Work

The powerful, unapologetic music of Sam Casey - Rrampt.

There’s a theme that keeps popping up for me as a recovering cynic working in the arts. After many years of seeing what the music industry does to people, it became easier to frown than to smile. When it came to music, I found myself complaining, poking holes, or looking for flaws, but recently an uprising of hope is bursting within me.

The more I stumble across singles and albums from Canadian artists, the more I’m reminded of the hope I felt when I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. These arti...

JD Crosstown's Takin My Time a reminder that all a musician needs is a guitar, a story, and a few minutes of your time - Rrampt.

The first time I met Jacob, we were sitting semi-circle in the foyer of a hotel in the wee hours of the morning after a full day of Summerfolk festival programming. We all shared beer from red cups and swapped songs while out-of-towners stretched their legs to show off their pickin’ chops. When the circle made its way to JD, he and his bandmate pulled out a rendition of Bascom Lamar Lunsford and Scotty Wiseman’s 1930s folk standard Good Old Mountain Dew. Immediately, I thought “damn, this kid is...

Odd Marshall's Sand & Glue is your new summer album - Rrampt.

In this role, I’m extremely fortunate to get access to a ton of great music from artists in this area. It’s inspiring to hear the up-and-coming sounds of artists with integrity, originality, style, and swagger – the whole nine yards – but every now and then an album comes along that is so up my alley, it’s ridiculous.

Sand and Glue is one great big cohesive unit of original musicality that folds back into itself over and over again. From what, at times, feels like a conversation with oneself, t...

Lighthouse Blues Festival brings music-lovers together in Kincardine - Rrampt.

For 15 years, the Bruce Telecom Lighthouse Blues Festival has been bringing music-lovers together in Kincardine. This year’s festival, taking place on July 11th – 13th, will provide live music fans, especially blues fans, with one of the most exciting weekends of the summer.

Kincardine is a happening place all year round with lots to see, including its historic lighthouse standing proudly overlooking Lake Huron, but it really flourishes during the summer months when its beaches, community garde...

Live Music in Grey Bruce Simcoe Needs Us - Rrampt.

Surely you’ve heard the term ‘starving artist’ before and pictured a stylishly disheveled rambler walking the streets in the cold, going from venue to venue, fed by nothing other than the adoration of their small, but loyal group of loving fans and cups of diner coffee.

To burst your bubble, this Norman Rockwell depiction of a soon-to-be discovered folk star doesn’t really exist nowadays. Trade the ciggies for a vape habit and the wandering for a low level marketing career and you’ve got yourse...

An interview with Danny Michel

When you picture one of Canada’s most prolific singer-songwriters – an accomplished, road dog folk-rocker who’s toured the world with acts like The Tragically Hip, Sarah Harmer, Blue Rodeo and Cheap Trick, to name a few –  you may envision someone who enjoys going out every night, keeping a packed schedule and maintaining metropolitan status.

So, it might surprise you to learn that Danny Michel would choose tending to the trees in his forest (not a metaphor) over an extravagant house party any...

Review of Conor Gains "Good Time Buddies"

For an artist who’s been touring, writing and recording as long as Conor Gains has, I often wonder “how do you make something that sounds truly new?” Listening to this new effort from The Conor Gains Band, this question is answered immediately, then 9 times more.

Let’s get right to the point: this album is a triumph. It embodies the kind of confidence that only comes with age and experience. What I take away from these 10 tracks is the importance of friendships, growth, feeling your feelings an...

The lost art of the coffee house - Rrampt.

The first live performance I ever took part in was at a coffee house that had been put on in the West Hill cafeteria in Owen Sound. I can’t remember if it had happened after hours or if it was during the school day—likely due to the fact that it wasn’t the only extracurricular I’d taken part in that day— but it was packed.

From Port Elgin Cafés, the Wiarton Legion and the Woodford Church, to North Bruce basements, Thornbury living rooms, Owen Sound farmers’ markets, high schoolers lined up to b...

Best Spa Getaways for Adventure Lovers

Adventure lovers know there's no better reward than the blissful wind-down after a day of pushing your limits in the great outdoors. Whether you’ve been mountain biking through hilly singletrack or paddling into the wind longer than expected, the stark contrast between high-exertion and deep relaxation is incredibly satisfying. This article is all about playing hard—then treating yourself to the ultimate in post-adventure pampering.We’ve curated a list of spa getaways designed for those who thri...

Guys' Weekends and Adventurous Bachelor Party Ideas in Ontario

With work, busy schedules and the general pace of life, making time for your best buddies is a challenge—but we all know it’s worth prioritizing. If meeting up for the occasional beer or coffee is a good way to keep in touch, getting out for a weekend in nature with your closest friends is infinitely better. There are plenty of great options in Ontario that are close to home and budget-friendly yet still provide amazing outdoor experiences—and excellent opportunities to connect with your buds.Tr...

9 Spectacular Frozen Waterfalls in Ontario

When temperatures drop, Ontario’s waterfalls transform into something some folks argue is even more enchanting. Frozen in place, they become icy sculptures—as awe-inspiring as summer cascades, but inviting a different kind of adventure.Fortunately, the magic doesn’t end with winter. In spring, these frozen falls stir, blending roaring melt with lingering ice. The result is a fleeting and dramatic display of nature in transition. So grab your map, toss your snowshoes or hiking boots in the car, a...

9 Tips to Secure Your 2025 Camping Reservations (Yes, Book Now)

Winter and spring might feel like the off-season for camping, but seasoned campers know it’s the perfect time to start planning your next camping trip. Ontario Parks are busier than ever, with reservations skyrocketing from 4.3 million in 2014 to over 6.6 million in 2021. Last year, more than 12.1 million people visited our provincial parks, making it essential to plan ahead—especially for the most popular ones. Some campgrounds fill up as early as March for the summer season, so don’t wait.To m...

Coolest Ontario Caves for Adventure Lovers

You don’t have to look far in Ontario for beaches that rival the tropics, wilderness campsites, and whitewater river adventures. But when you look a little deeper – beneath the surface –  you realize there’s an entire world waiting to be explored.From translucent ice caves that almost glow to underwater tunnels, mountain caverns and epic rocky gauntlets, Ontario has some incredible hidden places. Hike, climb, shimmy, paddle, descend, or simply enjoy these portals into the Earth from afar. Whethe...
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