Drink. Dine. Do. 11.17
TEGAN AND SARA THE MUSIC ISSUE
WHARF VENUES LOCAL RELEASES BLACK VIOLIN
TINA FEY ON MEAN GIRLS
VIRGINIA CIDERS
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REDSKINS’ CHRIS THOMPSON BOOK OF MORMON RETURNS THANKSGIVING MEAL MAKEOVERS
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photos: John Gervasi
The crowd at The Wharf’s Pumpkin Palooza enjoyed a seasonal beer garden, played games including pumpkin bowling and checked out a headless horseman race on Transit Pier. Fresh FM’s Tommy McFly emceed the event and Trailer Grass Orchestra kept things hopping.
merry where DC meets its
S AT U R D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 , 6 : 0 0 – 8 : 0 0 P M
Join us for a sparkling holiday celebration, with beautifully decorated boats, the guaranteed first snow of the season, and our lighted Christmas Tree. Enjoy hot cocoa, s’mores at our fire pit, ice skating at our Transit Pier rink, winter drinks at our Waterfront Wine & Beer Garden, and a dazzling fireworks finale.
For more information, follow us on social media or visit wharfdc.com.
Table of Contents who is on tap
November 2017: Vol 20 No 1 the music issue Our annual music issue is back, just in time to highlight some of the exciting changes in our local music scene. From the lowdown on three new music venues at The Wharf to the scoop on new releases from local musicians, we’ve got you convered. On the national music front, we interviewed indie pop darlings and LGBTQ advocates Tegan and Sara in anticipation of their show at The Anthem this month, and boundary-breaking duo Black Violin before they play at Strathmore. We are also super excited that we had the chance to sit down with Tina Fey (yes, in person!) to chat about the world premiere of Mean Girls at National Theatre prior to the musical’s Broadway run, and actress Kim Exum about her role in The Book of Mormon at the Kennedy Center. In celebration of Cider Week VA, we interviewed folks from three Virginia cideries and highlighted cider-themed events around NoVA. Plus, Redskins’ Chris Thompson, Thanksgiving meal makeovers, National Geographic’s Atlas of Beer, DC’s very own Burning Man, a Wizards scouting report and much more.
Drink. Dine. Do. 11.17
TEGAN AND SARA THE MUSIC ISSUE
WHARF VENUES LOCAL RELEASES BLACK VIOLIN
TINA FEY ON MEAN GIRLS
VIRGINIA CIDERS
+
REDSKINS’ CHRIS THOMPSON BOOK OF MORMON RETURNS THANKSGIVING MEAL MAKEOVERS
Design: Alanna Sheppard Photo: Lindsey Byrnes
Founder James Currie Publisher Jennifer Currie
jennifer@ontaponline.com
Managing Editor Monica Alford
monica@ontaponline.com
Assistant Editor Trent Johnson trent@ontaponline.com
Print & Digital Design Alanna Sheppard alanna@ontaponline.com
Nick Caracciolo KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth tomroth@ontaponline.com
Digital & Advertising coordinator Kayla Marsh
In this Issue
kayla@ontaponline.com
n Stage & Screen Stage & Screen Events........................... 4 Book of Mormon Returns to DC.......... 6 Tina Fey Talks Mean Girls...................... 8 Catharsis on the Mall........................... 10
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8 Tina Fey Talks Mean Girls at National Theatre
Chris Thompson Amps Up Redskins’ Offense
n Sports Redskins’ Chris Thompson.................. 12 Wizards Scouting Report.................... 16
n November Roundup Drink, Dine, Do...................................... 18
n Drinks Did You Know? Cider Week VA........... 25 Cobbler Mountain’s Laura Louden. . .. 26 What’s On Tap........................................ 30
34
46
Nat Geo’s Atlas of Beer
Live Music at The Wharf
The Ultimate Beer Travel Guide
DC’s New Music Venues
Nat Geo’s Atlas of Beer.. ....................... 34 Behind the Bar....................................... 36
n Dining Thanksgiving Meal Makeovers.......... 40 New, Notable, No Longer.................... 42
n Music Live Music at The Wharf............................46 Local Sounds from DC Musicians...........48 Black Violin at Strathmore........................50 Tegan and Sara at The Anthem..............52 Music Picks....................................................54
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Black Violin at Strathmore
Tegan and Sara at Anthem
Boundary-Breaking Sounds
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Indie pop and LGBTQ advocacy
On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Events & promotions manager Shannon Darling shannon@ontaponline.com
Events & promotions ASSISTANT Katie Seaman katies@ontaponline.com
OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kelcie Glass kelcie@ontaponline.com
Contributing Writers
Michael Coleman, Lani Furbank, Joel Goldberg, Natalia Kolenko, Michael Loria, Jamie McCrary, Jean Schindler, Alex Thompson, Valeria Villarroel
Contributing Photographers
Michael Coleman, Mark Caicedo, John Gervasi, Tatiana Herrera, Mike Kim, Kayla Marsh, Devin Overbey, Nathan Payne, Mark Raker On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2017 by Five O’Clock Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Use or reproduction of any materials contained herein is strictly prohibited without express prior written consent. www.ontaponline.com for more information.
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Stage & Screen Events By On Tap staff
THROUGH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Some Stage & Screen listings are provided by the venues hosting them.
Competition winner Bengt Washburn for the third night of the series. Just as Lincoln managed to get by without being mean, Washburn tickles your funny bone and proves comedy doesn’t have to tear someone else down to make people laugh. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5. Abraham Lincoln’s Cottage: 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW, DC; www.lincolncottage.org
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 14
Safe As Houses From Natalie Piegari comes the provocative play Safe As Houses. Mixing a natural disaster with a shady past, this play offers an edge-of-your-seat drama. A violent storm is barreling toward the house of Nora, Isabel and Henry, but the weather might not be what tears this family apart. As the three prepare their home for the storm, something from Isabel’s past really puts this family’s strength to the test. Various dates and show times. Tickets are $35. Logan Fringe Arts Space: 1358 Florida Ave. NE, DC; www.capitalfringe.org
THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 The Pajama Game Based on the novel 7½ Cents by Richard Bissell, The Pajama Game is a musical that tells the story of the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory through song and dance. Chaos breaks out in the otherwise average factory when Sid Sorkin falls for Babe Williams, the troublemaking head of the union grievance committee. Soon, a workers’ strike breaks out between management and labor that threatens to tear the establishment apart. Will the factory survive the internal battle? Attend to find out. Various dates and show times. Tickets start at $65. Arena Stage: 1101 6th St. SW, DC; www.arenastage.org
Crazy For You Signature Theatre is bringing the Gershwins’ and Ken Ludwig’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy Crazy for You to Shirlington. Sent to foreclose on a small town theater, a musicalloving banker decides to revive it instead with the help of musical act The Follies. Slapstick humor and charm combine with 1930s glamour, mistaken identities and a classic love story to delight audiences all holiday season long. Various dates and show times. Tickets are $40-$79. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; www.sigtheatre.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Malice Toward None Drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln’s infamous humor and self-deprecation, President Lincoln’s Cottage and DC Improv have partnered together to once again present the Two Faces Comedy Series. Laugh along with San Francisco International Comedy
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On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Pelle the Conqueror From October 8 to December 12, AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center will be showcasing films that tell the harrowing migration stories of people from all over the world. As part of the Films Across Borders: Stories of Migration series, Pelle the Conqueror will be playing on November 11. The Oscar-winning drama tells the story of a Swedish father and son escaping their impoverished life in Sweden for a new start in Denmark. What ultimately gets them through a difficult year on a new farm is their strong bond. Show starts at 12 p.m. Tickets are free. AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center: 8633 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.afi.com/silver
love turns worlds upside down.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 The Second City Presents Nothing to Lose (But Our Chains) The creators of last year’s hit Black Side of the Moon have returned to Woolly Mammoth with a new play. Headlining the show is Felonious Munk, whose own story is being told this time around. The standup comedian and TV personality is a good man and father, but he used to be a drug dealer and later, a convict. Nothing to Lose (But Our Chains) tells Munk’s story of rags to riches as he traverses prison, corporate America, then finally activism and comedy. Various dates and show times. Tickets are $20-$69. Woolly Mammoth Theatre: 641 D St. NW, DC; www.woollymammoth.net
TWELFTH NIGHT • directed by ethan mcsweeny love turns worlds upside down. by william shakespeare
TWELFTH NIGHT 35 or Under? • directed by ethan mcsweeny Get $25 tickets!
by william shakespeare
or Under? Nights Young35 Prose Get $25 tickets!
Young Prose Nights
Photo of Antoinette Robinson by Tony Powell.
Twelfth Night DC favorite Ethan McSweeny is back with his expressive style for another Shakespeare classic, the comedic Twelfth Night. When the quick-witted Viola is stranded off the coast of Illyria, she creates the disguise of a page boy for Duke Orsino to protect herself. To further complicate matters, Viola’s gender-swapped disguise lands her in the middle of a rather awkward love triangle. Identity and motives are all questioned in this lively play, but the constant is the wit of true heroine Viola at the center of it all. Various dates and show times. Tickets start at $44. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Doug Varone and Dancers Present In the Shelter of the Fold The award-winning contemporary dance company is returning to George Mason’s Center for the Arts for the first time in over a decade. The New York-based Doug Varone and Dancers’ latest performance will showcase stunts and choreography that are sure to amaze. Inspired by faith, belief and human reaction to life’s curveballs, Varone’s In the Shelter of the Fold will also feature members of Mason’s School of Dance. Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29-$48. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Dr. Fairfax, VA; www.cfa.gmu.edu
Photo of Antoinette Robinson by Tony Powell.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20
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ShakespeareTheatre.org/Under35 ShakespeareTheatre.org/Under35 202.547.1122 202.547.1122
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Beer Sponsor: www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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By Valeria Villarroel
The Book of Mormon returns to the Kennedy Center this fall for what will no doubt be another sold-out run. The Tony Award-winning musical follows two 19-year-old Mormon missionaries as they’re sent to a rural Ugandan village to convert lost souls. Elder Kevin Price, a handsome, devout true believer, and Elder Arnold Cunningham, his polar opposite, turn to – let’s call it unorthodox – ways to find new disciples in a village ruled by an evil warlord known as General Butt F---ing Naked (an allusion to Liberian commander Joshua Milton Blahui, known for his role during the First Liberian Civil War). Do they succeed in their mission? Or will they lose a lot more than their faith? With numbers like “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream,” which tackles the legacies of infamous figures like Hitler and Jeffrey Dahmer, The Book of Mormon is a story about “being yourself, and allowing that person to shine.” That’s according to actress Kim Exum, who plays Nabulungi – the sweet and innocent female lead, curious to learn more about the Mormon faith from the missionaries that have descended upon her Ugandan village. The musical’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the minds behind the enduring series South Park), as well as Robert Lopez (co-creator of the Tony Award-winning satirical musical Avenue Q), are no strangers to controversy and satire. In fact, they welcome it. But since its Broadway premiere in 2011, the show has been plagued by critics questioning how the story portrays a religion followed by more
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ON TAP | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
than 15 million people worldwide, women and Africans, not to mention third-world poverty and disease. But maybe that’s the whole point of the satirical art form. “This play is a testament to that American voice,” Exum says. “It’s genius because it poses a lot of questions that people are scared to ask, and I think that’s what really makes the work beautiful. I think that’s why so many people flock to it, and so many people of all different backgrounds want to see it.” The Baltimore native has been playing the role of Nabulungi for the past year – first on Broadway, and now on a national tour performing eight shows a week. Needless to say, she’s gotten to know her alter ego pretty well. “You begin to learn more things about the character,” she says. “[Nabalungi] is extremely optimistic, and she has this youthful energy that transcends everyone else in the play. She’s so bright and fun.” The VCU alum is rejuvenated as she takes the role from Broadway to the Kennedy Center; DC is the fifth city she’s visited on the current tour. Exum still recalls the day that she was only an audience member, and not yet a company player. “I just remember sitting in the back of the theater and laughing the entire time,” she says. “It was so funny. The more you see it, the more you notice. There’s a lot of subtle pieces of comedy you don’t really get the first time around. It’s funnier than I could have even imagined.” She credits some of those subtleties to the ensemble performers. If you’ve seen the show before, she recommends watching the ensemble.
NAT GEO NIGHTS EVERY THIRD THURSDAY | 5 : 30 P. M. - 8 P. M.
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Travel the ancient network of trade routes extending from eastern China to the Mediterranean Sea with archaeologists Fredrik Hiebert and Michael Frachetti, travel journalist Emma Thomson, and wildlife biologist Mimi Kessler.
PHOTO: MARTIN EDSTROM
Photo: Joan Marcus
“They really bring the whole world to life.” The Kennedy Center has celebrated the cultural legacy of the U.S. for nearly five decades regardless of the heritage, political affiliation, religion or identity of the artists behind iconic operas, ballets, scores, musicals and b-boy battles, so perhaps The Book of Mormon is the perfect musical for 2017. It’s something that everyone can agree on – that there’s always something to laugh about, and maybe even think about. The Book of Mormon runs through Sunday, November 19 in the Kennedy Center’s Opera House. Tickets start at $59. Learn more at www.kennedy-center.org.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; 202-467-4600; www.kennedy-center.org
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www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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Photo: Joan Marcus
By Monica Alford
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On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Fey said her husband – with whom she’s collaborated on SNL, 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and comedy troupe The Second City, among other projects – is fully in his element as a composer with this musical. “To have a professional lyricist to work with and a beautiful 14-piece orchestra is a dream come true for him,” Fey said. “I’m really excited for people to hear Jeff’s music. I think it’s really good.” Richmond said Mean Girls is uncharted territory for him and Fey as a couple, and finding their way through the process together with the help of Nicholaw and Benjamin has been a great experience. “It’s the most joyful thing I’ve ever done in my life,” he said. “These extremely talented young people in this cast singing these songs – it’s the most joyful thing I’ve ever been involved with.”
Richmond said he went into the creative process not wanting to pigeonhole a particular genre, or chase pop music. Instead, he created a world where the characters could each step into a different genre based on their personalities and plot lines. Rock ‘n’ roll, salsa, Rodgers and Hammerstein-style songs, and Cold Playesque pop rock are just a few of the musical styles he’s weaved into the show. “Jeff has this vast knowledge of all different kinds of music, and the score is not pastiche,” Benjamin said. “It’s really original and really amazing. I feel like the score is really going to be something that people want to play again and again and again.” The feeling is mutual; Richmond describes Benjamin as a smart, humorous lyricist who has nailed the tone of the show. Benjamin, who co-wrote the score to the musical Legally Blonde with her husband, said she clearly has a thing about women figuring out power in musicals. She said there’s a way to share a universal message onstage in a fun, creative way without it seeming like a lecture, which “Tina and Jeff are better at than anybody else.” The lyricist said she also feels a responsibility to the fans. “If I’m going to mention ‘fetch,’ I better do it in the best possible way because people are waiting to hear it,” she said. “But I think we’ve done it in a really clever, wonderful way so that you don’t feel like, ‘Oh, you’re just regurgitating the movie for us.’ We want to treat it with respect.” Whether you feel a connection to Cady or Janice, or just enjoy the feel-good vibes and witty social commentary in this story, the creative team behind Mean Girls is clearly committed to ensuring that audiences enjoy the experience. Fey, Nicholaw, Benjamin and Richmond all expressed excitement about bringing the musical to our city first, but Richmond gave me all the feels about my hometown. “I love this town,” he said. “I think this is a really good, smart, informed audience for us to test the show in front of. I just think it’s a really fine community. And I will say this: [DC has] the most cordial people in a city I’ve ever met. Everywhere I go, everybody just seems very nice and courteous and smiling, and I’m not joking. I really love it.”
Photo: Mary Ellen Matthews
Mean Girls will be at National Theatre through December 3, with previews running through mid-November and the official opening night on Sunday, November 19. Tickets start at $48. Check www.thenationaldc.org for details about the ticket lottery program.
