Nearly 12 years later, I find myself a fully fledged hockey dad. With two kids playing competitive hockey in different leagues, I see my fair share of ice time as a volunteer trainer, endure Sandstorm by Darude in the truck more times than I care to admit, and yell the word ‘skate!’ approximately – and this is the honest-to-god truth – 60 times per week to what I deem to be selectively deaf ears.

Arena life is a simple life. The fluorescent lights, the purr of the Zamboni, the smell of the room, the banter of tiny voices uttering innocent, low-grade chirps about ‘dust,’ ‘flow,’ and ‘cheese,’ are smile-earning high points on a fast-paced sporting environment that can, sometimes, take itself much too seriously. As a lifelong skateboarder with a penchant for anti-establishmentarianism, the local hockey arena at 6:30am on a Thursday, ironically where I find myself writing this caffeine-centric manifesto, is not where I envisioned myself spending my time. Call it karma for all the shit I talked about hockey players and their backward, unsavoury bro culture growing up, but here I am. Alas, my eyes have been opened – this is one hell of a beautiful game.

There’s something undeniably charming about a cup of rink drink. In my last three years of hockey parent-dom, I’ve had the pleasure of sampling innumerable [cups]. Some good, some inexcusably bad. But that’s the beautiful thing – if it’s bad, I somehow appreciate it more.

Art schools and hockey arenas have one thing very close in common: the consistent availability of coffee – unless, of course, you’re the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre in Owen Sound, where obtaining a cup of jitter juice means navigating an oh-so-cramped jungle of a parking lot and leaving the property to idle in line at the 10^th Street Tim Hortons and either being late for, or missing, the very practice or game you set out to attend. Coffee, even a terrible one, in the realm of hockey parents is paramount.

You’ve seen the old Bunn-O-Matic machines in arena concession stands throughout your life. They’re the unsung percolating heroes of community centre kitchens, funerals, church fundraisers, school cafeterias and all-day breakfast diners scattered across North America. They’re the 1980’s Toyota pickup of the kitchen appliance world, always chugging along and never missing the chance to lend a jolt to a weary hockey parent at a weekend tournament. These machines, at home in tiny and efficient commercial kitchens are mother to The Rink Drink—an iconic, special brew, championed by a no-nonsense blue collar ethos – you get what you get, and you don’t get upset. If you don’t like it, kick rocks; there’s a high-priced coffee shop across town you’re more than welcome to wander off to.

There’s something undeniably charming about a cup of rink drink. In my last three years of hockey parent-dom, I’ve had the pleasure of sampling innumerable rink drinks. Some good, some inexcusably bad. But that’s the beautiful thing – if it’s bad, I somehow appreciate it more. With or without the option for a plastic thimble of cream or a dried-out packet of sugar, if there’s a concession stand, I’m ordering, and enjoying, a coffee—it doesn’t really matter if it sometimes tastes like steeped sawdust. In the hustle of a 6am hotel wake-up call and navigating a foreign highway system wondering if you remembered your kids’ away jersey, you don’t have time to stop for a coffee – you set yourself and your needs aside and make sure your kid is at the rink on-time. When their skates are on, you can take a well-deserved, exhaustive sigh and find yourself some hot, steeped bean water.

In order, here are my humble picks for the top 10 purveyors of rink drink in the southern Ontario OWHA circuit (Go Ice Hawks):

10. Durham Community Centre & Arena

Coffee was alright, I say with a satisfied shrug. Home of the Thundercats, the upstairs concession stand made my son a killer box of fries at, like, 7:30am. Kudos.

9. London Sports Park, London ON

An absolute specimen of a facility, complete with a centralized bar (for night games, you yahoos) and massive viewing windows between two ice pads, the coffee was a surprising high-point of last season’s March tournament. A touch burnt, but something about that zest of carbon seemed to accent the Genius Loci of the space oh-so perfectly.

8. Markdale Complex Community Centre & Arena

A great old barn with a tiny, simple concession stand serving up hot food and coffee. Would drink again, and the gent serving it was a joy to chat with.

7. Ripley-Huron Community Centre, Ripley ON

What. A. Barn. The wooden beams, the wide hallways, the prominently displayed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in the upstairs concert hall – and the concession stand under the stairs. Ripley serves up a decent cup of rink drink; it’s good and hot, and that’s all you want after you’ve white-knuckled a drive from Kincardine at 7am during a blizzard.

6. Howick Community Centre & Library, Gorrie ON

Where you can hone your hockey skills and sharpen your mind, the Howick arena makes a MEAN walking taco, aka Doritos in a bag dressed as a taco. I tip my hat to the chess move. The hockey here is good. The coffee is darn good too; over a two day tournament, I didn’t feel the need to bring coffee from home on day two.

5. Davidson Centre, Kincardine ON

Spectacular arena, great community, and the Kincardine Kinucks have arguably the coolest jerseys in the league. The concession stand serves up a very acceptable cup of rink drink. 6.8 mini-stick ankle slashes out of 10.

4. Wiarton Community Centre & Arena

An old school hometown style barn, this place hits. At a recent U8 jamboree the concession stand was bumpin’. I’ll add an asterisk here, as I didn’t sample the coffee myself, but heard first hand accounts of its quality. Wiarton makes the list because any arena churning out Sullivan’s sausages (IYKYK) on a bun gets the proverbial nod.

3. Alder Street Recreation Centre, Orangeville ON

Almost my #2, the Orangeville barn is one wild facility. The coffee here was great, and the spectator heat was on! Hallelujah! I felt like a Kennedy sipping Courvoisier rather than a sleep-deprived cheerleader in a minor league hockey sweater. A special shout out goes to Mel at the aptly named Mel’s Sharpening, who saved the day mid-tourney with his on-premises operation.

2. Wilmot Recreation Complex, Baden ON

OK – the rest of us need to stop and take notes. The Wilmot Rec Complex is legit. A huge facility with small town sensibility (KD on the menu? Hell yes) this place had a line-up at the concession stand all weekend. The coffee was great – I topped up before leaving. Enough said.

1. P&H Centre, Hanover ON

Without a doubt, the undisputed champion of hockey parent caffeine suppliers, is the Hanover P&H Centre. If I were a Hanover local, I would literally go to the Community Centre for the rink-side breakfast and coffee on the regular. We’re talking bacon, toast, eggs, the whole shebang. Hot, robust, and flavourful – it’s the champ of local hockey rink drink.

—

Words by Nelson Phillips

The post The Rink Drink: Surviving Minor Hockey one Coffee at a Time appeared first on Rrampt..

I asked my parents to buy me an electric guitar for my birthday (there was no acoustic guitar on Bon Jovi’s tunes) and I started taking guitar lessons. I had a few chords down, a few blues scales and a few riffs. I was well on my way to replacing Richie Sambora.

But sadly, I was never able to get that next level that would set me on a path to rock star-dom. I think what I was missing was a program that would help me realize my destiny. Something like a rock star program. Something like Marsh Street Rocks in Clarksburg. When I first heard about this opportunity for kids to pair up with local musician, Craig Smith, I could hear my ten-year-old self calling out. That was the catalyst I had missed out on in my failed path to stardom.

But I’m glad to hear it’s helping the local kids of today achieve their rock star dreams. It may not be Bon Jovi they’re trying to replicate, but more likely bands such as July Talk or The Beaches. And I’m sure there are some young Swifties with lofty dreams. And it’s found a serious niche in the Town of the Blue Mountains.

Board member Graham Binks has been working hard over the years to make sure the program is a success. “Marsh Street Rocks program remains as popular as ever with the Fall session almost sold out two months in advance,” he says.

“We’ve talked about whether there could be an expansion of Marsh Street Rocks,” adds president Michele Myrah. “The kids program sells out quite quickly, so we think there is the demand.”

“I wish I had this when I was young and trying to get famous” says Robert Brown, who started in 2019 as Director of Marketing and now oversees the musical bookings and recording studio. He actually did get close to stardom, closer than I did at least. He played with a band called Motel that became well known in Toronto and got some radio play. His solo 45rpm was even featured on CBC’s Centre Stage and is hanging on the wall in the recording studio where we’re all chatting.

The Marsh Street Rocks program, that began in 2016 under Florian Lenders, is now under the guidance of a local rock star in his own right, Craig Smith. “The kids really love working with Craig,” says Michele. Robert adds: “It has become our flagship program. You wouldn’t believe how many people say either ‘I was in that’ or ‘my kid was in that and what a difference it made.’”

And while the Program is a popular one at the Centre, it is certainly not the only thing the Centre offers. Not by a long shot.

