Spring Break
Diversity reigns at 9:30 Club
Alicia Johnson
Issue date: 10/3/02 Section: VARIETY
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.
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.