Local Drop Magazine, Issue 4

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LOCALDROP

ISSUE 4

ISSUE 4

FREE

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LIQUID MUSE ART

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SAM TUCKER

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COVER FEATURE

HIGHWOOD PASS

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ANDREW’S PALE HORSES

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LEAH HENNEL 1

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LOCALDROP www.localdropmag.com @localdropmag

CONTENTS EXPLORE

BEER-CYCLE | 20 SAM TUCKER | 24 HIGHWOOD PASS | 36

MUSIC

DABDORIANS | 10 ANDREW’S PALE HORSES | 16 SOME FELLOWS | 18

ART

LIQUID MUSE ART | 6 JBO AIRBRUSH | 26 LEAH HENNEL | 28

LOCAL

EVEN ODDS COLLECTIVE | 12 IN MY DIGITAL OPINION | 14

COVER PHOTO BY MAX FOLEY 2

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PHOTO BY LEAH HENNEL 3

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For Photographers, By Photographers

At The Camera Store, we love photography. Our sales staff are not only incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to photo and video gear, but many are respected photographers in their own right.

Kaitlyn Kerr is a travel, lifestyle, and concert photographer based in beautiful Calgary, AB. Initially, she picked up a camera in school in an attempt to capture memories, friends, and scenes around her.

Years on, her passion for the art has developed, moving beyond a desire to simply freeze time.

She aims to tell a story in a shot, exhibit a flavour in a frame, or encompass an environment in an exposure.

In addition to selling cameras at The Camera Store and working on her photography portfolio, Kaitlyn is a host of Beers and Cameras YYC. We will meet twice a month at local breweries and restaurants that serve great beer, and stay for about 1.5 to 2hrs, then walk over to the next location. While at the venues, the attendees will meet to talk about photography, find out what people shoot and drink delicious beer. For more info visit: beersandcameras.com

Check out more of Kaitlyn’s work at: kaitlynkerrphotography.com Instagram: @theblurredline

Photo featuring: Marek Skiba from Bad Animal

802 - 11th Avenue S.W. Calgary | (403) 234-9935 | 1-888-539-9397

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16 SEPTEMBER – 22 DECEMBER

ISSUE 4

MARY ANNE BARKHOUSE Le Rêve aux Loups

Guest curated by Jennifer Rudder

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POSTCOMMODITY

publisher

WILL GEIER

A Very Long Line

editors

CHRISTINA FREUDENTHALER LAUREL MCLEAN design

KELSEY ZEOLI photo editor & co-design

ELIJAH BEAVER web & social media

LAUREL MCLEAN marketing & business

BEN FREUDENTHALER WILL GEIER

»P R O J E C T S P A C E

special thanks

MO KESHAVJEE MATT MORT

Making Treaty 7: Finding Common Ground U N T I L 22 O C TO B E R

all things printed

CENTRAL WEB

general inquiries & advertising

WILL GEIER 403.808.2666

LOCALDROPMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM

eskerfoundation.com @eskerfoundation @eskercalgary

Le Rêve aux Loups originated at the Koffler Gallery, Toronto.

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Mary Anne Barkhouse, Treats for Coyote (detail). Courtesy of the Koffler Gallery. Photograph Rafael Goldchain.

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LIQUID MUSE ART INTERVIEW DAMI FADIPE

PHOTOS WILL GEIER

Who are you and what do you do?

INSTAGRAM @THELIQUIDMUSE_ART

ing images over the pieces once they dry or [using] brushes or sponges to create the background then [painting] an image over it to finish it off.

My name is Katie Kriekle. I’m an artist, as well as the owner of the Liquid Muse Art. I focus mostly on abstract expressionism in my paintings, but I have been known to dabble in other styles of painting as well.

My style can be quite diverse.

How did you get started?

I painted in high school a lot, but for the following six or seven years it was really rare and kind of sporadic if I made anything. Usually [I] make about five pieces a year. My grandparents passing away a year and a half ago was the first time I made a piece and realized how amazing the creative release felt. It’s sort of a sad way to start, but from there I started making art all the time and really [became] passionate about the process and the final products.

What generally inspires your work?

There are so many ways that I find inspiration [that’s why] this question is always a bit difficult to answer. In the beginning, I just loved the way [the] paint [would] flow and mix. I used to do industrial painting so I had a lot of opportunity to play with many different mediums and I think that is what started my fascination with abstract art. I’m also highly motivated by emotion and the first thing I want to do when I’m feeling a powerful emotion—sorrow, euphoria, anger, distress, or pride—is release it all onto a canvas. It’s amazingly therapeutic to work with the flow.

When did this turn into a profession for you?

Last September, I was creating new pieces almost on a daily basis. I was in a state of constant inspiration and, the next thing I knew, my house was full of canvases. I started by gifting pieces to people when I felt it was right. It was really hard because I get attached to each piece. By sharing my work, I realized people seemed to love it. It was amazing to see and hear the way others connected so strongly to my work. I knew I couldn’t keep it all to myself and that if people like it, I needed to share it. So, I made an Instagram account specifically for my art and realized people liked [my art] enough to buy it. That was a pretty amazing feeling.

How do you make your artwork?

