Ceeplus and the House of Art in Houston

This Saturday at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, there will be badass doin’s a-transpirin'.

We have various Blanton parties. We had the whole Radical NY! at the AMOA (which the writer who posted on it completely ruined by misspelling the names of extremely popular artists, and just appearing to be a twat of an art icon ignoramus in general), and if you attend(ed) these events, you’ve likely felt the energy surrounding the concept: combine the majestic imagery of “contemporary” art with the aural majesty of “contemporary” music.

But not “adult contemporary”, because no one would care.

Yah, sure, you’re wondering “why the fuck is Austinist talking up Houston crap?” And that’s a legitimate question. One that deserves an answer. And that answer comes in the form of one compression of two words: Ceeplus.

Yes, “Cee” is now a word. Consider it declared.

Ceeplus (bka Eric Castillo to family and friends) of Reprogram Music may be a Houston mainstay, but his travels to, and efforts in our locale are practically legend at this point. Having been an early co-conspirator with Mercury Room to spearhead the ever-revered Hip Hop Hump Days of the 90s, a regular performer for SxSW & the inaugural Fun Fun Fun Fest, as well as dozens of appearances at venues around town over the years, he might as well be an Austinite with the rest of us. He’s certainly put the work in.

But yeah, this is about something he’s been doing in Houston, which is having an effect on what we do here.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston has been playing host to Ceeplus as he curates the music that is played amongst the exhibitions on display. The current incarnation of this invention is named Starbucks "Mixed Media" Music Series, but the previous and wildly popular series “Beats of Basquiat” is what solidified the creative relationship between Cee’s musical tastes and the MFAH’s ability to procure complimentary artwork. With the likes of Breakestra, DJ Spooky, and Grand Master Flash all headlining their own monthly events to celebrate the visiting works of Jean-Michel, shit was ELECTRIC crazy.

And the Mixed Media events such as the one this Saturday, featuring DJ sets from The Juan Maclean (DFA), Cassiano & DJ Sujinho (Brazil/NYC), Jeffery Mac and Ceeplus himself, combined with the visual work of the Brazilian (almost Dadaist?! - depends on who you ask) Helio Oiticica: The Body of Color, should be beyond badass.

If you’re in Houston this weekend, this event is HIGHLY recommended. If you plan on going to Houston for a weekend anytime soon, be sure to check the MFAH calendar to see if there’s a coinciding Mixed Media event. You will not be disappointed.

Starbucks Mixed Media Music Series
Saturday Feb 24, 2007
Museum of Fine Arts Houston
18+
$15 non-members (free for members)
$10 Students with ID
1001 Bissonet St
Houston, TX 77005