Save The Space: Mexicains Sans Frontieres fundraiser event

Mexicians Sans Frontieres (MSF), an amorphous, avant garde artspace and music venue, celebrates their sixth year on Division Avenue with a special fundraising event titled “Save the Space; Viva MSF!” on Friday, October 14th at 9 pm. A performance by Cabildo and a raffle of artwork commemorating previous events are scheduled.

MSF’s proprietor, Hugo Claudin, hosts music ranging from edgy punk rock to wild-eyed jazz impressionists wielding tubas to geek-pop-electronica. MSF is known for hosting some of the premier shows in Grand Rapids’ underground scene. An astounding mix of local and prominent touring artists like Steve Swell, Zevious, Scout Niblett, Michael Vlatkovich, Alexis, Cooper Moore, Tokyo Morose, Panther, Orange Nature, Mara Rosebloom, and Lazy Genius are examples of the many artists to have performed at MSF.

In addition to being a venue for arts and music, Mexicain Sans Frontieres is a constantly evolving series of Claudin’s paintings, which thematically assimilate the image of the Luchador, or Mexican wrestler, as a vehicle to examine the often unseen issues of the daily lives of the undocumented immigrants in our community.

Claudin has finished a new selection of work for this event, and this will be their first public showing. Selections from this new series will be available for purchase during the event. One piece has been reserved to be raffled during the event (ticket included in the price of admission).

“Save the Space; Viva MSF!” will feature speeches by Claudin, as well as selected guests. A slideshow of work by several well-known local photographers will be presented as well. The celebration concludes with a performance by local DJ, Jon Kempston.

Tickets for the event are $20 and are available at the door or in advance by email.