Ben Doerksen Show and Tell

If you live in Guelph and you are a fan of Guelph's myriad of musically gifted individuals, you may recognize the name Ben Doerksen. Ben has been a member of the now retired but not forgotten, Your Neck of the Woods as well as the frontman and eye-candy for Ben Doerksen and the Rebel Alliance. Ben has now ventured off on a solo journey through the musical galaxy and has recently released a new EP titled Gilding the Lily.

If you have yet to treat your senses to the album, you can find it, and pay what you choose for it right here. 

With a voice that is perhaps bigger than Ben himself, not an easy feat, Ben delivers profoundly written lyrics with themes that bring the listener to fields and prairies and rivers and kitchens and fireside sing alongs. Ben's lyrics penetrate the mind and invite, maybe even pull, the listener into a dreamscape. They are sensual. You can't help but feel the cool summer wind in late August, or the tall grass on your fingertips. 

With what sound like instant classics like Northern Rivers and Skies Like This, Ben is sure to make an even bigger impact than he already has on the Guelph music scene and even the Canadian music scene.

I had the chance to sit down with Ben while he discussed the ins and outs of playing with a band. He even brought a great show and tell item to prove just how cool he really is.

You can see that interview right here.

Also check out...

http://benjamindoerksen.bandcamp.com/

http://yourneckofthewoods.bandcamp.com/track/alberta-burning

www.zdc.4ormat.com

Ben Doerksen hard at work during Hillside 2012

Pic of the Day #15 - Bear

Oliver Vs. The Bear

We spent a week in Killarney's backwoods last month. On day five some kayakers warned us of a bear making his way too our campsite. We quickly prepared by hanging our food and getting our knives...and cameras. We were able to snap a few grainy shots of the bastard while we chased him away from our site. We knew of course it was him or us. 

When Oliver found out about the heartless son of a gun he was shocked! Oliver is a child of a very good friend. One of my old college buddies. We know eachother from back in college. Those were the days, I tell you.

You can read Oliver's thoughts on this near death experience in his blog which can be found here. 

Pic of the Day #14 - The Artist

Jay Inglis

Jay Inglis is a local artist. He works on paper. He uses pencil crayons and ink. The guy makes some pretty psychedelic art. Last night I visited with him and we had a little photo-sesh. Rumour has it he could be featured in a home town rag very soon. Keep your eyes peeled and look around for Mr. Inglis and his colourful work. 

Pic of the Day #13 - Figuring it out

The Ogilvies

So I shot a wedding for the Ogilvie's a while back and I just recently delivered the photos. After looking through them again however, I noticed this picture had a big brown towel sticking out from underneath Cam. I was able to use Photoshop to get rid of that. I'm happy with this end result.

Pic of the Day #12 - Back at it

Berkeley Castle Courtyard

Berkeley Castle is a neat little place nestled away in Toronto. It's a place where a few businesses operate out of including a wine store and a hair salon. One of the stylists invited us in to take a few pictures of the court yard and I nabbed this one just as the windows were reflecting in the grass. Apart from the reflection, I love the orange brick and the absolutely beautiful tree. The photo really doesn't do it justice, but it is an excellent tree.