Tag Archives: Homegrown

WINNIPEG JAZZ FESTIVAL | BADBADNOTGOOD

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Oak and Oar

A fews weeks ago we got a look at this years Winnipeg Jazz Festival roster and, like last year, we were not to be disappointed. Last year featured the likes of Romi Mayes, Royal Canoe, Pete Rock, and The Lytics. Ask me the best show of the festival and I will, without any hesitation, respond Shad. This year boasts another impressive lineup including Winnipeg’s Enjoy Your Pumas, Haunter, Imaginary Cities, The Liptonians, Sierra Noble, and Royal Canoe. On top of that you have international artists Janelle Monae, The Antlers, The Hold Steady, Mayer Hawthorne but the one we’ve set our sites on hails from Toronto. You’ve probably heard of theses guys by now and if you haven’t, you are about to. Meet BADBADNOTGOOD a trio of Toronto jazz artists brought together by their love of hip-hop and indifference for traditional Jazz. BBNG is comprised of the very talent Matthew A. Tavares on keys (piano/synths), Chester Hansen who runs the bass lines and Alex Sowinski firing away with percision on the drums. The guys met while enrolled in Humber College’s Music Performance program and what started as after school Miles Davis jam sessions quickly spawned into something bigger. What transpired were hip-hop and rap cover interpretations that ranged from Odd Future, Gucci Mane, Slum Village, Wakka Flocka and A Tribe Called Quest. This twist on the traditional cover caught the attention of a lot of people including arguable one of the most controversial artists in the industry today, Tyler the Creator. The guys have teamed up on some jam sessions covering OFWGKTA’s albums Goblin and Bastard. More recently they’ve been in the studio with producer Frank Dukes (50 Cent, Danny Brown, Ghostface Killah). If this isn’t enough reason for you to go out and grab a ticket, try this. This is BBNG2, the … Continue reading →

HOMEGROWN | EPISODE 1 DEL BARBER

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Oak and Oar

We are excited to present the first episode of Oak + Oar’s ‘Homegrown’ series. The series is quite simple. Over the course of the year we will be presenting a hand full of episodes as we catch up with some of the homegrown talent we find oursleves surrounded by. The video features will vary in approach as we seek to capture the individual in manner that is natural to their craft. Though the concept of catching up with creative minds is nothing new, we hope to present some of the Homegrown talent in this great city, province and country that might not yet be on your radar. Del Barber is one of those all around talents. He seems to be a natural at everything be it breezing up and down a sheet of ice with a puck on a string to, as you will see in this video, singing/songwriting. We’ve known Del for 10 years or so, back in the days were I would walk by his dorm room and witness him plucking away on his newly acquire Taylor. Those days are far behind as Del has emerged as one of the next wave in Canada’s proud tradition of songwriting talent. Del’s album “Headwaters” comes out today and though you can stream it on SoundCloud I highly suggested you go buy it. It’s a follow up to his Juno-nominated and WCMA award winning album ‘Love Songs For The Last Twenty’. The recording process took place both here in Winnipeg and in Maine and has been best described as “blending a traveler’s sense of place with a wanderer’s sense of time, simultaneously urgent and patient, measured and confident”. I recommend giving it an uninterrupted listen from start to finish and once that’s done I assure you that you’ll find yourself back on ‘Right … Continue reading →

LENNARD TAYLOR | WINNIPEG FASHION WEEK

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Oak and Oar

This month, Winnipeg designer and brand owner, Lennard Taylor will open his studio doors in the Exchange and unveil his latest collection. After studying aboard Andrew Lennard Taylor Bickford brought his talent back to the city to pursue the LT signature label. Taylor will host what will be a three part show and sale in two weeks time. The show will go Thursday April 26, coinciding with Winnipeg’s inaugural Fashion Week which runs from April 19 to 28. “This fashion show is an exploration of humans and their self expression through apparel. The show is designed to engage the human figure in a half living/half dead exhibit of unique clothing design. It’s a must see for those who adore and who do not adore fashion” Taylor’s designs are easily identifiable and incorporate classic styles that display a sophisticated finish. His clothing has been described as a post apocalyptic style which captivates the eyes of all those who see it. I have yet to see his designs in person but after following for a few years it is without a doubt dude has an abundance of natural talent and an amazing eye for detail. I encourage everyone who can make it out to do so. The collection will be available for purchase the evening of the 26th and into the 27th and 28th from noon until 6 pm. Unit 1B, 89 Princess St Doors open at 7 shows run 7:30 | 8:30 | 9:30 Store will be open Friday and Saturday as well noon until 6pm www.lennardtaylor.com

