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Inside NKPR: All About the Art!

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Ashton

Springtime inside NKPR is all about the art!

Kicking off the art season next week, we wait (not so patiently) for the second instalment of the Love Art Fair; a simple yet inspiring environment for high-quality contemporary art.

Following the Fair, we’ll have the inside scoop on the upcoming announcement of the winner of the Scotiabank Photography Award, plus the highly anticipated CONTACT Photography Festival!

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned vet, this year you’re sure to find inspiration for that piece you’ve been searching for!

Here are some highlights from the upcoming Love Art Fair, Scotiabank Photography Award and the CONTACT Photography Festival…

Love Art Fair

Unicorn by Marjorie Campbell
Alison Milne Gallery
On display at the Thompson Toronto Hotel, April 7-16
Available for purchase at Love Art Fair, April 17-19

This life size sculpture is made of wool, wire, glass marbles, thread, found wood, and gold leaf, by Marjorie Campbell, a fibre artist who resides in Toronto. Inspired by forest and fauna, her work is both realistic and whimsical. She explores the possibilities of felt in a soft and gentle world where life is heightened and magic exists. As wool is pulled and forms are sculpted, alluring and complex worlds emerge, and the persona of the animal reveals itself.

Scotiabank Photography Award

Self-Portrait as Edmund Precelman (Officer) b. Poland, 1890s d. Poland, early 1940s by Rafael Goldchain

Rafael Goldchain is one of the three finalists competing for the 2015 Scotiabank Photography Award, alongside Angela Grauerholz and Isabelle Hayeur. This year’s SPA winner will be announced on May 6.

This photograph is a part of Goldchain’s “I Am My Family”, a collection of digitally altered self-portrait photographs where Goldchain re-enacts familial others through genetic resemblance. Through the conventions of the portrait photograph, these self-portraits suggest that we look at family photographs in order to know ourselves through the photographic trace left by our lost ancestors.

CONTACT Photography Festival

Water Pump With Hoses on Orange by Jimmy Limit
On display at Clint Roenish Gallery from April 30-May 30, and on billboards across Canada from May 1-31.

This photograph is a part of Surplus, Jimmy Limit’s featured exhibition at CONTACT. For his compositions, Jimmy Limit selects objects based on their formal qualities, often avoiding items with clear functions. Inspired by industrial supply catalogues and store flyers, the St. Catharines, Ontario-based artist uses colourful hardware store goods and industrial or domestic wares. He lifts these common objects out of context, alters their appearance, and combines them in strange and compelling ways. His precariously-arranged scenes may only last for a moment, but his seductive images have the deceptive gloss of advertisements. Limit’s photographs conflate function, merchandising, and desire, drawing attention to the complex relationship between product and consumer.

What’s your favourite piece of art? Tweet us at @NatashaNKPR!

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NK Loves – Must-Haves for Summer 2015

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Ashton

Which products will be your summer essentials? Tweet us at @NatashaNKPR!

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Vote Now – Jack Daniel’s Supporting Act Fan Choice Award

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Ashton

For the past few months, Jack Daniel’s JD Supporting Act has been making musical dreams come to life for young artists across Canada. The calibre of talent and the love for music in our country is nothing short of incredible (can we talk about Alanis Morisette at the Junos, anyone?).

In Jack Daniel’s Supporting Act’s inaugural year, over 65 Canadian artists shared their musically-driven stories in a short 60-second video outlining what they need to make their dreams a reality. Over the course of 16 weeks, the contestants were narrowed down by a panel of judges and one artist was chosen every two weeks winning everything from electronic drum sets to touring the UK! Now you have the chance to be a part of someone’s musical journey to stardom!

This week it’s up to you to vote on the finalists to decide who will be receiving the JD Supporting Act Fan Choice Award! From March 13-25 your votes will decide who the final winner is!

Watch the finalist’s videos here: http://www.jdsupportingact.com/videos

Previous JD Supporting Act Winners:

Winner 1: Tim Popek – The music teacher won an electronic drum set, recording software and a new computer, allowing him to create an online drumming school.

Winner 2: Kink the Band – The duo, who strives to promote female empowerment in rock and roll, won funds to record their first album with local Toronto producer Jason Pierce.

Winner 3: Young Running – The folk rock group won funds towards a Western Canada Tour. The band just returned home after three weeks living out their dream playing music in the Rocky Mountains.

