House of PainT Festival: Putting Hip Hop in the Spotlight

Originally published on Couch Assassin. 

Next week-end, hip hop enthusiasts in the Ottawa area will gather for House of PainT (HoP). Known as Canada’s Hip Hop festival, House of PainT will be celebrating its ninth anniversary this year. According to Rob Reid, who is responsible for Development, Media and Marketing for the festival, people who have never attended the festival will be amazed. "Picture 200 artists from all disciplines, like graffiti, DJs, MCs, and a Bboy / Bgirl breakdance battle, all participating in our Main EvenT 4-disciplines of Hip Hop jam," adds Reid. "It's the most explosive cultural event in the city."

Compared to other hip hop festivals, HoP is committed to building up Ottawa's local scene; thus, the reason behind this year's theme, 'BuilDing'. "We are building on the success of past years," says Reid, "and building deeper relationships and partnerships within our community, and building a more sustainable cultural economy for urban artists to live and work - right here in Ottawa." House of PainT is a non-profit organization and registered charity that is entirely run by volunteers.

This year's festival has a great line-up of events scheduled. Among these events is a photo exhibit entitled "Sites Unseen". The works of five selected photographers, focusing on the changing visual landscape of a city in transition, will be presented at Fall Down Gallery.
Thursday, September 13th @ Fall Down Gallery, 8pm-1am, by donation.

House of PainT will also feature a spoken word poetry competition, where 12 top ranking poets will compete. The power will be in the audience's hands, as they will be deciding who will reign in this never before seen slam style competition. Special guest judge MAESTRO FRESH WES will be in attendance. This event is not to be missed!
Friday, September 14th @ Shopify (126 York St), 7-10pm, $10.

On September 15, HoP will hold the Main EvenT, a 4-disciplines of Hip Hop jam. The event will take place under Dunbar Bridge at the site of one of Canada's largest legal graffiti walls (at Brewer Park - beside the Rideau River and Carleton University) starting at noon. The event promotes the four disciplines of Hip Hop and will feature DJs, MCs, Graf writers, and an explosive Bboy / Bgirl breakdance battle. In addition, various workshops will be available for youth on breakdancing, rapping, DJing and graffiti art as well as an artist market with many local artists and artisans. This event is free and for people of all ages.
Saturday, September 15 @ Under Dunbar Bridge, starts at 12pm, Free for all ages.

With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, HoP is presenting its first Concert Under the Bridge on Sunday, September 16. This event will also take place under Dunbar Bridge. This year's all-star, all-Canadian line-up includes Shad, Maestro Fresh Wes, Kid Koala, Flight Distance, Masia One, Radio Radio, D-Track, Atherton, with DJs Magnficent and Killah Karyen. A limited number of advanced tickets are available for sale online.
Sunday, September 16 @ Under Dunbar Bridge, 12-7pm, $20.

For more information on House of PainT, please visit www.houseofpaint.ca.