Stream This: Ojai Creators Online
Podcast
OJAI TALK OF THE TOWN: MATT HENRIKSEN
Who’s from Ojai?
Host: Bret Bradigan
Guest: Matt Henriksen
From Bret Bradigan:
Matt Henriksen grew up in Ojai and witnessed many changes throughout the years, but one constant remained for the committed bibliophile, Bart's Books, founded in 1964.
Working at the time for an insurance agency, Matt found the work a little drab for his taste, and to supplement his income began doing odd jobs around the bookstore he - and hundreds of thousands of other people - love. When manager Dave Ray pulled up stakes to move to Pueblo, Colorado, Matt was offered his dream job. His extensive knowledge of books comes in handy as Ojai's resident recommender of literature. He also collects and sells vintage and valuable books, including some incredible finds.
Among many assorted topics, we talked about growing up Ojai, how his tastes in literature have, and have not, changed and what he thinks the future of this "smiling vale" will bring. We did not talk about geo-fencing, the Great Australian Emu War of 1932 (spoiler: the emus won) or tips and tactics for topwater bass.
OJAI TALK OF THE TOWN: BEATO CHOCOLATES
Who’s from Ojai?
Host: Bret Bradigan
Guests: Heather Stobo and Lisa Casoni
From Bret Bradigan:
Heather Stobo and Lisa Casoni, owner and operators of Beato Chocolates, moved to Ojai in 2010. They opened Porch Gallery in 2013 with the goal of pairing up artists of different genres and mediums to "see what happens."
They came to Ojai with open minds and hearts and quickly became integral to the community. The Sunday morning impromptu gatherings on the famous porch became an accelerator for the unexpected and incidental encounters that lead to interesting relationships and creative partnerships.
Beato Chocolates grew out their shared affinity and admiration for the pioneering ceramicist and "Mama of Dada," whose relationship with Marcel Duchamp and Henri Pierre-Roché was integral to a revolution in the art world.
Lisa and Heather discussed the arts scene in Ojai and where and how it's likely to change and evolve in the future, their experiences adapting themselves to Ojai and their journeys here. We did not talk about giant squid, Helen Frankenthaler or Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
Music
ALBUM: BALTIMORE (2006)
Baltimore (2006) by Shelley Burgon and Trevor Dunn is a mesmerizing journey through avant-garde soundscapes that defy categorization. This collaborative effort between harpist Shelley Burgon and bassist Trevor Dunn transcends conventional boundaries, offering a unique blend of experimental jazz, ambient textures, and ethereal melodies.
Who’s from Ojai?
Shelley Burgon
From the opening track, listeners are drawn into a sonic universe where the harp and bass intertwine with haunting beauty. Burgon's mastery of the harp shines through, as she deftly explores its sonic possibilities, weaving intricate patterns that evoke a sense of mystery and wonder. Dunn's bass provides a solid foundation, anchoring the compositions with its deep, resonant tones while also venturing into unexpected territories with fearless experimentation.
Throughout the album, Burgon and Dunn display a remarkable chemistry, effortlessly complementing each other's musical ideas and pushing each other to new creative heights. Tracks like "Baltimore" and "Hollow Bell" showcase their ability to create rich, immersive soundscapes that transport the listener to otherworldly realms.
One of the album's standout features is its use of space and silence, allowing the music to breathe and unfold organically. Moments of quiet contemplation are juxtaposed with bursts of frenetic energy, creating a dynamic listening experience that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.
Overall, Baltimore is a captivating album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of depth and complexity with each encounter. Shelley Burgon and Trevor Dunn have crafted a masterful work that defies easy classification, pushing the boundaries of experimental music while remaining accessible and emotionally resonant. Fans of avant-garde jazz and ambient music alike will find much to admire in this stunning collaboration.
Video
STOP MOTION: RIVIAN
Who’s from Ojai?
Director: Larry Parker
From Larry: Back in August of 2020, I reached out to (Foster Huntington) with an idea I thought up in a hotel room one morning. It turns out that Foster and I had plenty in common, from a love of ’80s rally cars to perspectives on culture and stop motion. I’d been following him since the early days of insta…2013 or so, and we quietly worked away on this while the company marched on. We finished the piece before I’d left, but the spot sat on the shelves for a while for a host of reasons. We did, however, get a number of other projects out into the world, specifically a couple of dioramas for the Venice space. Good to see this one dusted off and brought to light. Thanks to the Rivian team, especially (James Henry) and (Rachel Quizon Maniago) for keeping it alive in my absence.
VACATIONLAND: TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY VIDEO
Who’s from Ojai?
Director: Nicholas Weissman
Cover: Jules Weissman
