BALTIMORE – Hammerjacks today announced the completion of the jewel in their new outdoor event space. Conceived and painted by Baltimore’s own Justin Nethercut, better known by his street artist moniker “Nether,” the mural spans two buildings on one entire side of the Hammerjacks venue, stretching 150 feet wide by nearly 33 feet high. The project took 30 days to complete, and is one of the city’s largest on display.
The wall is now filled with a variety of imagery related to Baltimore and Maryland in general: Black-eyed Susans, a Raven bird, the downtown city skyline, a hand displaying Baltimore’s two Super Bowl championship rings, the 26th St. tunnel, vinyl album spines displaying a few major acts that rocked the Hammerjacks stage, and a special tribute to the late local DJ legend K-Swift.
Khia “K-Swift” Edgerton was born and raised in Randallstown, then interned at Baltimore’s 92Q, ultimately rising to co-host the "Off the Hook Radio" show. She was also known for combining locally-flavored club music with hip hop during regular DJ sets at both the last incarnation of Hammerjacks, and The Paradox (where Hammerjacks is now located). At the height of her fame, with hits like “Slide to the Left,” Edgerton appeared on MTV and in People magazine. Tragically, she died in 2008 as a result of neck injuries suffered in a pool accident at her home. She was just 29 years old. Edgerton’s family gave their full blessing and support for the memorial artwork on one of the spots where she rose to prominence.
“The Hammerjacks brand is iconic in itself, so it means the world to us to have brought this local tribute to life with Nether,” said Andy Hotchkiss, co-proprietor of Hammerjacks.
Nether is a globally traveling street artist with an extensive body of public works spanning across his native city of Baltimore. He has also created more than 100 murals in multiple countries over more than a decade. His artistic quest can be seen as an attempt to help refuel and engage the landscape, and bring out the city’s pride. Nether is also the co-founder of community organization Arts + Parks, which focuses on building green spaces and using art to beautify spaces throughout the city.
Finishing touches are almost complete on the new era for Hammerjacks in the form of a multipurpose outdoor space focused on providing an extraordinary, yet affordable, tailgating experience surrounding Ravens home games. Up to 2,500 guests will be able to enjoy the new, permanent location at 1300 Russell Street, about a strong Hail Mary throw away from M&T Bank Stadium.
The new venue will officially open on September 19, and will be capable of hosting everything from large-scale tailgates, to live performances, to private events. Tickets to this season’s tailgate parties are on sale now through Hammerjacks.com.
