If you missed it during your commute this week, you can still catch Jen Traplin’s article and interview with Basement Artists founder Marcus Lamoureux online. To see Basement Artists in action, join us tonight at Babylon Nightclub 7-10PM for a night of art and music.
Artists and art Lovers mingle in Basement
Backstage Pass by Jen Traplin
This weekend you have the chance to check out some truly unique art by some of the region’s most talented up-and-coming artists at the monthly Basement Artists show.
Local artist Marcus Lamoureux created Basement Artists, a volunteer organization that brings together people who may not otherwise actively participate in Ottawa’s art scene.
It started a few years ago as a small, one-off show at Zaphod’s. Lamoureux says owner Eugene Haslam was one of the first people to get behind him and has always been supportive of his art…
This month, Basement Artist Sarah Moffat is featured in a solo exhibit at The Buzz Restaurant. This evening, you’ll have a unique chance to meet and mingle with the artist during a vernissage to be hosted at The Buzz.
With over fifteen years of experience in the specialty wall finishing business, Sarah Moffat has turned her sights to smaller media. Incorporating the understanding of visual integrity and colour gained during her tenure in the industry with the unconditional expression she experienced studying at the Ontario College of Art and Design in the mid-eighties, Moffats work plays with representations of our natural world that venture into the abstract with her choice of materials and use of form and colour.
Exhibiting now at The Buzz is Moffat’s latest series, “The Tree Series.” To see a preview of her work, please check out her website, and join us this evening at The Buzz at 374 Bank Street, between 5:00 to 7:00. If you aren’t able to make it out this Family Day, then you have a few more weeks to catch “The Tree Series” before the exhibit ends.
“Although I have been an artist all my life, I feel like I am at a very exploratory stage of my career, and I hope that never changes”. Sarah Moffat
A lot has been going on behind the scenes, getting ready for Markas Carcas’s CD release party tomorrow night. You can catch a sneak peak today on Rogers 22. You have three chances, and no excuses, since they’ll be on at 11AM, 5PM, and 11PM.
And of course, join us tomorrow night, February 15th, at Zaphod Beeblebrox’s for Markas Carcas’s CD release. It’s an exciting night for Basement Artists, with Carcas’s What is to be Expected representing the pilot project of Skullcap Promotions, a new effort of Basement Artists to help our musical contributors get into the studio and promote the heck out of their music.
Doors open at 7, and besides Marcas Carcas you’ll get to see local bands Riot Police and Order60six, as well as art and photography from some of Ottawa’s basement artists. 19+, please.
It’s been nice out, Winterlude’s arrived, and the canal’s actually frozen over. There’s loads of reasons to get out of the house right now, and while you’re out, we want to encourage you all to check out an exhibit by one of our contributors. We’re happy to announce that all this month Basement Artist founder Marcus Lamoureux will be featured at Wild Oat Cafe and Bakery at 817 Bank Street.
Find some time during Winterlude to get down to the Glebe (come on, it’s right off the canal) to grab a hot drink and check out new pieces from an abstract series Marcus has had in the works over this past winter. In the series he’s blended his characteristic use of found objects and his sci-fi influences with a more traditional medium (no post consumer cyborgs this time, all canvases). You have until February 28th see the result, unlike any of the pieces he’s shown at our events.
Alexandra Aimee's model came to life at the show, with the help of some great body paint.
First off, a huge thank you to everyone who braved a bitterly cold Ottawa night to come out and enjoy some music and art with us at Babylon. The turnout was great, and we appreciate everyone who sucked it up, maybe put on some long johns, and got out to the show. We also want to thank the always wonderful Chelsea Miller, an art lover and a phenomenal host. It’s always a pleasure having her emcee our shows, and it gives us all more opportunity to listen to that killer voice.
Cold weather can't keep the crowds away
Chis Neale opened with a strong set to follow his Rogers 22 visit. Classically trained in blues, gospel, jazz, and folk, Neale blends original pieces with unique arrangements of olders songs, and maybe – if you’re lucky – the occasional cover of The Last Saskatchewan Pirate. A tenor who has been writing songs since he was twelve, Neale is in his element performing, and I’m just excited I got to see him live two days in a row.
Chris Neale
Next on were our favourite multi-instrumental sisters, The Delinquent Grubs. Their sweet folk vibe lends a little heart to the Ottawa music scene, so we expect to see some exciting things from them. Right now, we’re looking forward to working with them on a few projects we have in the pipes.
The Delinquent Grubs
Last up was our out of towners, BS101. They made the trek just for the night, and brought the show to a rowdy close. They always deliver a high energy show, and last Saturday was no exception. Any show that involves that many costume changes and hair pieces can’t disappoint.
BS101
But, in all seriousness, we were happy to host them. The lead singer, Pez, runs Pezmosis Music Productions, and at the show he was able to meet with our own Markas Carcas in preparation for getting into the recording studio this weekend.
Which brings us to Toronto.
After braving the 401 during a snow storm, we’re all settled in at Pezmosis. Marcas Carcas and Pez have spent the day in the studio, and as I’m writing this I get to listen to them work out the tracks. Markas Carkas will be our first musician to record under Skullcap Promotions – a division of Basement Artists aimed to provide further support to our musicians – and we couldn’t be more excited. Stay tuned for updates about the album, sneak peaks, and don’t miss our man’s CD release party February 15th at Zaphod Beeblebrox.
I’ll leave you with a little Markas Carkas, as seen on Rogers 22.
all photo credits to Dave Villeneuve of TopHatPhoto
Don’t miss Basement Artists contributor Chris Neale playing on Rogers 22 this Friday! He’ll be joining Daytime hosts Lois Lee and Derick Fage; you can catch them at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
Brand new year, brand new blog, and we’re ready to get it started with our inaugural show of 2012.
Come out to Babylon Nightclub on Saturday, January 14th for a night loaded with underground art and music. We’ll be taking advantage of the space at Babylon to bring together 30 artists, artisans, and photographers. On stage will be some of our favourite out of towners, BS101, along with locals Chris Neale and the Delinquent Grubs.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
How do you get advance tickets?
Through Basement Artists staff, bands and artists, or at The Record Shaap (Gilmour and Elgin), Neon Clothing (George St.) and Compact Music (both Bank St. locations.)