It depends what kind of piece I want to make. The abstract pieces I make are acrylic paint mixed with water. I basically play around with the viscosity of the paint and pour it onto a canvas. I like to go in with a rough plan, but liquid art has a mind of its own sometimes so there’s a lot of playing and moving the paint around with brushes, knives, [and] my hands until the piece is dry and I’m satisfied. I also enjoy paint-

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What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Don’t stop creating. Just keep putting in the time because even if you don’t make something incredible, you’re learning a bit with every piece, whether you notice it or not. Also, I’d say to show your work any way that you can. Submit to galleries, make business cards, contact showcase directors, and post all your work on social media or your website.

What’s been your favourite piece to create so far?

It has been a special experience to make all of my pieces. I know that sounds super cliché, but it’s so true. It never gets old. As someone who feeds off personal growth, I really can’t get enough of this. Every time I get in the studio, I come out feeling accomplished—even if I didn’t make something beautiful.

What would you say to people who don’t respect the arts?

Art isn’t everyone’s thing, but I’d advise those who don’t respect the arts to spend some time in a studio and watch an artist do their thing and then see if they still don’t respect the arts. We need all types of people in the world.

What’s the biggest challenge when it comes to the work?

Sales and marketing is tough. People want art but don’t need it, so sales depend on art lovers with disposable income and, if these people don’t know you exist, they can’t buy your art. Getting your name out can be a slow process.

Do you remember the first piece that you commissioned? How did it make you feel?

I loved how challenging it was to create something for the client that was a combination of their ideas with mine. I was nervous, for sure, but it ended up a huge success and that same client has commissioned two more [pieces] since then.

For commission inquiries, contact Katie Kriekle at katiekriekle@hotmail.com.

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DABDORIANS STORY TAYLOR ODISHAW-DYCK

PHOTO KAITLYN KERR

B

efore attending a local house show featuring artists from the music collective Fossil Records, I got a chance to catch up with a good friend of mine, Philip Van Hooft, the main songwriter behind the new four-piece indie outfit, the Dabdorians.

Van Hooft, 23, grew up in Calgary with his sister, Alida, and parents, Brent and Cynthia. Alida sang opera, Cynthia played piano, Brent was a multi-instrumentalist who cherished playing organ and autoharp, and Philip picked up the guitar.

“My mom grew up playing piano, and she passed away when I was 16. That kind of kicked me into writing as a method for me to cope,” Van Hooft explains with a slight crack in his voice.

As I sat listening, I instantly gained a great respect for Van Hooft. He is always sharing a full smile, a warm vibe, and a friendly presence. I can only imagine the great pain that Cynthia’s passing brought to his family, but I am witnessing, firsthand, the therapeutic qualities of music.

If you see Van Hooft kicking it around town, playing gigs at the regular spots, don’t mistake what you see for a typical start-up project, stemming from a hobby with the homies. What we experience at Dabdorians’ shows truly is the physical embodiment of Cynthia’s spirit, carried through the soul-stirring writings of her son.

If you have seen the Dabdorians live, you will likely remember a tantalizing track entitled Black Sand, which features

INSTAGRAM @DABDORIANS

some incredible bass licks and lead female vocals from Taylor Fensury. When I asked Van Hooft about the origins of this particular track, he began outlining the early part of his adulthood for me.

“I was out of work, super broke, and uncertain of what I was going to do,” recalls Van Hooft.

He goes on to explain that his brother hooked him up with a job digging ditches for water services in Sparwood, British Columbia. Allegedly, when you strike black sand, it is a sign that you should start looking for gold.

During the breakdown of the song, Fensury and Van Hooft bellow out: “Below black sand, there slept a stone that you’d kill for.” Along with the rowdy drumlines from percussionist Andrew Ellergodt, and the slick lead guitar finesse of Graham Fox, the track swoons full circle back to the chill, funky bass line, and leaves you with an unmistakable flavour of sweet rock ‘n’ roll.

The Dabdorians are in the process of recording their debut full-length album, titled Stepfather. The upcomming LP will be a concept album, inspired by the band La Dispute and their uncanny ability to record entire albums surrounding a single, elaborate story.

Stepfather will be based on a father, whose wife and child are killed in a car accident, and his obsession with a young girl he meets later in his life. I won’t spoil the plot twist, but just know that it takes a grizzly turn. The album will be released December 2017.

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RANDY & LAHEY • ELLIOT BROOD • BLISS N ESO R • THE PATH LESS TRAVELED • MARTHA WAINWRIGHT EN PARTY • ALEX CUBA • THE DEAD SOUTH

g n i m o c Up ents Ev 08.08 MAKE THEM SUFFER ENTERPRISE EARTH • SPITE SHARK INFESTED DAUGHTER

09.16 RANDY & LAHEY 09.23 ELLIOT BROOD

PRESENTED BY CALGARY FOLK FEST

09.28 BLISS N ESO

09.30 COMEBACK KID • COUNTER PARTS STRAY FROM THE PATH • GIDEON 10.06 LOUISE BURNS

10.24 MARTHA WAINWRIGHT

10.07 WANNABE

11.05 ALEX CUBA

SPICE GIRLS TRIBUTE

PRESENTED BY CALGARY FOLK FEST

10.28 ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY PRESENTED BY CALGARY FOLK FEST

10.21 TRENCHFINGER THE PATH LESS TRAVELED

12.02 THE DEAD SOUTH

PRESENTED BY CALGARY FOLK FEST

DUAL CD RELEASE PARTY!

