On Tap Magazine // December 2019

ONTAP Drink. Dine. Do. December 2019

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Ways to Give Back Locally

Showstoppers A Chorus Line A Motown Christmas & More

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DC Do-Gooders NYE Bashes

10

Cozy Spots for Winter Meals

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Unique Bubbly Frosty Brews

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New Art Experiences

Find the exceptional light beer now on draft: Agua 301 Bracket Room Cantina Bambina Don Tito Dudley's Sport & Ale

El Rey The G.O.A.T. Mi Vida Quinn's on the Corner Shaw's Tavern

Social House Taco Bamba

(Springfield & Vienna)

Taco Rock Velocity Wings Yard House

#FRAYLIFE

PASSPORT

ENJOY OUR BUY-ONE, GET-ONE DEALS ALL WINTER WITH THE NEW FRAYLIFE PASSPORT ORDER YOURS TODAY AT FRAYLIFEPASSPORT.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECEMBER 2019: VOL 22 NO 3

WHO IS ON TAP?

HOLIDAY SEASON IN THE DISTRICT

On the cover: Maria Rizzo & Mark G. Meadows Photographer: Rich Kessler Designer: Julia Goldberg

And just like that, we’ve entered another holiday season. While many ways of being festive await us this month, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than through one of the can’t-miss holiday productions in town this winter. Our stunning cover stars exemplify this, as Helen Hayes nominee Maria Rizzo performs in A Chorus Line and jazz pianist Mark G. Meadows performs in and directs A Motown Christmas, both at Signature Theatre this season. Other performing arts highlighted this month include Peter Pan and Wendy at Shakespeare Theatre Company and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s holiday show at Lincoln Theatre. We also explored the work of local artists, collectives and galleries like Trap Bob, Hen House DC, Stable and much more – just in time to pick up a gift or explore an exhibition on a snowy winter day. If you’re not into the Christmas warm and fuzzies, check out shock rockers GWAR, who bring their bloody good holiday show through the District this month, plus New Year’s Eve mainstays Gogol Bordello, local DJ Nativesun and Chicago garage rockers Twin Peaks. In the spirit of the season, we also rounded up ways to give back nowm and throughout the year, cozy dining options for colder days, the best bubbly for all your soirées, and so much more.

Happy holidays, and we’ll see you in the New Year with some exciting changes and more fantastic content!

PUBLISHER Robert Kinsler

robert@ontaponline.com

EDITOR-IN-QUEEN Monica Alford

monica@ontaponline.com

SITH LORD Darth Trent Johnson trent@ontaponline.com

MEME QUEEN M.K. Koszycki

mk@ontaponline.com

VEGGIE GUURL Julia Goldberg

julia@ontaponline.com

DESIGNER DJ STACKS Nick Caracciolo #1 OFFICE DAD Tom Roth

tomroth@ontaponline.com

 LIFESTYLE

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44

STABLE Art Space

10 Cozy Spots

Debuts, Builds New Community

Imbibe, Nosh & Warm Up

District Ink: DC Tattoo Shops....................... 4 Tattoo Artist Sarah Fendlay.......................... 6 New DC Art Experiences............................... 8 Stable Builds Art Community.. ................... 12 All-Female Collective Hen House. . ............ 16 Local Artist Trap Bob.................................... 18 Drink, Dine, Do.............................................. 21 15 Ways to Give Back.. .................................. 34 Heather Freeman's Equine Rescue.. .......... 36

 SPORTS

Squash on the Rise....................................... 30 Wizards Offense Surprises.......................... 32

 DINING

Food Rescue US Fights Waste.................... 38 New & Notable.. ............................................. 40 10 Cozy Spots For Winter............................ 44 Breaking Bread.............................................. 60

56

62

Unexpected Bubbly

Peter Pan Reimagined

A Cheat Sheet to Sparkling Wines

New Rendition Flips Script

 DRINKS

Behind the Bar............................................... 48 Local Lowdown on Seasonal Brews. . ........ 50 What's On Tap................................................ 54 Unexpected Sparkling Wines..................... 56

 STAGE & SCREEN

Peter Pan Reimagined.. ................................ 62 Signature Theatre's Stars............................ 65 DC Actress Maria Rizzo................................ 66 Jazz Musician Mark G. Meadows............... 68 Stage & Screen Events................................. 70

