Ten minute tea with Afternoon Tea. Spend ten minutes with Afternoon Tea. In the time it takes to boil one kettle, and let one cup of tea steep, we will have your daily art + music fix covered. Take your afternoon tea break with our Afternoon Tea curators.
Today’s tea + soundtrack + visuals curated by Mitchell Makoons.
Mitchell Makoons (he/him) is a roots/rock musician from Brandon, Manitoba. Makoons started playing guitar at the age of seven to accompany his grandfather and brother playing Metis fiddle tunes. He continues to be an active member of the Manitoba Metis community, writing songs that incorporate traditional Ojibway music and culture with modern influences.
Makoons has toured several times across Western Canada and has begun to break into the Canadian festival scene. In 2023, he performed at Dauphin’s Countryfest, Ste. Madeline Metis Days, All Folk’d Up Music Festival and Winnipeg Fringe Festival, to name a few.
“Courage” is one of the seven sacred teachings used in Ojibway culture. In a new and turbulent state of life, Makoons harkened back to this teaching inspired by watching birds be carefree. All I really needed to achieve my upcoming goals was some courage, so I put down some tobacco, prayed to the Creator and wrote this song.
Stream + share “Courage” now:
Makoons has released four singles and one EP to date, receiving radio play across Canada, the United States and on SiriusXM. Two of his singles have made it to the top 10 on the Indigenous Music countdown with “Still My Father’s Son” peaking at no. five. In 2022, he was nominated for three Manitoba Country Music Awards.
Jace Bodner – Maisie
Jace Bodner is another Manitoban musician hailing out of Winnipeg. I met Jace when I first moved to Winnipeg. He was hosting a weekly open mic night at the Osborne Taphouse. The open mic night was one of the first places I felt fully accepted in Winnipeg. As the host, Jace fosters a sense of community with everyone performing and all the audience members. I’m no longer a regular of the open mic night, but I do still see Jace from time to time. Jace is one of those people that makes your day better every single time you see him. What better up and coming musician is there to support?
Alex Janvier – Spring Equinox
I learned of Alex Janvier’s art through my time at Brandon University. His use of vibrant colour and abstract shapes seem to always spark a little joy in me. With the Spring Equinox quickly approaching us, this piece is perfectly fitting.
Dirty Chai with a splash of Almond Milk
When I need a little pick me up, a Dirty Chai with a splash of almond milk is a personal favourite. If you need a little mood boost to get you through the last few months of winter, Jace Bonder, Alex Janvier and a Dirty Chai might just be what you need.
Tea + Me 