Amanda Davidson
Special to the Sun

Reel Cinema Theatre in Wofford Heights could easily have been mistaken for Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven on New Year’s Eve. At 10 p.m., a screening of the classic film Pink Floyd’s The Wall began, followed by a midnight performance by local metal band eXithead. It was an all ages, alcohol-free show. A portion of the evening’s proceeds were donated to Kern Valley Adult Resource Center and Kern Valley Sheriff’s Activity League.

Co-owners of Reel Cinema Mandy Pierce and Robert Bucksbaum worked with eXithead to put the event together.

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Colorful balloons bounced down the aisles as rock fans of all ages filled the seats of the theater. The Wall was released in1982. A rock opera written by Roger Waters and directed by Alan Parker, it tells the story of a rock star whose self-imposed isolation from society (represented by the wall) leads to a mental break down. The movie uses both live action and animation, with music taken from British rock band Pink Floyd’s 1979 album The Wall. eXithead drummer Mike Callison said they chose to show The Wall because, “This generation is retro. Sixteen and 17-year-olds today are into the stuff we listened to.”

A brief intermission followed the film, during which Pierce and eXithead vocalist Curtis James raffled off some CDs and T-shirts. The crowd then collected their confetti-filled champagne glasses and counted down to 2009. After a rousing “Happy New Year!” eXithead launched into an energetic set. They played for about 40 minutes, treating the crowd to favorites from the World Brutality album and two new, never before performed songs from the upcoming album. James expressed his feelings by exclaiming to the crowd, “We are so happy to be here in our home town, spending New Year’s where we’re supposed to be, right here in our valley!”

Callison said he hoped the show would get some kids off the street and maybe some parents out of the bars. He also aspires to promote a positive persona for eXithead. “Metal bands get a bad image. You don’t need to do dope, drink or cuss and you can still play the music you want,” he said. He also wished to express his gratitude to the owners of Reel Cinema for making the event possible.

This is the first of many benefits eXithead plans to perform for. According to guitarist Tony Olguin, the band is getting involved with VH1’s Save the Music, in which bands play for the benefit of school music programs. They realize the hard financial times facing the nation’s schools, and “electives are the first classes to go,” said Olguin. He expressed his appreciation for the support the band has been shown from area fans. “You’re nothing without your roots,” he said. For more information about eXithead, including dates for future events, see exithead@myspace.com.

Mandy Pierce was excited to be involved with the show because, “The theater loves to do things to give kids something to do.” She said that eXithead was a big help to the theater, greatly improving the sound system. She also wished to thank the Rupert family for building the stage. Look for more community and youth centered events coming soon to the Reel Cinema.