Live in Washington

Few People Have More Say Over Your Concert Options Than These Five Bookers

Talent buyers. They're responsible for the rock-and-roll you see and hear at the area's popular nightclubs, but what do you know about them? Who are these de facto tastemakers? What do they listen to? What qualifies them to tell us what's cool?

We sneaked backstage, past the bouncers and the hand-stampers at the door, to peek into the decidedly unglamorous offices of these dedicated music fans whose job requires them to possess business sense as well as music expertise. In the "everything's negotiable" world of rock, talent buyers need the steel nerves and calm savvy of a champion poker player. They have to know how much to pay the band vs. how many people the act will bring through the door, and whether those spectators will also drink and eat (which is what keeps clubs in business). Pay too much and the profit margin shrinks; do that too often and you'll be the hand-stamper before long.

We noticed that they spend a lot of time reading the trades, playing discs and listening to downloads, exploring artist Web sites, finessing contracts and, most of all, calling and e-mailing artists and their reps. In other words, it sounds like fun, but it's a real job. To learn more about five local buyers (and what songs they sing in the shower), we e-mailed them a few questions. Read on to see what they had to say.

Daniel Brindley

Jammin' Java (227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, 703-255-1566)

How old were you when the Sex Pistols formed (1975)?

Negative 3 years old!

What was the first show you promoted? Did it sell?

I started booking shows when my brothers and I started Jammin' Java about 6 1/2 years ago. I very quickly discovered and developed a true passion for booking and promoting concerts. That said, I most definitely learned the hard way. The early days of Jammin' Java are a blur to me right now. The first show I booked was probably some unknown local band that isn't around anymore. Did people show up? Probably only a handful. It was trial by fire.

What sort of hours do you keep?

I feel like I am always working, but a typical day during the workweek runs from 9 a.m. until at least 7 p.m. Let's say 10 hours a day or 50-ish hours a week.

How many tats do you have?

Zero.