Saskatoon is definitely a city that proves size doesn’t always matter. For a place with a population hovering around 230,000, it has a disproportionate number of live music venues, good restaurants and funky neighbourhoods. The city’s music scene is lively, eclectic and energized, too. And the number of quality indie bands is nothing short of impressive.
(Patrick Schmidt)
Foam Lake is one of the city’s most celebrated rock groups. Paul, Barrett, Tyler and Kalen Ross are the four brothers who make up the band. They’ve recently returned from playing several shows at Primavera Sound in Barcelona, Spain, and just last week they showcased at North by Northeast in Toronto.
Barrett plays bass, synths and sings backing vocals in Foam Lake. He also co-owns PR Productions, which provides a wide range of sound reinforcement and recording services in Saskatoon. So he’s one busy guy, and gets around the city a lot. When CBC Music was looking for someone to put together a list of favourite Saskatoon hangouts, Barrett seemed the perfect choice.
Whether you’re looking for action early in the morning or late at night, Barrett’s got you covered. And with this list you’ll look good, sound good and feel good every step of the way.
Breakfast spot: Poached Breakfast Bistro
(Jade Hanson)
“By night this restaurant goes by the name Flint, a hip little martini bar located in downtown Saskatoon. Every morning Flint is transformed into a wonderful little breakfast spot that goes by the name of Poached. Eat there, it’s good.”
Address: 259 2nd Ave. South.
Hair stylist: Shelby Gaudet at Magnolia Salon
“I don’t cut my hair often, but when I do it’s either my mom, or Shelby Gaudet at Magnolia. Shelby is not only a talented coiffeuse, but also fronts the psychedelic rock group Powder Blue. If you are into music, you’ll have something to talk about as she shears your mop.”
Address: 173 2nd Ave. South.
Coffee shop: Collective Coffee
(Daniel Belhumeur)
“Residing in the collective work spaces of the 220 building on the recently rejuvenated 20th Street West. Collective Coffee not only has great coffee, but the space also holds an art gallery presented by The Stall Gallery, performance spaces, with art openings and events year-round.”
Address: 220 20th St. West.
Guitar shop: Village Guitar & Amp Co.
(Todd Peters)
“This boutique guitar shop is a great place to find guitars or amps, not likely found anywhere else. Village’s shelves contain guitar pedals and other peripherals that you have either only read about, or never even heard of. The decor of the shop also makes for a nice place to hang out, and noodle on your electric twanger.”
Address: 432 20th St. West.
Karaoke bar: The Colonial
“I hate karaoke, but occasionally you are needed to aid in a Roxette duet. If this is the case, The Colonial’s odd atmosphere and cheap booze makes this stupid pasttime tolerable. Also, everyone is really supportive and some of the regulars are incredibly entertaining.”
Address: 1301 8th St. East.
Post-bar eats: Meg’s Restaurant
“Open 24 hours, Meg’s interesting menu makes it an impressive after-hours eatery. Curries, chicken tikka, samosas and the best naan bread I have ever had. The food might give you some weird dreams after eating it that late, but it’s worth it.”
Related:
Foam Lake on Concerts on Demand
Foam Lake on CBC Radio 3
posted by
Shauna Powers
on Jun 22, 2012