National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC 202-628-6161; www.thenationaldc.org
www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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By Natalia Kolenko
Photo: Kris Northern
These are just a few of the 10 Burning Man principals that inspired several individuals in DC to create Catharsis on the Mall, a vigil based on First Amendment rights and the desire for immediate political and social change. The third annual Catharsis will take place on November 10-12, following the art theme of “Nurturing the Heart.” According to community organizer Sanam Emami, Catharsis on the Mall’s mission is “to create an art-driven event that brings the community and individuals who are committed to healing together for a social purpose.” Joshua Carroll, who is on the board of directors and one of the main organizers of the event, says one of the reasons the Catharsis organizers chose DC is because of its political and cultural movement background. “The National Mall is a place that has a lot of historical significance in terms of cultural movements and cultural change,” Carroll says. “And in many ways, it’s a heart – a focal point – of the political and cultural movements that are sweeping the country right now and have been in place for a long time.”
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On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Catharsis media spokesperson Natalie White says this year’s theme is about trying to create a safe space for women, and giving women’s rights a platform. “What we really need is an amendment to the United States Constitution that says women have equal rights,” White says. The vigil will explore this year’s theme through many avenues including art displays, lectures, musical performances and discussions that will facilitate the recognition and healing of wounds in individuals and society. Carroll says people can expect all kinds of art, a golden dragon that will serve as the center stage for musical performances, and workshops and discussions pertaining to self- and womenempowerment. Musical groups Future Clear Pyramid, Meso Creso, JunXion and Ultimate Fantastic will play as well. The vigil will then build to the weekend-long event’s most important moment: the Temple Burn. A nondenominational sanctuary, the Temple Burn is a place where people can leave personal notes or artifacts to burn and represents letting go, moving on and carrying the experience of Catharsis with you long after the event has ended. Catharsis on the Mall begins on Friday, November 10 at 11:11 a.m. and ends Sunday, November 12 at 11:13 a.m., and will occur around the clock. The event is free and open to the public.
Catharsis on the Mall: 2 15th St. NW, DC www.catharsisonthemall.com
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Thompson Amps Up Redskins’ Offense By Michael Coleman
I
t took five seasons, but Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson finally feels at home in the National Football League. The former Florida State standout struggled to find his footing in the team’s offense during his first four years in Washington. While Thompson occasionally gave fans and coaches glimpses of the dangerous triple-threat offensive weapon he would become, injuries and inexperience kept him relegated mostly to the sidelines. Until this season, that is. During the Redskins’ first six games of 2017, the Greenville, Florida native emerged as a breakout offensive star, leading the team in rushing and receiving. Sounding relieved, enlightened and newly confident in his career, Thompson told On Tap Magazine during a half-hour telephone conversation
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ON TAP | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Photos: Courtesy of the Washington Redskins
that a revamped approach to the game, including a healthier diet and mindset, has helped carry him to a higher level of play. “This is probably the most confidence I’ve had in myself since college,” Thompson said. “I really didn’t know if I was good enough to play in this league for a long time,” the veteran back added, explaining how he developed a bad habit of measuring himself against other NFL rushers with similar styles but different team circumstances or physical attributes. “I would compare myself to them, but that was the wrong way of going about it. I am who I am and I need to be the best self that I can.” The average career of an NFL player is less than three years, so Thompson’s five seasons in the league is extraordinary – especially considering he is just 5 feet 7 inches tall and less than 190 pounds. The suddenly pivotal Redskins playmaker said
he’s comfortable as the team’s second back, and happy in his role as a playmaker who can help the team convert big third downs while avoiding the punishing load of repetitive carries between tackles. It’s not that Thompson doesn’t want the ball more – he insisted he does – but he said he trusts head coach Jay Gruden’s plan for him. The quick-shifting running back also credited a long line of coaches who taught him to compensate for his lack of size with a well-rounded game. “My coaches really worked hard to make sure I was a good, all-around back,” Thompson said. “Being a smaller guy, my skill set had to be very diverse. I needed to be a pass catcher; obviously a good runner and have good pass blocking, and even be a possible kick or punt return man. I’ve worked on all that my whole life.” Thompson said he’s worked hard to adjust to the speed of the game since
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ON TAP | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
To have a coach who believes in you, and has no doubts about your game and your skill set, brings an added confidence. You just feel like you can conquer whatever you want to do. arriving in the NFL. He’s no slouch in the speed department himself, clocking 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash. But he said in the pros, even the bigger guys seem to move in a flash. “The slower guys play quicker than they do in college because they see things before they develop,” Thompson explained. “That comes with time and experience. With this being my fifth year, I’ve been able to get a really good feel for the mental side of the game, too. I’ve been able to slow the game down a little bit.” He also said curbing a serious sugar jones – no easy feat for a selfdescribed candy addict – helped him trim seven pounds off of his already compact frame in the last off-season. Thompson now plays at 188 pounds compared to the 195 he played at in 2016. “I cut my body fat down a lot and that’s helped me with quickness, and I’ve been able to turn that fat into muscle,” he said. “I’ve lost some weight, but I feel more explosive.” While experience and hard work have helped Thompson establish himself in the NFL even despite his own misgivings, his head coach never doubted him. “He’s a great pass protector, a great route runner,” Gruden said of Thompson before this season began. “He has great value in the National Football League.” The confidence has been contagious. “Jay told me from the jump, ‘You’re my guy,’” Thompson said. “To have a coach who believes in you, and has no doubt about your game and your skill set, brings an added confidence. You just feel like you can conquer whatever you want to do.”
Learn more about the Redskins’ 2017-2018 season at www.redskins.com.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY BIRD PRICING. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS BY NOVEMBER 15TH TO LOCK IN YOUR SAVINGS! Join us for Nationals Winterfest, returning Dec. 16 and 17 to the Washington Convention Center. Activities include: • • • •
Player meet and greets Clinics with Nationals players and coaches Watch a Nationals mascot Home Run Derby Make a snow fort, participate in the steal home challenge and take batting practice • Feel like you’re tubing the slopes on The Slider
nationals.com/Winterfest
By Trent Johnson
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ON TAP | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photos: Trent Johnson
Oktoberfest in DC kicked off the right way at the sixth annual Wiener 500 on Saturday, September 30 on the boardwalk at Yards Park in Capitol Riverfront. The speediest dogs were awarded $500 in cash and prizes, with over 90 participating dogs.
www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
All Drink, Dine, Do event listings are provided by the venues hosting them.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Photos: Devin Overbey
Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure Turn DC into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well-known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. Start when you want and play at your pace. 10 a.m. Tickets start at $30. Smithsonian Institution: 14th Street and Constitution Avenue in NW, DC; www.urbanadventurequest.com
Nat Geo Nights: Untamed offered an unfiltered look at making unexpected discoveries with Filipe Deandrade and Ryan Bell of Nat Geo Wild’s Untamed, and photographer Krystle Wright.
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On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Nation's Capital Chef's Association November Social Remove your toques and raise a pint at Port City Brewing Co. in Alexandria. The upstairs Lighthouse Lounge that comfortably accommodates 50 people is reserved, so bring friends and family for a happy hour social with your culinary peers. Ticket price includes two drink tickets and some light
food. Check out all the awesome beers they are pouring in November at Port City. 4:306:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Port City Brewing Company: 3950 Wheeler Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.portcitybrewing.com
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Gordon Biersch Fall Beer Sampling Join On Tap for a fall beer sampling on Tuesday, November 7 from 5:307:30 p.m. at the Chinatown Gordon Biersch. Includes complimentary appetizers, a raffle for a Gordon Biersch gift card, and full pours of the beer will be available for purchase. This is a free event, but all guests must RSVP at On Tap’s ticket site. Gordon Biersch: 900 F St. NW, DC; www.ontaponline.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Dinner at Chef's Table Come see what everyone in Georgetown is talking about. Via Umbria's thrice weekly Dinner at the Chef's Table is more than just a great meal. They're a social affair, an experience in conviviality with fellow food lovers. For each Dinner at the Chef's Table, the chef carefully prepares a unique, authentic and delicious menu for your enjoyment. Four courses of Italian deliciousness will be served, as the chef walks you through each dish and answers any questions you have, guiding you and your fellow diners through the perfect evening. 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $75. Via Umbria: 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com Evening at the Edge Come through to the National Gallery of Art as it comes alive after hours. Throughout the night they’ll explore ideas around artistic exchange. Highlights include performances by DC artists Christylez Bacon and Nistha Raj blending hip-hop and classical Indian music, experimental short films, and pop-up talks that explore how ideas and identities merge. 6-9 p.m. Free. The National Gallery of Art: 4th Street in NW, DC; www.nga.gov
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Story District & DC Shorts Reel to Reel Real to Reel is a collaboration between filmmakers and storytellers. Filmmaking teams have only five days to write, shoot, edit and screen a film based on stories from ten local storytellers. The kicker: none of the teams had heard the stories before they were presented. Decided by you, the winning team walks away with a $2,000 cash prize. Miracle Theater: 535 8th St. SE, DC; www.dcshorts.com
Join us for
Saturday & Sunday 11AM - 3PM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Alexandria Film Festival The 11th annual Alexandria Film Festival is coming to town. Stay tuned for details on their nearly 50 cost-free and ticketed programs featuring independent filmmaking from around the world. They will be welcoming filmmakers, actors, musicians, technicians and artists to your beautiful historic city that weekend. Come out to meet them, share ideas, and discuss your love of the film arts right here in your hometown. All festival passes are $50. Individual tickets are $12. Alexandria Film Festival: All screenings held at Alexandria Beatley Library and AMC Hoffman Theater in Alexandria, VA; www.alexfilmfest.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Affordable Wines for the Holidays With the holidays right upon us, it usually entails family gatherings and an endless amount of festivities. This tasting will be themed to finding the perfect wines everyone will enjoy that won’t break your budget. Not only that, but they will be doing some rather unconventional food and wine pairings. Most people, when they think of pairing wine with food, it’s usually wine with the main course; pasta, steak, seafood, etc. But did you know you can actually pair your desserts with wine as well? 3-6 p.m. Tickets are $5. Cork & Fork: 1522 14th St. NW, DC; www.corkandfork.com
Check us out at
sineirishpub.com
for the full brunch and regular menus. Come enjoy our brunch inside when you want to watch your favorite football team on our large projections screen !
BOOK YOUR
HOLIDAY PARTY HERE!
Full Brunch/Lunch Menu Available Sunday 11:30-2:30 Limited Saturday Brunch this Month Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Challenge your friends to a game of triviA right at your table!
Green Dragon Pub at Bilbo Baggins 208 Queen St., Alexandria, VA 703-683-0300 | www.bilbobaggins.net
www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
ArtRave DC - Where Art Meets Fashion in DC ArtRave DC specializes in providing artists with a one of a kind platform to sell their work, all the while offering an interactive and engaging venue for art lovers to come and experience the passion of the most talented artists and designers from all over the world. At ArtRave DC events you'll see work and crafts displayed by fashion designers, fine arts of all mediums, skilled crafters, jewelry makers, gourmet food artisans and much more. They also offer live fashion shows, performance painters; a painting class led by one of ArtRave DC's skilled artists and a wonderful House DJ. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. ArtRave DC: Location in Dupont Circle will be sent to attendees; www.districthousedc.com
Photos: Devin Overbey
Baguettes for Vets Le Diplomate, DC's bustling 14th Street brasserie has one of Washington's most extensive and artful bakery operations. This year, expert head baker, Cody Brandon, and the Le Diplomate bakery team are using their talents to honor the valiant men and women who have bravely served our country. The bakery team will prepare complimentary baguettes for all veterans on November 11, as well as set up a "pop-up" baguette stand outside of the restaurant. All day. Le Diplomate: 1600 14th St. NW, DC; www.lediplomate.com
The Twinbrook Pumpkin Festival featured a seasonal beer garden, live music from Braddock Station Garrison, pumpkin decorating and a dog costume contest.
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On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Natural Perfume Blending for Beginners Join natural perfumer Olivia MacMillan for this whole day event not to be missed. Explore the history of perfume, famous perfume anecdotes, two ways to make natural perfumes, scent notes and how to blend effective scent accords. Students will have access to essential oils and pure, luxury absolutes like: lavender, oakmoss, lotus, jasmine, honeysuckle, rose, and so very
many more. Students will craft a perfume masterpiece to take home. 12 p.m. Tickets are $100. Smile Herb Shop: 4908 Berwyn Rd. College Park, MD; www.smileherb.com Oktoberfest and Fall Fest River Cruise Sign up for the annual Oktoberfest River Cruise or opt for the Fall Fest River Cruise. Embrace your flannel shirts, infinity scarves, and love for all things pumpkin as you sail along the DC waters, Oktoberfest beer in hand. Enjoy a local cider or pumpkin beer, sip on a glass of wine, or try a signature fall cocktail. This 90-minute cruise features autumn drink specials and a full bar/concession area with snacks and beverages available for purchase. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45. National Ferry at Washington Marina: 1300 Maine Ave. SW, DC; www.dcharborcruises.rezgo.com Reds, White & Blue Osteria Morini toasts to the valiant veterans of the US armed forces by raising a glass of complimentary Lambrusco. Osteria Morini curates a strong list of the crisp, refreshing sparkling red wine from EmiliaRomagna, and on Veteran's Day, the waterfront Italian eatery will offer a complimentary glass in salute to veterans. All day. Free for veterans. Osteria Morini: 301 Water St. SE, DC; www.osteriamorini.com
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 11 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair is an annual fall festival that features exhibitions and the sale of handmade goods from local independent artists. Now in its 14th year, this year’s fair will be from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days. Tickets start at $6, free for kids. Nationals Park: 1500 South Capitol St. SE, DC; www.dc.craftybastards.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Sir Sundays at SAX SIR is an all-male burlesque show hosted at SAX Restaurant & Lounge. This electrifying show brings together some of the hottest men in the DMV area for a theatrical experience that will leave you begging for more. Features dancers, aerialists, pole performers, bottomless mimosas, four course preset menu, go-go boys, and table service studs. Repeats Sundays. 2-4 p.m. Tickets start at $50. SAX Restaurant & Lounge: 734 11th St. NW, DC; www.saxwdc.com
Pasta Making Class Nothing says Italy like a perfect plate of pasta. But if you’re getting tired of buying from the box, Via Umbria has got a solution for you. Step into Via Umbria's Demonstration Kitchen with Chef Liam LaCivita and learn how to make two baked pastas. They’ll give you the answers you “knead” to complete a pasta dinner from scratch. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $38.50. Via Umbria: 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Catoctin Creek Cocktails Join Catocin Creek for an evening of spirits, cocktail tasting, and hors d'oeuvres. Catoctin Creek will be taking over Brabo's brasserie to pour tastes of spirits presented side by side with Brabo's cocktail expression and Chef's food pairing to highlight the award-winning craft whiskies and brandies perfect for the winter season. Head bartender Brett Oye will show the depth and versatility of each spirit in a cocktail and executive chef Sebastien Rondier will show how food-friendly these spirits are. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $75. Brabo: 1600 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.braborestaurant.com
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 DC Cocktail Week Presented by Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), DC Cocktail Week returns to metropolitan DC. Cocktail Week spotlights creative and complementary cocktail and food pairings from the region's best mixologists and bartenders. Participating restaurants and bars will offer affordable, specially crafted cocktails and small bite pairings. DC Cocktail Week: Various locations around DC; www.dccocktailweek.com
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Cheese Club by Cheesemonster Do you love cheese? Like really, really love cheese? Give in to your cheesy desires and join Cheese Club by Cheesemonster. Every month, Cheesemonster highlights a different cheese and celebrates its awesomeness. Nosh, drink, learn and generally have a good time. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40. District Space: 3522 12 St. NE, DC; www.cheesemonsterdc.com Embassy of Croatia Wine Tasting: Croatia vs. the Continents of the World Celebrate a special evening in Croatia with the ambassador as you step onto foreign soil to sample a country rich in culture and history. Learn the basics of enjoying great wine as you taste and compare five wines from four different continents. Compare two Croatian wines against three other wines from different continents (North America, Africa and Australia). 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50. Embassy of Croatia: 2342 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; www.eventbrite.com Poetry Fuddle Join Rhizome DC for their monthly poetry fuddle to play around with words in this casual and inventive meet up. Local poets Amy Eisner and Leslie Bumstead will offer a poetry
Celebrando!
