Talent Buyer & Music Curator

About The Iridium:

Since 1995, The Iridium has been a sanctuary for serious music lovers — a room built for exceptional sound, where legends have played and new voices continue to rise. The longtime home of guitar innovator Les Paul, The Iridium remains a destination for world-class jazz, rock, and blues in an intimate setting. Our stage continues to honor artistry, craftsmanship, and the energy of live performance in its purest form.

The Role:

The Iridium is seeking an experienced Talent Buyer with a strong personal network in the jazz, rock, and blues communities. This role focuses on sourcing, negotiating, and booking high-quality artists while ensuring a smooth transition to our production and marketing teams for show execution.

Ideal candidates have proven experience booking live music at the venue, promoter, or agency level — not just event coordination or on-site management.

Responsibilities:

• Book, negotiate, and schedule 5+ nights of live music weekly.
• Leverage existing relationships with artists, managers, and agents to secure top-tier and emerging talent.
• Prepare deal terms and show documentation to support internal production and marketing teams.
• Manage artist budgets ($2.5K–$25K per night) and ensure bookings align with revenue and audience goals.
• Collaborate with marketing to promote shows and grow ticket sales.
• Maintain and expand artist and industry relationships to position The Iridium as a top NYC venue.
• Contribute strategically to programming direction and long-term audience development.

Requirements:

• 3+ years of professional talent buying or booking experience at a live music venue, promoter, or agency.
• Established industry contacts in jazz, rock, and blues.
• Demonstrated success building profitable show calendars and negotiating artist deals.
• Strong communication, organization, and deal-tracking skills.
• NYC-based or very familiar with the NYC live music landscape.

Compensation: Competitive salary + performance incentives tied to booking success, ticket sales, and event profitability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $64,350.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least 3 years of professional experience as a talent buyer or music booker (for a venue, promoter, or agency)?
• Can you please provide examples of artists or venues you've booked for?
• Do you have existing relationships with booking agents, managers, or artists in the jazz, rock, or blue genres?

Ability to Commute:

• New York, NY 10019 (Required)

Work Location: In person