Marsh Street Centre also hosts the very popular Seniors Wellness Program and Coffee Klatch, and is home to long time renters such as the Active Arts dance school for Kids, Marsh Street Artists for adults and Thornbury Community Theatre. You can also rent out their recording studio for a professional demo.

“Once we got the bar in 2010, that became a big income generator,” says Tom Kennedy, who is one of the original board members from when the not-for-profit was formed. The bar brings in revenue for concerts and Pub Nights, but it also allows community members to rent the Centre out for weddings and events.

“In a nutshell, the Marsh Street Centre’s goal is to be something for everybody. You can have a concert with a high-quality band with 180 people or you can have a little classroom meeting in the boardroom, or you can come in and record your own tune with professional musicians,” says Robert. “There’s something for everyone – if you’re an artist, if you’re a recording artist, if you’re a gymnast,” he says and laughs as the floor above us is shaking from the youngsters doing dance classes.

It’s also for everyone in the sense that there is no financial barrier. “We don’t want financial concerns to prohibit someone from coming,” says Michele. And thanks to grants, business sponsors, and some generous donations from groups like the Hundred Men Who Care in South Georgian Bay, many programs can be subsidized.

“There’s a lot of momentum right now,” says Robert. “The Marsh is growing exponentially. We’ve had some really good acts play here – The Skydiggers, The Sadies, The Satelittes, My Son the Hurricane, Robert Michaels. And we’re building on that. And on top of that, we’re really promoting local musicians with weekly Pub Nights on the Patio in the summer…this town is full of great musicians like The Jenny Howes Duo, for example.”

“We’re proud of the Marsh’s reputation as a go-to concert venue for great bands and are looking to add comedy nights soon,” says Graham.

This programming is all in line with the mandate of the not-for-profit when it purchased the building off the Town of Blue Mountains in 2001.  “The vision was that they were going to have kids in here, they were going to have old folks in here, they were going to have programs, they were going to have bands and dances and theatre,” says Tom noting that over the years the  building has been used as a town hall, war museum, library and town treasury, but actually dates back to 1928 when “the building itself was built as a dance hall,” says Robert. “You could square dance here and the tickets were 25 cents.”

There’s still a lot of dancing going on at Marsh Street, and it will continue thanks to the fundraising that the Centre does each year.  “The current list of capital projects is quite long for our 97 year old building,” says Michele. “There is a balance between our charitable purpose and making sure we offer affordable programming.” The board is excited to have recently renovated the Marsh Street facade to provide a facelift and secure the building for another 100 years. Hopefully there’s still lots of dancing going on in 2125.

And let’s not forget the volunteerism that is at the backbone of the Centre going back all the way to its inception. Tom, who moved to Slabtown in the late 1990s, tells me the early work that was involved including the removal all the old artefacts from the building in 2001 – a lot of books and bricks, he says. He can cite almost every renovation and upgrade that has happened in the building.

“We’re a very hands on board,” says Michele. “It’s a bit of a challenge because the community has changed a lot over the last four years. It’s grown a lot. And volunteerism is down since Covid. That would be one of the challenges going forward.”

“It’s harder to get volunteers now, but the volunteers you do have work twice as hard,” adds Robert.  “This place gets into your blood,” adds Tom. 

“We want to make sure we keep offering programs for everyone going forward,” says Michele. That includes a possible expansion of the Marsh Street Rocks program as Michele mentioned earlier, so if you think your child could be the next Owen Riegling or Sylvie Kindree, get them signed up.

“To start a band is such a wonderful thing,” says Robert. “And then you get to play in front of 180 people. It builds confidence in the younger kids. And a lot of them are still playing.”

“This is where they got their start,” adds Tom.

“There is no prerequisite. You don’t have to play an instrument. You come to learn,” says Robert. “That’s the same with the recording studio here. Not only are you getting a good quality recording out of it, but you’re learning.”

“One thing that Marsh Street Centre should be very proud of it is that it’s become a really creative space. It’s not just a community centre where you come to play pickle ball – there’s arts groups, music programs, dance programs, even karate. It’s very unique,” says Robert and poses a question to the group: “Aren’t we, in fact, one of two places that operate this way in Ontario?”

“That’s what I keep reading but I can’t find out what the other place is?” responds Michele and laughs.

If anyone out there knows where that other place is, please tell us. But either way, let’s just celebrate that at least one of these unique places is right here in Clarksburg. Whether you want to rock out, dance, paint, drink coffee or get married, the Marsh Street Community Centre should be your go-to spot.

Sign your kid up for Marsh Street Rocks here.

Written by Jesse Wilkinson

Photos by John Fearnall of Good Noise

The post Marsh Street Rocks is inspiring the next generation of local rock stars appeared first on Rrampt..

Although it’s clear that Paige has amassed a roster of talented individuals who are ready to support her in her journey, there’s an individuality that seeps through her songs as if she is saying “I can and will get there on my own”. To me, that is the kind of realization that her debut LP Bitter/Sweet celebrates.

The 8 track album, recorded and produced by up-and-coming Kitchener music studio Canadian Daydream, covers themes of love, loss and relationships as they pertain to trusting oneself, and learning to value your own needs above the needs of those whose intentions limit you.

As I listen to this heartfelt collection, I’m struck by something. Paige is very much a modern pop singer-songwriter, and has proven so in her stylistic approach to writing, but there’s something unmistakably timeless about her sound. Though the songs are fresh and are an appropriately fit for pop radio, they sound as if they’ve already stood the test of time.

Nods to early 2000s pop production, remind me of hits by artists like Natasha Bedingfield and Sarah McLachlin. Through huge piano tones, driven rhythm sections, and clean R&B/ rock guitars; her emotive, crisp vocal arrangements and lyrics skip between classic ballad and modern banger to bear it all, without it feeling like oversharing.

In her single Stockholm Syndrome, her melody work sticks in my head, bouncing around like an infectious ear worm who’s hosting a block party. The subtle build to the chorus, followed by her rhythmic phrasing make lines like “the devil’s made a great case for my love” stick with me throughout the entirety of my day, and I’m not mad about it.

In Damaged Goods, she challenges the toxicity that swells around modern dating, and the judgement that comes with it. She sings “I’m not damaged goods, used parts, too many have seen my heart” as she speaks out against shame culture, and overly captious partners. This song celebrates the art of showing up for oneself, denying others the opportunity of forming your opinion for you. Go check out the striking music video for this song, from director Chelsea Scherer.

With high energy and technical confidence, many of the songs on this record will prompt you to move your body, but beneath the surface of these sonic exteriors are harder truths. This is something that Paige has a knack for: hiding the medicine in a spoonful of sugar. A skill that comes from years of songwriting.

While there’s something to be said for delivering honesty in a brightly coloured package, it takes a different kind of confidence to call a sad song a sad song. In Sober and Empty House Warner wears her heart on her sleeve. The line “every room has a memory of me and you” is a seemingly simple sentiment, but its delivery hits me in a place that is almost too relatable. I’m returned to my early twenties and reminded of a time when I found my hometown too shrouded in memory to visit. Even though it hurts to hear someone lament a loss like this, there’s a sense of peace that emanates from the exploration of the subject, and as a listener I can feel the healing nature of the song.

For me, that’s the essence of this album. A visit to hard times, a dive into the past, and the correlation they have with one’s healing and self-realization. At times this album will make you groove, at other times it will move you silently, but above all else, it will remind you that you are capable. Plus, you’ll have a great time listening to it.

Go stream Bitter/Sweet wherever you listen to music.

From floating stages at the Blue Mountain Village to prestigious venues like the Meaford Hall, Warner devotes her time to touring locally throughout the Grey Bruce Simcoe area. If you are lucky you’ll catch one of her shows someday soon. Check paigewarner.ca for updates.

Written by Marshall Veroni

Photos by One Still World and Video by Chelsea

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The cafe and bodega, founded by Caitlin Holmes, has carved out a niche for itself since its inception in 2021. Starting in Flesherton, Savvy Co. expanded to its second location in Meaford this past July, bringing its unique blend of urban sophistication and local sensibility to another corner of Grey County.

For Holmes, starting Savvy Co. was a leap of faith. A full-time teacher with no prior experience in the food and beverage industry, Holmes found herself at a crossroads during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After two years of virtual teaching, I had to make a choice—go back to in-person teaching in Toronto or make the jump to full-time living up here,” she recalls. The decision wasn’t easy, but her ties to the area, where she and her husband Chris had been weekend residents for years, made the leap seem a bit more manageable.

The idea for Savvy Co. came about almost serendipitously. Caitlin and Chris were discussing what to do with a property in Flesherton owned by a friend. “We were brainstorming what we could do with the space and realized, being from the city, you couldn’t get good coffee for miles around here. So we thought, why not put a coffee shop in?” she says. What started as a casual conversation quickly evolved into a full-fledged business plan, complete with a liquor license and a commitment to offering something truly unique to
the area.

