JAMMIN’: Royel Otis, shown during a May 2024 gig at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., which is now part of the Union Stage Presents venue portfolio. (Mike Kim)
Brothers Luke, Jonathan, Daniel Brindley decided it was time for a new business identity
Washington, D.C. area promoters and venue operators the Brindley Brothers used the 23rd anniversary of their first venue, Jammin’ Java, this week to announce the launch of a new umbrella brand, Union Stage Presents, and formally announce the addition of two new venues to its portfolio – Pearl Street Warehouse and The Howard Theatre.
The brothers, Luke, Jonathan and Daniel Brindley, decided now was the right time for the new business identity as the company grows.
“We grew so fast post-COVID and kept adding things and the public perception of us wasn’t totally clear,” explained Daniel Brindley, the youngest of the brothers. “The dots were not connected for the public, and even in the industry…We felt like we told everyone, but it just wasn’t enough so now we have finally created a full, complete, umbrella brand.”
The brand includes a new website and consolidated social media. The goal is to preserve the unique character of each location, while weaving in amenities including hospitality, food and beverage that will be consistent from venue to venue.
“And as we add stuff going forward, it now all fits underneath this larger brand,” said Brindley. “It’s a total ecosystem we are trying to build.”
As Union Stage Presents, the portfolio includes six venues: Union Stage (cap. 500); Jammin’ Java (240); Capitol Hill venue Miracle Theatre (255 seated); former 1900s car barn The Theatre at Capital Turnaround (850 seated); Pearl Street Warehouse (250); and The Howard Theatre (1,200). Similar in size, each venue has a distinct culture and personality.
“Location matters,” said Brindley. “The size, they are from 1,200 on down, but we are not doubling up in terms of character.”
A FAMILY AFFAIR: Daniel Brindley, Luke Brindley and Jonathan Brindley.
The company has more than 200 employees, including all female general managers, and an expected 1,200 concerts and events in the coming year. Recently Brindley sibling Elizabeth Bartlett joined as director of operations.
“We are a family business through and through,” Brindley said.
The new brand builds on the reputation and success the brothers established with Jammin’ Java in 2001 when they acquired the property in Vienna, Virginia, which was then a suburban strip mall hole-in-the-wall. The venue has become a hub for the community and emerging artists from Paramore to The Lumineers. Booking for the venues is done by an internal team of four.
Those early days provided some key learnings.
“I’m 45 now, but I was 21 when we took over Jammin’ Java. Very young,” explained Brindley. “It was an immediate slap in the face in terms of these exciting, romantic visions of the way it was going to be and just being young and not having done much of anything yet in terms of a career…But we still love it, We really do. We love live music. We love the spaces, We love the culture of the community.”
Naturally the brothers added more. In 2022, the Union Stage team took over operations of The Howard Theatre, which opened in 1910. They have succeeded in bringing new life to the historical venue hosting breakout talent including Ari Lenox, Giveon, Rina Swayana, Feid and Royel Otis. The team also took over the popular waterside hangout Pearl Street Warehouse, creating a multi-venue chain with Union Stage for shows at The Wharf. Union Stage opened in 2017 and has hosted early shows from Brent Faiyez, Orville Peck and Doja Cat.
As part of the Pearl Street addition, Union Stage Presents is opening their first physical box-office offering fee-free tickets and special promotions for early adopters including The Pass, which will get six winners and guest into any show across the six venues through 2025.
“Yes, it’s challenging. Yes, it’s a lot. Yes, I’m exhausted,” laughed Brindley. “But we are still into it and excited about these new ventures.”