 MUSIC

65

82

Signature Theatre Stars

GWAR

Hit Stage for Holiday Season

Gets Weird for Holiday

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ON TAP |DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Gay Men's Chorus of Washington............. 74 The Melodic DJ Nativesun.......................... 76 Twin Peaks at Black Cat............................... 78 Gogol Bordello at 9:30 Club....................... 80 GWAR Gets Weird For Holidays. . ................ 82 Music Picks..................................................... 84

DANCING QUEEN Kayla Marsh

kayla@ontaponline.com

WOO-WOO WITCH Katie Seaman katie@ontaponline.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chelsea Bailey, Mike Coleman, Briana Florez, Lani Furbank, Josh Goodrich, Destinee Harper, Nicole Hertvik, Jon Kaplan, Natalia Kolenko, Aparna Krishnamoorthy, Haley McKey, Travis Mitchell, Reem Nadeem, Lanna Nguyen, Joyelle Ronan, Toni Tileva, Langford Wiggins

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chelsea Bailey, In His Eye Photography, Scott Fields, K. Gabrielle Photography, Alan Kelly, Rich Kessler, Kimchi Photography, Mark Raker Photography, Tom Roth On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2019 by United Fray. All rights reserved. Use or reproduction of any materials contained herein is strictly prohibited without express prior written consent. Go to www.ontaponline.com for more information.

OFFICE

951 V St. NE, Washington DC 20018 Tel: 703-465-0500 Fax: 703-465-0400 www.ontaponline.com CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

trent@ontaponline.com

Join Us! Wednesday, December 11, 6-8pm

DUDLEY'S Sport & Ale

2766 S Arlington Mill Dr, Arlington, VA 22206

For a Complimentary Sampling of Winter Beers!

RSVP @ YOBRSVP.COM

DIST RICT INK A Comprehensive Guide to DC'sTattoo Shops

By Destinee Harper and Joyelle Ronan

Globe Electric tattoo // Photo: Jeff Marsala

Tattoo artists in the District are in tune with the city’s vibrant culture and can transform you into a walking canvas. While there are plenty of shops in neighboring NoVA and MoCo, this list keeps it local and sticks exclusively to the District. No matter what quadrant you’re in, there’s a talented tattoo artist near you.

Read on to learn more about DC’s tattoo shops and where to get your next one-of-a-kind design.

Blui Dyimond Ink Tattoo and Piercing Studio

Blui Dyimond Ink Tattoo and Piercing Studio makes tattooing accessible by traveling to your location in the District with their unique mobile shop. Artists Money-Moe and Ty create tattoos that reflect each customer’s personality. 4341 4th St. SE, DC www.bluidyimondink.wixsite.com/bluidyimondink

Electric Cat Scratch Tattoos

The staff at this Shaw-based shop helps customers set realistic goals and manage expectations for the tattooing process. Customers have the option to review portfolios and choose which artist best embodies their personal taste. Check out our interview with co-owner

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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Sarah Fendlay in this issue for the inside scoop on what makes this shop rad. 505 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.ecstattoos.com

Embassy Tattoos

Embassy’s five talented artists can accommodate any style their customers desire including traditional, realistic, Japanese and tribal.

They also offer coverups and tattoo removal services. The AdMo shop’s credo is simple: we let our work speak for itself. 1762 Columbia Rd. NW, DC; www.embassytattoo.com

Fatty's Tattoos & Piercings

Fatty’s shop walls in Dupont Circle and on H Street are decorated with original artwork by their tattoo artists. Those looking for custom art on demand will appreciate the time that these artists put into consultations.

With each portfolio conveniently posted on the shop’s website, customers can choose between artistic styles with ease. 1333 Connecticut Ave. third floor, NW, DC and 516 H St. NE, DC; www.fattystattoos.com

FHK Studios

Shop owner Osei K is the talent behind FHK, specializing in vivid, one-of-a-kind freehand designs. Located near Takoma, FHK places

an emphasis on the history of tattooing and describes the art as “an ancient [ritual] turned into a modern-day aesthetic” on their website.