20Años with the
Smithsonian Latino Center By Michael Loria
o celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Smithsonian Latino Center invites locals to see how both the Sones de México Ensemble and the Pasatono Orquesta Mexicana articulate Latino culture in their upcoming concerts. The Sones de México Ensemble will perform at the Concert for Tomorrow’s Ancestors on Saturday, November 4 at 3 p.m. at the National Museum of the American Indian. The ensemble formed in 1994 in Chicago, and have since become a premier folk ensemble specializing in Mexican son music, with an emphasis on the different regional styles of son – from huapango and gustos to chilenas and son jarocho. The Pasatono Orquesta Mexicana will perform on Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m. in the National Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard. The eight-piece ensemble formed in 1998 when eight ethnomusicologists decided to do whatever they could to preserve and disseminate traditional Oaxacan folk music. The center’s dedicated staff looks forward to a gallery of their own in which to hold such concerts, but in the meantime, feels they have a home in these Smithsonian museums. “We’re not just one person,” says the Smithsonian Latino Center’s Exhibitions and Public Programs Director Ranald Woodaman. “We are the people of plurality and identity fluidity.” Woodaman points out that there’s a direct connection between the center and the museums where the performances will take place. He says that a number of Latinos identify with native peoples, making the National Museum of the American Indian a natural fit for the November 4 concert. As for the Portrait Gallery performance, he says Latinos have been central to American history since the very beginning. For more information about the Smithsonian Latino Center, visit www.latino.si.edu.
The Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery 8th and F Streets, NW, DC; www. npg.si.edu The National Museum of the American Indian: Corner of 4th Street and Independence Avenue, SW, DC; www.nmai.si.edu www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
activity to get everyone writing, or bring your own to share with the group. You don't have to be a poet to participate; you can just enjoy fuddling around. Bring an idea, refreshments, or nothing at all. 7-9 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Rhizome DC: 6950 Maple St. NW, DC; www.rhizomedc.org
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Photos: Mark Raker
Capturing the Story with a Camera Hear from New York Times’ Pulitzer-winning photojournalists. Todd Heisler joined The New York Times in 2006, the same year he won a Pulitzer Prize for a project following a Marine casualty assistance officer and the families of Marines killed in Iraq. Leslye Davis is a documentarian and photographer at The New York Times where she has worked since 2012. In 2016, she was on the team of journalists who were awarded the Overseas Press Club's David Kaplan Award for their coverage of the ISIS-led terrorist attacks in Paris. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Dupont Underground: 1500 9th St. NW, DC; www.dupontunderground.org
Gordon Biersch in Tysons Corner, Virginia held their fall beer sampling, complete with complimentary appetizers and a raffle for a Gordon Biersch gift card.
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On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
DC Central Kitchen's Capital Food Fight DC Central Kitchen's Capital Food Fight brings together over 1,200 guests to taste food and drink from more than 80 of DC's best restaurants and mixologists while enjoying live entertainment. This year's celebrity hosts include event founder and chair, José Andrés, and co-hosts of Food Network's Kitchen Sink, Spike Mendelsohn, Tregaye Fraser and Fanny Slater. Four local chefs will go head-to-head in a live culinary battle judged by Washington Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Richman (TV personality), and NYC- based Joseph "JJ" Johnson (chef/owner, Ingrained Hospitality Concepts). 6 p.m. Ronald Reagan Building: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.capitalfoodfight.org
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Nat Geo Nights: Silk Road Travel the ancient network of trade routes extending from eastern China to the Mediterranean Sea with archaeologists Fredrik Heibert and Michael Frachetti, travel journalist Emma Thompson, and wildlife biologist Mimi Kessler. Tickets $20. 5:30-8 p.m. National Geographic: 1145 17th St. NW, DC; www.nationalgeographic.org Michael Shaps Wine Dinner with DCanter Join winemaker Michael Shaps, Chef Rob Weland of Garrison and Capitol Hill's own DCanter wine shop for an unforgettable evening of fine food and award-winning wines. Chef Weland's menu is perfectly paired with the naturally made wines of Michael Shaps, an award-winning winemaker who splits his time between Charlottesville, Virginia and Burgundy, France. Michael will take you on a journey to the old world and the new as you sip his naturally made wines alongside Weland's locallyinspired tasting menu. 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $75. Garrison Restaurant: 524 8th St. SE, DC; www.michaelshapswines.com Shorts & Sips at The Modern at Art Place Join On Tap at The Modern at Art Place on November 16. This event will include complimentary cocktails from DC mixologists, light appetizers and short films on big screens from the DC Shorts Film Festival. This event is free and open to the public, just RSVP at www.modernshorts.com. 7-9 p.m. The Modern at Art Place: 400 Galloway St. NE, DC; www.themoderndc.com
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 Beaujolais and Beyond Celebration 2017 Le beaujolais nouveau est arrivé! What better way to celebrate the end of the 2017 wine harvest in style than at the embassy of France at DC’s only official celebration? Enjoy unlimited Beaujolais nouveau all night long, sample food from some of Washington's best French restaurants, and dance the night away at the wine event of the year. 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. Tickets start at $65. La Maison Française at the Embassy of France: 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW, DC; www.faccwdc.org Eat Your Hart Out Burlesque Revue Eat Your Hart Out is a fat, (this production uses the word fat as a reclaimed descriptor that does not pathologize, euphemize or insult fatness,) burlesque revue, celebrating fat, thick and curvy folks. Burlesque dancers from Richmond to Cleveland grace the Black Cat stage with big, fat, fabulous talent. Join the wonderful cast of Eat Your Hart Out to celebrate jiggles, thick thighs, big bellies and the best of fat burlesque. 9 p.m. Tickets are $12. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com Lobster Night Lobster Night returns, and this year the restaurant is experimenting with a new format. Reserve on Eventbrite to be assured a lobster. The meal includes a glass of wine, a steamed 1 1/4-pound Maine lobster, coleslaw (or salad), a choice of French fries or oven crisped new potatoes, and dessert. 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50. Fourth Estate Restaurant: 529 14th St. NW, DC; www.press.org/fourthestate
Old Ebbitt Grill Oyster Riot XXIII Celebrating its 23rd anniversary, the Oyster Riot is one of the
greatest parties of the year in DC. Always held the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Riot is DC's preeminent food and wine event. Each night, nearly 1,000 people devour tens of thousands of oysters while enjoying the gold medal winners of the International Wines for Oysters Competition and grooving to some awesome tunes. Friday, November 17, 7-10 p.m., Saturday, November 18, 1-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $143.50. Old Ebbitt Grill: 675 15th St. NW, DC; www.ebbittoysterriot.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 An Asian Street Food & Beer Pairing Join Sunday in Saigon for an unforgettable collaboration between critically acclaimed Himitsu, Sunday in Saigon and award-winning Bell’s Brewery. Experience an open air Asian food market complete with hawker carts, unlimited small bites and delicious beer pairings that are sure to make your mouth water. 12-4:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50. Sunday in Saigon: 682 N Saint Asaph St. Alexandria, VA; www.sundayinsaigon.com Del Campo's Thanksgiving Crash Course Cooking Class Join Del Campo for a crash course in putting out the perfect Thanksgiving spread. During their seventh installment of Del Campo's seasonal cooking class series, they add a South American twist to turkey day favorites. Along with their chefs, learn how to brine, truss and spatchcock a turkey and prepare Thanksgiving favorites. 1-3 p.m. Tickets are $98. Del Campo: 777 I St. NW, DC; www.delcampodc.com Hop Funk Fest II 3 Stars Brewing Company is at it again, bringing some of the best beers in the country right into DC's backyard. They will be showcasing tons of hop forward and sour beers in a celebration of everything
delicious. Food vendors, live music performances, art and so much more. Beer lineup will be coming soon. 1-7 p.m. Tickets start at $20. 3 Stars Brewing Company: 6400 Chillum Pl. NW, DC; www.3starsbrewing.com Take Me Out: 2000s Indie Dance Party DJs Matt Walter and Craig Boarman will spin Bloc Party, LCD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, Hot Chip, Passion Pit, Gorillaz, M.I.A. and more. 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com Zentan Class Series Grow your culinary and beverage skills with Chef Matsuzaki and lead barkeep Matt Allred. Every third Saturday of each month they will bestow their tools and techniques on to you for an afternoon of hands on learning. Tie on a customized Zentan apron, grab a chef's knife or a bar spoon, and let your creative self go to work. Class includes a Zentan apron, class takeaways, bites from Chef Matsuzaki or sake tastings from Allred. 2-4 p.m. Tickets are $40. Zentan: 1155 14th St. NW, DC; www.zentanrestaurant.com
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Pastry Chef Alex Levin's Thanksgiving Pop-Up Bakeshop SRG’s new pastry chef, Alex Levin, is relaunching his pop-up bakery to take care of your Thanksgiving baking and dessert needs. To celebrate the holiday, the pop-up offers a selection of handmade pies, specialty desserts and artisanal candies. If there's something special you need, Chef Levin will make it happen. Alta Strada: 465 K St. NW, DC; www.altastradarestaurant.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 5th Annual Made in DC Holiday Market The DC creative community is coming back together for a fifth year in a row for the popular Made in DC Holiday Market, presented by DC Brau Brewing Company, Think Local First DC and the Made in DC Program. Taking place throughout the brewery on Shop Small Saturday, the Made in DC Holiday Market features more than 30 stalls with local artists and makers selling their crafts, from jewelry and clothing to candles, stationery and food items. Admission is free to the public, and all ages are welcome! 1-6 p.m. DC Brau: 3178 Bladensburg Rd. NE, DC; www.dcbrau.com
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Movie and a Meal: Big Night It’s that time of the month again where all at Via Umbria gather around the big screen in the cafe for a movie and a meal. This month’s movie is Big Night (1996), the story of two Italian immigrant brothers who own a struggling restaurant on the Jersey Shore in the 1950s. This hilarious tale centers on a last ditch effort, their Big Night to resurrect their restaurant. Watch as the two brothers spend their entire savings on food and guests to enjoy a feast, with timpano as the centerpiece. In honor of this grand baked and layered dish, Chef Liam LaCivita will be serving up timpano for dinner. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $38.50. Via Umbria: 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com
www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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FotoWeekDC 2017
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 Save the Date: The District’s Holiday Boat Parade Come to The Wharf to celebrate the parade and see the beautifully decorated boats drive by. GoGo Gadjet will take the stage and play live music all evening. Get into the spirit with the guaranteed first snow of the season, and decorate your own boat. Sip hot cocoa and make s’mores at the fire pit. Visit the lighted Christmas tree and enjoy other fun activities, including skating on the ice rink and winter drinks at The Wharf’s bars serving holiday cheer. 6-8 p.m. Free to attend. The Wharf: 690 Water St. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com
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Brunch every Saturday & Sunday T&H is the place for Pittsburgh Sports! We are the neighborhood spot that makes you feel at home!
567 23rd St S, Arlington, VA 22202 | (703) 979-1872 info@tortoiseandharebar.com
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On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: Courtesy of FotoWeekDC
From November 11-19, DC will play host to the 10th annual FotoWeek by Foto DC, an expansive festival focused on the medium of photography. Whether you’re a journalism nerd interested in awardwinning news shots or an art geek who enjoys deciphering what images represent about society, this weeklong series of events provides numerous opportunities to enjoy and learn about breathtaking visuals. In preparation for the week, we spoke to festival executive producer and programming coordinator, Svetlana Legetic. On Tap: Why do you think it’s important for an entire week of programming and events to be dedicated solely to the medium of photography? Svetlana Legetic: Photography is the most accessible of art forms and the one that connects to everyday life the most. At the same time, in 2017, photography is an amazing storytelling tool allowing more people to connect to current topics and issues than ever before. DC has a thriving working and amateur photographer community, and transforming the city into a photography playground is a great way to celebrate that. OT: What do you expect people to take out of these exhibitions, galleries and talks, whether they be photographers or just people who are fans of impactful visuals? SL: The festival is supposed to provide something for everyone, whether people are more interested in photojournalism, fine art or say, social photography. We have programs targeted specifically at photographers themselves (workshops, portfolio reviews, etc.), but the main goal is for the community to engage with the artists and their work, and get more insight into the stories covered. OT: Do people have to know a ton about photography to get the full experience? SL: Not at all. You really just need to be interested in beauty, storytelling and the human/world condition, and you can enjoy it. OT: What is an event you’re looking forward to most? SL: Obviously, everyone should come to the opening party. I also love the nighttime projections every year at the Holocaust Museum - such powerful work - and our FotoTalks at FotoWeekCentral. And Arthur Jafa at Hirshhorn. There’s so much to choose from. Personally, the weekends are my favorite. [They’re] a great opportunity to hop around exhibitions and events and make a day out of it, plus most events are free and open to the public. OT: How many local photographers will be showcased? SL: Dozens of local photographers are showcased, from the FotoWeekDC competition winners to Women Photojournalists and White House Photographers’ annual shows to our FotoTalks and group shows by IGDC and more.
For locations, times and prices, visit www.fotodc.org
lenko
o By Natalia K
1. Hard cider was once the daily drink in early colonial America, and was especially popular with presidents like John Adams, George Washington and noted wine connoisseur Thomas Jefferson.
5. There are over 30 different apple varieties grown specifically for cider production throughout Virginia.
4. One of the biggest differences between hard cider and wine is that apples must be ground before pressing. The entire apple is ground to a pulp called pomace, and the juice is then fermented.
3. Cider is fermented like wine, not brewed like beer. 2. Hard apple cider is the fastest growing segment in the alcohol business.
7. Virginia is currently the sixth-largest apple producing state by acreage in the U.S. 6. Based on current law, Virginia hard apple cider can be up to 10 percent alcohol by volume, without adding sugar to the juice. Any fermented apple juice above 10 percent alcohol must be labeled apple wine.
9. The Blue Ridge Mountains’ climate, soil and sunshine have helped apples thrive in Virginia for hundreds of years, so much so that the mountains were known as the Apple Belt in the early 1900s.
10. When Jamestown was founded, apples were commonly called winter banana or melt-inthe-mouth.
8. In 2012, Virginia became the first state to have an official Cider Week proclaimed by its governor.
Facts courtesy of the following articles: #1-7: www.ciderweekva.com #8: www.virginia.org #9: www.cidercraftmag.com #10: www.coastalvirginiamag.com 2017 Cider Week VA runs from November 10-19. Learn more at www.ciderweekva.com.
www.ontaponline.com | NOVEMBER 2017 | ON TAP
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A Day in the
Life
Cobbler Mountain’s
LAURA MCCARTHY LOUDEN By Joel Goldberg
Photos: Joel Goldberg
obbler Mountain Cellars has a history that’s more than a half-century old, and it has been preserved largely thanks to its current owners, Jeff and Laura McCarthy Louden. The winery-cidery resides at the foot of a small mountain, quietly hidden from nearby Interstate-66 in Delaplane, Virginia. There, Laura works alongside her husband to produce a medley of ciders – such as the seasonable harvest pumpkin – all while managing a house bustling with her children and their cousins. With Cider Week VA quickly approaching on November 10-19, we decided to catch up with Louden about Cobbler Mountain. She shared some tricks that helped the couple grow their business and described her approach as DIY, which she evinced by battling through her interview with a broken tooth. With a wholesome country drawl and in the company of her dog, Corky – who spent the entire interview snooping around the picnic table – Laura provided a glimpse into her life, and her experiences in the wine and cidery businesses.
