Ten Years Of Music

Considering the dismal economy, running a thriving business for 10 years is a remarkable enough achievement. But in the fickle, constantly-changing world of pop music? You hold your own in that arena and it's even more impressive.

That's just what the m.o. is at local club . The three Brindley brothers, who own and run the place, are celebrating their first decade here.

"The document that shows we own the club is dated October 15th," David Brindley said. "So, that's our official anniversary. But we'll be doing stuff all month long to celebrate our first 10 years. It's going to be a great month and we have some cool ways planned to thank the fans for supporting us."

This classy music club, which has seen the likes of Garland Jeffreys, Jesse Malin, punks and bluegrass acts, was certainly no sure thing when the Brothers Brindley (including Jonathan and Luke) first took over the space.

"The club had been barely existing for two years before we bought it," Brindley said. "It was working, but barely. We really were taking a big chance. I was only 22, but one of my brothers had two kids. It was a gamble, that's for sure. Also, we opened just a few weeks after 9/11. It was a horrible time. Don't forget that one of those planes hit not too far away from here, in D.C. We weren't sure if people were ready for music and entertainment when we began.

Luckily, they were.

Although Brindley doesn't remember who actually played that first night ("frankly, I think it was some crappy local band"), he knows why the club has succeeded so well. It's the artists he and his brothers have attracted on all the nights hence. And, this Brindley (who does the booking), thinks it has everything to do with Java's varied roster of talent.

"I've deliberately been the guy who's kept things eclectic," he said. "I happen to love singer/songwriters, like Ellis Paul. But I also love punk and bluegrass and Irish music. I've been pretty certain from day one, that you need to have all kinds of artists, in all sorts of genres, play. Otherwise, you get pigeonholed as a certain sort of club. And that's the way, I feel, places fail."

The aesthetics of Jammin' Java, too, Brindley feels, are responsible for his spot's success.

"Among the things we did when we took over, was build a brand new stage," he said. "And re-design the lighting. We can go from the ambience of a singer/songwriter sort of vibe, to a rock design like that! So the club can seem as youthful or as middle-aged as the crowd might want. That's been working beautifully."

One singer/songwriter, for whom the club works "beautifully," is California-based Mike Viola, whose own smart, poppy tunes, plus his work with artists like Mandy Moore, have made him a much sought-after producer and arranger.

"Even though the place is in a strip mall, Jammin' Java has a lot going for it," Viola said. "The staff, the clientele, the sound system, the piano are all first-rate. And the last time I was there, some kooky, nerdy girl sold my merch for me in exchange for some Batman cards."

Part of the venue's celebration includes an "X Pass," a $100 card that gives you access to any show during the month of October.

"It's a little thank you for all the people who have stuck by us since 2001," Brindley said.

And what, you might wonder, will transpire on Saturday the 15th, the actual, official birthday?

"Well," Brindley said, chuckling, "my brothers and I are all musicians. So in various incarnations, we're going to play on Saturday. We'll be playing as The Brindley Brothers, Luke will play solo, Jonathan will be gigging with his group Deep River. It should be a great night."

Hey, anniversary or not. If you're the booker? It should be your right to book whoever you want. Even if it turns out to be your own flesh and blood.

Info: turns 10-offically-on Saturday night. There will be the usual great shows, however, all through the month of October. For shows (and "X Passes") and all other important information, call 703-255-1566 or go to www.jamminjava.com to see this month's line-up