In the Central Valley town of Bakersfield in the 50s and 60s, a musical sound began developing that would help change “real” country music and produce some of the best music of the era. Led by Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and others, the Bakersfield Sound is best described as an amalgam of rock ‘n’ roll and hillbilly, driven by Fender Telecaster guitars, guitar players and a heavy beat. It was raw, dynamic and full of the ethos of traditional country music. Born in the agricultural and oil environment of Kern County, it reflected and honored the lives of dust bowl refugees and others who worked hard and enjoyed their honky-tonks. Country music fans will love this interactive music and memory class. Non-fans are encouraged to attend to learn and appreciate a rich musical subculture indigenous to the instructor’s hometown of Bakersfield.