7410 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.freehandking.com

Freaky Needles

Freaky Needles shop owner Nagi has been tattooing DC residents since 2009, offering a variety of services from portraits to lettering.

He’s known for his attention to detail and ability to transform unwanted tattoos into new works of art at his Northeast DC shop.

2210 Bladensburg Rd. NE, DC; follow on Instagram @freakyneedles

Globe Electric Tattoo

Stunning color tattoos and precise designs characterize Globe Electric Tattoo in Petworth. As co-owners, artist Susan Behney-Doyle provides her customers with clean linework, and Eric Doyle is skilled in Japanese-inspired tattoos. 3821 14th St. Unit C, NW, DC, www.globetattoodc.com

Highland Ink

Sloppy linework and illegible script tattoos are nightmares that can make tattoo enthusiasts think twice about their design of choice, but Georgetown’s Highland Ink is well-known for having capable artists. In fact, customers often shout out shop owner Susie Floyd for her impeccable fonts. This shop also offers microblading, if permanent makeup is more your thing. 1647 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.highlandink.us

Hyena Tattoo

There are several artists to choose from at Hyena including Dr. Z, who specializes in geometric designs and fine lines. The Mount Pleasant spot’s laidback vibe puts customers at ease as they work with artists to create their dream designs. 1454 Park Rd. NW, DC; www.hyenatattoos.com

Jinx Proof Tattoos

Jinx Proof is the oldest shop in DC, and patrons note artists Tim Corun’s precision and Tad Peyton’s professionalism. In addition to the Georgetown shop’s eight resident tattoo artists, Jinx often hosts internationally known guest artists. 3285 1/2, M St. NW, DC; www.jinxprooftattoos.com

Piercing Connect & Tattoos

Photos: K. Gabrielle Photography

Offering daily deals like tiny tattoos for $30, Piercing Connect & Tattoos is a great shop if you’re on a budget. Located by Howard University, it’s a go-to for college students. 2851 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; follow on Instagram @piercingconnectandtattoos

Tattoo Paradise

Walking into a tattoo establishment can feel intimidating, but the staff at Tattoo Paradise in Adams Morgan is welcoming and accommodating.

Artist portfolios include top-quality traditional tattoos, so if you’re looking for old-school designs and stark outlines, this spot could be your best option. 2444 18th St. NW, DC; www.tattooparadisedc.com

Matt and Kim played the 9:30 Club on November 20, one of many stops on their 10-year anniversary tour. The famed duo performed their 2009 album GRAND in its entirety for a sold-out DC crowd.

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Four Eyes // Photos + tattoos: Sarah Fendlay Rainbow Wasp

Love and Death See No Speak No Hear No Zombies

Tat too

Artist

Talks Shop

Ownership,

Shooting

Sarah No-Portrait

Straight and

Fendlay Policy

By M.K. Koszycki In her seven-year career as a tattoo artist, Sarah Fendlay has progressed from working the desk at a shop to co-owning Shaw’s beloved Electric Cat Scratch Tattoos. We caught up with Fendlay for an inside look at her no-bullshit, keep-it-simple approach to owning a successful shop, tackling challenging tats and knowing what you want before the needle comes out.

On Tap: How did you get started tattooing?

Sarah Fendlay: I was working in accounting after dropping out of college/art school for the third time, and a friend of mine working counter at a local shop told me she needed to replace her position.

I always had an interest in art, had a few tattoos by this point and thought I could make it on minimum wage. After a few years of sweeping floors, grabbing coffee and mopping shit up from the bathrooms, one of the artists at the shop offered to teach me a thing or two, so I took it.

OT: Do you specialize in a specific style?

SF: As an artist that likes to do the shit I feel from the heart, I was taught early on by my mentor that in modern-day tattooing, you have to be well-rounded to make a living. Almost a decade in, I feel I can produce a solid tattoo in any style that any person that comes through the doors asks for – other than portraits, f--k that. However, if someone came in and asked me what I wanted to do, at the end of the day, it would be geared toward bugs and floral designs. I have a thing for bugs.

OT: What has been the most challenging aspect of your career so far? The most rewarding?