On Tap: How did the farm come to be in your family? Laura McCarthy Louden: My father wanted to take his writing into the classroom and teach in the countryside. He started spending a lot of weekends driving out here, and was able to make contact with the farmer. Together, they made a handshake deal on the steps of the old farmhouse – 90 acres for $100 an acre. OT: At what point did you and Jeff become the owners? LML: My mom held onto the farm for 40plus years [following Laura’s father’s death]. He bought it in August of 1959, and we moved in in September of 2009. For us, it turned into, “Alright, what do we to do to get started?” We just got it into motion.
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ON TAP | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
COBBLER MUST-HAVES Laura and Jeff’s partnership Their customers, staff and volunteers Brand integrity Quality fruit Bottles OT: What inspired you and Jeff to open a winery-cidery? Has producing wine and cider always been a shared passion of yours? LML: When we were first married, he had small batches all over the place – wine, ciders, beer. [My daughter Olivia’s] bedroom closet backed up to our kitchen pantry, where [Jeff ] always had a five-gallon vessel brewing. Olivia came down the hall and said, “Daddy, Daddy, the merlot has fermented. I can smell it in my closet!” That’s when the light bulb went off that I needed to introduce Jeff to the farm. I grew up wanting to be here. But until you meet the right person or something happens in your life, you don’t have that push. OT: What was it like getting the business up and running? LML: Ten thousand visitors trickled in [during] the first 18 months. Over the years, it’s tripled. Production has expanded like crazy. Jeff is taking a break from new wine production. He’s produced many awardwinning wines, and enjoyed making them. [But] he’s found his favorite to produce is the hard cider. And in order to keep up with that demand, which is grand, we’re focusing on channeling our time, energy and financial efforts into the cider production, allowing wine to pause.
OT: In what ways is Cobbler Mountain an eco-friendly business? LML: I have a lot of respect for the environment. When someone is planning a party out here, no Styrofoam is permitted by any of our customers. When we first opened, we recycled every single bottle – customers would return their bottle in exchange for a complimentary glass of wine. Now [with] the four-pack carrier, there’s an invitation to recycle it [and] bring it back to us ready to refill with four new bottles. And each time you take it on another trip and recycle it, I’ll pour you a complimentary pint. OT: What’s your favorite style produced at Cobbler Mountain? LML: I don’t usually like to tell anyone that, so that I don’t influence them. [But we] both absolutely love the Traditional Jeffersonian – that is the classic. I’m a ginger fanatic, so I love both of his gingers.
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Laura and Jeff’s partnership Bath salts Outdoor showers Chaco shoes Cider OT: How would you describe the Cobbler Mountain community? Who visits? LML: I call it a baseball diamond day when customers have visited from the greater DC area, [or when] I discover a customer that is actually a neighbor surrounding the mountain. That is a huge difference – moving from the suburbs of South Carolina to farmland in Northern Virginia – because it’s not just a little neighborhood. You’re not living in the city where your block is your community. Our community is our customers, our farm community and our industry. Visit Cobbler Mountain Cellars’ website at www.cobblermountain.com to learn more about the winery-cidery, and how they’re celebrating Cider Week VA.
Cobbler Mountain Cellars 5909 Long Fall Ln. Delaplane, VA 540-364-2802; www.cobblermountain.com
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All What’s On Tap listings are provided by the venues hosting them.
By On Tap staff
Greetings, beer nerds! As you likely know, there are a number of fantastic establishments in the DMV where you can grab a pint, and their menus are always evolving and adapting to your tastes. If you’d rather avoid the guessing game, check out some of what’s on tap this month.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
The Bruery Barrel-Aged Beer Dinner Enjoy five exceptional beers offered by The Bruery alongside a specially designed menu by chef de cuisine Stephen McRae. Don’t miss this opportunity to try some deliciously rare treats like Black Tuesday 2017, White Chocolate and Sans Pagaie. As an added bonus, the team from The Bruery will be in the house, sharing stories behind their excellent brewery and outstanding beers. Tickets are $55. 7-9 p.m. Rustico Ballston: 4075 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.thebruery.com/the-bruery-dc
The Anderson Valley 30th Anniversary Party Toast to this momentous occasion with 30 different drafts from the Boonville, California brewery. For this special occasion, Anderson Valley has showered ChurchKey with an array of special treats, including Thribble Peach, Huge Arker and Framboise Rose Gose. Birch & Barley will feature chef Bill Williamson’s five-course tasting menu paired exclusively with Anderson Valley beers. Free admission. 12-11 p.m. ChurchKey: 1337 14th St. NW, DC; www.churchkeydc.com
Cheese & Cheer: Craft Beer & Cheese Pairings Spend an evening with Righteous Cheese in an intimate class discovering and savoring seasonal, artisanal cheeses. You’ll discover and taste four delicious cheese and craft beer pairings that will delight both newbies and cheese and beer pros alike. Fromager and beer aficionado Melissa Provinsal will delve into the story behind each cheese and beer, as well as give practical advice about selecting, serving, pairing and more. Tickets are $50. 7-9 p.m. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; unionmarketdc.com
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
After Hours DC Beer Tour by City Brew Tours City Brew Tours DC is a tour company that offers daily behind-the-scenes access to DC and the surrounding area’s top breweries, brewpubs and beer bars. The tours are allinclusive with beer-focused tastings for brew lovers visiting and living in the metropolitan area. Every brewery tour includes up to 15 different craft beer samples, a beer pairing dinner, VIP visits to four breweries and round-trip transportation from downtown DC. Tickets are $100. 5:30-10:30 p.m. The Portrait Gallery: 801 F St. NW, DC; www.citybrewtours.com
DC Beerathon The DC Beerathon is an annual tradition of craft and premium beers at DC’s best bars and restaurants, now in its sixth year. The original idea behind the Beerathon was to create a marathon event in November for those of us whose enthusiasm for running includes making a beer run. So come rock out all day with beers and great food at DC’s best venues. Tickets are $65. 12-10 p.m. Buffalo Billiards: 1330 19th St. NW, DC; www.dcbeerathon.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Annual Cask Ale Festival Mad Fox Brewing Company’s annual cask ale festival is the Mid-Atlantic’s largest cask ale event. Sample more than 30 special and limited-edition, cask-conditioned ale from around the region and across the country at the two-day, indoor event. There’s live music and fantastic food as well. Admission is free. 11 a.m. on Saturday. 10 a.m. on Sunday. Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 W Broad St. Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com
Highway Manor DC Launch As part of the Sour Beer Tapping Series, Bier Baron Tavern is proud to host Highway Manor’s DC Launch Party. Highway Manor is an exclusively sour brewery founded in 2015 in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania that brews its beer with yeast harvested from a mansion built in the 1840s. 4-11 p.m. Bier Baron Tavern: 1523 22nd St. NW, DC; www.inlovewithbier.com/tavern
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Thanksgiving Craft Beer & Wine Festival The Craft Beer & Wine Festival will feature over 50 beers and wines from local breweries and wineries. Enjoy live music, local vendors, great food, contests, prizes, yard games, bratwursts, pretzels, wings, swag giveaways and much more at this dog-friendly (ask for treats or a water bowl) and kid-friendly (playground available) event. Tickets are $20- $30. 1-6 p.m. Tysons Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, VA; www.tysonsbiergarten.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Beerasana DC Brau hosts Beerasana the final Sunday of each month. Join for an all-levels yoga flow followed by a pint of beer. All are welcome, and no yoga experience is required. Limited to 20 guests. BYO yoga mat, and DC Brau will provide the beer. Tickets are $15. 12-2 p.m. DC Brau: 3178 Bladensburg Rd. NE, DC; www.dcbrau.com
By Natalia Kolenko If you’re like me, then you appreciate a good autumn beer as much as the next person, but nothing quite gets you in the fall spirit like a hard cider. As it turns out, Virginia is one of the best states to get hard cider in, as we have a long history of hard cider and apple orchards dating back to the 18th century. There’s even a week dedicated to Virginia hard cider, Cider Week VA, from November 10-19. So grab a scarf and a flannel, and hit up some cider-themed events around NoVA.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Flights at Fontaine with Cobbler Mountain and Foggy Ridge Fontaine will be offering flights of Cobbler Mountain and Foggy Ridge Cider. Enjoy cider and crêpes, a classic combination. Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m.,
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fontaine Café and Crêperie: 119 S Royal St. Alexandria, VA; www.fontainecaffe.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Virginia Cider at Cheesetique Cheesetique is hosting a Virginia cider tasting at the boutique and restaurant chosen by Northern Virginia Magazine as the “Best Cheese Shop” for the past four years. Participating cideries include Foggy Ridge, Potter’s, Blue Bee and Castle Hill. 1-4 p.m. Cheesetique: 2411 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.cheesetique.com
live music and fun fall activities. Food truck fare will be available, plus special tastings and tasting lectures for purchase onsite. Music will be provided by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington. Reservations recommended. $45-$55. 2-6 p.m. Lloyd House: 220 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA; www.shop.alexandriava.gov
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Alexandria Cider Festival Enjoy a selection of ciders from more than 12 Virginia cideries on the grounds of the historic Lloyd House in Old Town Alexandria. Ticket includes tastings, a souvenir glass,
Virginia Cider Week Tasting Event The Lyceum is offering a cider tasting as part of Cider Week VA. Cider was a common drink enjoyed in 18th-century Alexandria, and cider is commonly made in the Caen region of France. Enjoy samples of a selection of Virginia ciders, as well as light hors d’oeuvres. $50. 7-9:30 p.m. The Lyceum: 201 S. Washington St. Alexandria, VA; www.shop.alexandriava.gov 2017 Cider Week VA runs from November 10-19. Learn more at www.ciderweekva.com.
with
Castle Hill Cider Stuart Madany, Cider Maker Kristen Renee Hicks, Marketing Director
On Tap: How is Castle Hill celebrating Cider Week VA? Kristen Renee Hicks: [Cider Week VA] is an incredible opportunity for newcomers and seasoned cider sippers to savor finely crafted creations from Virginia’s diverse and growing cider industry. Castle Hill Cider will be participating in a variety of events [including a] tap takeover at Firefly Restaurant, Enrichmond Foundation’s Cider Celebration and the Alexandria Cider Celebration. OT: Is Castle Hill releasing any new ciders for fall? Staurt Madany: 2016 Terrestrial and 2016 Celestial have both just been released in the last three weeks. These newest releases are both more complex blends, and thus more layered and nuanced than previous releases. Terrestrial remains bone dry and brightly acidic. The Celestial, a blend of seven apple varieties fermented with five strains of yeast, is slightly off-dry, but with plenty of fruit and body.
Photo: Courtesy of Castle Hill Cider
OT: What makes Virginia cider so unique? SM: Virginia, while not by any means the largest producer of apples, has a reputation for producing some of the most highly-flavored apples in the country. I think that Virginia’s history with apple growing and cider production, as well as its recent history and development as a wine region, have contributed to the strength of the orchard cider segment of Virginia’s cider production. OT: What sets Castle Hill cider apart? SM: Within a couple of months, we will expand our planting to a total of 7,500 apple trees. We are also the only commercial cidery in the world (still as far as we know) that produces cider in buried terra cotta vessels called qvevri. The vessels’ shape has its effects on the fermentation, and the cider made in them has a much smaller carbon footprint compared to tank produced beverages.
Castle Hill Cider: 6065 Turkey Sag Rd. Keswick, VA www.castlehillcider.com www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
with
Winchester Ciderworks Stephen Schuurman, Cider Maker and Co-Owner
Photo: Courtesy of Winchester Ciderworks
On Tap: What makes Virginia cider unique compared to other states? Stephen Schuurman: Virginia cider has a vast range of different tastes and styles to please every taste bud – from high-end, fortified ciders to mass production ciders – but both highlight the essence of apples grown here in the state.
Photos: Nathan Payne
OT: Tell us about your blackcurrant cider. SS: 522 Blackcurrant is named after our location on state Route 522, and is an English specialty cider. Being English, I like to make ciders that remind me of home, and we love our blackcurrants (similar to Americans and blueberries). Different varieties of blackcurrant juice are added to cider to give them a fruity flavor and a lovely pinkish hue. The popularity has blown us away. It will be an annual cider, but we will have seasonal additions to 522 during 2018.
NOVA Fall BrewFest included samplings from 40 different DMV breweries at Bull Run Regional Park.
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OT: Where can you find Winchester’s blackcurrant in the DMV? SS: We are in several wine and liquor stores in DC, and on tap in several bars. In Northern Virginia, we are in all Total Wines and Wegmans in Dulles and Leesburg. From mid-November, we will be placed in many more stores, which we hope makes us the number one local craft cider in Northern Virginia. OT: How are you celebrating Cider Week VA? SS: We are participating in many festivals celebrating fall and cider season, along with invitations to beer festivals celebrating Oktoberfest.
Winchester Ciderworks: 2504 N. Frederick Pike, Winchester, VA www.winchesterciderworks.com
By Alex Thompson
hen National Geographic gives you the opportunity to travel the globe all in the name of beer research, you go – immediately. Beer geographers Nancy HoalstPullen and Mark Patterson did exactly that, setting out on an epic 13-month, over 160,000mile quest to discover the ins and outs of beer making and drinking around the world for their new book Atlas of Beer: A Globe-Trotting Journey Through the World of Beer. Published by the National Geographic Society, this ultimate beer travel guide gives readers a truly unique take on the history, culture and tasting trends of all things beer across six continents – all from bar owners, brewers and industry experts. And readers also get some incredible travel tips, including how to order a Atlas of Beer cover beer in 14 different languages. Connecting the world of geography and beer is a passion project for Hoalst-Pullen and Patterson, both academics with PhDs in geography and individualized experience across the beer spectrum. Hoalst-Pullen is an avid world traveler and beer writer, while Patterson is a well-versed homebrewer working on a script for a pilot series on the U.S. craft beer industry. “If you look at the ingredients in beer, you have four of them: water, yeast, grains and hops,” Patterson tells On Tap. “And from those four ingredients, you can produce hundreds of styles of beers, and almost everywhere you go, these beers taste slightly different than [their] next-door neighbors. I think that is slightly a function of geography.” Hoalst-Pullen adds that she finds it amazing that wherever you go, you’ll find that the beer there has a distinctiveness you won’t find in other places. “If you go to a location and drink a particular style that originated there, you not only appreciate the beer more but the location as well,” she says. Out of all the countries visited, the pair says Argentina and Belgium proved to be the most surprising – for quite different reasons. “Argentina is known for wine, and so there are a lot of used wine
Photo: Courtesy of National Geographic
IF WE CAN BE ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL AT THE SAME TIME,
AND DO ALL OF IT WHILE DRINKING, IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER?
