The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County (BGCKC) is turning back the clock this fall with a colorful and groovy celebration of the 1970s for its signature annual fundraiser, ArtFest. The event, scheduled for Friday, October 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Vista Del Lago Estate, 15329 H Street, Bakersfield, will transform the location into a tribute to one of music's most visually iconic decades, complete with bold décor, themed cuisine, live entertainment, and artwork created by local youth and community artists.

This year's theme showcases the visual culture of the 1970s through album covers, concert posters, and other imagery from the era. Organizers hope the theme spotlights the connection between music and visual art while teaching young artists about career paths including graphic design and commercial art.

"I feel very blessed to be part of an event that people care so deeply about," says Ed Jacobs, director of development for the BGCKC. “Artfest gives our young artists a chance to discover how visual art and music have always influenced one another. By exploring the album covers, concert posters, and iconic imagery of the 1970s, they’re learning about an era when the artwork surrounding the music became an important part of how that music was experienced and remembered.”

Guests will begin the evening with the event's popular "Stroll and Savor" reception, featuring appetizers, wine, beer, and specialty-themed cocktails while browsing silent auction items before dinner, a live auction, a grand prize drawing, and many larger-than-life photo opportunities. Viewing the “Young Artist’s Masterpiece Gallery” is a highlight for eventgoers, giving a chance to see the incredible work created by BGCKC club members. Inspired by the fearless creativity of the 1970s, the gallery showcases bold colors and iconic cultural inspirations.

ArtFest is the organization's largest annual fundraiser, allowing the nonprofit to support after-school programs, educational opportunities, and other services for youth throughout Kern County.

"These are the funds that allow us to do what we do best — take care of kids, keep them active and help them learn," says event chair Cherif Guirguis, owner of LinQride and a member of the BGCKC Board of Directors.

The gala draws approximately 700 to 750 guests each year and relies on seven volunteer committees and more than 200 volunteers to bring the event to life. Local artists have also been commissioned to create original works for the evening. One of the night's featured pieces is a welded metal sculpture by artist Alysin Palla, inspired by a renowned 1970s icon. Organizers are keeping it under wraps until the event.

Décor throughout the estate will celebrate the era with oversized flowers, macramé, bright colors, and displays inspired by classic album artwork. Throughout the night, guests can mingle with some of their favorite musical artists from the decade, such as Cher, Elton John, and Blondie.

Even the menu embraces the decade. Mossman's Catering has reimagined classic 1970s comfort foods with modern takes and nostalgic dishes inspired by vintage television commercials. Guests can also visit the FUNdue Fondue cart, which offers both cheese and chocolate dipping sauces.

Entertainment will feature Music Fusion, the Club’s performing arts group, who will perform dances before and after dinner. They will focus their talents on the different musical artists and varied musical styles of the 1970s.

“The music of the 1970s gives our Music Fusion performers an incredible range of styles to explore. As they learn and perform music from the decade, they’re not only developing their skills and confidence on stage, they’re also discovering how the music of that era continues to influence what they hear and perform today,” says Jacobs.

Guirguis said organizers selected a decade-long theme rather than focusing on a single artist in order to create a different experience for returning guests. "The 1970s offered incredible music and art. Every year we challenge ourselves to create something new and make it bigger and better," he says.

Although ArtFest has become one of Kern County's premier fundraising events, organizers are already thinking about next year's celebration. "We ask ourselves how we can top it, and then our volunteers start throwing out ideas. When you put that many creative people together, amazing things happen," he says.

For more information, please visit https://www.bgckc.org/artfest26.