Seth Hurwitz

Seth Hurwitz is the founder and chairman of I.M.P. and co-owner of the iconic 9:30 Club. Grounded in his deep love for sharing music, he has become a key figure in the evolution of live entertainment in Washington D.C. From his early days as a music-loving child to becoming a leading concert promoter and venue owner, Seth's journey is marked by ambition, innovation, and a relentless passion for music, a combination that has propelled his success in the live music scene.

From a very young age, Seth was captivated by the magic of music. One of his earliest memories is of his parents taking him to a Peter, Paul, and Mary concert at D.C.'s Carter Barron Amphitheatre, but he considers his first genuine concert experience to have occurred at age 13, when he saw a four-act show headlined by Loggins and Messina.

Seth's passion for music didn't stop at just listening; he loved sharing it with others. In elementary school, he would bring his collection of singles to play for his classmates, and his teacher would let him share these songs during class. As he grew older, he began experimenting with broadcasting music through a homemade radio setup.

During his junior high and high school years, Seth's efforts to immerse himself in the world of music took a more tangible form. Although his initial attempt to produce a concert was rebuffed due to his age, he persevered and successfully organized his first show in high school.

In this time, he also achieved his dream job as a DJ at the alternative radio station WHFS. There, he preferred to play music for its artistic and innovative value rather than its commercial appeal, which ultimately saw him let go due to creative differences.

While working for a new radio station where he hosted a weekly interview show, a chance interview with a concert promoter sparked a shift towards a new career path. Breaking into the concert promotion scene, Seth aced a steep learning curve navigating the complex dynamics between artists, agents, and venues. Initially, his attempts to book shows were met with skepticism and resistance from established networks of promoters who were reluctant to welcome a newcomer, and his commitment to showcasing emerging and alternative acts often put him at odds with the mainstream preferences of other promoters. However, these experiences honed his skills and cemented his reputation as a promoter who was willing to take risks on new and innovative music.

Still a teenager, Seth formed I.M.P., a partnership with his high school teacher Rich Heinecke, which marked a definitive step that solidified his standing within the industry. Working from his childhood bedroom, Hurwitz’s early ventures included booking films at D.C.’s Ontario Theatre while securing exclusive rights to host concerts, which led to the premiere event for I.M.P. Presents. His initiative to book The Fleshtones at the then newly established 9:30 Club in 1981 laid the foundation for what would become a legendary venue in the music industry.

Seth Hurwitz's influence expanded through the acquisition and development of several key music venues, including the iconic 9:30 Club, the Merriweather Post Pavilion, and The Anthem, among others. His efforts have not only revitalized these spaces but also significantly contributed to the cultural and musical landscape of Washington, D.C.

Beyond his contributions to live music and venue management, Seth has also been an active advocate for fair practices within the industry. His commitment to maintaining the integrity of the live music scene led him to testify before Congress against the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, a move he viewed as potentially harmful to competition and detrimental to both artists and fans.

Seth’s journey is marked by countless memorable events and milestones, from Fugazi's debut at the 9:30 Club that put D.C. on the post-hardcore-punk map to groundbreaking performances by the likes of the Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, and Foo Fighters at various I.M.P.-managed venues. His commitment to music and live events has seen I.M.P. hosting over 20,000 events, drawing millions of music fans and leaving a lasting impact on the live music scene.

Learn more about Seth Hurwitz by visiting his pages on IMDb and Medium.