SHOOTING STARS | FRESH I.E. FEAT. SAINT KRIS / BRIAN COOK

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Oak and Oar

This video really is a confirmation to me that if you are presistant, dedicated and focused on improving your craft, it is just a matter of time before you are presented with opportunity. Maybe you were one of the few hundred who came out last August to support the Saint Kris x Oak + Oar mixtape release for B.Y.O.B. I think if you ask Kris, the support shown at that event, towards his music, was a huge stepping stone. From that show came opportunity to open for J. Cole, get right back in the studio with some of the cities top producers, steady radio play and most recently this collaboration with Robert Wilson (aka Fresh IE). In 2004, Fresh became the first Canadian rapper ever to be nominated for a Grammy and in 2006 followed it up with a second nod. So to see Saint collobarting with a Canadian Hip-Hop pioneer on his upcoming mixtape, “The Day After Forever”, it solidifies to me that hard work and dedication pays off. I don’t want to give too much away but Saint has been hard at work with Winnipeg producer Rupness Monsta on his next music project, which will surface over the course of this year. I have been fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at a couple tracks and I had goosebumps, no real goosebumps. And thanks to Saint, you get a sneak peek at some of this summer’s Oak + Oar coming out in next month. The Day After Forever is set to release this Sunday. Follow these guys for the details @Fresh204 @SaintKristoffer and @BrianCook_Why. Nice job Rayne on the video.

THE WEEKEND LAKE | MATT WIEBE

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Oak and Oar

The Weekend Lake from Matt Wiebe on Vimeo. The worst part for me are those in between weeks where the weather debates as to whether it should transition from winter into spring making way for summer, or give us a few more dumps of that light weight snow that turns to slush as it hits the ground. When the snow finally subsides, at least here in Winnipeg, you are greeted by brown. Everything is brown. The snow is gone, so the sleds are tucked away for summer. The lake and the water is still too frigid to get a boat in so you are left stranded on shore passing the time skipping rocks over the combination of ice and water. These are the weeks where I drag the fiancee out of the warm cottage to see who can throw rocks the furthest with their left hand, knowing perfectly well I’m a shoo-in and knowing she would rather be wrapped up in a blank by the fire reading. It appears we won’t have to dwell too long in this transition period this year as the snow is gone and with the rains this weekend gave way to to a misty green. I stumbled across this video by a hometown fella, Matt Wiebe. I have yet to cross paths, but I am telling you his video entitled “The Weekend Lake” really got me excited for summer. On top of the visuals some great editing and song choice. And if for some reason you hate the lake, the outdoors and music, who doesn’t love a Pug. ‘Welcome Home Son’ by Radical Face might just become our song for summer. I encourage you to check out some of Matt’s other videos on vimeo. He also does a great piece with Bram Adey of Rebel … Continue reading →

WINGS + HORNS TALKING TO SERIES | JESAR GABINO

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Oak and Oar

This week Canadian brand Wings + Horns debuted an interview series entitled ‘Talking To’ over on their blog. The first in the series catches up with one of our favourite designers and former Winnipegger Jesar Gabino. Jesar has held all types of titles from Senior Designer at Goodfoot, Creative Director / Designer Ransom Holding Co and Owner/Creative Director and Buyer at Nomad. name: jesar gabino twitter: @jesargabino store: nomad role: buyer/creative director/ owner hometown: winnipeg, MB current city: toronto drink: pineapple juice vice: cigarettes what is your favorite thing about the city you live in…. best about toronto? variety. people always talk about how canada is multicultural but toronto is really the place where this is most evident. i’ve been & lived in a few canadian cities & for the most part toronto really holds true to that. food, people, neighborhoods, culture, city vibe… it’s all a mixture of cultures. toronto always gets the bad rap of being “the center of the universe” in terms of how other canadians look at toronto but it has stepped up in terms of being that place for canada. our little shop is a microcosm of that, we get all types of guys shopping at nomad… young &old, grimy & clean cut & guys of all shapes & sizes. when you’re not in the shop where can we find you… i’m usually roaming taking in this fine city of ours or seated at one of our fine restaurants in the city. more likely than not i’m roaming for food to eat or make at home. i also love being at home. i’m lucky where my better half & i have a great place with a fantastic piece of backyard in the city that is off a private lane. feels like the country back there … Continue reading →