Winner 4: Stone Iris – After winning Indie Week Canada, the band from Alberta had the opportunity to play Indie Week UK. Jack Daniel’s gave them the means to tour the UK before their headlining experience.

Winner 5: Sidney York – The indie avant-pop duo from Calgary received funds to produce and market their new album release, showcasing their talent for playing instruments seldom seen beyond the orchestra pit.

Winner 6: Bathurst Station – The up and coming Toronto band was the second to win an opportunity to tour the UK.

Winner 7: The Elwins – Hailing from Keswick, Ontario, this group of long-time friends received funds to purchase new instruments to complete their world-wide tour, aiming to sound better than ever on stage.

Winner 8: JD Supporting Act Fan Choice

Which musical act is your favourite? Tweet us at @NatashaNKPR!

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Vote Now – Jack Daniel's Supporting Act Fan Choice Award

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Ashton

This week it’s up to you to vote on the finalists to decide who will be receiving the JD Supporting Act Fan Choice Award! From March 13-25 your votes will decide who the final winner is!

Watch the finalist’s videos here: http://www.jdsupportingact.com/videos

Previous JD Supporting Act Winners:

Winner 1: Tim Popek – The music teacher won an electronic drum set, recording software and a new computer, allowing him to create an online drumming school.

Winner 2: Kink the Band – The duo, who strives to promote female empowerment in rock and roll, won funds to record their first album with local Toronto producer Jason Pierce.

Winner 3: Young Running – The folk rock group won funds towards a Western Canada Tour. The band just returned home after three weeks living out their dream playing music in the Rocky Mountains.

Winner 6: Bathurst Station – The up and coming Toronto band was the second to win an opportunity to tour the UK.

Winner 8: JD Supporting Act Fan Choice

Which musical act is your favourite? Tweet us at @NatashaNKPR!

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Nastia Liukin – Competing on Dancing With The Stars

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Ashton

We are so proud and excited for our very own NK Artist and Olympic gold medalist, Nastia Liukin, to compete on this season of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars (DWTS)! In its tenth year and twentieth season (wow!), we can’t wait to watch Nastia bring her grace, strength, and undeniable beauty to the DWTS dance floor and inevitably to Mirror Ball victory!

Nastia never shies away from a busy schedule. As a full-time student at New York University, a Subway sandwich ambassador, NBC analyst and creator of Supergirl by Nastia, she manages it all with a natural ease only an Olympic champion can relate to.

A true match made in heaven, Nastia has been paired with five time Dancing With The Stars Champion, Derek Hough. With Nastia balancing classes at NYU and Derek busy with Move Live Tour, “Team Houghkin” is the only DWTS pair to rehearse in NYC (one of our favourite cities) and is already deemed the crowd favourite and pair to watch!

Watch the premiere episode Monday, March 16th at 8:00pm EST. Stay tuned for details on how to vote for Team Houghkin!

Unknown-6 — Image via ABC Dancing With the Stars

Follow @NatashaNKPR for an inside look at Nastia and Derek’s Dancing With The Stars journey!

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Valentine's Day Dinner Guide

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Ashton

It’s no secret that the way to anyone’s heart (male or female, let’s be honest…) is through their stomach. And what better reason to enjoy a delicious, mind-blowing feast than on Valentine’s Day?

This year, treat that special someone to one of Toronto’s best restaurants for a meal that will be as unforgettable as the time you spend together.

We’ve rounded up the best dishes from our favourite restaurants for you to enjoy this Valentine’s Day…

Montecito – 299 Adelaide St. West

Our Pick: Chef Jonathan Waxman’s JW Chicken

Cibo Wine Bar – 522 King St West

Our Pick: Quattro Stagioni Pizza

Ciao Wine Bar – 133 Yorkville Avenue

Our Pick: Chianti Braised Short Ribs

Thompson Toronto Rooftop Lounge – 550 Wellington Street West

Our Pick: Grilled Salmon Fish Tacos

Share your Valentine’s Day plans…Tweet us at @NatashaNKPR!

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Valentine’s Day Dinner Guide

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Ashton

This year, treat that special someone to one of Toronto’s best restaurants for a meal that will be as unforgettable as the time you spend together.