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barrels sitting around that breweries have taken advantage of to age their beers in,” Patterson says. “And some of the brewers there are producing phenomenal beers.” As for Belgium, the sheer variety of beers that this small country is producing is impressive, the authors notes. “Belgium is really quite traditional,” Hoalst-Pullen says. “A lot of times, you have beers that evolve with ebb and flow. But Belgium uses some traditions that have been used forever, and the beers are timeless in many ways. I think that’s what makes Belgium unique.”
on the scene
Both are quick to point out that the U.S. is by no means one to leave out of the conversation on impressive beers, with some lesser known areas (e.g., outside of Denver, San Diego, New England, etc.) producing some pretty incredible beers. Hoalst-Pullen says they visited some noteworthy breweries in states like Texas and Ohio. “You don’t tend to hear someone say, ‘Hey, let’s go to Ohio and drink beer,’” she says. “But they’ve got some pretty upstanding breweries there too. The same places are covered repeatedly in literature, and I think some of these other places really do have amazing breweries that are unfortunately overlooked.” Along their travels, both authors picked up quite a few misperceptions about beer – the most popular of which were that beer served in a cold glass is best, and one should pour a beer with the least foam possible. Patterson explains that the foam is actually a pretty important part of the beer because it extenuates the beer’s aroma, but a cold glass will detract from the flavor. Another interesting perception the authors encountered frequently during their expedition was the viewpoint of American beers outside of the U.S., specifically when it came to the interpretation of an IPA. “I found it interesting how those outside of the U.S. would say ‘Oh, this is an American-style IPA,’ and really it was more their own personal interpretation from their country with their culture infused into an IPA style,” Hoalst-Pullen says. You can come and hear both authors speak about their travels, and their new book, at an event from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, November 30 at the National Geographic Campus. Guests will get to hear about beers from the far reaches of the world visited by the authors, and enjoy a guided beer tasting with food pairing led by James Bear Awardwinning brewmaster Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery. “I think we’re educators at heart, and we really enjoy talking to people about the book and about beer,” Patterson says. “We are always trying to weave geography into our conversations. And for me, I really like it when people say, ‘I know a lot about beer, but I didn’t know this about beer or about a particular style.’” Hoalst-Pullen added, “If we can be entertaining and educational at the same time, and do all of it while drinking, is there anything better?” Learn more about the Atlas of Beer Nat Geo Night on November 30 at www.nationalgeographic.org/dc/events/atlas-beer/. Tickets are $100 each and include the beer tasting and food pairing.
National Geographic Campus: 1600 M St. NW, DC; 202-857-7700 www.nationalgeographic.org
Photos: Mark Raker
FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THESE AND OTHER EVENTS, VISIT THE ONLINE GALLERY AT WWW.ONTAPONLINE.COM.
The Daley at Shady Grove Metro hosted a cocktail competition with Paladar Latin Kitchen, Gringo’s, Botanero and Union Jacks. The event also featured music from Zach Cutler and Ace Ono.
www.ontaponline.com | NOVEMBER 2017 | ON TAP
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BEHIND THE BAR
By Natalia Kolenko and Michael Loria
In a city as politically charged as DC, it makes sense for music to be a natural outlet for creative expression. Songs of contrasting styles and viewpoints help balance the federal government’s hold on the area, and bands relish the opportunity to give suits a reason to shed their boring three-piece for a graphic T-shirt and jeans meant for dancing. Want a drink or two before rocking out to your favorite band? Some venues have bars a flight of stairs away, while others are surrounded by watering holes. Here are three places to pregame before your next concert.
Photos: Trent Johnson
Photo: Courtesy of the RW Restaurant Group
TREVOR FRYE
ROBERT WIEDMAIER
On Tap: How did you become such an avid music lover? Trevor Frye: I grew up with it. My stepdad used to have this amazing stereo system in our living room, and I would listen to everything from classic rock like The Doors to 80s rock. I was into Mötley Crüe, and probably things seven or eight-year-olds shouldn’t be listening to.
On Tap: How did you come to open Villain & Saint? Robert Wiedmaier: I opened this spot up [about two-and-half years ago]. I said, “Well, I’m not going to put a restaurant in there, but I’ll put in a small music venue.” So I ended up building this out and putting the sound system in. And we have live music here every night.
OT: What was it about music that inspired you to open Five to One? TF: It was always something I wanted to do because I think that music and bars [are] two things that bring people together. I really fell in love with just putting some music on and trying to create cocktails around the vibe of the music.
OT: How does Villain & Saint set itself apart from other venues in terms of how it treats the bands? RW: I knew from being a chef and traveling the world that you aren’t always treated [well on the road]. We would show up to all of these hotels and restaurants, and no one would be there to help us carry our stuff. The same thing [happens] with the bands; no respect. I make sure that everybody that plays here, we help carry all of their stuff in, and we feed them well and take good care of them. There’s a green room downstairs.
Owner, Five to One
Owner, Villain & Saint/RW Restaurant Group
OT: How are Five to One’s drinks different from what’s served at other bars? TF: We don’t use any garnishes here. It keeps everything really clean, [and] it also keeps things very consistent. We also rotate our drinks almost every night [based on acts playing the 9:30 Club, which is less than 500 feet from Five to One]. We have a standard list of our house cocktails, “Originals,” and a small section of what we call “Covers,” which are from bartender friends all over the country. OT: How does a preshow visit to Five to One enhance the 9:30 Club experience? TF: If you come in before, you’re kind of starting your concert experience before that. If you come in after, you have something to relate it to. Hopefully if you come in before, while you’re at the show maybe some things click about the drinks, but really we just want to get people in the mindset to listen to good music.
OT: What do you like to do after work? RW: One of my favorite things to do is, I leave Marcel’s around 9:30 or 10 [p.m.], and I drive down [to my house on the water]. I’ve got a big bonfire pit and an outdoor stage. We’ll have bands down there, and I’ll meet a bunch of people to drink bourbon around the firepit and listen to music all night long. It’s a blast.
Robert’s Pick
BOURBON “ON THE ROCK” Two fingers of Angel’s Envy or 1792 Bourbon Single large ice cube
Trevor’s Pick
Villain & Saint 7141 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, MD www.villainandsaint.com
MILLER HIGH LIFE AND BITTERS Miller High Life Bitters
Five to One: 903 U St. NW, DC www.fivetoonedc.com Photo: Julia Bloom
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Photos: Trent Johnson
Steve Lambert
Co-owner and Talent Buyer, Rock & Roll Hotel On Tap: What’s unique about Rock & Roll Hotel’s layout? Steve Lambert: This place was created based on a lack of this size venue in the city. It opened in 2006 [and] is unique due to the fact that it has three floors and a rooftop deck, which is a rare thing to have in the entire country. OT: Do the bands ever come up to the bar after a show? SL: All the time. I would say almost 100 percent of the acts will come up here and hang out.
Veterans Day Visit any of our locations on
Thursday, November 9th and enjoy veteran-themed IPA’s & Pale Ales
1
$
OT: What genres do you tend to pick when booking shows? SL: We do all varieties. Last week we had Turnover, which is like indie rock/emo-indie rock, then [rap group] The Underachievers, then Andrew WK. Generally speaking, I’m pretty open to all varieties of music. OT: How have the bands you’ve booked over the years changed? SL: In the early [to mid] 2000s, there were a lot of bands that played here that are now f---ing huge, like Vampire Weekend, Bon Iver, St. Vincent and The War on Drugs. It wasn’t like bam – sell out DC9. Bam – do a thousand tickets. Bam – do 10,000 tickets in 18 months. There was more of a gradual build. And technology changed a lot to reach more people. OT: How is Rock & Roll Hotel different from other DC venues? SL: It’s a lot different because it’s not just the show. There’s multiple floors to hang out on, and that’s a nice option to have.
ill of each beer sold w riety be donated to a va ting of charities suppor our Veterans!
Gordon Biersch DC
900 F Street NW, Washington, DC 202.594.6720
Steve’s Pick
A Two-and-Two (two beers, two shots) DC Brau Tequila shot
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Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
indler
By Jean Sch
But scrolling through Twitter recently, I halted at a photo cheerfully captioned “holiday ideas.” It was of a squid-stuffed turkey, tentacles bursting from the bird’s cavity and swirled around the roasting pan. Turquid? Squirkey? It was horrifying, it was intriguing and it got me thinking – green bean casserole is not mandatory. So, I turned to a superstar team of culinary advisors who could guide me down unknown paths. First up, David Guas – the popular, NOLA-born chef behind numerous award-winning projects who has made DC home. His most recent adventure began this fall with the opening of Lil’B, a New Orleans-infused coffee bar and eatery just off Scott Circle. Guas, who has hosted his family’s Thanksgiving celebration for 15 years, advises me to slow down. “It’s not about breaking tradition,” he says. “It’s about mixing things up, and making the celebration fun and different.” Guas gets the party started with lots of appetizers and snacks. “Getting to the table is almost as important as the dinner itself. It’s the little things that bring people together and put them in the mood for the table.” These “little things” include shucking raw oysters to start, and then enjoying homemade pimento cheese and breads and cranberryinfused sippers. Guas says he does something different every year. For the centerpiece, he sources black-feathered heritage breed turkeys from Pennsylvania, which he brines using apple cider and honey. The bird is then spatchcocked, the recently-trendy method that involves removing the backbone and flattening, and which allows for quicker and more even cooking. This bird is served with oyster dressing, a Louisiana tradition.
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For the dessert makeover, I pick the brain of pastry chef legend Tiffany MacIsaac of Buttercream Bakery fame. I bemoan the ubiquitous pumpkin pie, often with soggy crusts and bland fillings. MacIsaac has the perfect rescue: use apple butter instead of pumpkin puree. I am startled by this brilliant simplicity. “My friend raved about finding this at a random side-of-the-road stand, so I decided to take a stab – and it was amazing,” she remembers. “When we introduced the pie in the store for our first Thanksgiving last year, it sold out immediately.” I begin mentally bracing myself to stand in lines in a few weeks. “Oh, we’ll probably do something different this year,” she laughs. Okay, fine – the most creative bakery in DC has to keep us on our toes for its second Thanksgiving. So what’s her pro-tip for us hardened DIYers? “Just make sure the apple butter is dense. It should look like pumpkin puree, which could just as easily be called pumpkin butter!” My dinner planning is almost complete – except for one key detail: drinks. Growing up, our Thanksgivings were PG, with kids and adults alike downing sparkling cider and organic eggnog – and only because my parents are good hosts, a bottle of Bushmills would emerge from storage so our wayward cousin Jerry could spike his eggnog. But now that the kids are grown up, the cider has been replaced by champagne and everyone is taking nips of Bushmills. It’s time to mix things up. I catch up with the crazy-talented head bartender at Hank’s Cocktail Bar, Jessica Weinstein, for guidance. Her “Yam, Van, Thank You Ma’am” is Thanksgiving in a glass: Angel’s Envy Bourbon, black pepper-sweet potato-vanilla syrup, lemon and Bordeaux. To make the syrup, she roasts and purées sweet potatoes, then sugars them down, with a final push through a strainer to remove any remaining starchiness. “I use a lot of sweet potatoes during the holidays,” she notes.
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Buttercream Bakeshop: 1250 9th St. NW, DC www.buttercreamdc.com Hank’s Cocktail Bar: 819 Upshur St. NW, DC www.hankscocktailbar.com Lil’B: 1515 Rhode Island Ave. NW, DC www.thedarcyhotel.com/restaurant-and-bar/lil-b
Photos: John Gervasi
The “Aunt Ruth,” coming to the new Hank’s at The Wharf, will feature sweet potato-sage-marshmallow syrup, along with Smooth Ambler Contradiction Bourbon and an egg white. “There are just fewer things in season I can use in cocktails.” But seasonality is no barrier to creativity. “We are doing a Thanksgiving tasting menu at the cocktail bar,” Jessica begins. I instantly blurt, “Gravy shots!” She laughs. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t try that about four weeks ago. But no, that won’t be on the menu!” Instead, the bar’s popular “Food Production 101” – a rotating cocktail menu that riffs off classic dishes and food preparation techniques – will feature a half-dozen drinks directly inspired by Thanksgiving. “Think a Waldorf salad cocktail,” she hints. For the home cocktail enthusiast, Weinstein recommends looking at what you’re already cooking with. “Some folks use a lot of honey during the holidays, and honey gives amazing depth to cocktails. What herbs are you using? Popular flavors like rosemary can be incorporated into so many classic cocktails.” So I’m set. Nothing as weird as a squidurky for me this year, but the party is getting a makeover. Mom, brace yourself!
Rosslyn Harvest Fest featured beer gardens, a 25-vendor craft market, live music from Trailer Grass Orchestra and Burnt Sienna, a 40-foot inflatable corn maze, and pumpkin bowling.
www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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Calico dish
Photo: Scott Suchman
Calico
Bresca chestnut agnolotti
Photo: Rey Lopez
By Lani Furbank On Tap keeps locals in the know about the hottest new food and drink spots around town, the top culinary news of the month and recent closings. Read on to get the inside scoop on what’s new, notable and no longer in the DC area.