WINGO • TRIVIA • OPEN MICS • E GAMING COMPETITIONS • KARAOKE • 90’S DANCE PARTIES POOL • ARCADE GAMES • CLASSIC GAMES • PLUS DAILY FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS 11

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EVEN ODDS COLLECTIVE STORY & PHOTOS ELIJAH BEAVER

“A

ll in, all the time.” That is the concept and tagline behind the local company Even Odds Collective.

“Our brand is designed for those who are willing to take chances. The unique type of person who is willing to risk mind, body and soul to progress their passion,” their website boasts.

Even Odds was founded in 2015, when a couple in their mid-twenties, Dave Rutherford and Hillary Beney, joined together their combined skills of business, social media and design.

The two grew up in Fort Erie, Ont., and moved to Calgary in 2011.

Beney, an avid music lover and snowboarder, finished a two-year interior decorating program in 2015—a passion of hers aside from the sales and design work she now does full-time.

Rutherford, whose biggest passion is also snowboarding, graduated with a business degree in 2011. However, he isn’t fond of office jobs, the corporate world, and wearing a suit and tie day in, day out.

He had plans to own a skate shop since childhood, largely in part due to following and participating in action sports such as snowboarding, skateboarding and mountain biking throughout his life.

After taking into consideration the costs of starting and running a skate shop, Rutherford shifted his goal to developing a fashion brand with the same concept in mind while he was apprenticing as an electrician here in Calgary.

“About the second year into my apprenticeship, I decided it was time to [start]. I drew up a logo and ordered some hats. [When] they came in, [Beney] saw them and it just took off,” says Rutherford.

“I sold them all,” says Beney, rewardingly.

A quick start for only putting the starting touches together in an eight-month period from mid-2014 to the beginning of 2015.

INSTAGRAM @EVENODDSCOLLECTIVE

WEBSITE EVENODDSCOLLECTIVE.CA

Rutherford says the name of the brand, Even Odds, is very similar to the idea of gambling, “you get out what you put in,” which he says also applies to action sports.

Last year, Even Odds surpassed 10,000 followers on Instagram, an accomplishment that Beney was very proud of.

“It sounds lame, but it was exciting to see that people are into what we’re doing,” says Beney.

“It’s harder when it’s a product because people don’t want to be [just] sold on it. So when people come naturally to us, it shows that there’s more to the brand than just a t-shirt or a hat.”

Rutherford, who grew up following the world of sports and sponsorships, wanted to have the sponsorship aspects put into the Even Odds brand as well. “[I wanted] to be able to support a bunch of local talent [such as] skateboarders, skiers, snowboarders, [and] mountain bikers. We’ve really hit a lot of different avenues and we really try to push them on our social media: to get more followers, and to get more sponsors,” says Rutherford.

“Being able showcase the local talent has been a huge [accomplishment] for us.

That has been a big goal [from the start].”

“We really want people to pursue what they’re good at and go for it,” adds Beney.

This, of course, is also apparent in their Local Legends program, which showcases local artists, athletes, MCs and other various groups of locals.

Even Odds, in collaboration with 2CreativeCo, a Calgary-based creative agency company, filmed and shot a series of photos and videos involving Calgary artists to help promote their Spring/Summer 2017 (SS17) line.

“We want real people who are doing real things that represent what we’re trying to show. I think that’s important,” says Rutherford, in regards to promoting the Even Odds brand.

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The SS17 line launched on May 15, 2017.

It was available for purchase exclusively at Savvy Clothing in the Beltline, in addition to Even Odds’ website. The line included hats, t-shirts, beanies and crewnecks.

“This was really the first one where we designed everything from the ground up, [including] custom measurements and the bamboo-spandex blend,” says Rutherford.

“The response, in terms of the quality and feel [of the clothing], has been the best we’ve ever had.”

If a certain item sells more than others, Beney says they’re open to making and ordering more for sale on their website.

Even Odds also hosts a quarterly contest on their Instagram account using the hashtag #ALLINEVENODDS. The idea behind the hashtag is to encourage people to go out and do what they’re passionate about and share it online for a chance to win a prize pack from Even Odds, which has previously included two hats, a t-shirt, and sticker packs to those who have entered.

“It’s always an eye-catching photo [that is chosen],” says Beney. “It’s not [often] the guy who is doing double backflips or anything like that. We like to give everyone the opportunity.”

Even Odds Collective is also partnered with Protect Our Winters, which is founded by pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones and focuses on “educational initiatives, political advocacy and community-based activism.”

“With the sale of every product, we will donate a portion of profits directly to Protect Our Winters,” according to the Even Odds website.

“Every dollar will have a direct impact on combating climate change an ensuring that we, and future generations, can enjoy our environment and all of the outdoor sports that we love so much.“ The Fall/Winter line launches midOctober 2017.

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IN MY DIGITAL OPINION PHOTO WILL GEIER

STORY DAMI FADIPE

T

he first step to solving any issue is awareness. Well, we have that in spades on the Internet. We’re all drowning in this sea of digital information and, when global issues arise, we churn the waters with hashtags and conversations. It is important to have these discussions, but what are we really accomplishing? Some of us truly want to see change in the world and we use the Internet as a platform for addressing the issues we are attempting to tackle. But some people are doing it just to fuel their egos and aren’t willing to pull up their sleeves and actually do something about the issue.

