Photo by Pat McQuade
On Thursday, October 29th, photographer Andy Cook had a book release party for not one but two books. He had the book, In The Air and Sound Of Fire, on display and some shots on the wall that made Baltimore appear not only exciting but beautiful as well. It’s not often you look at an ominously lit back alley with a solitary black cat and think “now there’s a place I might like to visit.” Most of us who live in the city would probably opt for the well-lit street half a block over, but through Andy’s lens we see a Baltimore bursting with allure that inspires us to venture down those dark alleys.
Photo by Pat McQuade, story by Peter Cardamone.
Photo by Pat McQuade
Emily Slaughter from AK Slaughter and Moyra Horowitz
I prefer Andy’s words of what the scene in Baltimore is like more then most adjectives used to describe this place, he said, “The scene in Baltimore is really vibrant. There is a collusion of art and music that makes Baltimore colorful and lively and I have found that to be really inspiring.” If there is one person who’s watched the music and art scene bloom it’s Andy. His one book is like a yearbook of the music scene with shots from every style and type of musical venue. His pictures give the audience such a personal feel of the artists photographed and his shots of Baltimore are bursting with character. At the risk of sounding cheesy, the best word for it is charming.
Photo by Pat McQuade, story by Peter Cardamone.
Photo by Pat McQuade
Sarah Williams and Natasha Tylea
Curator Natasha Tyler explained that Andy’s pictures are important to the music scene in Baltimore because he was at the inception of the musical explosion. He was able to get such up-close and personal shots of the musicians because of his familiarity. Most of the people coming onto the music scene in the past several years are Andy’s friends. “His work is so special because of the shots of the artists in their true element,” observed Tylea.
Photo by Pat McQuade, story by Peter Cardamone.
Photo by Pat McQuade
Matt Rocks, Dylan Koehler, and Aran Keating
Matt Rocks and Dylan Koehler were out to show their support for Andy and Aran who is one half of the rap duo A.K. Slaughter and has a firm grip on Dylan’s package. These three will be performing in the upcoming Baltimore Rock Opera Society production and fundraiser, the BRO-Down November 13 at the Windup Space.
Photo by Pat McQuade, story by Peter Cardamone.
Photo by Pat McQuade
After the wine was drunk and the cheese and beer had found its way into the bellies of the patrons, the mood at the Metro Gallery was beginning to slightly wane. When from the back of the Gallery a beat started to rise and the ground started to rumble. In seconds the Metro Gallery turned from a mild mannered photo exhibit to a mid-eighties back alley. Former B-boys and B-girls appeared, as if from thin air, and started breaking it down as Mickey Free grabbed the mic and took over. His style and songs, so reminiscent of Run DMC or L.L. Cool J., had the crowd wondering where they had placed their Superstar Shell-toed Adidas and cardboard breakin’ mats.
Photo by Pat McQuade, story by Peter Cardamone.
Photo by Pat McQuade
The vibe continued on as AK Slaughter commanded the stage with flow and style all of their own. They brought us into a very real form of rhythm and rhyme, speaking right to the crowd with their volume and verse, going back and forth in smooth quick debate of the happenings of late. Emily slaughter, with such an even flow and cool delivery, was only complemented by Aran Keating’s quick quips and booming beats. The whole night was an exploration of the Baltimore that most visitors don’t get to see: the pretty scenes and the little known hip-hop that make these small events a charming (I can’t help myself) treat.
Photo by Pat McQuade, story by Peter Cardamone.