New
Bresca Siberian sturgeon caviar
Photo: Rey Lopez
Bresca Open: September 22 Location: 14th Street Corridor Lowdown: Rising star Ryan Ratino burst onto the 14th Street scene with a restaurant of his own this fall, just months after Ripple – his former home – closed. Bresca
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is billed as a modern bistro, inspired by the Parisian movement of bistronomy (a blend of the words bistro and gastronomy), which marries upscale French gastronomic cooking and the more vibrant, casual atmosphere of a bistro. Both the cuisine and the décor are as quirky as Ratino’s personality. Dubbed “noodlehead” by his father as a child, Ratino’s favorite dishes are those involving pasta, and they’re also some of the most popular on the menu so far. Just the smell of the truffle-kissed sea urchin linguini had me drooling, and I couldn’t stop eating the chestnut agnolotti stuffed with rabbit. Seasonal ingredients like mushrooms and root vegetables take center stage this time of year, but the dishes will change regularly. One constant will be dry-aged beef, which is a passion project for Ratino. He has a few tricks up his sleeve to age the meat and keep it at an affordable price point. The dining room is boisterous and eclectic, with offbeat design elements and upbeat music. One wall is studded with gold fish heads, one is lined with embalmed moss and another has illustrations of humans with animal heads. Bresca means honeycomb in Spanish, so the motif is present throughout, with hexagons on the wall and bee-shaped vessels for cocktails. 1906 14th St. NW, DC; www.brescadc.com
Open: October 8 Location: Shaw Lowdown: The team behind The Fainting Goat and Tiger Fork are inviting the whole neighborhood over to hang out in their backyard in Blagden Alley. Partners Nathan Beauchamp and Greg Algie wanted Calico to feel like your neighbor’s yard during a weekend cookout: laidback and comfortable with simple but satisfying food. The interior has the feel of an industrial art studio, with homey touches like floral upholstery on the bar stools, pink tile, picnic tables and printed retro light fixtures that Algie describes as “grandma globes.” The outdoor space is an urban oasis, with string lights, lanterns, rustic planters and a vintage greenhouse surrounded by wooden fencing. The food takes its cue from the Eastern Shore, Philadelphia and New Jersey. Seafood options like fried clams and steamed shrimp evoke coastal vibes, while tomato pie and roast pork are straight out of Philly. Beauchamp turns Jersey eggplant parm into finger food with breaded eggplant sticks smothered in cheese and served with marinara for dipping. Special feasts are also in the works, from lobster boils to prime rib dinners. To keep things casual, food is served on compostable paper products and all the mugs for soup are mismatched. The crowd favorite from the bar is the juice box – cocktails served in nostalgia-inducing pouches. I loved sipping on the Red Brick Road, with Lyon Distilling White Rum, Licor 43, dry vermouth, caramel and lime. Their drink menu also includes draft beer, wine and cocktails, plus wine and beer by the glass and bottle. 50 Blagden Alley NW, DC; www.calicodc.com
Dio spread
Photo: Courtesy of Dio
Dio Wine Bar Open: September 20 Location: H Street Corridor Lowdown: The natural wine scene in DC hasn’t yet flourished like it has in other cities across the U.S. and Europe, but Stacey Khoury-Diaz is trying to change that with Dio, the capital’s first natural wine bar. She didn’t set out to convert wine drinkers, but rather to provide options for those who are curious about organic and biodynamic wines. All 30 of the bottles on her rotating wine list are made with minimal additives and minimal intervention in the cellar, and many are certified organic by various national certification programs. Khoury-Diaz says it comes down to transparency. Since wine isn’t required to have an ingredient label, she vets vineyards and producers to provide the most unadulterated wines for her patrons. Just like with conventional wines, the regions of origin, varietals, flavor profiles and prices vary widely, and Dio aims to showcase a range of options, including more unusual offerings like orange wine. Though Khoury-Diaz and her bartenders aren’t certified sommeliers, their practical mastery of the subject is evident as they make recommendations and educate drinkers about the production process behind the wine in their glass. Beyond grapes, Dio offers local beers and ciders, nonalcoholic beverages, and cocktails featuring local spirits. The food menu stars housemade breads, cheese, charcuterie and unfussy seasonal snacks. 904 H St. NE, DC; www.diowinebar.com
Jeni’s roasted strawberry buttermilk cone
Akira Ramen & Izakaya 1800 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD www.akiraramen.com
Kirwan’s on the Wharf 749 Wharf St. SW, DC www.wharfdc.com
Ancient Rivers 2121 14th St. NW, DC www.ancientriversdc.com
Kith & Kin 801 Wharf St. SW, DC www.kithandkindc.com
Bold Bite Market 1028 19th St. NW, DC www.boldbite.net
Little Beet 1212 18th St. NW, DC www.thelittlebeet.com
Brick & Mortar 919 19th St. NW, DC www.brickmortardc.com
Makeda 516 S Van Dorn St. Alexandria, VA www.makedarestaurant.com
The Brighton 949 Water St. SW, DC www.brighton-dc.com
Nocturne (enter through Sugar Shack Donuts) 1932 9th St. NW, DC www.nocturnebar.com
City Tap House Dupont 1250 Connecticut Ave. Suite 105, NW, DC www.dupont.citytap.com
Pear Plum Café 3064 Mount Pleasant St. NW, DC www.pearplumcafe.com
Crimson Whiskey Bar 627 H St. NW, DC www.crimson-dc.com
Requin at the Wharf 100 District Square, SW, DC www.requinbymic.com/dc/
Dirty Water 816 H St. NE, DC www.dirtywaterdc.com
Sequoia 3000 K St. NW, DC www.arkrestaurants.com/sequoia
Del Mar de Fabio Trabocchi 791 Wharf St. SW, DC www.delmardc.com
Shop Made in DC 1330 19th St. NW, DC www.shopmadeindc.com
Florentijn 890 Water St. SW, DC www.wharfdc.com
Taylor Gourmet 85 District Square, SW, DC www.taylorgourmet.com
Hank’s Oyster Bar 701 Wharf St. SW, DC www.hanksoysterbar.com
Velo Café at District Hardware 730 Maine Ave. SW, DC www.dcvelocafe.com
Harper Macaw Chocolate Makers 3160 Bladensburg Rd. NE, DC www.harpermacaw.com
POP-UPS
Photo: Courtesy of Jeni’s
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Open: September 25 Location: 14th Street Corridor Lowdown: The Ohio ice cream brand with a cult following has finally landed in DC, bringing with it artisanal scoops made from grass-fed milk and farm-fresh ingredients. Founder and James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Jeni Britton Bauer had her eye on the DC market for years because of the growing customer base. The new shop follows the company’s clean, white aesthetic, with bright accents like yellow Clare Vivier wallpaper, teal paint and a gallery wall that tells the story of Jeni’s ice cream from cow to cone. Devoted dairy fans can find all the most popular signature flavors, including the famous salty caramel and the impossibly rich darkest
Jenny’s at the Wharf 668 Water St. SW, DC www.jennysdc.com
Augment VR Arcade and Bar First floor of 645 Florida Ave. NW, DC www.augmentarcade.com Future of Sports Bar 700 H St. NE, DC www.madeinthedistrict.us
JINYA Ramen Bar 1336 14th St. NW, DC www.jinya-ramenbar.com Kapnos College Park 7777 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD wwww.kapnostaverna.com
Town Tavern’s Harry Potter Pub 2323 18th St. NW, DC www.towntaverndc.com
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
chocolate. The fall flavors are now available as well, with creative takes like sweet potato with torched marshmallows and pumpkin five-spice. Choosing a favorite flavor is an impossible task, but the gooey butter cake stole my heart on a recent visit. The ice creams are available in cones or bowls, as well as in decadent sundaes or between scratchmade macaron cookies. 1925 14th St. NW, DC; www.jenis.com/14th-street
NOTABLE
Emporiyum
Photo: Courtesy of Emporiyum
The Emporiyum Date: November 10-12 Location: Dock 5 at Union Market Lowdown: This massive artisan food market is the perfect place to start your holiday shopping, or just to stock up on tasty goodies for yourself. More than 100 vendors from the DC area and across the country will set up shop and showcase their products for the whole weekend. Enjoy bites, sips and samples from Al Volo, Toli Moli, Michele’s Granola, Sfoglini, Shake Shack, Sir Kensington’s, Bushwick Kitchen, Prescription Kitchen, Timber Pizza Company, CoCo & Co, Charm City Meadworks, One Eight Distilling, Green Hat, Cotton & Reed, Element Shrub and many more. Tickets are $15-$25 for general admission and $40 for VIP, which includes an hour of exclusive access to the marketplace. There will also be a preview party on Friday with complimentary cocktails. Dock 5: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.theemporiyum.com
DC Cocktail Week Date: November 13-19 Location: Various locations Lowdown: Cocktail Week is just like Restaurant Week, but with craft mixed drinks in the spotlight. Participating restaurants and bars around the region will feature creative cocktail and food pairings at affordable prices. The promotion is presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) and will run for one week. Find specials at spots like BaBa, Charlie Palmer Steak, China Chilcano, Convivial, DBGB, District Distilling, Etete, Firefly, Indique, Jack Rose, Stable, Quarter & Glory, Sushiko and more. Details are available online at www.dccocktailweek.com.
Photos: Kayla Marsh
NO LONGER
The shops at Avenir Place hosted their annual pumpkin festival featuring live music from Justin Trawick and The Common Good, a beer garden, games, trick-or-treating and pumpkin decorating.
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8407 Kitchen & Bar in Silver Spring
Liberty Tree in H Street Corridor
Cantina Marina in Southwest Waterfront
Ocean Blue in Sterling
Dave’s Seafood & Subs in Chantilly
Oriental East in Silver Spring
Kitty’s Saloon in H Street Corridor
Rural Society in downtown DC
By Michael Coleman Photo: Richie Downs
ashington’s live music scene – already vibrant with venues throughout the city – just keeps getting better. The October premier of two state-of-the-art music clubs at The Wharf on DC’s Southwest Waterfront, and a third set to open in the $2.5 billion development by year’s end, gives music lovers three new venues to choose from, each within a stone’s throw of the others. The new trio of independent establishments – The Anthem, Union Stage and Pearl Street Warehouse – hosts acts representing every genre, ranging from up-and-coming bands with modest fan followings to established chart-toppers who can sell upwards of 6,000 tickets in a single night. Even better, the dynamic new venues are nestled among locallyoriginated restaurants and bars, select retail stores, and a couple of new hotels. It all adds up to a one-stop night on the town for locals, or a destination weekend for tourists looking to jazz up their nightlife on visits to DC. On Tap Magazine got a sneak peek at each of The Wharf’s new music venues prior to the development’s grand opening in mid-October. We’re happy to report that live music fans have plenty to be excited about.
Without question, the entertainment anchor of The Wharf is The Anthem, a sleek, $60 million nightclub designed to accommodate musical acts that have outgrown the legendary 9:30 Club, but aren’t quite capable of filling Capital One Arena, Jiffy Lube Live or Merriweather Post Pavilion.
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Photo: John Shore
“There has been a void in this area for a midsize music venue,” said Audrey Fix Schaefer, the communications director for I.M.P., which includes the 9:30 Club, U Street Music Hall, the Lincoln Theatre and Merriweather among its venues. “The intent was to have it feel comfortable – whether you are going to see a Fugazi reunion or the National Symphony Orchestra.” The 9:30 Club’s capacity is 1,200, while Merriweather can accommodate 18,000. The Anthem, which features a retractable and even removable stage, is designed for concerts that draw between 2,500 and 6,000 fans. The venue’s black, silver and gold tones project a decidedly rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic (check out the foyer’s fabulous cymbal installation). Soft, multihued lights draped across the fronts of soaring seated balcony sections give the interior a dreamy effect. The spare-no-expense, one-of-a-kind venue even includes $3 million in soundproofing, a respectful nod to residents of new condos attached to the building.
During sets by Foo Fighters, Trombone Shorty and LCD Soundsystem in mid-October, we wandered throughout the expansive venue and failed to find a sightline or sound scenario that disappointed, either in the seated balconies or in general admission standing areas. If you’re planning a night out at The Anthem, here are a few things to know: the venue does not take cash, you can breeze through security more quickly if you don’t carry a bag or purse, and lines for food and drinks tend to be shorter on the second and third levels. “Until now, there has been no place [in DC] built from the ground up for music,” Schaefer said. “Every element from the sightlines to the sound to the lighting to the bars has been built so it feels great no matter what side of the stage you are on, whether you are the artist or the fan.” Concertgoers who show up hungry can choose from a menu of burgers, salads, wraps, wings and a signature DC half-smoke. The bars also offer a well-curated selection of beers, and extensive liquor and wine selections. Not surprisingly, The Anthem is booking up quickly. Some of the musical highlights through this month include Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples on November 14, Erykah Badu on November 18, Odesza on November 25, and St. Vincent on November 27.
“We obviously think it’s going to be great for the fans, but we also think it’s going to be special for the artists,” Gates said. “For many artists, this will be their first chance to play in a really cool venue.” Gates said Pearl Street’s booking policy is to reach for the stars. “We intend to punch above our weight,” he said, adding that he views his musical neighbors – The Anthem and Union Stage – as synergistic, not competitive. “My hope is when a big-name artist is finished at The Anthem, they may come down and see a band at Pearl Street Warehouse,” Gates said.
Artist rendering: Courtesy of Union Stage
Photo: Kaz Sasahara
Around the corner from The Anthem, Pearl Street Warehouse aims for a much more intimate vibe with seated shows and a roster of performers that skews toward roots and Americana music. Memphis soul legend Booker T. Jones christened the club’s stage on October 12, and Pearl Street’s roster is already full through November with national acts such as The Deslondes, Roomful of Blues and Chris Knight, among other fall highlights. Pearl Street Warehouse boasts a brick exterior, warm interior lighting and windows looking out into The Wharf’s pavilion area. The venue also features a down-home, diner-style menu and a full bar. Pearl Street is the creation of Nicholas Fontana, Bruce Gates and Henry Gandy, who founded Cantina Marina – a DC waterfront dock bar and restaurant that’s been a fixture on the Southwest Waterfront for more than 14 years. Gates told us that the 150-person capacity Pearl Street Warehouse will host primarily rock, bluegrass, folk, country and blues acts, many of whom he believes will welcome a chance to escape smaller, older clubs to play in a first-class, intimate musical environment.
Filling an important gap between the arena-sized Anthem and the cabaret-style environs of Pearl Street Warehouse is Union Stage. The spiffy, two-level venue can accommodate 450 for live music downstairs and another 40 or so at a ground-level bar. “Upstairs will be the spot for happy hours and before the show, and then it opens up into this big rock club downstairs,” co-owner Daniel Brindley told us, brimming with excitement during a tour of the space. Union Stage is the third musical venue owned by brothers Daniel, Luke and Jonathan Brindley – also known around town as the Brindley Brothers. Since 2001, the musical brothers have owned Jammin Java in Northern Virginia, which has long ranked among the best live venues in the DMV region. The Brindleys are also the force behind Miracle Theatre, a new seated music joint that opened in September on Capitol Hill. Daniel Brindley told us the Union Stage menu is still a work in progress, but pizzas will be a focal point. The brothers expect the club to host its first bands in late December. Among the earliest acts on the roster are the country-rock inflected Felice Brothers on December 30, and the jazzy Charlie Hunter Trio on February 3. Brindley said nothing will be off-limits musically at Union Stage. “It’s going to feature an extreme diversity of genres – incredible hiphop, R&B, we’ll have singer-songwriters, indie rock bands, DJ nights and more,” he said. “We’ll also have private parties. To us, Union Stage is about bringing people together and creating communion.”
The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com Pearl Street Warehouse: 33 Pearl St. SW, DC www.pearlstreetwarehouse.com Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com
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By Monica Alford
A
s our city’s music scene continues to grow, so do the number of releases from local musicians. From experimental indie rock to country/R&B fusion to straight up soul, DC area musicians are flourishing across genres and pushing locals to experience new sounds. We caught up with three local artists with new albums out to see what they’ve been working on and where they’re headed next.
Aaron Abernathy Album: Dialogue Release Date: October Pianist and soul singer Aaron Abernathy is back with his second solo album, Dialogue, one year after the release of Monologue, an autobiographical album about his parents helping to guide him toward his purpose in life during his senior Photo: Kea Dupree year of high school. The Howard University grad has lived in the District since 2001, with the exception of a short blip on the West Coast, and currently lives in Northeast near Marvin Gaye’s DC home. The 34-year-old is hopeful that Dialogue will quite literally create an open dialogue in our city about race and the state of our country in today’s political landscape. On Tap: Your last album, Monologue, was deeply personal. Did you approach Dialogue similarly? Aaron Abernathy: At the top of the year, I was in a different mood with what happened with Donald Trump being elected. Between Inauguration Day and February 28, which is the end of Black History Month, I was in my studio every day for six weeks straight, and Dialogue came out of nowhere. It’s this very socially conscious album about me being black in America, and just the different things that I have to face because I’m black. It’s a story about being a black man in this country that he loves. I’m telling the story from my window – from my perspective – but I think it speaks to a lot of people’s stories. OT: What genre do the tracks on Dialogue fall into? AA: Dialogue is a soul album, like straight down the middle. I was listening to Curtis Mayfield’s first solo album, Curtis, Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On and Sly Stone’s response to Marvin’s album, There’s A Riot Going On. So that soul sound where you really have the introduction of the socially-conscious message album at the top of the 70s that kind of carried throughout the whole 70s. OT: Are you planning any local performances around the album release? AA: Not really; this one’s a little different. Because it’s called Dialogue, I’m looking to do more speaking and more Q&A. With Monologue, I was able to just go out and say, “Hey, let me tell my story.” But with Dialogue, this is more about our story, so it’s inclusive. I’m looking to go out and do more Q&A, and then come around next year and do some performances.
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OT: What impact do you think speaking about Dialogue will have on the local community? AA: I want to see Dialogue really have people reflect on the state of the city [and] the state of this country. The main objective is using your voice and your talent to make change, and to not sit around and wait for other people to make change. I can make change by using my platform of music to influence people, to say, “Hey, let me tell you what’s going on in my neighborhood and other inner cities and what it is to be a black man in this world, and let’s have a conversation about it.” You don’t have to be black to get in on the conversation. Let’s just have a conversation. The goal is to get out here and have some Q&A’s and listening sessions. I’m hoping to play some venues around the city. I have high hopes of doing 9:30 Club or Howard Theatre. Hopefully, it can just [become] that big so we can do something like that. Learn more about Abernathy at www.aaronabernathy.com, and download his album through any major streaming platform.
B.B Album: Lonesome Wanderer Release Date: Early 2018 B.B – formerly Babeo Baggins – recently made the leap from rap to an R&B/country hybrid with several new songs, including “Mice or Men” out on November 20, and a full album Photo: ASKQUESTIONSLAST scheduled for early next year. The 24-year-old Front Royal native now resides in Leesburg and credits her roots with her change in sound. The singer-songwriter, who plays banjo on her new album, is committed to breaking the stereotype about country music among her peers. On Tap: You’ve transitioned from rap to a country-influenced sound. How would you describe your newer music? B.B: I would describe it as classic country, things like Hank Williams [and] Patsy Cline, mixed with contemporary R&B. Sonically, it’s very classic country, but the vibe is contemporary R&B.
