The week Prince died, I shared this memory with some friends. One of them encouraged me to share it with you, a year later, so here you go.

I was an odd little pipsqueak of seven years when Purple Rain came out. I have no explanation for how mesmerizing the film's poster was for me at that age. To be torn between distant cleavage and mysterious interiors and this singular, fierce male gaze was a predicament previously unknown for this Catholic schoolboy. The rush of exhaust or some otherly haze, enveloping Prince like angel wings (or a purple heart?)... it was all too much.

So I collected the film sections from our daily newspaper and cut out his likeness on that motorbike again and again (of particular excitement for me were the larger format, colored Sunday editions) and I created a wall collage above my bed, all of this same image. I thought it was glorious. I shared this room with three other siblings, and my three oldest brothers shared the adjacent room. Needless to say, I gave them all much ammunition to ridicule me for many years over this peculiar obsession. (having secretly changed my name at school to Hawk at that time was another matter, and their discovery of that choice did not help my cause).


Prince passed one year ago, but we still celebrate his music and his spirit here at OAKLAND YARD. A true artist. Always exploring, celebrating, pushing boundaries. 

Starting tonight and running through this weekend at OAKLAND YARD, we will be following his lead. Exploring, celebrating, pushing boundaries. Let's go crazy. These tastings are the most dynamic in range we've had yet and are not to be missed. TONIGHT we have two visiting winemakers from Spain, sharing their amazing wines and their craft: Pere Mata and Celler Pardas pouring from 5-7pm! Sparkling Cava and Rosada from Pere Mata followed by a white and 2 reds from Cellar Pardas. 5 wines, $15 flight. SATURDAY: Trailmarker Wine Co Rosé Release Party! Winemakers, Drew Huffine & Emily Virgil, will be pouring their bright and delightful new Rosé of Grenache from Eagle Point Ranch as well as their Manchester Ridge Chardonnay and a domestic Zweigelt from 2-5pm! Come taste some of the most vibrant and exciting wines California has to offer. Sup Street Food will be out front pairing fresh Spring Rolls too! Finally, SUNDAY: SEQUOIA Sake! Master Brewer, Jake Myrick, will be sharing their lineup here at OAKLAND YARD. It's our first sake tasting and we could not be more excited! Check website for more details.

This is all going to be epic. 

I think I'm getting butterflies. Touch, if you will, my stomach...


Daniel