PUNKDEMIC Captures The Revival of Pensacola's Music Scene
When Pensacola's music scene was coming out of its pandemic induced slumber, Andrew Velasco was there to capture the faces, the moments and the emotions.
Andrew Velasco is a photographer whose body of work spans more than 10,000 photos of more than 100 bands and artists. Well known in Pensacola's DIY punk and indie scenes, he has been capturing the rise and revival of it all, leading to his first solo exhibition PUNKDEMIC - THE SOUND THAT SAVED US.
In June 2021, Andrew began capturing the state of the music scene in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Music scenes around the world had begun to awake from a year of hibernation and uncertainty, and Pensacola was also experiencing a revival of its once thriving and active live music community.
PUNKDEMIC opened on Saturday, March 9th at the 309 Punk Project house, and the turnout and response from the community put away any doubt that our scene hasn't bounced back and is thriving - maybe more than ever.
The exhibition showcases the faces of the scene who made the revival happen. Moments in time, during unprecedented circumstances, where a community came together to restore something they loved, something important and something badly needed.
If you missed the exhibition, you're in luck! The exhibition will be showing again on Sunday, March 17th from 1-4pm at the 309 Punk House. Andrew will be available to talk to visitors, answer questions and will also be shooting portraits with the exhibition as a backdrop.
309 will also be hosting a Closing Show for PUNKDEMIC on Friday, March 29th that will feature unplugged performances from The Taints, Ego Death, Morning Trips and Madison Bolt. Entry is $10-15 (sliding scale). Limited capacity. Doors open at 6pm. Music from 7-9pm.
309 Punk Project is located at 309 N 6th Ave. Pensacola, FL 32501
Andrew is the winner of the first annual Julia Gorton SEEN Photography Award in 2023.
Learn more at www.andrewvelasco.com