When I think about resilience or dedication I think of one thing, Jammin’ Java. This month, Daniel, Jonathan and Luke Brindley celebrate the 10th Anniversary of their diamond in the rough off of Route 123: Jammin’ Java Music Club and Café. With solid show line-ups, and incredible sound, stage and bar upgrades over the last ten years, the Brindley Brothers and employees have won bragging rights to numerous best club awards. The question shouldn’t be “Should I get tickets to tonight’s JJ show?” but instead “Should I get the Chicken Salad Sandwich or Chicken Salad Salad?” The club exudes music seven days a week, along with music lessons, private events and a full menu. They have something for every one of all ages, all the time. How have they done it? How about a little one-on-one with the Brindley Brothers…
On Tap: How will Jammin’ Java be celebrating it’s tenth year in October?
Brindley Brothers: We will be celebrating all month long with special shows and events. We have amazing bills like Bill Kirchen and Too Much Fun + The Nighthawks + The Fabulous Mary Anne Redmond Band and also notable bands important to our club’s history like The Downtown Fiction, Atomic Tom and Deep River. Please check out our full concert calendar online for all of the highlights.
OT: What is the X Pass?
BB: The X Pass is a pass that gets you into any show for the month of October. It’s a way to thank our loyal customers by offering them unlimited access to shows as well as special items like 10th Anniversary t-shirts for one low price.
OT: Besides being named one of the top clubs in the world, what has been the most exciting event over the past 10 years?
BB: Seeing the club grow and become recognized has been very exciting. We turned what was a simple coffee house in a strip mall into a legitimate, nationally known music venue – it feels good.
OT: What are a few of your favorite acts to grace the JJ stage over the last 10 years?
BB: Having had thousands of acts here over the years, it is impossible to pick even 100 favorites. Some of our personal highlights though have been Ron Sexsmith, Unknown Hinson, Marah, Fred Eaglesmith, Paramore, Tom Morello and on and on.
OT: What is a dream act you would like to book?
BB: It is a little out of left field, but we would love to have Bruce Cockburn who is an artist from Canada we grew up listening to. Unfortunately, Bruce is too big a name to play at our size club. We would also love to have a band like The Jayhawks.
OT: If there was one thing you would change about Jammin’ Java, what would it be?
BB: There are some issues with the physical layout of our space that we would change if we were able…unfortunately, we would need an entirely different location to make those changes happen!
OT: Originally the club was owned and run by Jonathan, Luke and Daniel: The Brindley Brothers. Who is currently in charge and what are their roles?
BB: We are all still involved. Daniel and Jonathan manage the day-to-day. Daniel is in charge of all booking and events and Jonathan runs the club at night. Luke assists in various capacities as well.
OT: I understand there is The Brindley Brothers reunion on Oct 15th; when is the last time you played and what is currently going on with Daniel and Luke?
BB: It has been years since Daniel and Luke played together as The Brindley Brothers. Currently, Luke is working with his band Deep River and Daniel manages them.
OT: What is the best and worst part of being a music club and cafe owner?
BB: One of the best parts is seeing and meeting new and interesting people every day. From the patrons to the performers it has been, and continues to be, a thrill. Hearing new music and some old favorites is so great – it never gets old and is a major reason we do what we do. The worst part might be the hours – long and late. It can get tiring at times, but at the end of the day it’s always worth it.
OT: What is your favorite item on the cafe menu?
BB: The chili is unreal. We have been serving it almost the entire ten years we’ve been here and we never get tired of it.
OT: What is planned for the next 10 years?
BB: We will continue to put on the very best shows that we can. We have learned a lot over the years and will continue to learn and grow. We have our sights on a possible second club as well down the line.
Visit Jammin’ Java for X Pass, tickets and info at Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; http://www.jamminjava.com/.
OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE
