You had quite an adventure in Tehachapi! You got frisked by the police there? Wow! That's unbelievable - if you were working as a federal investigator!

Santa Monica is a long way from Bakersfield. I go up there several times a year by Amtrak or Greyhound and stay in Bakersfield for 3 or 4 days. I might go up there in early Oct. to see Jim & Anne Curry who will be performing at the Fox Theater -dtwn. Bakersfield.
Closest Hotel is the famous Bakersfield landmark - The Padre Hotel about a block or two away from the Fox Theater. I think it might be a little expensive though to stay there.

Jim Curry does all the music of John Denver & he & his wife are fine singers and musicans. They often have other musicians performing with them - one being a guy (can't think of his name at the moment) but a really good musican who used to perform with John Denver.

Haven't had any Basque food but hear there are quite a number of Basque Restaurants in Bakersfield. I did eat at a nice Mexican Restaurant called Maria's (I think that is the name - but could be wrong.) Ate at several Mexican restaurants actually.

Anyway, wish there were some places for folk music in Bakersfield. Most cities of that size have at least a few folk venues around.