Seth Hurwitz stands as a towering figure in Washington D.C.'s live music landscape. As founder and chairman of I.M.P. and co-owner of the iconic 9:30 Club, Hurwitz has built his reputation on independence, innovation, and an unwavering passion for sharing music.
From his earliest days, music captivated Hurwitz. He recalls his parents taking him to see Peter, Paul, and Mary at D.C.'s Carter Barron Amphitheatre, though he considers his first true concert experience watching Loggins and Messina at age 13. His passion for sharing music emerged early—in elementary school, he would bring his singles collection for classmates to enjoy, and his teacher would allow him to play songs during class. This evolved into broadcasting through homemade radio setups in his youth.
Despite being initially rejected due to his age, Hurwitz persevered and successfully organized his first concert in high school. During this formative period, he achieved his dream job as a DJ at alternative radio station WHFS, where his preference for artistic value over commercial appeal eventually led to his departure due to creative differences.
A pivotal moment came when a chance interview with a concert promoter sparked Hurwitz's new career path. Breaking into concert promotion wasn't easy—he faced skepticism from established networks reluctant to welcome newcomers, especially one championing emerging and alternative acts. These challenges ultimately shaped his skills and cemented his reputation as a risk-taking promoter willing to back innovative music.
The formation of I.M.P., a partnership with his high school teacher Rich Heinecke, solidified his industry standing. Working from his bedroom, Hurwitz booked films at D.C.'s Ontario Theatre while securing exclusive concert rights. His initiative to book The Fleshtones at the newly established 9:30 Club in 1981 laid the foundation for what would become a legendary music venue.
Hurwitz's influence expanded through acquiring and developing several key venues, including the 9:30 Club, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and The Anthem. These spaces have not only been revitalized under his leadership but have significantly shaped Washington D.C.'s cultural landscape.
Beyond venue management, Hurwitz advocates for fair industry practices, notably testifying before Congress against the Live Nation and Ticketmaster merger. He remains a vocal critic of uncapped ticket reselling, which he believes drives prices beyond accessibility and damages the concert ecosystem. "The more people pay for tickets, the less shows they're going to go to," he warns.
A self-described voracious reader with diverse tastes from French classics to philosophy, Hurwitz credits books like "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and "The Power of Now" as influential guides. He practices meditation daily and values constant self-improvement.
Throughout his career spanning over 20,000 events and millions of attendees, Hurwitz has maintained his core principle: "If it doesn't make sense, it doesn't make sense." This straightforward philosophy continues to guide his approach to business, music, and life.