OT: What inspired this change in sound? B.B: There’s so much within the genre of rap music, and that’s what was fun in making it, but I realized there was an honesty missing. And not to say that there’s not honesty in rap, I just mean from my personal experience – how I was growing up and the stories of my life. Country tells that story better than rap does, so I decided to make the transition into country music. But I realized that a lot of current country music is very pop-driven. It’s very contemporary sounding, and that’s not what I wanted to make. I wanted to make classic stuff like Hank or Patsy. That’s what means a lot to me. That’s what I grew up listening to. That’s what I still listen to. That’s the stuff that I’ve held onto. OT: Do you think your peers will be open to classic country? B.B: Of course you always run into people who are like, “Oh I listen to every genre except for country.” And it’s really unfortunate to me because it’s really the root of a lot of music, you know? I wanted to take that sound that means so much to me and modernize it for people my age so maybe they would be more open to it as a genre and be able to open themselves up to it and really see what country music actually is: real stories about real people, and true, everyday things that happen to everyone. OT: What do you think of DC’s current music scene as a local? B.B: DC has such a rich history of music. I find that DC is very much a musical family; you’re very welcomed into any space as an artist, and you’re there with them. It’s a community versus all for one. I hope that DC starts to get the respect as a musical city [that it deserves] because it’s a very artistic place, and it’s very warm and amazing. There’s a lot of diverse art. OT: What contribution would you like to make to DC’s music scene? B.B: I would really like to make a bigger impact for music that isn’t hip-hop. I would really love to open up the realm of folk music and country music in the area. I’d love to play Black Cat – that’s my favorite venue in the city. I’d love to have some sort of crazy show with all of my favorite people in the city, and have lots of people come out and enjoy the music and have it be diverse and special. Learn more about B.B at www.soundcloud.com/babeobaggins, and find her new releases on major streaming platforms.
Paperhaus Album: Are These The Questions That We Need To Ask? Release Date: October Paperhaus is on tour in promotion of their second album, Are These The Questions That We Need To Ask?, with a brand new lineup and an updated sound. Born out of the former Photo: Julia Leiby DIY music venue of the same name in Petworth, the band is experimenting with new instruments to create a more electronic sound. Thirty-year-old frontman Alex
Tebeleff, a self-described fourth-generation Washingtonian, is the only remaining member from the band’s early days, and says the sounds created by the current iteration of the band – including Matt Dowling (vocals/bass), Rick Irby (guitar) and Danny Bentley (drums) – is something he’s been working toward. On Tap: Tell me about your sophomore album. How is it different than previous releases? Alex Tebeleff: It’s a different lineup than the last album. I’m the only remaining member from the last record, so it’s definitely different in that regard. I feel like it’s much closer to the kind of sound I’ve wanted with this band. This record feels like a bit of a transition, in a good way. We’re figuring out how to incorporate more electronic instruments. We don’t really want to sit there with computers onstage. We want to have that kind of human interaction live still, and we definitely use the studio as an instrument more as well. We worked with Peter Larkin over at the Lighthouse [Recording Studio] in Alexandria. OT: How did the recording process impact the album’s sound? AT: [For] the last record, we recorded in a basement in July when it was 105 degrees outside and there was no air conditioning. We literally recorded the whole thing live to tape. That captured that particular lineup of the band as it was in a very pure way, and I love that record, but it’s very niche. This feels like a much more universal record to me, and I feel like we just spent a lot more time on it as a record rather than just a collection of songs. This feels more like a full album that has a very thoroughly worked out aesthetic. OT: Who were your major musical influences when working on this record? AT: I’m in the van right now with Rick. He says he doesn’t feel like we were pulling from anyone, which I think is cool. I don’t think we were pulling from anyone directly. I think there’s always been an influence of English and German art rock in this project, and that definitely remains. OT: How do you think the local music scene is shifting? AT: I think it’s hard to get good shows right now. It seems like the DIY scene has slowed down a little bit. There’s still a lot going on, more so than [in] most cities. But [in terms of ] quality of music, I think it’s exceptionally strong and very diverse. There’s a lot more creative and experimental R&B, there’s a lot of hip-hop I love in the city right now, [and] there’s a lot of bands that [are]…pushing the boundaries of what rock music is. There’s also some really, really good visceral rock ‘n’ roll too. I never have trouble finding new music that’s really interesting coming out of DC, especially [in] the last two years or so. OT: What’s next for Paperhaus? Any goals as a band? AT: We want to make another record and try to make it better than this one; just keep building [and] growing, [and] make it more sustainable for ourselves so that we can spend more time actually working on the art and worrying a little less about rent. Really simple goals, to be honest. Learn more about Paperhaus at www.paperhausmusic.com, and download their album from any major streaming platform.
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Photo: Colin Brennan
By Trent Johnson The name Black Violin is pretty straightforward. Wilner Baptiste and Kevin Sylvester are both classically trained string instrumentalists and black men, and the pair is thriving in a genre that people are generally surprised to see them inhabit. “They still are [surprised],” Kevin Sylvester tells me over the phone. “The song ‘Stereotype’ was about how I love the stereotype, because I love the fact that people think I shouldn’t do this. In our case, we use it as fuel. It’s the best part of my career because they don’t expect me to do this.” But what is their genre? Google says they’re a hiphop duo, but if you plugged into Black Violin right this second, I’m not sure that’s the first genre that would come to mind. Their songs definitely contain numerous influences from 90s hip-hop stalwarts, but it’s misleading because the term puts Black Violin in a box. Their sound is more complex than one genre, and it’s supposed to shatter the walls of expectations. “It’s classical boom,” Sylvester says. “I want you to think the strings are so beautiful, but at the same time I want you to be knocking your head like you’re listening to Migos or Future. We’re trying to blend those and take it to another level.” Black Violin is boundary-breaking. The sound of their strings is reminiscent of a climactic scene in a movie, until the bass thumps and you’re transported to a dance club. So far, the Florida natives have released three albums and a series of mixtapes with great success. “We’re not necessarily setting out to do that, but our music is very inclusive and a lot of people like it,” Sylvester says. “Since we have the platform, we want to send them love and positivity.” Despite their cognizance and efforts to incorporate audiences from different backgrounds, Sylvester says there’s no added pressure. Though they generally strive to play harmonious music, he doesn’t view the goal as a roadblock or restriction to their creative process at all. To him, it’s just the natural result of people seeing and hearing Black Violin. “I don’t think about it as pressure,” Sylvester says. “Everything that happens with us is a byproduct of our music. We want to play dope
music, and if unity happens, it’s great. Since it’s there, we use our music to highlight it.” Though their music-making process is unfettered by the weight of their greater mission, certain aspects in the order of operations have been tweaked over the years. Success breeds responsibility, and when you add personal lives to the equation, time becomes a valuable resource. “I think since the early days, we’ve definitely matured,” Sylvester says. “We were ready for what came, so that wasn’t a big shock. Our processes are more refined, because we have less time to play around. Before, we just sat around in the studio playing music. We do more than 150 shows per year, so [now] music is much more of a profession. We love it. We have the best job in the world.” The duo tours often, making it harder to tinker for hours in the studio. But being on the road is when they can look out at crowds, the same ones with folks still surprised to see them there at all. The tours are where the unity happens, where the byproduct of the music comes to fruition, a place where Baptiste and Sylvester pick up string instruments and allow people of all different sizes, shapes and colors to listen to their own unique genre. “I think it’s an experience,” Sylvester says. “If you’ve never seen it, I can guarantee you’ve never seen anything like this before. Our patrons leave entertained [and] inspired, and hopefully, they think and grow from this. We don’t want, ‘Yo, that music was so good.’ We want you to think about how you think about things, you know? What else can this world do that I wouldn’t expect? We want to play music that makes you feel good, but we want you to leave with a meal – not a snack.” Check out Black Violin at Strathmore on Friday, November 10 as their Classical Boom tour makes its way to Maryland. Tickets are $26-$68.
“We want to play music that makes you feel good, but we want you to leave with a meal – not a snack.”
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The Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda, MD; 301-581-5100; www.strathmore.org
Photo: Pamela Littky
Tegan and Sara have grown. The twin sisters look eerily similar to when they first burst on the Canadian indie rock scene in the late 90s, but their growth can be heard loud and clear in their music. What started as more of an indie folk sound supported by a backbone of acoustic guitar has now transformed into something a little louder, a little bigger and a little more vibrant. Their message has remained consistent over the years, but their voices carry more weight in the music industry now. “I think that we’re kind of obsessed with mainstreaming ourselves because we’re not really visible in the mainstream,” Tegan says. “So we want to figure out what kind of cocktail we can shake up to get ourselves in the door.” As gay performers in pop music, the 37-year-old sisters’ mission is to create a sense of community for their listeners, one that allows fans to form long-lasting bonds that connect and nourish. “We want to bring people together that wouldn’t usually interact,” Tegan says. “The goal is to make the unrelatable relatable.” Tegan and Sara will bring DC fans together on November 11 when their The Con 10th Anniversary Acoustic Tour comes to The Anthem. The duo’s new album, The Con X: Covers, commemorates the tenth anniversary of their breakthrough 2007 album, The Con. They worked with notable musicians like Cyndi Lauper, Ryan Adams, Chvrches, Bleachers, and City and Colour to reimagine the tracks while recording the album, but have ventured out on tour without their collaborators. “We never really played the whole [album] live,” Tegan says. “We’re excited, and we’re donating the proceeds of the record and a dollar from every ticket sold for the tour to [the Tegan and Sara Foundation].”
By Trent Johnson and Jamie McCrary
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On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
A H i s t o ry o f A c t i v i s m Not only have Tegan and Sara carved out a space for themselves in more mainstream pop, they’ve also used their fame to promote advocacy. Social justice is a legacy woven into the fabric of who they are, as both musicians and community builders. They’ve always been strong activists, even before they were musicians. They grew up attending Women’s Day and Take Back the Night marches, and as gay musicians are looked up to by the LGBTQ community. Because of this, the transition to mainstream hasn’t always been seamless.
W e ’ v e a l w ay s f e lt i n c r e d i b ly s u p p o r t e d b y o u r L G BT Q fans. We wanted to make a statement that we’re behind them, too.” “I do think women who are queer have to work harder to sell that our music is for other people,” Tegan says. “I’ve been reading all this press from The Con era, and it’s incredible what’s changed in 10 years. There was a review that literally said, ‘If you aren’t a lesbian, then this record isn’t for you.’” As their music career developed, they continued their social justice work by participating in fundraisers, charity events and rallies. It was always a component of their artistry, Tegan says, and remained a priority in recent years. “Social activism, social justice, being outspoken, being political, being out – all of those things have fit nicely within the confines of our career.”
Th e S ta r t o f S o m e t h i n g B i g This passion drove the musicians to start their foundation last October. The Tegan and Sara Foundation advocates for economic justice, health and representation of LGBTQ girls and women, and gives fans an outlet for their own advocacy by supporting causes like LGBTQ support circles, inclusive school curriculums and sexual health networks. Women are the focal point because they are the most underrepresented, according to funding statistics. Last year, the federal government gave $160 million dollars to LGBTQ causes, Tegan says. Only $4.3 million went to women’s organizations. “LGBTQ women are some of the most marginalized and in need,” says Kristen Plumberg, senior analyst at the Tegan and Sara Foundation. “We want their lives to be the same as everyone else’s.” The foundation is also a gesture of gratitude toward supporters. Tegan and Sara wanted to create a place where fans could openly express themselves, and establish a sense of community. “We’ve always felt incredibly supported by our LGBTQ fans,” Tegan says. “We wanted to make a statement that we’re behind them, too.”
I m pa c t a n d E q u a l i t y Tegan recalls a particular performance where, speaking with the audience between songs, it hit her how personal their work is. Audience members shared stories of rejection and vulnerability surrounding their sexuality, and were received with cheers, applause and acceptance. The room was full of a positive, communal energy that moved her to the core. “These are the moments that make me get on a flight for 15 hours,” she says. “Our audiences are changing things, and I feel so proud to be a part of it.” The most important piece of their work, though, is the fight for equality. The duo has produced six out of eight of their records, insisted on female production directors and spoken out at festivals where women artists were underrepresented. “Other artists started reaching out to us for advice,” Tegan says. “We’re really honored they’re using us as a resource.”
Looking Ahead Tegan and Sara will continue the Con X tour through the end of November, visiting cities including Austin, Atlanta, Boston and Detroit. Afterwards, they’ll focus on writing and starting a new record, as well as developing their very first podcast.
We want to bring people together that wouldn’t u s u a l ly i n t e r a c t. T h e g o a l is to make the unrelatable relatable.” “We’re not disappearing, but we want to take some time off the road so we can focus on next steps,” Tegan says. “We’re excited to dive into some new creative work.” Their priority is to continue creating relatable music and mainstreaming their work so it’s accessible to people from all walks of life. “We try to write in a way that’s available to a broad spectrum of people,” Tegan says. “We don’t want to put up any barriers.” Their music is fueled by their desire to build an inclusive community, fight for equality and shape the future for LGBTQ women. “Music is my passion,” Tegan says. “But when it comes to social justice work, that feels like purpose.” Don’t miss Tegan and Sara at The Anthem on Saturday, November 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50.50-$76. For more information on their Con X tour, visit www.teganandsara.com.