Is it better to be a slacktivist than it is to do nothing at all? How can we damage an issue by addressing it? A lot of people seem to think that awareness is the only step they need to take, but it is important to implement changes for what you are passionate about if you are able to. Obviously, we should all strive to make a change for

the better. We owe it to the hashtag to at least be an advocate for what we’re speaking on. Personally, I can’t post a hashtag on an issue or event that’s taking place until I have enough information to speak on it.

On that end, I think that digital activism is great because it pushes people into informing themselves.

The #icebucketchallenge was a viral success—as far as it goes with campaigns involving ice buckets. According to ALSA. org, “the ALS Association has received over $100 million in donations since the challenge became active.” I think this is what success generally looks like with Twitter activism. They managed to make a lot of money towards the research of ALS, largely due to celebrity influence brought on by the popularity of the trend on Twitter.

There are certain issues that internet activism can’t solve though. Occupy Wall Street is a pretty good example. It was created to address and fix issues regarding 14

social and economic inequality, and the internet took to the messages of Occupy Wall Street very quickly. There have been several protests and their goal is clear. In 2012, the Occupy Wall Street Twitter team won a Shorty Award for activism. But it started in 2011 and, since then, there’s been no significant change socially, economically, or otherwise. The main reason for its lack of success is that the goal is too broad to tackle. It lacks depth and no amount of clicking ‘like’ or ‘share’ can solve that. It takes volunteering, canvassing, and being an operating member of the movement.

Support is always welcomed; however, if there is to be any real change, people need to go beyond just hashtagging and sharing. The conversation is also important, but if it’s something that can be solved with at least a minimal effort and you simply choose to post “#dosomething” instead of actually doing anything, are you really any better than a bystander?

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ORIGINAL ART

COMMISSIONS INTERIOR ART DESIGNS

JANEPOOLE ART JAPOOLE@LIVE.COM

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ANDREW’S PALE HORSES STORY LAUREL MCLEAN

A

ndrew’s Pale Horses is the psychedelic, alternative-rock brainchild of Andrew Ellergodt, an eccentric, self-taught and multitalented musician.

Andrew’s Pale Horses started as a solo project in 2013 when Ellergodt first began writing and recording music under the name—a name that doesn’t have any significant meaning other than Ellergodt liking the way it “feels like a nice piece of salted pork in your mouth.”

Initially, Ellergodt was composing and playing all the musical components himself, individually recording vocals, guitar, bass, and drums. Realizing he’d need a band to take the music of Andrew’s Pale Horses out of his basement and onto the stage, Ellergodt enlisted the help of his high school friends, Graham Fox (guitar, keys); Scott Steneker (drums); and Ethan Harder (bass), for live performances.

Although he now has access to a full band, Ellergodt continues writing and recording his music alone.

“I’ve tried to work as a band writing songs and it just doesn’t feel right to me,” says Ellergodt on the reclusive nature of his creative process—a process that usually

PHOTO MAX FOLEY

begins with him recording a vocal melody or chord progression that he builds upon with other instruments.

“That’s just how my songwriting process works. If I can’t do that, it just doesn’t work for me.”

However, despite needing to work solo to write music, Ellergodt is surprisingly open to input and collaboration on his finished tracks.

“I actually appreciate when [the other band members] add their own touch to my music,” says Ellergodt. “If my drummer plays a slightly different beat than what I recorded but he thinks it sounds better, I’ll let him do that.”

A primarily self-taught musician who “never really learned the technical side of music,” Ellergodt started playing guitar when he was eight years old. After a few months of lessons, he gave up formal instruction and began learning songs by ear.

“I didn’t have YouTube back then [to learn guitar], so I’d just put in my Metallica CDs and play along to Master of Puppets,” remembers Ellergodt.

Following the guitar, Ellergodt taught himself almost every other quintessential

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rock and roll instrument, all of which came to him relatively easily—except for bass guitar, which Ellergodt admits to not grasping the purpose of until he was 19.

Inspired by “life and the situations that people get themselves into,” and influenced by artists such as TOPS, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Holy Wave, and Pond, Ellergodt, after some deliberation, classifies Andrew’s Pale Horses’ combination of folk, psychedelic, and alternative rock into “some subgenre of rock and roll music.”

Ten months of recording and several more of mixing culminated in the February 2017 release of Andrew’s Pale Horses’ debut album, a five-song EP titled Early Medicine, which Ellergodt plans to follow with a full-length, 10-song album in summer 2018.

When asked about his long-term plans for Andrew’s Pale Horses, Ellergodt’s committed passion for music was apparent.

“I’m never going to stop making music—I mean, until I die, of course,” states Ellergodt. “I’m going to keep trying and if it doesn’t ever work out or really amount to anything, I’m just going to keep playing music regardless.”

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SOME FELLOWS STORY AARON MOTTERSHEAD

PHOTO WILL GEIER

S

ome Fellows is a young, up-and-coming band that is breaking through Calgary’s music scene. This alternative rock group consists of Rory Rheaume (vocals and guitar), Jesse Schwarz (bass), and Parker Sakatch (drums).

Rheaume and Sakatch met in elementary school where they discovered their shared passion for music.

“We were always in some sort of choir or band,” explains Sakatch.

While searching for a new bassist for the band, Rheaume and Sakatch played a successful jam session with Schwarz. Afterwards, Schwarz asked if he could jam with them again, to which they replied, “Yeah, you’re a ‘Fellow.’”

Sakatch described Schwarz as an obvious fit for the band, and the three musicians have played together ever since.

