Milkcrate is Kelowna’s community record store. That’s how owner Richard Rafton describes the place, and it’s evident as you stroll through the shop.

Rafton recently discovered that the few feet in front of Milkcrate (before the sidewalk) belong to them, so buskers are immune to bylaw enforcement, and on the day we visited there was a lovely melody being played by a local musician.

They share the space with “Nice-Tees” who produce not only Milkcrate merchandise, but an array of screen-printed apparel to suit a variety of styles. Local artists can sell their music on consignment, and Milkcrate gives them 101% back (you read that right).

Photo credit: Contributed

Rafton also shows off the old “murphy wall stage” from their original Ellis street location.

The store hosts a larger permanent stage now, but the in-store shows maintain that great intimate vibe.

“For us at Milkcrate, everything begins and ends with musicians,” says Rafton, “Without them there’s no songs, there’s no music, there’s no records, and there’s certainly no record store.”

Photo credit: Contributed

His respect and admiration for musicians shines through as he speaks. He and Kyle Nixon, owner/operator of BNA Brewing Co., share a passion for authentic experiences, and Nixon has been inspired by what Rafton and his team (including former Partner Pete Jeffery) have created.

Beyond the mutual love of music and of local entrepreneurship, the two business are also connected by Rafton’s choice to serve BNA beer at the live shows hosted by Milkcrate.

“We feel really lucky that you do that for us,” says Nixon, who proceeds to ask Rafton his expert opinion of a favourite pastime.

“When I have a beer, I love listening to a record,” he says before musing on potential beer and music pairings, “If you had an IPA, what would be a record that you would suggest listening to?”

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Rafton quickly comes up with a recommendation. It may seem an unlikely game to pair an album with your drink, but what are beer and music all about if not a little fun?

You can even purchase a piece of vinyl at Milkcrate and saunter on down to BNA’s Tasting Room, where they have a turntable ready to play your newest selection while you enjoy a fresh craft brew.

Established in 2015 in the heart of Downtown Kelowna’s Cultural District, BNA Brewing is an independent, locally-owned and operated craft micro-brewery. They brew all of their beer at 1250 Ellis St., and serve it in the attached Tasting Room and Eatery. The Tasting Room serves as a place to enjoy a tasting flight or sleeve, or to fill a growler. The Eatery is a full-service restaurant with an eclectic cuisine full of house-made elements and a bar that goes beyond beer, showcasing select Okanagan wines and carefully curated cocktails. BNA beer is available in most liquor stores in the city, as well as a few throughout the valley and on the coast.

“City Limits” will be an ongoing series giving you an insight into what BNA does best, as well as showcasing some of the movers and shakers they love around the city we all call home.