'This is Oildale history': New proprietors intend to make the Rustic Rail Saloon a music lovers' honky-tonk

Jul. 28—During the heyday of Fishlips in downtown Bakersfield, Kipp Sullivan, one of its proprietors, became known for rounding up some of the best musicians available, through local talent and acts imported from way beyond Bako's borders.

"We had the legendary Leon Russell," Sullivan said. "I brought The Band of Heathens out of Austin."

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Dave Alvin, a founding member of roots rock band The Blasters, nearly blew the roof off Fishlips with his backup band, the Guilty Women.

Texas country singer Dale Watson graced the stage, as did Grant Langston, Buck Owens' son Buddy Owens, and many more.

Even Bakersfield Sound legend Merle Haggard performed on Fishlips' stage, although it was a private gathering.

Now Sullivan and his fellow proprietors, Jacob Vaughn and Mark Muleady, are intent on bringing back that Fishlips energy, while at the same time honoring the honky-tonk history of the Rustic Rail Saloon on East Norris Road in Oildale.

"We want it to be a classic bar and honky-tonk, with a little bit of that Fishlips music tradition," Sullivan said.

After packing the place during a "soft opening" in June featuring the Byrom Brothers, the proprietors learned they needed a few more weeks to work on infrastructure and other concerns.

On Thursday afternoon, they officially opened. Local artist Crimson Skye performed onstage solo Friday night, and Bakersfield native (now Joshua Tree-based) Rove was scheduled to take to the stage Saturday, bringing a style Vaughn described as "outlaw country with a Bakersfield Sound-esque" approach.

Vaughn said he loves music, but Sullivan "is going to be handling most of the music, while I'll be here operationally."

In a town where dance floor space can be at a premium, and sometimes is nonexistent, the Rail's extra-roomy, hardwood dance floor may be a welcome addition for music fans who like to get up and move.

As Delbert McClinton drawled in one of his tunes, "I like to listen to rock 'n' roll / But honey, I like a two-step, too."