Some Fellows’ sound has been influenced by a variety of artists, including Matt Hayword, the drummer for Band of Skulls, which Sakatch describes as “heavy emotional rock.” Rheaume finds his musical inspiration from Mississauga rock group Billy Talent. He taught himself guitar by learning every song from the band’s self-titled first album. Schwarz, who is studying music at the University of Calgary, finds his motivation from both learning through one-on-one instruction and sitting in on clinics.

Currently, the band is working on new

material for upcoming gigs. Having chemistry as a band has proved helpful in their creative process.

“Rory writes the backbone,” says Sakatch, explaining that the band builds off this together. “We give tips all around. Jesse will tell me to do something, and I will tell him to do something.”

Through this method, the band has created some of their favourite songs, which can be found on their EP, Moon Men, released February 2016.

We Go On is Sakatch’s favourite song on the album due to its “very funky, very fast, and upbeat” rhythm. The Double was Rheaume’s top choice because of its “unique, spur of the moment” creation within the studio.

“All five are my favourite to play, but I’d have to choose The Line,” says Schwarz.

“Every time we play that song all I can feel is that monster groove. It’s the worst song on the album, but it’s the most fun to play live.”

To these three, there are no words to describe the euphoria of getting up on stage.

Performing is a way to release their emotions through music.

“It feels pretty powerful to be able to feel [the music] reverberate in one’s chest,” raves Rheaume.

Schwarz highlights that the best part of any performance is “[seeing] my two best friends having just as much fun as I am.”

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BEER-CYCLE STORY DAVID BABCOCK

MAP & PHOTOS WILL GEIER

W

hile I was unloading my bike from the trunk of the van, I remarked to my friend that it was the perfect day for a bike ride. It was just hot enough to be enjoyable, but breezy enough that we wouldn’t be sweating buckets and exhausted by the time we finished our planned brewery bike tour. We packed away the last of our gear and headed out, passing Confederation Park and SAIT on our way downtown to our first stop.

Last Best Brewing and Distilling is a relatively large craft brewpub located on 11 Avenue S.W. The old-fashioned upholstery, globe lighting and bare brick walls create an ambiance reminiscent of a speakeasy.

Like most brewpubs, the vats of fermenting beer are visible to the public and sequestered behind glass. We opted to sit at the bar as we didn’t expect to stay long. An hour or so later, we had managed to try six of their offerings.

Last Best follows the current flavourful and fruity trend in craft brewing, opting to downplay the strong hops flavours of the more traditional Indian Pale Ale (IPA), yeast undertones of Lagers, and the wheat flavour of Weisse beers. Their Fruity Berliner Weisse tasted more like a Mimosa than any other kind of beer I had previously tasted.

Out of the six brews we tried, my favourite was the Dad Pants Hoppy Lager. It greets you like an old friend; a fruity smell wafting towards your nostrils with a small hint of hops. It surprises you by not being fruity at all. Instead, subtly enticing you with the taste of hops before feeding you the expected yeast undertones of a traditional Lager. It’s perfect for an IPA lover looking for a slightly toned-down hoppy taste on a warm summer’s day.

Our next stop was a short hop, skip, and bike ride to Trolley 5, located on 17 Avenue S.W. across from Western Canada High School. Trolley 5 has a more modern atmosphere with their brewing vats in the

basement and at the back of the pub. Overhead, attached to conveyor belts, empty beer jugs float by, drawing your eye as they pass before dropping out of sight. The bike ride and beers had awoken a deep-rooted hunger in both of us. We decided to stay at Trolley 5 a little longer than planned, and give their food a taste. And what goes better with beer than pizza?

Being the meat eater that I am, my food choice was For The Love Of Meat pizza.

For all the carnivores out there, I can’t recommend it enough.

Trolley 5’s selections are much more traditional than those of Last Best, opting to subtly change the flavours instead of slapping you in the face with them—something that I personally appreciated after the fruity bonanza. Once again, it is almost impossible to pick one single beer that you should try if you choose to follow in our footsteps.

That said, if I didn’t make a suggestion, I’d be a terrible tour guide.

That honour goes to the First Crush White IPA. At first, it disarms you with its lighter, wheat-beer look and peachy aroma.

After your first taste, you’ll be even more surprised. Subtle hints of orange and citrus help to relax the palate and soothe the warm summer heat. You could sip this beer slowly all afternoon and never grow tired of the subtle flavours. The true IPA taste only comes to the forefront as you take larger swigs, slowly falling down the rabbit hole of a perfect combination of fruit and hops. Even the most staunch IPA lover will appreciate this.

Our next stop took us up 17 Avenue towards the Stampede grounds to Mill Street Brewery. Choosing to sit downstairs, we did not get the chance to ogle the beer vats.

Luckily, anyone walking by has a front row seat to the inner workings of the brewery side of the pub. Due to time constraints, we only tried one beer from this brewery.

I settled on a very traditional IPA. I know, I have a type.

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The Big Bear IPA is exactly what you would expect from an IPA. The smell of hops wafts from it, bringing out the powerful undertones typical of an IPA. However, under all the normal expectations, there lies a fruity undertone that draws you back in sip, after sip, after sip.

Our 15-minute stop brought our time at Mill Street to a close all too quickly. The sun was still shining overhead as we began the longest leg of our journey. We cruised merrily down 17 Avenue before twisting our way down a number of different side streets on our quest to reach Cold Garden Beverage Company in historic Inglewood.

Cold Garden is surprisingly simplistic.

