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.

The formation of I.M.P., a partnership with his high school teacher Rich Heinecke, marked a definitive step that solidified his standing within the industry.. Working from his 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.