The once unused back bar of Riley’s Tavern downtown is now playing host to something darker once a month.

Heresy, the brainchild of Bakersfield native Mike Fowler, is Bakersfield’s new Goth Night.

“My wife and I couldn’t find anything like it going on in Bakersfield so we decided to get together with some friends and go for it,” said Fowler about starting the event.

Heresy has been running since December and has a new theme each month. The event features DJs, bands and a multimedia show projected on a large screen behind the dance floor.

Even the staff at Bakersfield College is getting in on the festivities.

“For anyone with a history of being around goth clubs, there is enough of the trappings to make it entertaining, although the music was a bit industrial for me. Certainly some colorful characters in attendance,” said John Davies, adjunct English professor at BC.

Fowler is also happy with the event.

“I am happy with the events so far. The attendance has been great. The club goers are excited. The bar owners are way cool and easy to work with. Also, I’m happy with the mix of people,” said Fowler.

The crowd at Heresy is an eclectic mix of the black lipstick set, weekend warriors and curious on-lookers.

“I love the fact that they’re trying to do something darker for the alternative crowd,” said Katt Purdue, who attended Heresy in February.

For Fowler, the central theme behind Heresy is the people and the sense of community it provides. “People who go to goth clubs seem to be united around a lifestyle of self-expression with their outfits and music as opposed to just wanting to go out and get drunk at a bar,” said Fowler.

For the foreseeable future, Fowler plans to concentrate on Heresy and make the event better.

“Heresy is once a month and that takes plenty of planning.

When you have to get things planned, that once a month comes fast. If demand grows, then I will plan it more often.”