Tag Archives: Homegrown

THANKS

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Oak and Oar

This past year seemed to fly by. As I was going over a few posts from this year I noticed that I often used the terms “we” and “us”. I found this pretty awesome. One because I realize that I was subconsciously trying to make the brand appear large then it was (the power of the internet – and this will continue). Oak + Oar is my side project, no partners, no investors, just a few bucks I saved up, invested into something I really wanted to do and am passionate about. But truth be told, when the sun set on this year, and I had a few dollars to do it again, it was because of a larger group of people. So I wanted to take a minute to thank a few people. Most importantly everyone reached into their pockets and supported my passion. Without the support this would have been a short journey. So thank you. Amanda for keeping my books in check. I might be able to draw a picture but don’t ask me where my GST# is. Why do I have to keep receipts? James for shooting the very first lookbook back for Fall/Winter 2011. Unfortunately it never saw the light of day but the photos were really rad. Everyone who got their model on thus far Calin, Eric, Kris, Mike, Kevin, Kayla, Jaime, Sean, Amanada, Meagen. Meagen for the patience and support. Khammy for shooting Summer 2012. Ryan for promoting our Summer 2012 release party. Kevin for carrying the brand at TUB. Atlanta Larry for offering some brand advice in the early stages. Connie for doing a feature with us for the Winnipeg Free Press. Anyone who posted the collections online. Andy and Jason for ensuring Oak + Oar had a voice on twitter other than … Continue reading →

The Brew | Farmery

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Oak and Oar

This past year Lawrence and Chris Warwaruk, two brothers from Neepawa and maybe more familiar to Winnipegger’s as the owners of Luxalune Gastropub on Osborne, launched their first beer under the moniker, Farmery. What makes Farmery unique and contrast other successful local traditional breweries, like Fort Gary Brewery and Half Pints, is Farmery is an estate brewery. Essentially, the barley and hops that go into the beer are grown on their estate in Neepawa, Manitoba. The story is great. There is something rewarding about supporting local and seeing people pursuing their true passions. With this though, comes skepticism. It always seems that people have this preconceived notion that because it is local it can’t be all that good. It can be local good, but not nationwide good. At times, I’ll admit, I can be guilty of this. But truth be told Farmery is more than just another bottle on the shelf. I, by no means, consider myself a beer aficionado but can at times be caught wandering aimlessly, the asiles of the MLCC deciding on what beer to put away in the cabin fridge. We had a few Farmery beers kicking around after the holidays so it seemed fitting to give the beer a taste. After I got the snow bank chilled beer, in it’s inviting packaging, to pose so nicely on this tree branch, I cracked it open around the wood stove. It was the first time I really decided to stop and analysis a beer. Farmery’s Premium Lager is good, like really good. The “prairie-style” lager is clean and smooth. I’d ramble on about the hops, the mouthfeel, aroma and appearance, but it would be just that, uneducated ramble. What I do know is Lawrence and Chris have done their homework and lag work to make this a memorable … Continue reading →

HOMEGROWN | EPISODE 3 HUNTER AND GUNN

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Oak and Oar

Homegrown | Hunter & Gunn (EP.03) from Nice! Productions on Vimeo. Sitting adjacent to the record player, that greeted my entrance putting fourth the melodies of what I would later learn were the sounds of Manitoba Folk legend Wayne Fehr, sat the chair I would get my first Hunter and Gunn cut in. Not any chair but one with a little vintage veneer, reminiscent of one I may have found in a late 50′s early 60′s barbershop. The ones that became synonymous with a good quality cut and some friendly neighbourhood banter. Jeremy Regan, owner of Hunter and Gunn, had a clear vision when he stepped out to lay the foundation for his West Broadway shop. Three vintage barber chairs, manned by four experienced and talented Barbers set amongst local art and cabin decor. Situated under the shadows cast by the out stretched arm of the Golden Boy, Hunter and Gunn has solidified itself as a great spot for that much needed shape-up, old-fashioned straight edge razor shave or if your just looking for a sounding board to echo your concerns over this prolonged NHL lockout. And if anyone knows anything about Manitoba Folk/Country artist Wayne Fehr get into the shop immediately. The guys there are on the hunt for the man in steady record rotation. @HunterandGunn Songs: Wayne Fehr – Buckskin and Satin Jim Reeves – The World is not my Home niceproductions.ca oakandoar.com hunterandgunn.com

