Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys

I was really impressed by Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys set on the Coca Cola stage at the Calgary Stampede this year.

Some describe their sound as a mix of bluegrass and rockabilly, but as someone who's been particularly swept up in nostalgia on my latest documentary, what I really loved was that it was like stepping back into the Calgary Stampede in 1959 - right down to the deliberate ad reads on stage. I was pleased I got the chance to meet the guys and pick up a record afterwards.

Filmmaker Eager to Debut Film: Monarch Documentary

My thanks to Chat TV for the feature on "Your Cinema Needs You". 

This is where the Monarch documentary gets a lot more fun for me again. First looks, behind the scenes, and a few more promos as we work out delivery and the eventual release date. We're getting so close to completing this thing! Read the story here.

Mid-Year Visuals & Recap

Somehow we've found ourselves halfway through 2023 already.

If I'm honest, I've mostly been consumed by the ongoing post-production of my Monarch documentary this year, but there have been a few stand out shoots amidst the filmmaking. California and Nevada travel shoots took place this spring, a return of the hot air balloon festival saw some really strong engagement, and new highlights released from Detroit, New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC all received their own features.

When I'm so consumed with a singular project I like to remind myself that there has been more going on than I realize. It helps to give my mind a rest. As the documentary closes in on completion this summer it will be interesting to rediscover my routine this fall and hopeful find time for a break. I can't complain though, it's always a plus to be busy and to be producing the content you want to be making. I sometimes just wish I could space it out a bit better.