Artscape won’t be over just because the sun has gone down. The Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA) announced “Artscape After Dark,” an immersive after-hours experience that will be free for festival goers.
Artscape After Dark is a series of events taking place at the nearby Hotel Ulysses and the Ikonic Lounge on the evenings of Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25.
The lineup at Hotel Ulysses features world renowned singer and Broadway performer Frenchie Davis along with accomplished multidisciplinary artist Dr. Rebecca Dupas. Davis will perform in Bloom’s Cocktail Lounge on Saturday and Sunday nights. On Sunday night, Dupas will host a poetry slam showcase dubbed “Femme Frequency Spoken Word Night” in Hotel Ulysses’ Ash Bar.
“I’m excited, not only to be performing at Artscape, but I’m also really excited about being in community with the people who will be attending as well as with the other artists and performers,” Davis said in a statement. “I believe that community is important, particularly in these times. I also believe that music is a huge part of how we foster a strong sense of community and lift one another up. I look forward to being part of creating that experience for people.”
“Hotel Ulysses is excited to partner with Artscape After Dark, celebrating Baltimore’s rich cultural scene,” said Jessica Hudson, Events Manager for Hotel Ulysses, in a statement. “Located in the cultural heart of the city, we’re proud to host the incredible artistry that makes this community so special.”
At the Ikonic Lounge, visitors can see activations hosted by Baltimore-based performer and spoken word artist Eze Jackson. “Eze Jackson & Friends Artscape After Party” begins at 9 p.m. and runs until 2 a.m. with a blend of emerging and veteran performers from Baltimore’s arts community. There will be performances from Miss Kam, Wish Granted, Jahiti, and Apex Tha Genius and sets by notable Baltimore-based DJs like DJ Duke, DJ Clutch, Ducky Dynamo, DJ Sun, and more.
“I’ve been doing this party for the past 10 years to celebrate Artscape, which is my favorite weekend in Baltimore,” Jackson said in a statement. “My party always represents the unique, beautiful, and diverse Baltimore that I know, so I hope that this will encourage more people to come out to Artscape and celebrate the arts community. This year is the first year that the City is sponsoring the event, and with new leadership in place I feel that we are headed in a new direction. I’m looking forward to continuing this collaboration in the future.”
“Artscape After Dark is where the city’s creative pulse turns electric—an immersive, late-night celebration of sound, soul, and storytelling at multiple locations,” said Robyn Murphy, BOPA’s Interim CEO, in a statement. “From DJ sets and dance parties to intimate speakeasy vibes with Frenchie Davis and powerful all-female spoken word, Artscape After Dark is our love letter to the city. This is Baltimore at its boldest, brightest, and most unforgettable.”
Also on Sunday night, festival attendees can visit nearby Riverside community for The Dave Couser All White Affair, a ticketed event hosted by Dave Couser at the Museum of Industry. Attendees will be able to enjoy soulful sounds under an open sky and a glowing visual display. Tickets can be purchased by clicking this link.
For more information, visit Artscape’s website.