When Savvy Co. opened its doors in Flesherton in the summer of 2021, it was an instant hit. The space was unlike anything the town had seen — a combination of coffee shop, bodega, and event space, all wrapped in a charmingly rustic, salvaged aesthetic.

“My favourite thing about having started this is the community we have built, the people we’ve met.”

“We turned it into a salvage coffee shop for the first few months, selling stuff our landlord had collected over the years,” Holmes says. But as the business grew, so did its offerings. The introduction of a liquor license allowed Savvy Co. to serve a curated selection of wines and craft beers, further setting it apart from other local establishments.

One of the key elements to Savvy Co.’s success in Flesherton was its large outdoor space, which became a haven during the pandemic.

“We did great during COVID because we had such a large, private outdoor space with a big patio and heaters,” Holmes notes. The space allowed for a range of events, from markets to cider festivals, which became an integral part of the Savvy Co. experience. “Flesherton is such a beautiful part of this area and really is the gateway to cottage country,” Holmes adds, highlighting the town’s appeal to both locals and visitors alike. Building on the success of the Flesherton location, Holmes was presented with an unexpected opportunity in early 2024 – a chance to open a second location in Meaford.

“I was mucking a barn on a Friday night, which is my therapy, when I got a call from a man who had just been in our Flesherton shop. He owned a space in Meaford and didn’t know what to do with it but wanted to talk to me,” Holmes recalls.

Eric Baldwin, who owns Hill’s boutique hotel and the entire building where Savvy Co. Meaford is now located, was looking for someone to bring new life to the space, and Holmes saw the potential immediately.

“The building is the original Hill’s Dairy, and it just felt right,” Holmes says. Unlike Flesherton, which draws a lot of passers-through, Meaford is a more walkable town with a strong sense of community. “In Flesherton, people are coming to stock up, but Meaford has proven to be more coffee-forward,” she says.

The Meaford location has already started to develop its own identity, with events like vinyl nights and collaborations with local food vendors becoming regular features. One of the most remarkable aspects of Savvy Co. is Holmes’s commitment to the communities she serves.
“My favourite thing about having started this is the community we have built, the people we’ve met,” she says. This community-centric approach is evident in everything from the local products Savvy Co. stocks to the events it hosts.

Holmes adds. “In Flesherton, a huge part of my business is the events and workshops, and I’m trying to bring everything from Flesherton to Meaford on a more micro level.”

Holmes’s dedication to fostering connections extends to her staff as well. “My staff are amazing, they really feel the Savvy,” she says. “I feel like they are very much a part of the brand. Finding those right people is always important.”

Holmes’s ability to create a sense of ownership and pride among her team has been crucial to Savvy Co.’s success, allowing her to balance her time between both locations without feeling overwhelmed.

As Savvy Co. continues to grow, Holmes remains focused on keeping the brand’s essence intact while exploring new opportunities.

“I am open to the idea of having another location, more events,” she says. “I’d also love to take Savvy on wheels. Our landlord in Meaford has the original dairy van from the 40s, and we were brainstorming what to do with it. I’d love to put a keg and espresso bar in there.”

Despite the rapid growth and success of Savvy Co., Holmes remains grounded and committed to the community that has supported her from the beginning.

“The relationships I’ve made here, that’s what I love,” she says. “It’s been life-changing.” For Holmes, Savvy Co. is more than just a business – it’s a labour of love, a creative outlet, and a vital part of the communities it serves.

As Savvy Co. continues to evolve, one thing is certain: it will always remain a cherished local institution in Grey County, beloved by those who appreciate good coffee, good wine, and great company.

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Savvy Co. Flesherton is hosting a killer Trivia By Ross event this November 23rd. Good wine, food, and community in the OG Savvy building in Grey Highlands! Seats are limited and filling fast – gather your team and book your spot while you can!

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Words by Maddie Johnson, Photos by John Fearnall

The post Savvy Co – a new standard of coffee culture & community in Grey County appeared first on Rrampt..

Known for their commitment to their signature 1930s ragtime sound, members Norah Spades and Jitterbug James keep a range of unique tools in their arsenal, such as: spoons, washboards, resonator guitars and banjos, that move crowds all over Canada and the US. Through their expressive storytelling, and eccentric demeanour, they are incredibly memorable performers, and their escapades as intensive tourers throughout the country make them one of those acts that sticks with you in a way that makes you want to tell your friends about them.

The group became known to me very early on in my career as a singer-songwriter, when sharing a bill at Summerfolk Music Festival. Since then, I’ve seen their names plastered in poster-form in bars, halls, green rooms, and on local walls of fame; in every corner of the country I’ve visited.

With such extensive touring comes a nice collection of stories, too. When I ask them about a recent tale I’d heard of their life on the road, they recall their 34-foot long 1989 Fleetwood Pace Arrow RV, dubbed “Norah’s Ark” breaking down while on tour in the Maritimes. Through some “fast friends” and some East Coast hospitality, they found a mechanic who also worked as “a lobster fisherman, and… a stripper” to fix their mobile home. A venue owner, too enthused to let them miss their set, picked them up and delivered to their show in Salisbury, NB.

Needless to say, it was a memorable night, filled with a warm New Brunswick audience, sing-alongs, and even a bar-top performance. Once the show wrapped, they returned to their RV and drove the 29 hours back to Ontario, making it to their next show with “2 hours to spare before hitting the stage.”

After so much time spent touring, The Vaudevillian now call Port Elgin home. The two love the slow pace of the beach town during the off season, and call it the perfect place to hang out with their cats, their pup, their birds and their bunny, while getting a break from the “busy time on the road and the wild moments on stages, entertaining,” they say.  They tell me about their love of playing pool at the local branch 340 Legion, biking through the Lake Shore South sunsets, and cruising in their daily driver, a 1984 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale. They also mention their local inspiration in acts like JD Crosstown, and their aspirations to host floating shows on a sailboat. 

Although the area has its obvious perks, their pull to it is deeper than that. Having met long ago while busking at the Port Elgin Flea Market, The Vaudevillian started out, splitting their time performing new songs there, and at the Keady Market. They take stock of the rich artistic opportunities in this area in their reflection of those times, and how the area has played a role in shaping them. Over time, Grey Bruce Simcoe continues to provide ample opportunities for them as this year they’ve performed locally at the Paisley Blues Festival, Summerfolk Music Festival, Pumpkin Festival and the Tara Fair.

The duo encapsulates what it means to write songs that come from the heart. They tell me about their nightly rituals of singing improvised songs with their parrot, Margie, and about how they find constant inspiration in each other. They explain that whether it’s a love song being constructed from the foundation up, or the late addition of some cheeky innuendo, the “songs just come when they choose to.”

The Vaudevillian is a band that steers clear of trends and pays no mind to the modern metrics of some “success formula”, but instead chooses to pursue sincerity through art and life.

By focusing on forms of true inspiration, paying homage to the past, and living a balanced creative life; this act that, to me, is the breath of fresh air that we sometimes need more than we realize.

To hear more about their on-stage ruckus, new album of “Hokum tunes”, leatherwork, the interactive washboard workshops they host, their stories from the road, and much more; head to Rrampt.com and read our full interview.

Written by Marshall Veroni

The Full Interview

Rr: So you two are, to me, some of the most notable road travellers in the country. Wherever I have traveled in this to perform, “The Vaudevillian” comes up as not only an act that people happen to know, but one that is attached to some account of an incredibly memorable good time.

The most recent was from a couple in Salisbury NB who remembered picking you up from a broken down RV to drive you to their bar venue. They described the energy, the stories and the fun you brought to their space. It clearly made a lasting impact.

V: Ha! Yes, a legendary tale from one of our tours to the Maritimes! On our “Squawk of the Town Tour,” from Ontario- Nova Scotia, we had a hilarious time. We were touring in our old 1989 Fleetwood Pace Arrow RV that is 34 feet long.  A month in, at the end of the tour in NS somewhere along the road we were having mechanical issues and alas- the RV broke down. We had it towed to our friends in Pictou County- shoutout to Kim & Nick, (owners of the Highlander, we became fast pals the last tour to the Maritimes when we played their tavern.) Finding a mechanic who works on old carburetors is tricky, though they knew a fellow who could help us out. He was a jack of 3 trades. A mechanic, a lobster fisherman, and… a stripper. Perfect. He got to work on the RV, and it was going to take a few days meaning we would miss our gig in NB at Grady’s Pub. We called and were sad to share the bad news that we would have to reschedule. Kendra the owner- said she has so many folks coming to our show, that she was coming to get us! Holy moly! Kendra picked us up and we performed for a wonderful audience and had a night to remember. We even performed on the bar at one point and had a proper party. In retrospect, we should have called the stripper fellow to the party too!

