Extraordinary

Zeeshan Shad, Senior Talent Buyer

Man with beard and glasses in a checked shirt and dark blazer smiles at camera; neutral background.

Hey, I'm Zeeshan!
I connect the dots between artists and audiences.

Music is my passion, and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience it from both sides of the stage. As a drummer for several DC bands, I’ve contributed to the vibrant local music scene. But my love for music extends beyond performing; I’m also a dedicated talent buyer, connecting artists with audiences and creating unforgettable live experiences.

At Extraordinary Events, I leverage my dual expertise as a musician and a talent buyer to curate exceptional entertainment for our clients. I understand the nuances of live performance, the importance of artist relations, and the power of music to transform an event.

Whether you’re looking for a high-energy band to get your guests dancing or a soulful solo artist to set the mood, I’ll work closely with you to find the perfect match for your event. My goal is to create an experience that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

Connect with me and let's create
something extraordinary together

People often ask me,
"What's the most rewarding part of being a Talent Buyer?"

It’s witnessing the magic of live music and seeing the audience connect with the artists. There’s an indescribable feeling I get watching an audience connect with an artist, knowing that I played a part in creating that moment. Whether it’s a small, intimate show or a large-scale event, the shared joy and excitement of live performances are what make it all worthwhile.

Early Influences

My journey into the world of music and events began with a deep passion for drumming. I’ve been playing for over 20 years and love exploring different genres, from rock and jazz to world music. This passion led me to perform with numerous DC bands, including The Sea Life, Reagan Cats, Walk The Plank, Den-Mate, and Tosser, contributing to the vibrant local music community. These experiences not only fueled my love for music but also gave me a firsthand understanding of the artist’s perspective, which has been invaluable in my career as a talent buyer.

The Spark

Beyond performing, I discovered a passion for connecting artists with audiences and creating unforgettable live experiences. This led me to the world of talent buying, where I could leverage my musical background and understanding of the industry to curate exceptional entertainment. I was driven by a desire to create opportunities for artists and share their music with the world.

The Power of Connection

As a talent buyer at notable venues like Union Stage, Pie Shop, The Pocket, and Songbyrd Music House, I’ve honed my skills in booking diverse artists, negotiating contracts, and fostering relationships with musicians and industry professionals. I believe that building strong relationships is crucial in this industry, and I take pride in creating a positive and supportive environment for artists. I’ve learned that successful talent buying involves more than just logistics; it’s about understanding the needs and aspirations of both the artists and the venue. My work in the DC music scene has even been featured in publications like The Washington Post, Washingtonian, Bandcamp Daily, and Washington City Paper.

Why Talent Buying?

Talent buying is more than just booking acts; it’s about understanding the needs of both the artists and the audience. It’s about creating a synergy that results in a truly memorable experience for everyone involved. My experience as a musician gives me a unique perspective on the needs of artists, allowing me to create a supportive and collaborative environment. I’m passionate about fostering a sense of community within the music industry and helping artists thrive.

The Future

I’m excited to continue my journey as a talent buyer, exploring new avenues and connecting extraordinary musicians with unforgettable events. I believe that the future of the music industry lies in embracing diversity, fostering collaboration, and creating experiences that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. I’m eager to contribute to the evolution of the music industry and help shape its future.

Let's make some noise!

Whether you’re looking for a high-energy band to get your guests dancing, a soulful acoustic set to create a relaxed vibe, or a DJ to keep the party going all night long, I’m here to help you find the perfect musical talent.

A few of the companies we've worked with

We’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some truly amazing companies over the years. From Fortune 500 giants to innovative startups, each partnership has brought unique challenges and opportunities, allowing us to showcase our passion for creating extraordinary events. It’s been incredible to see how these collaborations have not only shaped our portfolio but also fueled our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the event industry.

The Pepsi logo includes a red, white, and blue sphere and "pepsi" in blue—ideal for corporate event backdrops or photo booths.
Walmart logo: "walmart" in blue lowercase letters, followed by a yellow sunburst, set against a white background. Perfect for events.
Sure! Here's a description within 125 characters: "Microsoft logo: Four colored squares (red, green, blue, yellow) on left; sleek gray 'Microsoft' text on right.
The image features "facebook" in blue lowercase letters on a white background, highlighting the brand's iconic logo.
The Intel logo features sleek blue lowercase "intel" encircled by a matching elliptical orbit on a crisp white background.
The BET logo features bold black letters with a star-stylized "T," striking against white, perfect for corporate events.
The Spotify logo features a green circle with three white sound wave curves beside the green text "Spotify.
The "Radio One" logo in black features overlapping text and a stylized "E," set against a white background for branding.
Black Under Armour logo featuring merged "U" and "A," with bold "UNDER ARMOUR" below—ideal backdrop for corporate photo booth.
Logo design suggestion: "CAR" in bold yellow, "max" in white on a blue background. A sleek yellow dashed line underneath for a professional touch.
Sure! Here's a concise description:

"Deloitte" in black text with a green dot at the end on white background, emphasizing brand activation with sleek design.
Logo: Three stylized teal human figures forming an arch, symbolizing a lively corporate event. Below: "Kaiser Permanente" in blue caps.
The Wegmans logo in black script on a white background resembles elegant corporate event signage.
The Coldwell Banker logo features "CB" in white on a blue square with a star above, and "COLDWELL BANKER" text below.
Certainly! Here's a description of the text logo you can create for upscale corporate events:

- Background: White
- "MODERN": Thin black font, placed above
- "LUXURY": Bold black font

Ensure the overall design is clean and elegant to reflect sophistication.

Some of my blog posts

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