We’ve rounded up the best dishes from our favourite restaurants for you to enjoy this Valentine’s Day…

Montecito – 299 Adelaide St. West

Our Pick: Chef Jonathan Waxman’s JW Chicken

Cibo Wine Bar – 522 King St West

Our Pick: Quattro Stagioni Pizza

Ciao Wine Bar – 133 Yorkville Avenue

Our Pick: Chianti Braised Short Ribs

Thompson Toronto Rooftop Lounge – 550 Wellington Street West

Our Pick: Grilled Salmon Fish Tacos

Share your Valentine’s Day plans…Tweet us at @NatashaNKPR!

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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas – For Him & Her

Posted on February 7, 2015 by Ashton

Ah, Valentine’s Day…that day of the year we’re reminded that love is special and most definitely worth celebrating. We’ve all seen our fair share of overly sized teddy bears, obnoxiously large boxes of chocolate, and instantly forgotten knick-knacks (cue eye rolls now…).

This year, we’ve decided to opt for the “wow” factor. To give that special someone something that shows you’re really thinking of them and something that shows you care beyond those typical cliché gifts.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite products that will make this Valentine’s Day your best one yet…

For Her:

DAVIDsTEA – The Sweetheart Collection

Saje Natural Wellness – The Goddess Fragrance

Mulberry – Rose Gold Heart Keyring

For Him:

Hi-Tec Canada – Bazile Lux

Zwilling Canada – Chef Knives

Rudsak – Black Leather iPad Case

Tell us your favourite Valentine’s Day gift ideas…tweet us at @NatashaNKPR!

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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas – For Him & Her

Posted on February 7, 2015 by Ashton

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite products that will make this Valentine’s Day your best one yet…

For Her:

DAVIDsTEA – The Sweetheart Collection

Saje Natural Wellness – The Goddess Fragrance

Mulberry – Rose Gold Heart Keyring

For Him:

Hi-Tec Canada – Bazile Lux

Zwilling Canada – Chef Knives

Rudsak – Black Leather iPad Case

Tell us your favourite Valentine’s Day gift ideas…tweet us at @NatashaNKPR!

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Make Your Musical Dreams Come True – Jack Daniel's Supporting Act

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Ashton

If you’ve been following our blog (say yes!) then you’ve witnessed the launch of Jack Daniel‘s incredible program, JD Supporting Act. As mentioned, the program is inspired by the iconic connection between the Tennessee whiskey brand and music.

To refresh your memory, the way it works is Canadians submit a quick 60-second video documenting personal stories and music wishes for the chance at a big break, dream concert tickets, new instruments, music lessons and more.

Jack Daniel’s released an inspiring video documenting the first music dreams fulfilled by Jack Daniel’s Supporting Act. A surprise appearance by Canadian rocker Sam Roberts gave emerging musicians Sam Cash & the Romantic Dogs some much-needed state-of-the-art studio time to record their next album.

In honour of the program, we’ve rounded up NKPR’s biggest and wildest musical dreams…

Natasha: Well I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl…Love it! And I LOVE Billy Joel. My musical dream would be to meet him and watch him play and sing up close and personal in NYC.

Tory: To attend Britney Spears’ birthday party! Brit-brit turns 35 years of FABULOUS!

Aisha: I bought this insanely expensive sitar a few years ago…played it three times. Would love to learn how to play and tune it!

Paula: I desperately want to learn how to play the piano…and sing like Celine Dion…and be her best friend.

Bunmi: To record my second album!

Rebecca: To start a band with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen….and Pitbull.

Ashton: I want to hang out with Elvis…he’s still alive right?

Adrien: My dream is to do a duet of “I believe I can fly” on stage with R. Kelly.

Corinne: To go to the Grammy’s!

Olena: I want to go to Ultra music fest in Miami!

Kristin: I want a really hot man with a guitar to sing to me. It could be anybody really.

Nathan: I want to go to Tomorrowland in Belgium!

Sana: I would like a private concert from the Spice Girls at Wembley Stadium.

Amanda: I’d like to hang out with Ed Sheeran…he seems fun.

Erin: My dream is to sound-proof my basement so that my hubby can play his drums as much as he wants without me and all of our neighbours knowing it!

Lauren: That I could still remember how to play every song I learned on the piano as a kid!

Shaun: I want peace, love and harmony through music!

What’s your musical dream? Tell us at @NatashaNKPR or send in your video to www.jdsupportingact.com!

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