Once Kendra kindly brought us back the next day to our RV docked in NS, the mechanic who became a fast friend of ours finished our RV 5 days later- which was JUST in time to head straight back to Ontario to our next gig! Norah’s the only driver, so Norah drank SO much coffee and drove straight from NS- Ontario, on back roads to ensure we were in the clear from mechanical issues and only stopping to top up the duelly tire that had a slow-ish/fast-ish leak. The backroad trip took 29 hours, and we made it to our gig in Ontario with 2 hours to spare before hitting the stage. The show must go on!

Rr: Having been at this for so long, can you describe for me what it is that keeps you so energized that you are able to have these wild nights of performance, time and time again? I seem to recall something about someone you once knew who made homemade whiskey. Actually, I tried some once and it was no joke.

V: We used to drink like fish, once upon a time, though we are sober these days. Both of us celebrated 3 years sober in July.

Though back in the day, we loved our moonshine, whiskey, gin & wine. Thats why we have so many drinking tunes I suppose. Our old favourite song we do is called, “Let’s Get Drunk Again.” Our new favourite song is called… “Baby You Drink Too Much.”

We have drank tons of moonshine in our day, from folks making it at home in a copper still, though the best we ever had was from Murphy’s Law Moonshine in Elmira, Ontario. We were endorsed by them years ago and they used to give us lots of shine and we loved their White Lightening and Sweet Tea the most.

Since giving up liquor, we definitely drink too much coffee now to keep us awake and alert on long tours, though what really fuels us the most is the rush we get from playing on festival stages to big audiences that dance and get rowdy. That feeling keeps us going strong.

Rr: I know outside of music, you’ve become quite a leather smith, I saw photos of a guitar Strap you made recently and it was gorgeous. Has that process helped you, as a creative, to express outside of the realms of music?

V: Ya, so in the Spring, Summer & Fall we perform at a TON of festivals and are on the road like crazy. In the Winter though, when Festival Season is slow, we turn to Leathercraft to support ourselves. Our little leather business is Woodstove Leather Goods, we started this 6 years ago when we lived in a tiny log cabin in the middle of the woods in Nova Scotia. We had a terribly old and wonky wood stove that tried its very best to keep us warm, though it had its work cut out for it as you could actually see through some of the logs and see the glistening slow from the old tattered couch. Since then, every Winter we handcraft custom leather goods such as; Wallets, Belts, Guitar Straps, Journals, Suspenders, & More.

We focus on the artistry and hand carve intricate filigree and designs into the leather and personalize each piece. Our customs fill up pretty quickly and we make every piece by hand and 1 of a kind. Having this creative outlet in the Winter keeps us creatively fulfilled as artists, though it allows us to express and create in a very diverse way then music does. This helps us to not burn out from being rubber tramps on the road touring, as some years we play over 200 shows and it could be easy enough to burn out if we didnt have a break to recharge and shift our creative gears for a little while. Our leather Season is generally October- April, unless we schedule an overseas tour.

 Rr: I know you’ve lived in and out of a pretty wicked RV for the past few years while touring, does that mean you have a mobile workshop?

V: Our RV, dubbed “Norah’s Ark,” as Norah is the sole captain and we have all our pets on board when we tour; Our pup, 2 kitties, birdies and bunny.

We love travelling in our RV, we got it because we wanted our cats to come on tour with us and be comfy. Dolly our one cat, sits on Norah’s head rest while driving, and Bogie the bunny lays in a cat bed in the RV’s dash as we go down the road.

Our RV is amazing to travel in, its so comfy, fits all of our band gear and leather gear perfectly. It’s just a little bit smaller than a big school bus, so we have lots of room and can easily work on leather goods in there. Our leathercraft pieces are entirely made by hand;

Hand cut from the hide, hand carved, hand tooled, hand dyed, hand painted, hand stitched and hand assembled.

That makes creating in the Ark easy peasy, we can go here, there and everywhere.

Rr: Can you two tell me about the RV? How it came to be, how it has impacted your touring, writing, and overall creative endeavours?

V: We got our RV for our cats really. Our cats Dolly & Stetson are our world. We wanted them to be able to come on tour with us in a safe and comfy way.

Norah was taught how to drive by her bus driving Grandma, and truck-driving Grampa, and she thought what the hell, how hard can a 34 foot Rv that weighs 12,000 Lbs be. Not hard at all, turns out it’s so much fun for her to drive. We’ve been all over in it and its only broken down once!

The only other time it gave us a bit of a hard time it turned out to be a wonderfully eventful time.

In 2023, we performed at Mariposa Folk Festival and there was a huge storm and the grounds were a bit flooded and muddy. Us and 50+ other vehicles got stuck in the mud. We were stuck so bad, our frame was in the mud and our RV’s caboose was part way in the middle of the 1 way road in the middle of the festival. We put up some funny signs, such as; “YES We’re stuck in the middle of the road, we are aware.”: As well as, “1.800.Hows.My.Driving” and a few other cute signs. We ended up having a ton of folks offering to help push our RV out, so we told everyone that asked to come to our RV on Sunday night at 6pm.

We didn’t wanna put folks at risk of rocking this big ol’ RV back and forth, and instead threw them a secret concert for all the lovely folks who wanted to help us and we had a hell of a party. It was wild and we loved playing for these wonderful folks who danced up a storm. We were hired back at Mariposa for the 2nd year in a row for the Mariposa Folk Festival in 2024, and we think it was primarily because the secret show we held was such a hoot and our RV in the middle of the festival became a little bit infamous from that experience. Shout out to Greg who brought in gravel and made the road around us bigger, so vehicles could get around us.

We got out after 4 days of being stuck, it took 2 transport tow trucks to get us out, and then we were on our way down the road to the next gig!

Rr:  Is there something else either of you love creating/making that is maybe less known?

V: In addition to performing our live show at music festivals, we also host incredibly unique audience-interactive workshops.

We teach our Washboard Workshops for 40 participants and we supply 40 musical washboards and 80 metal thimbles. We teach everyone how to play the washboard and it is a hilarious time and festivals have told us many members of the workshops have shared it’s been their highlight of the festival!

We also host our Spoon Workshops for 30 participants and we supply 30 sets of handcrafted wooden musical spoons and we teach everyone how to become a bonafide spoon player.

To date we have taught over 4500+ folks how to play the washboard or spoons at festivals across Canada!

Aside from music,

We’ve really been into gardening this Season, lots of veggies at our home base in Port Elgin this year.

Brendan’s also gotten into growing tobacco. He’s got a bunch of Virginia Gold plants that he grew from seed and has been harvesting the leaves and curating them. Norah has also become a keen tattoo scratcher. We’re full of tattoos and always wanting more, so on few & far between days off we have tattoo nights. She’s given herself one and given Jitterbug 13 and counting. Got the certificate and all the proper supplies & gun, and its a cute way to have a fun date night at home.

Rr: From breakfast’s whose prices haven’t changed since 1999, to honey holes of open blues jams, and the wealth of knowledge possessed by the older generations who run hardware stores; this area is packed full of hidden gems. Being newer residents of Port Elgin, can you tell me about some of the establishments/ places that standout to you?

V: We adore Port Elgin. Its where we met over a decade ago. Norah’s Mom is from Port, so its a very homey place for us.

We love playing pool at the Legion in Port. We bike down to Gobles Grove to go swimming all the time. Biking along the Lake Shore to South is always a beautiful ride. We also love Denny’s Dam for fishing, though the birds seem to catch more fish than we ever do.

Saugeen Shores Transmission helped us out rebuilding our transmission on our daily driver, our 1984 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale.

These days,

We primarily perform at Music Festivals, and this year we’ve had a memorable time performing in this area at; Paisley Blues Festival, Summerfolk Music Festival, Pumpkin Festival and the Tara Fair!

Way back, years and years ago we got our start busking and would busk the Keady Market early on Tuesdays, and the Port Elgin Flea Market on Wednesdays,  rehearsing new material. Our roots are largely in this area and it’s so neat to go from busking at 8 am at the Keady Market, to now playing the big stage at Summerfolk Music Festival on Saturday night at 9:45pm.

Rr: It seems like at this point, you two are particularly good at creating community wherever you go. Everyone who has met you sings your praises, and having met you and performed on the same bills as you, personally, I can attest that you are particularly pleasant to be around. With your pick of the litter for towns to move to, what makes Port Elgin stand out and feel like a good place to be?

V: Shucks, thank ya.

