Doug Roberson, 47, Iowa City
Talent buyer/bartender @ The Picador, Iowa City

**EDITOR’S NOTE: Shortly after this interview The Picador’s owners downsized and Doug Roberson was let go. He’s hoping to become an independent concert promoter in Iowa City.

How did you get into the bar business?
I guess it was through playing in bands. I played gigs at bars and one time, probably right after I graduated from college, we did a show at the old Gabe’s, and I talked to the owner and said, “Hey, can we get a multiple band deal and do whatever we want?” And he said, “Yeah, as long as you can get some people to show up.” Ever since then, that’s what I’ve been doing.

What’s your band?
That band way back then was called The Shy Strangers. My current band is called The Diplomats of Solid Sound.

Doug Roberson, Picador

Do you get a different perspective on a club when you’re behind a bar versus on stage?
If you’ve been on both sides, you’re not quite as… you don’t really get obnoxious with the bartender. You tend to be humble and patient if it’s really busy. Some people maybe don’t have that perspective if they’ve never had a service industry job.

The Picador has a long-standing reputation as a great rock club. Why do you attract such great bands?
Part of it has to do with having contacts and being the biz for so long. There’s some agents I’ve been doing shows with for 20 years, and as those agents step up the ladder and find bigger bands, they’ll still say hey, we’ve got somebody coming through your area, do you want to do a show? Other times it’s the routing – where they’re at and where they can play.

What drink is most popular with the musicians who play at The Picador?
Anybody that’s a fan of whiskey or bourbon, we ask if they’ve ever had Templeton Rye. It’s Iowa-made, and usually they are just completely floored by it: “My god this fantastic. I’ve got to get a bottle.”

Tell me something about yourself that would surprise your regulars?
When I was in college (at The University of Iowa), I was in a fraternity. I was in Delta Upsilon. That house got thrown off campus last year for selling drugs.

What are a few bands on your schedule this spring that people should know about?
On March 6, we have a band called Murder By Death. They’re very popular. On St. Patrick’s Day, Bonnie Prince

International Brainwash

Billy – he’s very popular too. And there’s one in April that’s going to be really big – tickets are flying out the door – The Hold Steady. It’s just, like, rock and roll. The lead singer has interesting lyrics, and the songs are pretty catchy. A lot of people comment on his lyrical cleverness.

– Anne

International Brainwash
1 shot vodka
1/2 shot of Kahlua
1/2 shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream
For shots, pour into a shaker over ice and shake. For a drink, pour in a glass and vigorously.

Doug says: This is basically a White Russian, but instead of putting cream on top, you put Bailey’s, so it’s like 3 boozes mixed together and they’re all from different countries.

Details: The Picador, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa City; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday; call (319) 354-4788; online at www.thepicador.com