THE LYTICS | RELEASE PARTY

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Oak and Oar

It’s been about two years since we last attended a Lytics Release party. Since then we have waited patiently for a follow-up. Fortunately the wait is over. The crew will be releasing ‘The Told Me’ at The Pyramid Cabaret November 9th. Advance tickets are available at The Urban Bakery for $10. Their 13 track album is available tomorrow, until then you can stream it in its entirety here. THE DETAILS

Young Prince | Wax Society ft. Saint Kris & Cowen

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Oak and Oar

Phoenix based duo Wax Society teams up with our homie Saint Kris (Winnipeg) and emcee Cowen (Atlanta) on a little satellite project. One half of Wax Society put in time in the city and laid the groundwork for the project. Through the power of the internet the three connected and through email and video correspondence put ‘Young Prince’ together. Each part was recorded and film in each artists respective hometown – Phoenix, Atlanta and Winnipeg. Saint’s location of choice for his part was one of the most iconic and famous street corners in Canada – Portage and Main. If you are a Winnipegger you are probably rolling your eyes that I claim it as ‘famous’ but the fact of the matter is Portage and Main is pretty well known. It was once the centre for the banking industry in Western Canada, served as the setting for the famous Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 and referenced in song by everyone from Randy Bachman and Neil Young to Stompin’ Tom Connors. And if that doesn’t sell you, the intersection is forever secured as a property on the Canadian Monopoly board. The connection still strikes me as a bit strange – for the simple fact that Phoenix took the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg took the Atlanta Thrashers so I can only assume that Atlanta will take the Phoenix Coyotes. Young Prince is a stellar track. Support all these talents and look for the Wax Society  mixtape “One Red Summer” October 21. Make sure you download it. WAX SOCIETY (Phoenix) http://facebook.com/waxsociety Twitter/Instagram | @waxsociety @redwaxsociety @summerthekid SAINT KRIS (Winnipeg) http://facebook.com/pages/Saint-Kris/134925826568318 Twitter/Instagram | @saintkristoffer COWEN (Atlanta) http://youtube.com/user/itscowen Twitter/Instagram | @itscowen

THE LYTICS | STAY CALM

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Oak and Oar

The Lytics – Stay Calm (Directed by Stuey Kubrick 2012) from Stuey Kubrick on Vimeo. I’ve been meaning to get this up for the past few weeks now. The gentleman of the Lytics team up with Stuey Kubrick for the visuals to ‘Stay Calm’, a track from their upcoming album ‘They Told Me’, which will be available next month on iTunes and Camobear Records. ‘They Told Me’ is their sophomore album and a glimpse at the evolving skill and musical maturity. “The group explores an impressive array of new territories, from the working-class escapism of Can We Run Away, to the mod-rock backbeat and orch-pop stylings of Stay Calm. The radio-friendly Ready blends spacey synth stabs and indie-rock guitars, Dear World’s jazzy affirmations get a boost from New Jack trumpet fills, and empowerment anthem Toot Your Own Horn mashes platoon hollers, a runaway drumline, and a marching band riff even Timbaland would be proud of”. Super catchy track once again putting Winnipeg on the map for Canadian hip-hop. You can preorder the October 16th release here.

HOMEGROWN | EPISODE 2 MAX POULIN

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Oak and Oar

Homegrown | Max Poulin (EP.02) from Nice! Productions on Vimeo. Once in a while a story comes along that transcends sport. One that is bigger than the game.  Our second episode of Homegrown features Max Poulin whose story does just that. It is not one of home run records, dynasties or major league debuts but one of tragedy  and the journey to overcome. Growing up I can recall trying to fill the shoes of three people when the neighbourhood crew got together. If we were playing hockey or street hockey you would try to be the first kid on the block to call dibs on being Teemu Selanne. If you were tossing the pigskin then you tried to embody the charismatic Milt Stegall and if you were out on the diamond you always tried to be the first to sneak into shortstop to be Max Poulin. Back in May I read a story written by Gary Lawless in the Winnipeg Free Press. The story was a feature about Max Poulin. One that I never would have suspected. The story really took me back. Max Poulin’s signature on field style, consisting of black eye grease and knee high socks, his abundance of talent and the fact that he ensured that just about every kid in attendance got an autograph after the game – made him a fan favourite. From afar it seemed that Max had it all together. It wasn’t until stepping away from the game, after 8 seasons with the Goldeyes, that Max was forced to come face to face with his past. A past that included sexual abuse; a daunting and overwhelming task to overcome. One that would ultimately lead to depression and an attempt to take his own life. I would like to express my gratitude to Max … Continue reading →