The sentimental aspect of Port Elgin is what really drew us back here. We met over 10 years ago, on a Wednesday morning when Brendan was busking by himself at the Port Elgin Flea Market held right on the Main Beach, and Norah was with her grandma at the flea market. Norah’s grandma saw Brendan first- and elbowed Norah hard in the ribs to get her attention to look at him. Norah threw in a quarter, and when we looked at each other, it was all over. Brendan screwed up the song and became flustered and fell in love right at that moment. It was the most profound moment we have ever experienced. As such, we have always been drawn here and love living here. The slow pace in the Fall & Winter is the perfect time for us to get a break from our busy time on the road and the wild moments on stages entertaining.

Rr: What is your current set up like?

V: We’re in a sweet, little home in Port Elgin and all of our pets love it, its cozy, we’ve got a great garden and porch and we’re putting roots down in this beautiful town.

We’ve got our ol’ RV to tour in, and our Delta 88 Royale as our car and we’re happy as punch.

Rr: How do you think it will affect recording and writing, being where you are now?

V: Recording wise, we record the good ol’ fashion way… on tape!

We have recorded our 3 records on 1/2′ tape on an old Teac tape machine at Box Car Recording Studio in Hamilton. Our 4th record we just recorded was also on tape and comes out this Fall! Our 4th record is all of our Hokum numbers- the tunes that make people blush. Our audiences love the dirty songs, what can we say! Some of the titles are, “Sweet Honey Thighs,” “Sellin’ Jelly,’ and “Sugar Makers Blues.” They are all sassy tunes.

In regards to writing, as long as we’re together we’re inspired.

Rr: What is your secret when it comes to telling stories with such a captivating approach?

V: We cause a bit of ruckus, often. Not intentionally, just seems to occur, whether on stage or not.

 Like the time we spent the night at Washboard Hanks home and flooded his claw foot tub after making music together all night.

Perhaps thats the secret- create a genuinely wild, memorable time. Unintentionally. We don’t know how long we’ll live, so might as well live it up, have a hoot, give people a hell of an experience, and make memories that people talk about with such gusto. Well, we’re not sure how much gusto Hank talks about the clawfoot tub incident. You’ll have to ask him.

Rr: You have a signature mix of ragtime, stories, energy, and unique instrumentation, including something I remember being called a Carzoobamaphone.

When I listen to your music, I feel a sincerity that I wish showed up more often in a lot of newer music. It feels, to me, like you keep modernity at a healthy distance, one that allows you to pay homage to an old style of music, without too many of the loud influences or distractions of trends. As I think this is one of the secrets to writing from the heart, I admire this and wonder: how do you maintain this individuality, while avoiding leaning into trends?

V: Haha, we definitely are not into trends. We just do our thing and we enjoy it, and if others like what we’re doing that’s great.

We’re going to do it either way.

Trends/algorithms, Spotify plays, none of that is on our radar. That’s all about clout as far as we’re concerned.

 We are focused on making music, playing music festivals, recording our albums and selling our CDS and Vinyl out of our tickle trunk at our concerts. Best way to support your favourite artists is by purchasing  their merch and that keeps us going down the road.

For our instruments, we really love creating instruments in a nod of homage to homemade jug band instruments. Brendan made the first ever Carzoobamaphone, out of an old car horn from 1915 from a Model T.

Norah put together her 1936 washboard she found at a flea market, and added a brass clock face she found in New Orleans, tea kettle lids, a bell from a rotary phone, a service bell, a teachers bell and an old ornate ashtray lid.

Rr: What do you expect to come out of living in Port Elgin, both communally, and artistically?

V: One of our original tunes is, “Sail Away,” and we recently performed it on the Tall Ship, Brigs “PlayFair,” when it sailed to Port Elgin.

 We had such a wonderful time, we think we are going to be writing more nautical inspired tunes living here full time.

Rr: Is there a local act you’re particularly inspired by at the moment?

V: JD Crosstown.

Rr: Is there a secret to maintaining a life as touring musicians who perform so much throughout the year?

V: We go hard in the Spring, Summer & Fall on the road on tour performing at Music Festivals all over.

 Having a slower Winter Season in a quiet, sleepy beach town in the off- Season will be so lovely. If you saw us on stage, you wouldn’t know it, though we’re secretly introverts. Having a quiet Season to focus on writing and hand crafting leather goods will be so nice. Come the Spring though, we’ll be antsy as all heck and craving our festival Season.

Rr: Apart from your talents as musicians, is there anything else you’re looking to contribute to this area coming here? Or anything you’re hoping to see happen?

V: We love creating concerts/parties in unique spaces. We are in the midst of working on some special show ideas on a local Sailboat.

Rr: The last record I listened to was your 2017 18 track recording called “Oh Shuckareeroo I get To Marry You”. Can you tell me about how your songwriting process works? How you two write together?

V: We write a lot together, it just comes when it comes.

It’s funny, we sing almost nightly to our 3 parrots, we just freestyle love songs and sing to them at their bedtime, and our one parrot- Margie sings/talks back to us and she helps shape the nightly bird love songs.

That’s similar to how we write. Norah’s my muse and she’s cheeky as heck so a lot of the time I write love and hokum songs about her, and she has great lines and concepts that fit in and help shape so well. I suppose Norah and Margie our parrot are similar, squawky and cute.

Songs just come when they choose to though. When Bren’s inspired, he writes the melody and structure of the song, and Norah adds a lot of the humour or innuendos.

Rr: What were some of your early influences either musically, or through your own life experience, that brought you to make what you make?

Brendan- My grandma got me into collecting vinyl when I was younger and gave me some old Lead Belly vinyl that I loved and I went hunting for more and found; Woody Gutherie, Mississippi John Hurt, and the Mississippi Sheiks. From there, I loved ragtime and prewar Jazz and couldn’t get enough. I love the syncopation and the rawness of the recordings of that time. I found American Roots music and it was unlike anything that was mainstream and it was so intriguing to me listening to these recordings and learning the songs. It felt like real music, acoustic instruments, their foot, their voice, all their passion. No electricity, no over dubbing. How they played live is exactly how they sounded when their recorded, and thats what we do ourselves, we always record live off the floor, so that it is as authentic as it can get to our live show.

Norah- I spent a lot of time in a trailer park with my grandma, and she often listened to old old Gospels on the radio. Back then, some of the Gospel singers used to be hokum singers, and once in a while a disc jockey would accidentally play a slightly inappropriate hokum tune instead of a gospel. I LOVED those. From that taste of hokum, I found recordings from Lucille Bogan and Memphis Minnie and adored their numbers. Grandma had an old washboard because the trailer park laundry machine was often broken down. Long ago, I was a drummer with a full kit for years, in an all girls rock band, and I must say- traveling with a washboard is a heck of a lot simpler than carrying a full kit.

Rr: What was the first gig you both performed at? Where was it, how did it shape you, how did you feel?

V: Our very first gig together was at an RV Park for a private event and it was lovely. Years later, we ended up staying at that RV park in our RV for a few months and loved it there. When we first became a band we went down to New Orleans for 3 months and busked on Royal Street in the French Quarter and really cut our teeth as street performers.

Rr: A Personal curiosity for Brendan; are you still playing your yellow National resonator with the Hulu dancer painted on the back, or have you worn through that yet?

V: You bet, lots of patina, JB Weld, more rust and more dents, looks like its 100 years old but its still going strong!

Rr: What do you have in the works right now? Tell me about what is exciting you artistically, and what you hope to say with it?

V: We’ve got our focus on booking Festival Tours, here, there & everywhere. We loved performing at these wonderful festivals this year; Hillside Festival, Mariposa Folk Festival, Le Festif, Summerfolk Festival, Enchanta Festival, Southside Shuffle Festival, P.E.I Small Halls Festival, Moonshine Festival, Paisley Blues Festival, Sound Of Music Festival, OktoberFest, Stratford Festival, and Fairs while we’ve been on our “Carousel Tour,” such as; Tara Fall Fair, Ancaster Fall Fair & the Caledonia Fall Fair. Our 2025 Festival Season is in the midst of booking, and it’s shaping up to be a memorable year ahead!

We went from busking to big stages and have been having a hoot.

This year Norah played spoons on Jitterbugs shoulder on stage, with confetti flying everywhere, Jitterbug’s been belting his heart out, Norah’s been making the audience blush, everyone’s dancing and laughing and calling back to our dirty tunes and it’s been our pleasure to be on these wonderful stages making memories that we hope the audience holds dear for a very long time. Catch us at a festival near you!

Get ready to do the Skoodle Um Skoo!

Interview by Marshall Veroni

The post The Vaudevillian: life on the road and finding balance appeared first on Rrampt..

The sound of the fire and live music combine to create the sweet sounds of Christmas spirit. Welcome to Christmas On The Bay, Meaford’s third annual European-inspired Christmas Market.

