Diversity reigns at 9:30 Club

The unassuming light blue walls nestled in the stark, urban background of the District gives the 9:30 Club its unique flare. Located at 815 V St. NW, this eclectic club showcases a wide array of artists from all genres of music. Artists from Dolly Parton to BB King, The Roots to Super Furry Animals, and Musiq to Aimee Mann have all been featured acts. The ability to capture such an assorted list of acts lies in the hands of Seth Hurwitz, one of the owners.

“I can’t stand being predictable…I try to get acts that are interesting and cool, “ said Hurwitz. “Got to mix it up, I want people to be surprised every time they come.”

When patrons walk through the clear doors of the 9:30 Club the transformation begins. The bland walls become dark and sleek and the cave-like atmosphere is highlighted with blue, red, and yellow disco lights, scattered throughout the club. Above is the balcony, which encircles the interior and slowly converges at the infamous stage. Towards the back lies the bar.

“The great thing about the club is that you can pretty much see everything from any where in the club,” said Peele Winberely, a fan from Raleigh, North Carolina.
Hurwitz enjoys the club’s mysterious appeal. He says it creates an aura of intrigue for those less familiar with the venue.

“I like the mystique, people don’t know what is going on from the outside, it’s only when they come inside do they get to experience the wonderment and atmosphere.”

This wonderment draws in crowds from as far away as Richmond, Virginia.
Hao Oham, who makes the long trip just about every weekend, feels it’s worth it.
“The 9:30 club has the best vibes in DC, I love my music and this place has it and that is why I am here.”

In 1996, the 9:30 Club left its former home on F Street and moved uptown. They transformed the old Radio Music Hall (WST), which used to broadcast gospel music, into the perfect concert environment. Later, a moving stage and powerful sound-system were added to create a spot where artists could perform and fans could enjoy themselves.

Color plays no role in the club’s attraction. On any given night people wearing Du-rags or dreadlocks, Mohawks or piercings are lined-up outside, eager to share the concert experience.

“The club is open to diversity, so the issue of color doesn’t come up,” says Tim Rooney, who has been going to the club since it was on F Street. “There is a different crowd every night but there are no color factors.”

And the diversity doesn’t stop at the door. The staff is as varied as their clientele. Sound engineer Shawn Gus Vitale notes the club’s emphasis on variety.
“Management has always strived for a diverse staff,” said Vitale. “The more diverse the better.”

Glaring lights and eye-catching posters bragging about the greatness of the 9:30 Club will never be seen. Their low-profile style has become a standard and the relaxed appearance seems to have paid off.

“We like to fly under the radar,” said Chad Houseknecht, production manger at 9:30. “A lot of clubs don’t have the entertainment we do so they have to make it themselves…our attraction is on stage, therefore, we don’t need to brag.”

The excitement and variety of music, which appears every night has separated the 9:30 club from many of its counterparts within the District. In the early 90s, the nearby Black Cat often provided competition, but the location and settings of the 9:30 eventually won out.

“The 9:30 club seems to get the better bands when compared to the Black
Cat,” said Tarek Hijaz, a 9:30 regular from Richmond, Virginia. “It’s the right size and the right mix of people.”

“We competed in the beginning. But now, due to our larger size, there are just some acts that the Black Cat cannot sign,” Hurwitz said. “But it’s a friendly competition.”

The 9:30’s unconventional play list has garnered a fan base that covers all spectrums of musical tastes and cultural backgrounds.

Clarence Brown, crew chief for the door staff explains.

“We are better at this than anyone in Washington DC, we have the best shows, space and staff.”

Contact Alicia Johnson at District_Chronicles@hotmail.com.