Where our other stops have all been traditional brewpubs, Cold Garden opts instead for a minimalist design. Located in a warehouse next to Smithbilt Hat’s original location, there are no fancy bells and whistles.

Old couches sit off to one side, nestled into a corner behind patio chairs and tables. The bar is a simple wooden top, behind which hang the beer menus: two large chalkboards marked with colourful writing. The vats of fermenting beer take up at least half the space—if not more—giving all the patrons an unobstructed view.

One brew jumped off the page at me: Cakeface.

Honestly, I have no idea what kind of beer Cakeface is other than exceptional. If you’ve ever wanted to drink a liquid alcoholic birthday cake, this is the perfect beer for you. I’ve never had the pleasure of tasting such an interesting creation before. So, if you’re the adventurous type, I suggest

you pop by for a visit and give it a try.

Our final stop took us over to High Line Brewing, a small brewery with an even smaller drinking room located in Inglewood. The bar is located behind a wall of glass, but remains warm and inviting thanks to the wood and soft lighting.

At this stop, I tried something a little different: Smokes, a dark and heavy Scotch Ale and the perfect finish to an afternoon of brewery tours. This beer fills you with its sweet, malty aroma that quickly turns into a caramel flavour when you taste it. It’s not until the first few sips have slid warmly across your palate that you notice it: a peaty flavour that slowly begins to bring everything about this Scotch Ale together to form an amazing blend of aromas and flavour. If there are any Scotch drinkers reading this, there is a very good chance you will enjoy this beer.

With our last beers of the day resting comfortably in our stomachs, we mounted our trusty steeds and began our journey back home. We rode the train from City Hall station to SAIT, then headed towards Confederation Park. A scant kilometer away from our final destination, disaster struck. My front tire exploded after making the jump from the sidewalk to the roadway, forcing us to make the rest of our journey by foot.

Moral of the story: if you have a belly full of beer, you should leave the curb jumping for another day.

All of that said, if you are a fan of craft brewing and biking, this is definitely a tour you have to make.

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@LOCALDROPMAG

SAM TUCKER STORY LAUREL MCLEAN

S

am Tucker has become an increasingly familiar name in the Alberta climbing scene as the Calgary climber is gaining notoriety for placing strong in competitions and for his relentless passion for the sport.

The 24-year-old was first introduced to climbing at a summer camp at the Calgary Climbing Centre (CCC) when he was nine years old, and he has been completely enamoured with it ever since.

After the summer camp, Tucker trained with the junior team at the CCC until he was 18. Since then, he has spent time training on the adult team, but has primarily climbed alone over the last several years.

Unlike many climbers who have a strong preference for either bouldering or route climbing, Tucker has a love and talent for both. He has climbed V12 boulder problems and a 5.14b sport route, which, for those unfamiliar with the grading systems, are high difficulty climbs.

“My favourite part about climbing is that every once in a while, you just feel completely weightless,” describes Tucker. “Every little bit of perfection you’ve been trying to work towards in your training comes together and something that you know is challenging for you feels easy and perfect and finessed. That’s probably the highlight of climbing for me.”

Aside from the physical aspect of climbing, what Tucker loves most about the sport is how it has provided him with an opportunity to travel and the strong community it builds among like-minded individuals.

“Calgary has a really tight climbing scene,” says Tucker. “The coolest thing about the community around here is in the summertime when everybody is congregating at the crags and you don’t even necessarily have to make plans with peo-

PHOTO LUKE DEAN

ple, you just know you’re going to see them out there. Everybody has got their dogs and their kids . . . that’s my favourite part for sure. It’s way better than the gym scene.”

As a testament to the close-knit climbing community, Tucker mentions that, as of late, he barely has any friends who don’t climb, leading to him often competing against his group.

“I think it’s fun [competing against my friends],” says Tucker. “Of course, I’m trying to kick their asses, but if they end up kicking my ass, it’s still sick to sit out one of the finals because your friend beat you out and cheer them on.”

Although Tucker has primarily been a competitive climber for most of his life, he has recently shifted his focus to outdoor rock climbing, explaining that the pressure and expectations of competing have taken a lot out of him.

“Right now, my approach to climbing is to make sure that whatever I’m doing, I’m enjoying it,” says Tucker. “I’ve been having an amazing time rock climbing and staying super motivated to get stronger and better. It’s important to be doing things for the right reason.”

Although climbing in a gym is beneficial for strength and training, Tucker explains that the movement, technique, and style required to be a good rock climber can only be developed by climbing rock as much as possible.

When asked what advice he would give climbers looking to make the transition from plastic to rock, Tucker had this to say: “Patience is super important.”

“With climbing outdoors, there is way more subtlety to the movement and to the style. The feet and the holds are smaller, but not necessarily worse or harder.”

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INSTAGRAM @S_A_M_T_U_C_K_E_R

“Trust your body,” he continues. “You have to use some intuition and bear in mind that it is safe. Keep a good handle on your brain.”

Despite having enjoyed climbs in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge; Bishop, California; and Smith Rock, Oregon, Tucker says the best climbing spot is in Calgary’s backyard.

“My favourite place that I’ve ever climbed out of everywhere in the world is right here in the Bow Valley,” enthuses Tucker. “Yeah, the hikes suck and the season is short, but the climbing is so good and the people are great. If I could climb one place for the rest of my life, it’d be right here.”