BUDWEISER | FAN BREW

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Oak and Oar

So the story behind the Budweiser Fan Brew goes something like this. Budweiser decided to collect water from various iconic spots from around Winnipeg, so I’m guessing like the Red River, Fun Mountain and that fire hydrant the always spews by Mattress Plaza. They took the water, poured in in big old containers, and took it around the city to be “blessed” by Jets fans. The water was then shipped off to Edmonton where it was brewed into 24,000 12-pack cases of this limited edition Winnipeg Jets Fan Brew. Up until now this brew has been available only at the Tavern on game days but as of Monday it will be made available to the “general public” at MLCC locations. Though I find this hilarious on so many levels, I’m definitely going to give this a go. At least tuck one away in the closet for a rainy day when I need to put my kids through college.

The Holidays | The Great Outdoors

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Chris

So we decided to take a few weeks away from the blog over the holidays. Mainly to enjoy the balmy weather and the return of some of our posse. There really isn’t a better way to enjoy the holiday than to hit the outdoor rinks. The outdoors are not only a great way to burn some of those holiday meals off but a sure thing to bring out some faces you haven’t seen for a while. When we weren’t glued to the television watching the World Juniors or Winnipeg Jets we were sharpening our skills for the Beer Leagues and Senior Men’s Leagues that await us. Shouts to Eric for the photos.

ROYAL CANOE | EPISODE 1 NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Oak and Oar

Our good friends at Nice! Productions have been lurking in the shadows following Winnipeg’s Royal Canoe as they record their new studio EP and album. The short online series will highlight the creative process, recording and provide a candid look at the guys behind Royal Canoe. A new episode will premiere every Friday until the EP is released. If you dig it, which I have no doubts you will, you can check out the guys along with Saint Kris and Bobby Desjarlais (Attica Riots and The Bokonists) on December 29th at the Pyramid. Details. Tickets are available now at at Music Trader and Into the Music for $10 or $12 at the door. (via. SungNation / Nice!Productions)

THE RETURN | TEEMU SELANNE

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Oak and Oar

Now that December 17th has come and gone and Winnipeg’s hero has made his much anticipated and welcomed return. We thought we would give it the Top 10 treatment from the weekends festivities and stories surrounding The Finnish Flash’s return. 10.) Listening to 1290 all week there seemed to be mixed reaction as to whether to boo or cheer the Finnish Flash upon his return. The fact that this was a five day talking topic was kind of ridiculous. How could this be discussed and how could anyone boo the man who arguably put Winnipeg on the map and could be accredited with this passion for hockey we have in the city? It was clear from the get go that Winnipeg’s hero had returned home. It began with 30-40 fans gathered outside the Fairmont Hotel to greet Teemu at 3 a.m. Chanting his name as the bus arrived, the Flash stuck it out in the brisk a.m. to ensure that each and every person gathered had their hockey card, jersey and t-shirt signed. Side note – TSN1290 step up your game, it’s embarrassing. 9.) Best sign of the night goes to whomever had this gem: “Teemu Selanne, at your age, you need a Kane and a Wheeler to keep up, come back to Winnipeg”. Though it is Selanne’s last year, and rumors have begun to swirl that he could finish the season a Jet in some big ole trade scenario, I have my doubts. Selanne is so loyal that the Fin would never leave the fans in Anaheim high and dry. He has potted 900+ points with the team and brought home Lord Stanley. Although it’s always fun to dream. 8.) The first TV time out video tribute. Classy move by Winnipeg although I will still take watching the New Boss … Continue reading →