My second installment on the open jam/open mic experience brings me to Bassline Pub & Eatery, located near the corner of Greenbank and Baseline, in Ottawa’s west end. Founded in 2006, owner Anthony Scarcella (aka, AJ), has always believed in the power of the local music scene, welcoming a wide array of genres to appeal to various musical tastes. As a result, there is now a large network of musicians, which have attracted many to this little west end music hub. Soon to go on its eighth year in business, Bassline P&E is a music club like no other, with events almost every night of the week, and has become a longtime musician’s hot spot on the open mic/open jam scene.
Every Wednesday at 9:30pm is Acoustic Open Mic night at Bassline, with host/musician, Steve Ducharme. This is a bare-boned, unplugged evening for those musicians looking to share their music without the electric band format. Bring your voice, acoustic guitar, upright bass, percussion instrument, etc., and look for the sign-up sheet usually located at the far end of the bar, or near the front of the stage.
Mics and stands are provided, but I would advise bringing your own patch cord for your acoustic guitar, which can be plugged into the DI box on stage and amplified through the PA. Steve warms up the crowd with an opening set of cool covers and originals, then opens up the stage for signed-up musicians to showcase themselves with a handful of songs, depending on the time factor and number of musicians waiting to perform. Here, you will find more single/duo acts, in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with regular Bassline patrons supporting the talent of our local musicians.
Left: singer/songwriter and Wednesday night host, Steve Ducharme. Right: Pat Ang performs during Wednesday’s acoustic night.
Thursday nights is Electric Jam night, which features full-blown, amplified sound by musicians who flock to the Bassline stage. Here you will find the usual suspects, along with a constant flow of new talent, and the occasional surprise of a recording artist or two. Whether you’re a solo musician looking to jam it out with others alike, or a band looking for a stage to play on, this is the perfect playground!
Maria Hawkins and her band give us a sneak preview of her upcoming Bluesfest performance last summer, during a Thursday Electric Jam Night.
The jam is usually hosted by talented musician, Michael Bassett, who starts off the evening with an opening set. In-house equipment provided on stage: drum kit, bass amp, mics, stands, and full PA. Guitarists are advised to bring their own amp/patch cords/pedals unless a sharing option has been planned in advance. In my experience, it’s always best to come prepared with one’s own equipment. After signing up, drop off your guitar/bass/amp just under the foot of the stage, and wait to be called up on a first-come/first-served basis.
Single musicians will be teamed up with others to jam it out as a collective unit, and depending on the number of musicians present, you may be called up more than once to perform. Full bands can also climb aboard the stage to showcase themselves for 3-4 songs. For bands and solo musicians, it’s a great way to give those present a taste of your skills, and a great way to network with others.
Left: Magenta lends us her sweet vocals, accompanied by Fred Sebastian on drums, and Reif Spano on guitar. Right: Regular jammer, Richard Skeete, and his cool collection of axes, with Adam MacLeod on drums.
Frequently, AJ will incorporate Bassline swag and guitar giveaways, raffled off during jam nights, as well as hold many fundraising and special events throughout the year. Longtime regular, Dave Hayward, a 50 year native of the surrounding neighborhood, spoke to me briefly on how he became a loyal patron here at Bassline P&E. Finally satisfying his curiosity, after frequently passing by the venue, he poked his head inside on a Thursday Electric Jam night about a year ago. He was pleased to find a relaxed, grassroots experience, watching the freeform interaction of musicians and enjoying the multitude of musical styles.
Servers Shannon Weir, and Paul Corfe, truly complete the scene with their strong people skills, as well as their efficiency and attention to detail. Dave describes Bassline as having a homey environment, with a cheerful “rec room” feel.
Jammers from left to right: Mike Staples on guitar, Kevin Fabbi on bass, Diana Craig on vocals. Right: Bassline’s cozy atmosphere, enveloped in walls adorned with guitars and photos of past & present performers.
Finally, on a personal note, my first stage experience with my new band at the time, was right here at Bassline during a Thursday Electric Jam night 3 years ago. Through my pre-stage jitters, I felt the encouraging and positive vibes emanate from the other musicians, jam hosts, staff, and patrons, and have since felt an automatic sense of comfort each time I step onto the Bassline stage. It’s been during these jam nights here, I’ve had the opportunity of performing with and/or listening to some of Ottawa’s most brilliant and accomplished musicians. Every artist needs to experience the creative energy shared in the room during a jam night, and feel that liberating release of expression that brings us back to what it really means to be a musician.
For more information on local open mic/open jam nights in Ottawa, please visit Open Mic Scene.
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