If you’re like me, you think of Cologne, Copenhagan, and Vienna when it comes to the quintessential Christmas market vibe. While, sure it would be amazing to experience one of those European markets, the holidays are already busy and expensive enough (I’m looking at you grocery stores). But, lucky for me (and you), we don’t need to book a flight to experience a magical Christmas market; Christmas on the Bay has brought a little piece of Europe to us.

Located at the Meaford Market Square, Christmas On The Bay offers four days of Georgian Bay’s largest outdoor Christmas market. Thursday, November 28th through Sunday, December 1st, you can immerse yourself in all things  Christmas where you can explore, eat, drink and shop from the local artisans of South Georgian Bay and Grey Bruce.

There’s something for everyone, from festive activities for kids to festive treats for your furry friends. If you’re shopping for the perfect gift or simply just soaking in the holiday vibes, the Meaford Market Square is the perfect place to start this holiday season. Don’t take our word for it, go find out for yourself.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, the origins of the Christmas market date back to 1926 in Vienna, and while it wasn’t officially a Christmas market, it was an outdoor market held during Advent. Fast forward many, many, many years and Christmas markets have made their way all over the world, even to our haven of Georgian Bay. Pretty cool huh?

While local Christmas markets draw inspiration from traditional European markets, there is something that truly emphasizes the value of Grey Bruce Simcoe, which is community and diversity.

This is more than just a typical market; it’s a celebration of the people who make our home special. Each vendor showcases their creativity and craftsmanship, offering various handmade goods, artisanal foods, and unique gifts. Each vendor tells a story of passion and tradition that reflects the diverse talents and backgrounds that emphasize the beauty of shopping locally.

Christmas on the Bay is run for the community, by the community. From planning to execution, every detail is brought to life by a passionate group of locals who share a love for the holiday season and a commitment to South Georgian Bay. These volunteers pour their hearts into creating a cool experience that reflects the holiday spirit, and the importance of coming together.

So, kick off the holiday season the right way. Gather your friends and family, to take in the Christmas vibes, and find that perfect gift made locally by a hard working maker. Let’s put it this way: Christmas On The Bay is where your holidays begin. Got a nice ring to it doesn’t it?

Written by Maddy Grasman

Photos provided by Christmas On The Bay

The post Meaford’s Christmas On The Bay kicks off the holiday season with a little European flair appeared first on Rrampt..

These are trips where curiosity sometimes goes astray.  Whether it is fending off diarrhea on a Hot Air balloon in Egypt, or attending a bizarre live sex show down a non-descript alley in Bangkok, Jules finds the humour in the journey and celebrates the moments of wonder and awe that accompany new experiences in new places and cultures.

The collection of essays and stories Trips That Went South: Travels from A to B(eware) takes you to points across the globe that most of us may never get to and even if you do, Jules manages to find herself in situations that are simply not for the faint of heart.  Some situations she and her partner, Kim, are victims of circumstances beyond their control.  Others are of their own making as they seek out some unusual and extreme experiences.  In each case, when something goes off the rails, all you can do is get through them and laugh.  (Full disclosure, one of my most horrifying travel moments was being at Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site no less, when my bowels suddenly turned inside out.  It was not a proud moment.  I mention it because Jules’s collection of stories offers up some solace and validation that sometimes things do not go as planned.  We have all been there, in one way or another.)

Whether it be the claustrophobia of spelunking with a possible convict tour guide in Belize, the most unusual of massages (or was it a succession of inappropriate groping) in a mud bath in Colombia, or the adrenaline thrill of white water rafting the Ottawa river, she always finds the magic and humour of whatever outrageous or difficult situation she and her partner, Kim, are experiencing. As she says in the introduction, this book will most likely convince people of places they never want to go to. A lot of them have to do with the limited and bizarre cuisine available, such as guinea pigs in Ecuador. The others probably have to do with the ensuing diarrhea that seems to always follow, but her perspective that every experience makes life richer and more interesting always shines through. These are trips where something goes sideways and how Jules and Kim navigate the experience and “roll with it”.  Life can be messy, so why wouldn’t travel be the same!

Jules’s writing effortlessly conveys the chaos that can occur when travel butts up against local culture and looks back at the experience as a necessary part of the whole. Despite the fact that each subsequent travel destination amps up the level of discomfort she continues to seek out more and more off-the-beaten track adventures. What comes through time and again is her resilience, her faith in throwing caution to the wind, and an attitude that affirms and celebrates that it is all about the journey, not the destination.

These essays are written in a way that draws the reader in quickly and viscerally. Her honesty in confronting challenges and difficulties is impressive and her ability to find humour and embrace the situation makes the collection so accessible, readable and entertaining.

Jules asks us to consider the question of “Why do we Travel”?  For her it is a rhetorical question.  We travel for a great many reasons, but as this book explores, we travel to satisfy a curiosity, to make us uncomfortable and to resuscitate us from routine.  By sharing her stories, we owe Jules a debt of gratitude. Not just for taking us way out of our comfort zone and making us laugh out loud, but for also offering the inspiration and courage to push ourselves when we make our next travel plans, wherever they may lead.

Find Torti’s Trips That Went South here.

Written by Carey Low

The post Jules Torti’s Trips That Went South is a collection of hilarious travel stories you need to read appeared first on Rrampt..

I’ve only had one. I was standing outside my old high school with a friend, who I suddenly turned to and said: ‘Do, you realize our high school was torn down years ago?’ and pointed to the one before us. ‘This means we must be dreaming!’ He looked at me and asked what we should do. And in our idiot brains, with all infinite possibilities of taking control of a dream, we decided it was best to go ask out the girls we were too afraid to ask out in high school. We ran up the 9^th Street walkway of the old OSCVI, into the ringed corridor and started looking for our high school crushes. But the school was empty and all we did was run around in circles, literally.

The hallways of my old high school were built as a two-storied circular structure with classrooms around the circumference, and a gym and an auditorium in the middle. Anyone who went to the school knows exactly what I mean. Anyone who doesn’t just needs look at the photos to understand.

I dream about my old high school a lot. I guess that’s normal – the old ‘naked in the cafeteria’ or ‘not prepared for a test’ standards. High school is/was a pivotal time for everyone. But I like to think that OSCVI shows up in my dreams a lot because it was such a unique building, and unlike any other I occupy as an adult.

I guess what I’m saying is, they don’t build schools like that anymore. Hell, they don’t build anything like that anymore. And I think that’s a damn shame.

I still remember my first day at OSCVI like it was yesterday. The ultimate blend of nervousness and excitement. I wore the coolest pair of baggy jeans I had, and my Bones Brigade t-shirt. It was a warm September morning as I walked up the grand steps with the only friend from grade 8 who was attending the OSCVI with me. We’d both made the bold move from the Catholic Middle School, St Basils, to the public high school. I can’t say why exactly I didn’t want to go to St Mary’s – I like to think it was my early agnostic leanings, but it was likely that I only lived a literal two minute walk from OS, which allowed me to sleep in to 8:45 every morning and be in first period English by 8:59 just as the morning announcements were being cued up by the Head Boy and Head Girl over the intercom.

But I know in large part, my decision to go to OSCVI was due to the commanding presence it had at the bottom of the East Hill in Owen Sound, a building like no other I’d ever seen, with giant circles connected by tentacles of historied hallways, surrounded by basketball courts, tennis courts, and a massive parking lot for all the older teens who could drive. It was a marvel of glass, steel, concrete and brick.

It was commanding; it required respect. Sure, the other two high schools at the time served their purpose, but they were largely one-story and full of right angles. Respectable, but not unique.

You’ll never see another high school like it again. They just don’t make them that way anymore. The schools they seem to build now are much more economical, practical and boring as hell, in my opinion.

OSCVI had three gyms. Three. There was also an auditorium with grandstand seating. And a separate large cafeteria. They didn’t combine them together as they do now. There were auto shops, drafting rooms, a greenhouse, theatre arts rooms, music rooms and a library (duh). But get this: the library was cantilevered over the front of the property. Cool right? I always wondered if it would ever just suddenly break off and fall.

There were ramps connecting each ringed corridor with the main hallways. Stairways at every turn. The business wing off the top hallway somehow connected to the library by a stairwell. The office and student services were in some nether-region off the main hall that mysteriously connected back to the ringed corridor. Where the heck did the space for the theatre arts room come from?  The North Gym somehow led out to the basketball courts by a hidden stairwell only a teacher could access. There was a tunnel under 10^th Street hill that took you to the baseball diamond and Victoria Park. There were openings in the floor of the South Gym that led you between the walls around the circular hallways to eavesdrop on your friends. Whose idea was it build the East addition for the music rooms with a glass hallway?