Tucker ensures that he continues progressing as a climber by climbing a lot and having high expectations of himself.

“Every time I get on the wall, I try as hard as I can—I never half-ass things,” reveals Tucker. “I don’t like just climbing easy stuff at the gym and then leaving or going outside and cruising some [easier routes like] 5.10’s or 5.11’s. That’s not really a fun day for me. A fun day is falling 600 times and trying my absolute best until I can’t do anything. That ensures that I’m always pushing myself to do the best that I can possibly do that day.”

And even though Tucker is already climbing anywhere from three to five hours a day, five or six days a week, he says that his current goals include dedicating even more time to the sport and sticking to a more regimented training plan.

“Something I always try to keep in mind is longevity,” adds Tucker. “I don’t want to have any really debilitating injuries and I don’t want to burn out. I want to be one of those 45-year-old guys still climbing hard.”

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@LOCALDROPMAG

JBO AIRBRUSH STORY WILL GEIER

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PHOTO KELSEY ZEOLI

irbrushing is a challenging and time-consuming art form that requires painstaking preparation and an eye for extreme detail. Anybody that has tackled this medium obviously enjoys a challenge.

After spending just a few hours with Jordan Bourgeault, I would say that wanting to challenge himself is one of his defining qualities. Not only is it apparent in his art, but also in his music. Bourgeault divides his time between being an artist and being a drummer.

When I arrived at Bourgeault’s house and shop, he insisted on showing me his newest instrument, a handpan, before we sat down to talk about his art. This convex steel drum resembles a flying saucer and is played by drumming the hands on different areas of the instrument to produce various notes creating both ethereal and rhythmic melodies. Bourgeault treated me to a perfect rendition of a Tool song on his newfound handpan. It quickly became clear that Bourgeault is not content with just being good.

“I don’t ever just coast,” says Bourgeault, explaining that when he was given an offer to join a neighbour’s band, he insisted he would only do it if he could play left-handed.

“Why would I just play Wonderwall.

There’s no gain in it for me . . . but if you play it left-handed, it’s a huge challenge.

I’m always up for a challenge.”

Upon entering high school, Bourgeault focused on music and skateboarding, but he later rediscovered his natural artistic talent.

“I got a job in [automotive painting] and everybody was like, ‘You should get an airbrush’ because that is the automotive art form.”

Now, Bourgeault has expanded his work from cars and motorcycles to include custom-painted sneakers, murals, body painting, and, most commonly, goalie masks and helmets for skeleton and luge racers.

“I find Calgary is really good for goalie masks,” comments Bourgeault.

INSTAGRAM @JBOAIRBRUSH

“Hockey is huge here, obviously, so that’s why that has become one of my main sources of work.”

His painting has even found its way onto the NHL ice.

“I’ve done one NHL mask and that was [for] Reto Berra when he was on the Calgary Flames. They needed it last minute, so they went to somebody local,” explains Bourgeault.

“I did an all-nighter and painted them a mask in 48 hours.”

Airbrushing has led Bourgeault to undertake some complex jobs; however, that is all just part of the challenge.

“I consider myself an everything guy.

I’ll tackle whatever job or whatever style and just jump in and see how it works out.”

This ranges from painting an entire jungle-themed wall, to shoes painted with Joker and Harley Quinn, or amazing body painting that resembles animal skulls.

One of the largest jobs Bourgeault has completed was an order for 100 custom-painted firefighters’ helmets made to commemorate the volunteers and firefighters who fought the infamous fires in Fort McMurray.

“I had to do 100 of them in two months.

It was a huge task and I had to hire people and get new gear to be able to do it in such [a short time]. I came up with some pretty cool new systems in mass quantities, which I’ve never done before. So, that was a huge challenge and a huge undertaking.”

Although the work is always challenging, it is often rewarding.

“My favourite job that I’ve done [was painting] a motorcycle for a woman who lost her daughter at the age of three in a car accident. It was a memorial bike for her daughter, and it has all kinds of [images] and pictures of her as an angel on it,” describes Bourgeault.

“It took me months. It was the most intricate paint job I’ve done to date.”

Watch for Bourgeault’s work on various types of canvases, be it car, motorcycle, sneaker, mask, or even skin.

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LEAH HENNEL

@LOCALDROPMAG

INTERVIEW WILL GEIER

PHOTOS LEAH HENNEL

INSTAGRAM @LEAHHENNELPHOTO

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L

eah Hennel is an award-winning photojournalist and videographer that works primarily for the Calgary Herald. Hennel has been a photographer for 15 years and is best known for her stunning images of the prairies that raised her. She has previously won multiple National Newspaper Awards, as well as many other honours.

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@LOCALDROPMAG

You recently photographed this year’s Stampede for the Calgary Herald. What was that like and how did you prepare for and execute such a large undertaking?

In terms of the preparation and execution, it helps that I’ve done dozens and dozens of rodeos. Additionally, I stay on top of news events—the introduction of Indigenous relay racing and the retirement of chuckwagon legend Kelly Sutherland—and shoot them ahead of time. Perhaps most importantly, shooting rural Alberta is a passion of mine. From brandings to cattle drives to cowboy portraits to landscape, I have plenty of experience. Fun fact: I’m allergic to horses.

You do many shoots with western-styled subjects; do you find that your style comes from living in the prairies or has this subject always been something that has interested you?

It has always interested me. My family background is in farming and ranching from the Stettler, Alta. area. It appeals to me because it’s like stepping back in time.