WEEKEND PLAYLIST | ‘LONE MIGRATION’ – DEMETRA

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Oak and Oar

Our homie Cam (Nice! Productions) released his latest music video project this week with homegrown talent Demetra. Demetra is a Winnipeg based songwriter, painter, filmmaker, yoga instructor and globetrotter. “Her debut album, Lone Migration, was formed through her polar experiences – a musical trial by tundra – and brought to light with the recording prowess of Royal Canoe’s Matt Peters”. The video was shot out at Fort Whyte with emphasis being placed on simplicity, natural beauty, and landscapes. Above is the visuals to accompany a very enjoyable listen. Directed by: Camren Friesen & Demetra Penner Director of Photography: Tyler Funk Editor: Camren Friesen

“PRETTY FACE” | SAINT KRIS

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Oak and Oar

If you have read the blog in the last few weeks you may remember some photos from May Long. This is what we were up to… Saint Kris – Pretty Face (ft Rup Monsta) from Nice! Productions on Vimeo. ‘Pretty Face’ is the single off of Saint’s up coming EP, set to come out early fall. I’ve been fortunate enough to preview a few tracks and bar none this will be his best musical project yet, and if you know me, I am quite fond of his previous projects Extra Ordinary and B.Y.O.B. For the single, Saint teamed up with local producer Jason Russell (Rup Monsta). I was exchanging texts with Saint last night and asked him how this song came to fruition. This was his insight: “I met with Rup at his studio. We began rifling through his production and stumbled across the beat (that would later become Pretty Face). He said he had been sitting on it for two years as no one wanted it. He quickly tossed out a melody that he had is his head and that made the instrumental even better knowing he already had a killer hook ready to go. He laid down the hook and the concept was set. It flowed pretty naturally from there”. When we sat down to discuss the concept for the video we knew we wanted to reflect the track’s up beat and energetic tempo. Seemed natural to pack our bags and head to the lake. “Best part of the shoot was shooting a video without people feeling like we were shooting a video. People got lost in just having a good time out at the cabin – on what turned out to be a stunning day. We just happened to have good music playing and a couple cameras kicking … Continue reading →

POP-UP SHOP AND LAUNCH PARTY | FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Oak and Oar

We are excited to announce our first ever Pop-Up Shop and brand Launch Party Friday, June 15 at The Waters Edge Restaurant and Lounge at Adrenaline Adventures. Over the course of the evening you will be able to view and purchase all items that make up our Summer ’12 ‘Summer Loitering’ Collection including our very popular 10 oz. fleece Summer Loitering hood, our range of tees and our very limited GoodWood piece (Cash Only). Alongside some product giveaways and some friends and family pricing – our homie Saint Kris will take the stage ensuring an incredible evening. Oh and did I mention it’s free. Come through, track me down and let’s chop it up, check out the line and stay for some drinks and music. Doors open at 8:30pm. Unfortunately this is an 18+ event but if you do want to come down between 8:30-9:30 to check out the line we can definiltey accomodate you. $1 from every item sold will be donated to the Masigcine Children’s Home in South Africa. And don’t forget about our First Annual Cabin Life Photo Contest (Details). Come out, buy a shirt, snap a picture and you might just win the $250 store credit. The Waters Edge is on the second floor of Adrenaline Adventures located at Wilkes and the Perimeter (access can only be made from the Perimeter Highway South Bound). The second floor restaurant and deck over looks Canada’s largest cable wakeboarding system that consumes over 10 acres. The second best place to be if you can’t be out at the cottage. We look forward to seeing you. Like any event please ensure you have a designated chauffeur or a way to get home because you know Saint Kris likes to ‘Party, Party’. Shout out to Adrenaline Adventures, Refresh, Nice!Productions, Khammy Photography and … Continue reading →