 1! Tickets will open shortly! Stay tuned for a night with minimal program and maximum party!
Program:
Jean Luc-Slagle interviewed Drew Martin and Thomas Freckleton who are both musicians and entrepreneurs. Thomas has been playing guitar since he was 13 years old and joined a band in 2012. In 11 years, he lived his dream of touring and visited 34 countries. Drew has always loved playing music and brings with him a creative, adventurous spirit. .
Bakersfield Sound Co was the creation of Drew Martin and Thomas Freckleton. Following the closing of Stockdale Music on Rosedale HWY, which was owned by Drew’s brother-in-law, Bakersfield Sound Co. transformed this local landmark and launched the next chapter in Bakersfield’s music history. Bakersfield Sound Co’s Rosedale location functions as a retail showroom for modern musical instruments like electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitars and drum sets, with private, sound-treated rooms for lessons and practice. They currently have more than 300 students a month. They discussed the location being very welcoming for all musicians. One of their goals is to recreate the vibe of the local music scene to be more collaborative and less competitive. They believe that the students, in addition to their other projects, will change the mindset of local talent.
Beyond retail and rehearsals, BSCO has become both a hub and a launching pad for the Bakersfield music scene by live-streaming concerts, organizing open-mics for local acts and hosting clinics with serious musical talent from all over the world. In 2022, Bakersfield Sound Co, together with Aum Studios and MoneyWise’s David Anderson, created the “Woolworth Sessions”—an album and video series featuring music by local artists recorded in the Woolworth building. These prolific entrepreneurs have also manufactured their own guitar amp called “the 19” made in 2019 in collaboration with legendary amp builder Chris Seigmund, and have their own line of BSCO clothing which can be spotted on professional musicians all over the world.There are only 3 amps in existence, one of which was on stage with the group.
In 2023, Drew and Thomas expanded their vision to an additional location on 18th St downtown. Bakersfield Sound Co is making their mark on Bakersfield—proving community, belonging, and inspiration for the next generation of the Bakersfield Sound. They are excited to offer additional space for lessons. They will also be partnering with a nonprofit foundation to be able to extend private lessons to children who otherwise could not afford the service. 
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