The 88, Ready to Rock the Fox.

Fun, positive, and energetic. These are the words that Keith Slettedahl, lead singer and guitarist for The 88, would use to describe his band's music.

The 88 will be the opening act for the B-52s on Saturday, Nov 15. at Bakersfield's Fox Theater.

Though performing as a five-man band, there are only three official members of The 88: Slettedahl, Adam Merrin, piano, and Anthony Zimmitti, drums.

Slettedahl and Merrin were high school classmates and started the band in 2002. They began writing songs, and The 88 was born. The band's name is in reference to the 88 keys on a piano. They met Zimmitti four years ago through a friend.

Dressed in suits and ties, the trio then hit the L.A. nightclub scene.

"We played a lot of clubs," said Slettedahl in a telephone interview on Nov. 12.

When asked why the band wore suits and ties, Slettedahl explained that at first, they wanted to look like they were in the same band and the look just kind of stuck.

Though you may not recognize the band by name, it is almost certain that you have heard their music, as it has been featured in commercials by Sears and Target, and on television shows such as The O.C., Grey's Anatomy, and Laguna Hills. They even performed one of their songs on an episode of How I Met Your Mother, with Slettendahl having a speaking role.

One of their tunes, "All 'Cause of You," was featured on the soundtrack of You, Me, and Dupree and a cover of the band Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" was played during the end credits of the Sarah Jessica Parker comedy, Failure to Launch.

After releasing two albums (Kind of Light, Over and Over) on an independent label, The 88 landed their major label recording deal with Island Records. They recently released their debut album on their new label. Not Only...But Also features eleven tracks with songs produced by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds (Madonna, Fall Out Boy) and Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More).

Their eclectic style of music pays homage to several different genres of music from funk to jazz to rock.

When it comes to songwriting, Slettedahl says that it is just something that comes naturally to him. He names The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Kinks as a few of his influences

Though on a major label now, the band still has artistic control over their music.

"We always have control, we just now have more outside input," said Slettedahl.

Fans are always appreciated by The 88. Their myspace page is a testement to their popularity. With nearly 72,000 friends and nearly 4500 plays in one day, these guys are poised on the brink of superstardom.

You can listen to their new album and download it from their myspace. Just go to www.myspace.com/the88 . Tour dates are also posted on their myspace.

Catch them with the B-52s on Saturday, Nov. 15, 8pm, The Fox Theater, 2001 "H" Street. Ticket prices are $72.50, $55.50, and $28.

2nd Annual Support our Troops Ride

Harleys, Hondas and Heroes. All were gathered Thursday evening for the Second Annual Support our Troops ride from Bikersfield Leather and Accessories at 2622 Fairhaven Road to Chuy's on Rosedale Highway. The reason? To support our troops who defend our liberties daily.

"I want the same freedoms for my children and grandchildren that I had," said Sgt. Tonna Mullens. Tomorrow marks her twentieth anniversary serving our country. She came back from Iraq last year. "It was a great tour, I have no regrets."

When asked why she joined the service five years ago, Spc. LeeAnna Tameny said, "My father was in the military, and I felt it was my calling. I'm just a patriotic person." Tameny served in Kuwait.

Watching the motorcycles drive in, several of them with American flags attached to their bikes, one couldn't help getting a chill thinking about the day that the world stood still seven years ago.

The band Really Big Midgets played a variety of music, keeping the crowd entertained, soldiers showed several military vehicles to interested people, some bikers stood and admired other bikes.

One bike that really stood out was owned by Jim and Bonnie Padgett of Bakersfield. It was a Russian Military Bike, Ural. It was painted camouflage and had a side car and two seats that looked like seats from a beach cruiser bicycle.

At the time of this post it is unsure how many people showed up for this event, but I will be conducting an interview tomorrow with the man who set all this up and will likely update this post.

The next run will be the Returning Heroes Poker Run II on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Registration starts at 9:00 am at Bikersfield Leather and Accessories, 2622 Fairhaven Road (behind Budget Bolt off Rosedale Highway). Run ends at Ethel's Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway.

Cost: $20 for Rider, $15 for Passenger and additional hands

There will be live music, a 50/50 raffle, raffle prizes, biker games, food (Beefy Boys BBQ) and drinks, 2008 Soldier Babe contest, and a vintage and modern military vehicle display.

All proceeds will be used to support our soldiers and their families. For more information on supporting this even or what you can do to assist our soldiers, go to www.ridefreeus.com.

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The 88, Ready to Rock the Fox.

2nd Annual Support our Troops Ride