Truth In This Art: Stories from Artists, Cultural Leaders and Creative Thinkers

Ready to explore? Tune in to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by host Rob Lee and accompanied by today's guests: Mark Dinerstein and Andy Hotchkiss, the dynamic duo behind the iconic Hammerjacks music venue in Baltimore. With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Mark oversees the day-to-day operations of Hammerjacks, ensuring seamless execution of strategies for the venue, food and beverage, sponsorships, and events. Prior to joining Hammerjacks, Mark served as the President at Knitting Factory Presents (KFP). On the other hand, Andy is a principal at NREB, LLC, a commercial real estate brokerage firm in Bethesda, MD. He brings his expertise in real estate and a passion for music and live events to Hammerjacks. Together, they have transformed Hammerjacks into a legendary space, hosting renowned artists like Foo Fighters, Bob Dylan, and Dave Chappelle. With their combined skills and vision, Mark and Andy have made Hammerjacks a premier destination for music enthusiasts and a significant part of Baltimore's entertainment landscape.

Hammerjacks

Hammerjacks, a legendary Baltimore brand, was originally established in 1977 and reestablished in 2021 under new ownership. For 20 years, its reputation for showcasing regional and national musical talent propelled it to a strong national brand and was a beacon for live entertainment in the mid-Atlantic. The local and regional affinity for the brand continues to this day. Now, almost fifty years after first opening its doors, Hammerjacks is back and ready to raise the bar, inviting seasoned regulars and a whole new generation alike to join them in carrying on the legacy of a true Baltimore institution. Located at 1300 Russell Street, the new Hammerjacks operates with the same rock & roll attitude that fueled the original into entertainment history. The first phase of the new Hammerjacks features recycled shipping containers fashioned into food and beverage stations and the outdoor space will see a wide variety of usage, from large-scale NFL tailgate parties and live events.

Throughout this episode:

• Get ready for an exciting episode as we delve into the revival of Hammerjacks as a vibrant outdoor entertainment venue! Discover the owners' plans to reintroduce live music and captivating programming, making it a must-visit spot for music enthusiasts.
• Join us as we explore the new Hammerjacks, where tradition meets modernity! Tune in to learn how this iconic venue aims to honor its rich legacy while embracing diverse music genres and welcoming music lovers of all generations.
• In this episode, we highlight the owners' commitment to community engagement. Hear inspiring stories of their partnerships with local organizations, supporting and shining a light on the valuable work being done in the community.
• Dive into the history of Hammerjacks' location and design, paying homage to its roots and the surrounding area. Discover the thoughtful elements that make it an authentic and nostalgic experience for music lovers.
• Discover the thought process behind programming concerts at Hammerjacks. Learn how the owners navigate the uncertainties and challenges in the music industry, taking a cautious approach while planning to expand their offerings in the future.

This is an episode you don't want to miss! Mark and Andy talk about their personal backgrounds, their love for music, and their vision for the new Hammerjacks. They emphasize the importance of honoring the history of the original Hammerjacks while also embracing modern music and creating a venue that is inclusive and welcoming to all generations. They also discuss their favorite music venues and how they draw inspiration from them for Hammerjacks. Additionally, they highlight their community engagement efforts and their plans for future events and concerts at the venue.

Mentioned in this episode:

HammerJacks
Baltimore Fishbowl

Maximilian Franz Photography

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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

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