One thing I realize now is that this old school was built for student engagement. It was built with the purpose of students being together and forming community. The South Gym had stands that encouraged us to watch basketball games together after school, the auditorium grandstand seating encouraged us to attend school functions, even just an assembly, which were usually fun as hell and centred around the House System, where students were sectioned into one of four houses (Gamma, Delta, Sigma and Beta) and competed for points each year. The massive score board above the upper ramp kept the score.

Games like Gotcha connected the student body together. I still remember my friends getting hypnotized in the auditorium, watching school productions of the Mousetrap, going to Friday night dances, and Battle of the Bands. Helping the minor-niners adjust with the Gnomes program was a great idea and I remember even being held on weekends.

The hallways were wide, encouraging us to hang out before and after class. and the rooms were all spacious. It’s a place that encouraged us to spend time during the week and even on weekends for fundraising events in the gym, or tournaments, or putting the yearbook together.  

So, why don’t they still make those kinds of schools anymore?

Well, I’m not an architect. I have no qualified opinion; I imagine it comes down to cost. But you know who is an architect? Kaegan Walsh, a friend of Rrampt and someone we’ve featured previously.

I thought I’d ask Kaegan what made the old OSCVI stand out. For context, the school was established in 1856 and built fully by 1880. It took the name Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute in 1924 when the new vocational wing was built. A fire took the majority of the older part of the building in 1952, so it required a rebuild on the existing site with a further addition completed in 1970. 

“Overall, modernist architecture in the 1960s, and subsequently OSCVI, sought to create educational environments that were innovative, functional, and reflective of a forward-thinking society,” says Kaegan. “While it is arguable that modernist architecture achieved these goals, schools were designed to inspire and facilitate new ways of teaching and learning, embodying the optimism and dynamism of the era. The overall architectural aesthetic of OSCVI was a blend of historic and modern elements, reflecting its long history and the various phases of expansion and renovation. This blend gave the school a unique character, combining traditional educational architecture with more contemporary design features,” says Walsh.

Ah, yes, a unique character…that is what I think resonated with me the most. Its unique architecture established character with many nooks and crannies, hidden corners, and pathways that seemed to go nowhere. OSCVI alumni and Rrampt contributor, John Fearnall, remembers some of these unique characteristics:

“There was a strange catacomb-like structure in the basement, although students weren’t allowed to leave the main hall,” says John. “It led under the East wing and contained the boiler, and a huge book room that must have held many of the books from when the school first opened to when it closed. Many of our Ontario Student Records were also stored there. It was creepy as hell. And very musty.”

Fearnall says that spaces like that, along with other unique features like the glass hallway, the “cage” at the bottom of the ramp from the auditorium (once a student room where students were allowed to smoke) all allowed for some interesting videos to filmed in the early days of his media course.

Kaegan Walsh explains that “modernist architecture for schools in the 1960s was marked by a departure from traditional designs, embracing principles of simplicity, functionality, and an experimental spirit.”

Yes, that experimental spirit is what I’m talking about! What’s wrong with a little experimentation…isn’t that what high school is all about anyways? Isn’t there something about form equalling function in design? An experimental building for kids going through experimental times?

NYU professor Scott Galloway in his recent TED Talk on the youth says his parents worried he was going to experiment too much as a youngster, while he worries his kids aren’t going to experiment enough. Do we want our teens to experiment, take risks, make mistakes and problem solve? If so, let’s not build them boring schools. Just my two cents.

The experimental architecture of OSCVI reflects that. It sure seems like the architects made mistakes along the way themselves, as some parts of the building don’t seem to make perfect sense, but that’s what gave it its character: its flaws and mistakes. That’s where ingenuity happens. I mean did it make sense to have the busiest street in town separate the school from its sports fields? No, probably not, but a tunnel was built underneath the road to allow for safe passage. That brought character…along with a place for kids to surreptitiously smoke and get in fights, mind you. Not great things, but I smoked the odd cigarette in high school and got in a few fights; did I turn out alright? A question for my wife, I guess.

Fearnall notes another mistake in the school’s design: “if the auditorium was booked, no games could be played in the South Gym as the noise of balls bouncing, etc. would interrupt the performance.”

But I think there is something to this form equalling function kind of thing. If you don’t show young adults it’s good to experiment, what message are we sending them? In my opinion, I think we bubble wrap the youth too much and create far too many safe spaces for them instead of letting them make mistakes, take risks, and learn lessons.

Kaegan says that OSCVI’s architectural style “was characterized by its clean lines, geometric forms, and a minimalist approach that rejected unnecessary ornamentation. The goal was to create spaces that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and conducive to new educational methods.”

Aesthetically pleasing…yes, what a concept. Why has functionality won out over aesthetics? Does it just come down to money, or is there a war on aesthetics in learning environments? No wonder the forest schools are becoming so popular – what better aesthetics than what mother nature provides.

“Key features of 1960s OSCVI school included the extensive use of materials such as concrete, steel, and glass,” adds Walsh. These materials were likely chosen for their durability, ease of maintenance, and modern aesthetic. Concrete was often left exposed, contributing to the raw, unadorned look that was a hallmark of the style. Steel provided the structural support needed for innovative designs (cantilevers, etc.), while large expanses of glass and glass block allowed for abundant natural light and diffuse light, creating bright and airy interiors. The brick was likely chosen to connect the new building to the older schools that came before it.”

It’s all starting to make sense now – the glass hallway, the cantilevered library at the front, the exposed brick.

This is all what made Canada’s oldest high school so memorable; or at least it was the oldest school up until it was torn down in 1999 and sadly moved away from the downtown core. No longer could kids walk downtown to get a pizza slice for lunch or walk across town to see the rival football game on a Friday afternoon. No, sadly the new school was out on the outskirts of town, relegated to the land of farmer’s fields and the regional hospital.

When we all heard the news the old OSCVI was being torn down, it was pretty devastating. I was one of the last years to graduate from iconic school, but my sights were set on other parts of the world, so it didn’t hit me as hard. But after coming home from years away and time abroad, I realized how much I missed that old school. It was an empty field for awhile and then suddenly it was a neighbourhood. I guess the houses across the street all went up in value, one upside at least.

In the transition, generations of East Siders lost a piece of their youth. Teachers, admin and custodians lost their place of work. The town lost a piece of its history. And I lost the place where I grew from a pipsqueak into a slightly taller pipsqueak.

We felt bad for the following grades who wouldn’t be able to experience the magical place we inhabited. And it was sad to see how bland the new build was, up on the hill where busses would stream in and out.

Could anyone walk home for lunch? Where would they go when they skipped class? Could anyone sleep in until 8:45 and be there on time?

Years later, I still walk by the old OSCVI and have become used to the new subdivision that exists there, but the feeling of nostalgia is still strong, especially for my old hangout along 9^th Street.  

Even Kaegan recalls some personal history from that place:  “On a personal note,” he says, “I recall playing a few basketball tournaments at OSCVI and loved the gym. Also, a close family friend of mine, who is an Owen Sound native, reminded me of the Battle of the Band concerts that were held there, and how she would get lost in the ring corridor when looking for the bathroom.”

Yes, sadly, like many other pivotal places from my youth, it no longer exists, and there in its place is a seniors community where one day I might live myself. Wouldn’t that be full circle? My front yard stretching to 9^th Street where I once skipped class to hackey-sack and smoke darts, where we sat on the curb and talked about the weekend until someone rolled up and said they were making a Mickey D’s run and to jump in. Now, it’s Uber Eats that rolls up and delivers take-out to the houses there. Yes, times have changed.

I still keep a brick from the 9^th Street entrance in my basement, and a sign for Student Services hung on my walls for years. There may not be another school built like that again. It was a moment in time that was pretty cool to be a part of.

If I have another lucid dream where I’m standing outside my high school again wondering what I should do, I’ll consider all the possibilities of flying around the world to cool places or meeting with famous people, but I’d be perfectly happy with just going into the old OSCVI again and walking the old hallowed halls of that special place, maybe pop in to see some old teachers – see if Boley’s got the obstacle course set up in the North Gym like he used to, stop in to say hi to Wallace and recite my Quadratic Equation to earn my candy bar,  or sit in on Mr Taylor’s World History class and have my mind blown with this fascinating theories.

But I’d really like to spend a few more minutes at my old hangout on 9^th Street with some old friends, talking about nothing important at all, and getting excited for the weekend party at Spencer’s lot. Because when I think about high school, the building was definitely a pivotal part of those years, architecturally unique for sure, but when it comes down to it, the old adage is right, as all old adages tend to be: it’s not about the places, it’s about the people.

For all the OSCVI alumni who miss their old school, let’s stand and sing to the OSCVI one more time.