The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; 202-888-0020 www.theanthemdc.com www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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By Natalia Kolenko and Michael Loria
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Kishi Bashi After touring for his two previous studio albums, Kishi Bashi decided to submerge himself in a new musical direction. Feeling as though he was at a musical impasse, the artist’s new album, Sonderlust, was forged through heartbreak. The album represents a direct result of this personal struggle taking place at an artistic crossroads. Write-up provided by the venue. 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Sixth & I: 600 I St. NW, DC; www.sixthandi.org
Mister Heavenly Mister Heavenly's latest album, Boxing the Moonlight, has seen this three-member band moving away from the love and affection of their previous album
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for a tougher sound they selfdescribe as scrappy. Inspiration for the new album spans several decades, with influences like 60s garage rockers The Monks, 70s Krautrock band Faust, as well as hip-hop production in the late 80s and early 90s. Whether you're vibing a psychedelic smooth jam or hard rock hit, you'll get a little bit of everything from this eclectic collection of songs. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
experience with the band's songs often sounding more like a short story than a typical song. Step into a Mountain Goats concert and surely you'll be taken on a musical journey of life as it is. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $36. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7
The Mountain Goats While folk rockers the Mountain Goats have seen many members come and go, one constant has been John Darnielle, who at one point was even the sole member of the act. With a new lineup came a variety of soundscapes across the band's latest album, but Darnielle's tone and feel have remained consistent throughout. That tone is best described as a Bob Dylan-esque American
ON TAP | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Blank Banshee Blank Banshee came on the vaporwave scene with his debut studio record, o, which brought trap beats to the familiar samples of vaporwave. Since then, Banshee has expanded on that technique and his production has only become crisper. His latest record, MEGA, is the latest Banshee iteration and he's upped his take on vaporwave by even adding live vocals. 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com
Grizzly Bear Brooklyn-based band Grizzly Bear wasn’t sure they would ever make another record, but after a cautious re-entering to the process, the four members have returned. A Zen experience that had the members eager to share their creativity with each other spawned their new album Painted Ruins. Among the record's sounds are sometimes serious themes painted with an airy lightness on one hand, and a playfulness embraced in a deep warmth on the other. Most evidently, a sense of pure happiness lingers throughout the psychedelic pop band's latest project. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $41-$56. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons This Northwest roots and blues music duo shares an undeniable musical kinship and sense of joy in their interpretation of American roots music. The duo’s self-proclaimed mission to “spread the glory and whimsy of traditional song” shines through in a concert of field hollers, fiddle and banjo breakdowns, and early jazz by two American songsters. Food and beverage available for purchase. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. Write-up provided by venue. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir. Manassas, VA; www.hyltoncenter.org
Overcoats New York-based female duo Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell are on tour promoting their debut album YOUNG. Their whimsical vocals lace together effortlessly across songs rich in minimalism that explore the ups and downs of love, the challenges of family and the story of two best friends reaching adulthood together. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
George Winston Most everyone could find a George Winston CD in their parents’ collection as a kid or has heard him come on the radio around the holidays. Winston is one of the bestselling pianists of all time, and is known for his mesmerizing “rural folk piano.” Shows are at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $40. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
A. Savage (Parquet Courts) Parquet Courts frontman Andrew Savage released his debut solo album, Thawing Dawn, October 13 on Dull Tools. His solo project is his collection of work that he felt he couldn't quite fit into Parquet Courts. The Americana in Parquet Courts' Americana-punk is still present, but there's more space on the record, and the ratio of Americana to punk tends toward the latter. Doors 6:30 p.m. $12. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
Everyone Orchestra The Everyone Orchestra conductor/founder Matt Butler has taken participants, both onstage and off, on improvisational journeys with the most diverse of lineups at festivals, theaters and philanthropic events both nationally and internationally. A laundry list of hundreds of musicians, dancers, singers, guest conductors and community organizations have embraced the experience of EO in single shots of musical adrenaline to the soul. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Writeup provided by venue. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
Priku DJ and producer Priku is Romanian-born, and the influence of the Romanian house scene comes through in his set. As is the style, he’ll often begin by laying down the bass line, but the difference is that his bass lines aren’t all fat and round, and never simple. They’re complex, staccato and techy in their tone. But they hold the groove together, and the whole sound is captivating. Doors are at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $8. Flash DC: 645 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.flashdc.com
www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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NOV 15
NOV 10
JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
RED BARAAT
JOSHUA HEDLEY
GENERAL ADMISSION
NOV 16
CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO
NOV 17
THE QUEBE SISTERS
Sannhet Brooklyn experimental metal trio Sannhet’s latest record, So Numb, is so far seen as their best music yet. The instrumental trio, though experimental and metal-influenced, is difficult to categorize. On So Numb, they showcase a metal virtuosity with a penchant for moments of shoegaze-like emotional depth. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Haley Reinhart If you're wondering where you've heard the name Haley Reinhart before, it was probably from season 10 of American Idol. She stood out then, and still does, for her incredibly powerful, husky voice. Her latest album What's That Sound? is a collection of 11 covers from the 1960s that Reinhart describes as songs that inspired her music career. The album also has three originals. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$60. Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com
JD SOUTHER | NOV 8 NEWMYER FLYER
THE SONGS OF BURT BACHARACH & HAL DAVID | NOV 25 LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III | NOV 30 LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE
EILEEN IVERS | DEC 1 LUCY KAPLANSKY | JAN 20
HEATHER MALONEY
INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT | JAN 31 + FEB 1 LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO | FEB 5 + 6 MARCIA BALL | FEB 9 MASTERS OF HAWAIIAN MUSIC | FEB 10 + 11 THE SEAMUS EGAN PROJECT | FEB 16 MARTIN SEXTON | FEB 21 1964: THE TRIBUTE | FEB 22 + FEB 23 CHERISH THE LADIES | FEB 28 + MAR 1 ENTER THE HAGGIS | MAR 7 BARRY FLANAGAN OF HAPA WITH SPECIAL GUEST ERIC GILLIOM | MAR 15 + 16
AND MANY MORE! WOLFTRAP.ORG/BARNS 1.877.WOLFTRAP 56
On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Alex Clare Ever wonder what happened to that guy who sang "Too Close?" Well he – Alex Clare that is – is still making music and singing with that soulful voice of his. His latest album, Tail of Lions, brings more of that rock-and-soulmeets-electronica he's known for, but with a new maturity and positivity that can only come with experience. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
Hippo Campus Spirited alt-rockers Hippo Campus may have only recently released their debut album Landmark, but they're already making big waves with their high-energy performances. With comparison to Vampire Weekend and Bombay Bicycle Club, the young quartet's sound is a mix of Afro-pop/garage rock and post-punk edginess, with lyrics that critique today's youth culture while appreciating what they inevitably are a part of. Their album deserves a close listen, as headphones reveal smaller details and surprises than speakers. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
happy hour Monday - Friday, 4-7pm $5 Select Draft $7 Select Wines Luna Who is Luna? Well according to Rolling Stone, they’re "the best band you’ve never heard of.” Formed in 1991, these alt-rockers are a key element behind the evolution of the indie-pop genre, mixing dreamy pop with classic rock song structures. After 13 years of no new music and few performances, the band is back on tour with a covers LP, A Sentimental Education, and EP, A Place of Greater Safety, with six original songs. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
Bully Chicago-based Bully released its sophomore record, Losing, October 20 on Sub Pop Records. The group is the brainchild of Alicia Bognanno, who is the group's lead singer, engineer and writer. The three singles released in anticipation of Losing are raw, yet powerful. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com
$8 Signature Whiskey Cocktails
fadÓ for the Weekend Live Music Saturdays 11/11 Poehemia 11/18 Practically Einstein 11/25 Shag Brunch Saturday & Sunday until 2pm Featuring a brand new brunch menu , cocktails & bottomless mimosas
We are the premier location for european sports! Visit our website for sports schedule
www.fadoirishpub.com/washington
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17
fadoirishpub.com 808 7th Street NW, DC | 202-789-0066 | pleaSe DriNk reSpoNSibly
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & GRILL
November Entertainment
R.LUM.R R.LUM.R released his debut album, AFTERIMAGE, earlier this year. The artist actually began as a classical guitarist and only turned to making contemporary music a few years ago. AFTERIMAGE resonates much more with contemporary production and electronic instrumentation, plus his judicious use of falsetto recalls contemporaries like Frank Ocean. Doors are 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Songbyrd Music House and Record Cafe: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com
Ghost-Note Ghost-Note is a duo that brings percussion to the forefront of their performance, whether something James Browninspired or something sambainflected. They will perform with members of Snarky Puppy, the improvisation-focused jazz ensemble. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets day of are $14. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
11/2......... DJ 2NUTZ 11/3......... DR FU 11/4......... DJ Killabeats24
5pm / Halloween bar crawl
AMAZING BRUNCH BUFFET! Saturdays and Sundays
ROOFTOP TIKI BAR Open Weather Dependent
11/9......... DJ Lingo 11/10 ...... Light Up The Moon 11/11 ...... Excellent Drivers 11/16 ...... DJ Jenesis 11/17 ...... For The Win 11/18 ...... Thunder Buddies 11/22 ...... DJ Killabeats24
9:30pm Thanksgiving Eve 11/24 ...... Advanced Party Solutions 11/25 ...... Steal The Sky 11/30 ...... DJ Paul Surreal
2854 Wilson Blvd.
703-276-WOWE (9693) Clarendon Metro Stop (Orange Line) www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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The Story So Far Break out your thick, black eyeliner because California punk rockers The Story So Far will bring you back to your middle school emo days of Green Day and Blink-182 with inspiration ranging from energetic poppunk to the wistfulness of classic emo. With their grassroots, back-to-basics style, the band is hitting the road again, teasing a fourth album with their latest single "Out of It." Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $23-$25. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
Big Sam’s Funky Nation Noladelic PowerFunk. That’s the sound Big Sam’s Funky Nation have been whipping up for more than a decade. It’s high-energy music that mixes funk, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop and jazz into the same pot, gluing everything together with the brassy influence – and heavy grooves – of New Orleans. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets $19.75-$25.75. Write-up provided by venue. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Arkells Canadian rock band Arkells are on tour for their latest album, Morning Report. Their most eclectic album to date, the alt-rockers have stepped away from their more classic, old school rock ‘n’ roll heavily influenced by their industrial hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. While still filled with the band’s signature rock sound, the new album has a more adventurous tone that’s been inspired by Top 40’s progressive nature. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com
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ON TAP | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
The Black Heart Procession It’s been six years since The Black Heart Procession has embarked on a U.S. tour, but now they’re back on the road. These San Diego indie rockers play music that is deep, heavy and a slightly subdued listen. These guys are all ballads of despair and misery, but the stories they tell are exciting and beautiful, and rich with weeping violins and whimsical backing female vocals. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are $15. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
OPEN MIC EVERY TUESDAY IN OUR VINYL LOUNGE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
ALL GOOD PRESENTS: THE MOVEMENT
Erykah Badu Though Badu hasn’t released new music in awhile, her music has recently begun to enjoy the recognition it has long deserved. She began her career opening for D’Angelo, and her music evinces a similar love for 70s soul and 80s hiphop. Vocally, she has drawn comparison to Billie Holliday and other jazz greats. The show is at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $76. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com
Lady Gaga You know her, you love her, or at the very least, you respect her and her positive social messages. Lady Gaga is back on tour for her latest album, Joanne, her first stab at countrypop. A little bit Western flick, a little bit Southern ballad – and always a lot of Lady Gaga-esque pop – this show is not likely to disappoint. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $78. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena.com
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7
MATTHEW MAYFIELD, CHRIS AYER WENESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
BLUE WATER HIGHWAY THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9
OPEN MIC NIGHT Come jam with our house band, the Bone Castle Pirates, every Thursday starting at 9:30pm!
11/3 Great White (w/Jack Russell) 11/4 Alter Ego
HACKENSAW BOYS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
EVERYONE ORCHESTRA (CONDUCTED BY MATT BUTLER) FT: ALAN EVANS (SOULIVE), ARON MAGNER (THE DISCO BISCUITS), AL SCHNIER (MOE.), NATALIE CRESSMAN (TREY ANASTASIO BAND), KARINA RYKMAN (MARCO BENEVENTO ), CRIS JACOBS (THE BRIDGE), PATRICK RAINEY (THE BRIDGE) WITH AZTEC SUN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
AN EVENING WITH LEFTOVER SALMON
ZACH DEPUTY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17
11/11 The VIPs 11/17 Crushing Days
GHOST-NOTE (FT. MEMBERS OF SNARKY PUPPY & PRINCE), THE NTH POWER SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
11/18 As If
Dumpstaphunk Phunksgiving with Cris Jacobs Dumpstaphunk stands out among New Orleans' best as one of the funkiest bands to ever arise from the Crescent City. Born on the Jazz & Heritage Festival stage, and descended from Neville family bloodlines, these soldiers of funk ignite a deep, gritty groove that dares listeners not to move. Their performances combine ingenious musicianship and complex funk and jazz arrangements with soulful melodies that are simple enough for anyone to enjoy. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets $20-$23. Writeup provided by venue. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
11/10 Bye Felicia
P.O.S Rapper P.O.S. is known for his radical lyrics and heavily electronic beats. At first glance, those words might also be used to describe a group like Death Grips, but the rapper’s sounds resonate more with the Berlin Nightclub scene. P.O.S returned to making music in 2016 after being sidelined with health problems. In 2017, he made his first record after returning, Chill Dummy, that brings that same punk energy to the lyrics and danceable beat to the production. Doors are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. Songbyrd Music House and Record Cafe: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com
BATTLE OF THE BRASS ROUND III FT. BREAKDOWN BRASS, NEW BREED BRASS BAND
BOY NAMED BANJO
11/22 PRETHANKSGIVING BASH W/
REAGAN YEARS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20
DUMPSTAPHUNK PHUNKSGIVING WITH CRIS JACOBS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
JOHN KADLECIK & THE DC MYSTERY CATS FRIDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24-26
JOHN KADLECIK & THE DC MYSTERY CATS
(‘70s Tribute)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29
11/24 Honey Extractor 11/25 Vertigo Red
FRONT COUNTRY, JENNI LYN (OF DELLA MAE) THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
JAZZ IS PHISH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
12/1 No Green Jelly Beenz
NAPPY RIDDEM, DUB CITY RENEGADES WITH ROOTS OF REBELLION
12/2 Here’s To The Night (‘90s Tribute)
THE MANTRAS, ELECTRIC LOVE MACHINE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
THE SUITCASE JUNKET THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
RUMPKE MOUNTAIN BOYS, THE BROKEDOWN HUSTLERS
9811 WASHINGTON BLVD GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877 240.780.7139 UNIONJACKSRIO.COM www.ontaponline.com | November 2017 | On Tap
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Morrissey Best known as the frontman for legendary English alt-rockers The Smiths, Morrissey has long
Deca The NYC-based rapper and producer is known for his mix of more personal and globally-oriented themes. He also received a great deal of production cred for his most recent record Forest Agates, a collection of instrumentals that Earmilk says is best listened to the morning of one’s flight to Mars. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $12. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27
St. Vincent Annie Clark, a.k.a. St. Vincent, is known for her experimental artrock sound. Always pushing the boundaries of what music can be, on top of her exceptional guitar abilities and Grammy wins, St. Vincent has earned her spot at the top of the alt-rock list. Her latest album, Masseduction, explores Clark’s post-major breakup world and what it’s like to be alone with heavy synths and pounding club beats. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $44-$149. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com
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Beach Slang Philly-based band Beach Slang writes an upbeat style of punk that could almost be called giddy. Though the band broke up mid-performance in 2016, they’ve since recruited former Afghan Whigs drummer Cully Symington and former Mean Creek guitarist Aurore Ounijan, and the group’s style seems to have matured in a new way. Tickets are $20. Doors are at 7:30 p.m. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
John Anderson To put it simply, John Anderson is one of the greatest country music singers to ever step up to the microphone, possessing one of the most instantly recognizable vocal instruments in the history of the genre. Though he would never compare himself to his heroes, the fact is, John Anderson is now the standard bearer for traditional country music of the 100 Proof variety. Doors 6:30 p.m., show 8 p.m. Tickets $25-$59.75. Writeup provided by venue. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
On Tap | November 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
since departed the band that brought him to fame, but he’s never stopped making music. His latest album, Low in High School, will be released this month, bringing his typical style of political controversy and captivating lyrics. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $55-$75. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com
A Chat with Dave Ries from Kentucky Avenue With influences like Lucinda Williams, Hank Williams and Bruce Springsteen, this folkAmericana outfit from the DMV is the real deal. What started as an impromptu jam session between Dave Ries and Stella Schindler has burgeoned into a bonafide duo with the record Nothing Here Is Mine. On Tap: How long did you work on Nothing Here Is Mine, and when did you know you had enough material for an entire album? Dave Ries: The momentum was there right from the start, and after first playing together in September of 2016, we wrote more than a dozen songs in six weeks. The actual recording process took about six calendar months, but really only about 14 studio days.
your eyes open and you really feel alive, and you realize that everything you have, everything you experience, all the people in your life – everything has been given. In the actual song, there’s a lot of searching going on, but in the end, we come to find out that nothing here is mine, and that’s all right. OT: What genres were you influenced by when recording this album? DR: In the end we’d say we have an alt-country record, where classic country meets classic rock. OT: How did you two meet? When did you first start playing with one another? DR: We met about a year ago when a cover band that I was playing in was asked to play a function at the school where Stella teaches. The organizer of the event mentioned that there was a faculty member who sings and plays guitar that was going to sit in with us. The band was of course a bit skeptical. Then Stella showed up. Needless to say, we were blown away by her voice.
OT: What’s your songwriting process like with Stella? DR: It really is a back and forth. Many times, we would stop and talk about the stories of the characters in the songs, which led to trading off lyrics, playing around with harmonies, and settling into [the song’s] rhythm and meter. When it worked, we could hear the click, and we knew OT: Lastly, where can we catch we had a song. a show this month? DR: We are playing at Villain & OT: What inspired the album Saint in Bethesda [on] Saturday, title? What does it mean? November 25, [and at] the DC DR: There are a lot of ways Holiday Market at Gallery Place to interpret the title Nothing [on] Monday, November 27. Here Is Mine. We’ve been asked whether it is a Buddhist or a Zen For more information about thing, but it just seems to be Kentucky Avenue, visit a fundamental thing. One day www.kentuckyavenuemusic.com.
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photos: Michael Coleman & Mark Caicedo
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue played opening weekend at The Anthem, one of The Wharf’s brand new music venues. Trombone Shorty’s energetic blend of funk, soul and brassy, Big Easy jazz brought the audience to their feet and held them there, dancing all night long.
THE ORIGINAL LIGHT BEER DRESSED UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS Same great taste, only 96 calories.
©2017 MILLER BREWING CO., MILWAUKEE, WI Av. analysis (12 fl oz): 96 cals, 3.2g carbs, ‹1g protein, 0.0g fat
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10/27/17 12:00 PM