D.C. Gets a Variety Show of its Own
Squarespace and Shinola will make some noise at the 9:30 Club this spring
Squarespace is making its next bold move to connect with the creative class. In the coming weeks, Washington D.C. will get its own variety show, courtesy of Squarespace and Shinola. The show will be taped at the 9:30 Club, one of D.C.’s most popular music venues. “Live At 9:30” will be similar to the well known televised concert show “Austin City Limits” of Austin, Texas. From the looks of the teaser video, the camera angles alone could make this one different from many of the other music shows on TV today.
Broadcasted from the music hall, the show will feature a collection of acts from different genres, interspersed with interviews, short films, and comedic bits. As it is a variety show, episodes will feature an unexpected mix of contributors and hosts, including NPR Music’s Bob Boilen, Hannibal Buress, and more guests. The first three episodes of the 12-episode season will feature a bunch of performances by the likes of Cold War Kids, The Jesus and Mary Chain and Frank Turner.
“When I said we had no interest in just another concert program, they totally got it…’Live At 9:30’ is a great opportunity to work with people we trust to bring music variety to life in a way no one has even attempted,” said Seth Hurwitz, chairman of I.M.P. and co-owner of the 9:30 Club.
Shinola Detroit, the American design brand, is also a supporting sponsor. It, too, can leverage this audience for wider exposure. “They have come up with a truly entertaining bunch of new ideas on how to change the way people watch live concert shows,” said Hurwitz. This spring, fans will have the opportunity to view full episodes and access exclusive content. Each episode will be an hour long. Squarespace will host the digital destination of the show.
Originally published at www.psfk.com on February 12, 2016.