Most of the ranches haven’t changed what they do for a hundred years. I wish I could live on a ranch, but I can’t, so I live vicariously through these people.

Why did you become a photographer?

I wanted to go to vet school, but I took a work-experience placement at a local newspaper and fell in love with photography. I figured one day I could work for National Geographic and take pictures of animals.

Photo information: Team Lone Wolf’s Aaron Good Rider, left and jockey Kal Jackson of the Piikani Nation will be competing in the inaugural Indigenous relay races at the Calgary Stampede.

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What draws you to documentary photography and videography?

It is interesting. My favourite subjects are real people. Often, the ordinary is the extraordinary. I also pick my subjects by what interests me. For instance, beekeeping.

This motivates me to find out more and I learn stuff along the way. Videography is just another tool to help tell the story.

Which do you find more challenging: videography or still photography?

They both have their challenges, equally.

It’s important to note that they’re two completely separate beasts. Light and composition and story-telling still matter for both, but you have to worry about sound and flow for video. It takes longer to complete a video project.

In your opinion, what makes a good portrait subject?

Anyone with a character face. You know as soon as you see someone whether he or she will be a great portrait. You can tell—it’s in their eyes.

How do you choose the video projects you work on?

Again, it’s just like picking a subject for a photo story. If someone’s doing something interesting, it’s worth pursuing.

Do you feel that Calgary is a supportive and interesting location for photography?

Yes, because you get a taste of everything from urban to rural. Nothing is ever too far away.

Photo information: Dana Herr and her daughter Reata on the Lazy U Ranch near Pincher Creek, Alta.

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@LOCALDROPMAG

What advice would you give to photographers starting off in Calgary?

It’s a lot of hard work, so make sure it’s your passion. Even after more than 20 years, I’m still learning and I still want to learn. That’s important.

Do you have any current personal projects on the go?

Too many, but I don’t like to give away too many secrets until they’re done. I am working on a book right now featuring my western photos.

What is your go-to lens?

Sigma 24mm f1.4.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

As a photojournalist, my business has changed quite a bit, but it is still important to tell real, truthful stories. That will never change.

Photo information: A huge storm moves in over Okotoks, Alta., on Sunday July 31, 2016.

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STORY & ADVENTURER GRYPHON BLACK-WALLIS

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he south end of Highway 40 through Kananaskis houses the highest paved pass in Canada: Highwood Pass.

Between the months of December and June, the pass is closed to vehicles, making it an ideal location to ride long stretches of road on a bike. Through many of those months, the pass is inaccessible due to snow; however, during the tail end of the closure, it offers a huge unoccupied and incredibly scenic road to ride with epic views of the surrounding peaks. Those who are bold can attempt to cycle up to the pass, involving over 700 metres of elevation gain.

The night we went out was after a shift at work. I got off at 5 p.m. and drove south past Longview, turning west on Highway 40. Arriving around 7 p.m., we took off on our bikes past the south gate, which is located where Highway 40 connects with Highway 940, deep into the Foothills. The evening light that illuminated the trees and peaks accented the ride into the mountains with a warm glow. The road rolls up and down the shoulders of high mountains and winds its way towards the high point. Legs flying, we pedaled swiftly downhill, trying to maintain speed through the inevitable climb that always came after. The late start left us about two-thirds of the way there, and, at about 8:30 p.m., it was

time to turn around. Basking in the last of the light, we watched the valley light up in a spectacular fashion over the surrounding peaks and valleys.

The beauty of riding up on the way out means that most of the way back is downhill. Long stretches of road blinked past as we coasted through the woods. The sun was just dipping below the horizon as we crested the last hill back to the truck. Having left later than most, we didn’t see any other cyclists on the road that night, which was serene in its silence. Two motorcyclists sped past us at one point, enjoying their own ride and, briefly waving, disappearing off on a different adventure.

Highway 40 cuts all the way up past the Kananaskis lakes and onto Highway 1 to the north. Regardless of how far you make it up the road, Highwood Pass is an incredible day or evening for riders of all skill levels; however, one should be aware of the hilly nature of the terrain. Once the road opens to cars, the astounding views provided by the pass while biking are well worth the trip.

Kananaskis is beautiful, and this highway is the gateway to many wild places for hiking, scrambling, climbing, camping, paddling, and, of course, biking on or off the road.

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HIGHWOOD PASS Â Location: Highway 40 in south Kananaskis.

Length: 37 kilometres Time: Approximately four hours, round trip.

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HIGHWOOD PASS PHOTO GRYPHON BLACK-WALLIS

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PHOTO KELSEY ZEOLI

LETTER FROM THE PHOTO EDITOR E

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lijah B. here, thanking you for picking up our latest copy of Local Drop Magazine. What started as a group of journalism students at SAIT back in February 2016, has now grown into this magazine showcasing ‘mom and pop shops,’ musicians, artists, clothing shops, photographers, explorers and, most importantly, the local spirit.

Since moving to Calgary in 2015, I’ve met so many interesting people and I’ve seen such cool places because of Local Drop and its opportunities. We’ve released three issues – now four – of this eclectic magazine that tells amazing stories of the great people in and around Calgary.

It’s only been a year since the release of the first issue of Local Drop and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon... Stay tuned for what the #DropSquad has to offer in the near future and I hope you have an amazing autumn. Cheers, until next time!

@LOCALDROPMAG

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