Written by Jesse Wilkinson

Photos supplied by Nick Craig and John Fearnall

The post Stand and Sing to the OSCVI appeared first on Rrampt..

Secondhand jewelry speaks directly to this desire, offering one-of-a-kind pieces that carry the charm of another time. Enter, The Vintage Vault, with a carefully curated collection of secondhand jewelry, the shop invites customers to embrace their individuality by choosing items that not only reflect their personal style but also connect them to the past.

What you will find here is explained succinctly by their slogan: “Unique pieces for unique people.”

Located on High Street in Southampton, The Vintage Vault is like stepping into a treasure trove of timeless elegance and whimsical charm. When you walk in, you encounter displays that radiate history; each piece is ready to be rediscovered and relived. With its focus on sustainability, uniqueness, and the emotional depth behind jewelry, The Vintage Vault is creating a distinct experience when it comes to shopping for jewelry.

Having grown up surrounded by antiques, owner Jess is dedicated to creating a space where people can come to learn about jewelry, ask questions, and enjoy the art and history behind each piece.

“I just want this to be somewhere where people can come and appreciate the art and ask the questions. They don’t have to buy anything. Just enjoy and take it in” says Jess, who opened her store in July of this year.

She also wants to be a place where people feel comfortable bringing their family heirlooms to learn what their collection is valued at. Sometimes when their kids don’t want an heirloom, a person doesn’t know what to do with them, so The Vintage Vault allows for pieces to be passed onto someone who will love them. Patrons can leave knowing they’ve been paid fair market value, and relieved from the responsibility of carrying generations of heirlooms.

A key value behind The Vintage Vault is sustainability. Jess is passionate about the importance of reusing and repurposing existing pieces rather than contributing to the mass production of new jewelry, particularly when it comes to the ethical concerns surrounding modern diamond and gemstone mining.

“There’s so much stuff in the world,” Jess notes, “and often, antique diamonds were harvested in a more sustainable way than they are today.”

By choosing secondhand jewelry, customers can make a more ethical choice. By reducing the demand for new, and potentially exploitative mining practices, while also cutting down on the environmental impact of manufacturing new pieces. We live in a world where sustainability is important more than ever, and The Vintage Vault provides an alternative that aligns with a conscious approach to fashion and art.

There’s also a sense of nostalgia in wearing a vintage ring or a necklace that someone admired from a different time. Not only are they beautiful to look at and feel, but there’s beauty in the stories they hold, and the lives they once lived.

While adornment through jewelry is a driving factor toward the market, the emotional connection is what makes shopping at The Vintage Vault a memorable encounter. From customers bringing in family heirlooms, to shoppers finding pieces that speak to them personally, each item in the store has a history waiting to be shared.

“It’s important that the pieces get a new lease on life,” says Jess. “It’s nice that things are worn again after they’ve been sitting in a box for so long. I just bought this beautiful collection from England, and the gentleman inherited it, and it hasn’t seen the light of day in about 35 years. It’s beautiful stuff, and it deserves to be worn.”

“Jewelry tells a story, and it’s amazing to be part of that. I want people to leave here with something special that they’ll love, knowing they’ve made an investment in something both beautiful and lasting.”

If you’re looking to invest in a rare piece, or just browse the beauty of the past, The Vintage Vault is the place to go. Jess’ knowledge and passion for vintage jewelry is unmatched. If you can’t make it out to Southampton though, make sure to check out their Instagram and website for online sales.

The Vintage Vault is open for holiday shopping in store from Tuesday to Sunday.

Written by Maddy Grasman

Photos by Ashley Winters

The post Unique, Sustainable Style at The Vintage Vault appeared first on Rrampt..

No, it’s not what my wife told me, although I know she thinks that. I was told that recently on a tennis court, where I wasn’t playing tennis. Yeah, that’s right, I thought I would try my hand at the fastest growing sport in the galaxy: pickleball.

One thing I hope people say about me is that I’m open minded. I’m not afraid to get out of my comfort zone. So, when my friend, Wanda Westover, invited me out to play with her pickleball crew, I accepted.

I’ll be honest: was curious. I had seen people play this strange new game at the Y and couldn’t help but notice that distinct noise of the wiffle ball hitting paddles. It annoyed me at first, but then I’d watch and notice the skill involved. They seemed to be having a lot of fun. Good for them, I thought.

But then I started to notice these pickleballers encroaching on the outdoor tennis courts in the summer. It had become so popular, someone even painted pickleball lines onto the courts, making tennis players’ lives even more difficult. We already had to deal with a nonsensical scoring system…now this.

Who were these pickleballers hittin’ dink shots all over my tennis courts? They’d show up in groups of ten or twelve sometimes and actually make it into a social gathering. How dare they have that much fun and create such a supportive community? While I was sweating my butt off, throwing my racket around and swearing like a sailor at missed shots, the pickleball crew was socializing and cheering each other on. Could it really be that much fun?

I decided to find out for myself. I accepted my friend’s offer, and went up on a Tuesday evening  to meet a group of ten pickleballers already warming up – kids, teens, adults and seniors; this game doesn’t discriminate. Whole families come out to play. And they all welcomed me with a warm smiles and helpful tips; they were happy to bring another player into their fold. I was wary. But I could tell a few were wary of me, as well. I hadn’t drunk the pickle flavoured Kool-Aid yet. They could tell I come from across the courts.

But I had questions for them: was it similar to other paddle sports I’d played? why was it called pickleball? and just what in the hell was a dink shot anyways?  Before I had time to start my inquiries, I was handed a paddle and ushered into the pickle jar (I’m assuming that’s what the court is called). I was standing there, paddle in hand, ready to enter the kitchen, feeling oddly hungry for some reason.

As I began to play, all my questions were slowly answered. A dink shot? Well it’s a soft, controlled shot that is strategically dropped over the net, often used near the kitchen line to keep the ball low and close to the net. And the kitchen? It’s the first seven feet on either side of the net, also called the non-volley zone. It was, apparently, a very important zone.

And why the name pickleball anyway? Well, you can blame the Pritchards who named it after a rowing term, pickle boat, back in the 60s, which refers to the leftover rowers who would just compete for fun. So, it was founded in the spirit of comradery, which is exactly how it comes across. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and wanting to foster community.

It’s pretty cool to see so many people of all ages getting together for something that doesn’t involve screens or vices. There were youngsters, teens, adults and seniors all playing together, learning, and getting exercise. In fact, some of the best players were kids and a seventy-year-old gentleman who I had the privilege of playing both with and against. He taught me a few things as a partner and then whipped my ass as an opponent. He’s the one who told me to spend more time in the kitchen, to hit 80% of my returns down the middle, and the stand at the baseline every time he served. He was patient with me as I learned the rules and the wacky scoring system that was more akin to volleyball. He liked to win, though, and was worried I would slow him down as we faced down two fourteen-year-olds. I eased his concerns and I hit my fair share of well-placed shots to get us to eleven and showed those teens who the adults on the court were.

I was two for two at this point and feeling like maybe I was a natural. Pickleball seemed to me like a blend of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, and I was good at all three, so maybe this was my jam.

And then the teams got split up and I found myself facing my old partner who proceeded to whallop us with ease. My paddle skills started to let me down. I was playing like a tennis player, something I’m proud of, but something that won’t take me far in this game. Bit of a pickle, I guess. Either way, I lost my third game.

So, respectably, I ended my first pickleball outing with a winning record, and not once did I get ‘pickled’ which means getting skunked. I know there were a few laughs at my expense for playing like a tennis player and trying for big shots with top spin, but it worked for awhile, until it didn’t and I had to rethink my technique.

Here’s the thing. I had a lot of fun. I loved the sense of community. Everyone seemed so dam nice and supportive. They were happy to bring new people into the sport and help them learn the game.  I can respect that. I better understand the draw of the game and why it’s growing so fast. I’m happy it’s bringing so many people of all ages together for healthy activity in an age when screens are sucking our souls.

So I will I play pickleball again?  Absolutely.

Will I stop playing tennis? Absolutely not.

I’ve always been a fan of compromise and will find a middle road when I can. I will keep playing tennis a lot in the summer months and the pickleball will be played more in the winter. I’m told there are regular games happening all winter long in arenas around Grey County, and it’s popular! I imagine there are league nights happening all over the Grey Bruce Simcoe…all over Canada..hell the world.

And when the snow melts in the spring, and the nets go up, I’ll be bringing my tennis racket to the courts most of the time. I’ll wave politely at the pickleballers, my new friends, and maybe even sneak in a game or two. 

But the kitchen I’ll be spending most of my time in will be in my house, making meals for my wife, who will likely tell me I’m not using enough salt.   

Written by Jesse Wilkinson

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