SF: It’s been challenging to own a shop in DC after only seven years of tattooing. But with my history [in] accounting, management and art, I have a good grasp on shit. On the contrary, the most rewarding thing is that I own a shop in DC after only seven years of tattooing, and I feel like I am doing it correctly for me and the city. I’m happy, so that’s a pretty good reward.

OT: What’s the most complicated tattoo you’ve ever worked on?

SF: An 18-year-old military guy came through the door looking for [his first] tattoo. We talked and made an appointment for doing something on half of his entire back. We worked on a design and got a super cool tattoo of a kitsune [foxes from Japanese folklore] done after three [or] four all-day sessions. He showed back up months later to do the rest of his back. I had to figure out how to fill in everything I specifically left open. That was pretty darn complicated.

OT: What do you look for when you’re selecting a shop, both to work in and actually get tattooed in?

SF: I have only worked in two: the one I learned in and the one I own.

But I have been tattooed at quite a few different shops. These days, I’m more on the giving side of tattooing, which is why I try and make my shop somewhere I would want to be tattooed at.

OT: Do you have any pro tips for someone contemplating new ink, whether they’ve got several tattoos or it’s their first time?

SF: Look at portfolios and meet the artists. It’s pretty simple. If either of those don’t do something for you, look more places.

OT: What makes Electric Cat Scratch unique?

SF: We are a mom and pop-style street shop. I own it with my husband and work with my best friends, and that really translates to [our] clientele.

OT: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

SF: I got my first tattoo in someone’s living room at 18 years solely because I thought going into a shop was too scary. If you come into the shop true, you’ll leave with a better tattoo – simple as that.

For more on Fendlay’s work, visit www.tattoosbysarah.com and follow her on Instagram @tattoosbysarah. Check out www.ecstattoos.com for more info and follow the shop on Instagram @ecstattoos.

Electric Cat Scratch Tattoos: 505 Florida Ave. NW, DC 202-986-4239; www.ecstattoos.com www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Latela's "The Divide" opening // Photo: Sloane Dakota Tucker

5 Art Destinations Changing DC’s Creative Scene

By Haley McKey

Looking for some new or unique places to experience art in the District? Check out our picks for where to enjoy DC’s thriving arts scene, from galleries and pop-ups to programs and workshops.

Latela Curatorial

Explores New Spaces Latela Curatorial is an art consultancy with a focus on women artists and the feminine aesthetic. While they’ve held exhibitions of artists’ work at their Brookland studio and office since 2015, they’re transitioning into installing work in larger spaces and finding ways to bring local creatives and their visions to big projects.

“We’ve been refining where we want our projects to go from here on out, focusing on that feminine, delicate, vulnerable, energytranscending type of narrative from a female artist perspective,” says founder and director Marta Staudinger.

The Brookland-based space just celebrated a successful showing at

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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Superfine Art Fair, and Staudinger and her team are now thinking of ways to build on that energy.

“We introduced several local female artists [at Superfine],” she continues. “Where my interest for 2020 lies is in proposing that booth [at Superfine] as a teaser for a much bigger exhibition that we could do [where we] work with larger institutions.”

Check out Latela’s website to learn more about its artists, exhibitions, and procurement and installation work, and peek your head into the new Avec apartment building on H Street soon for a glimpse of Latela artists’ work.

“We’re super excited to do procurement on that scale,” Staudinger adds of the residential art project. “Nothing is mass-produced. It’s all original art.”

Latela Curatorial is providing spaces all over DC with artwork that’s more than just beautiful – it resonates.

716 Monroe St. #27, NE, DC; www.latelacuratorial.com

Photos: Photos: Mark Raker Photography

Sandy Spring Adventure Park and DC Fray hosted an adults-only, after hours at the park event on November 9 where guests ziplined, explored illuminated trails and enjoyed challenges.

The Omi Collective’s

Hydrated Wxmen Pop-Up The DC Arts Walk and Edgewood Arts Center is hosting “Hydrated Womxn,” an interactive media exhibition, healing arts residency and holiday bazaar curated by the Omi Collective on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now through December 22. The central idea is to create a space at the Brookland location where people can relax and recharge while surrounded by creativity.

“We’re challenging people to think about what nourishes them,” says Omi Collective Curator and Creative Director Sanam Emami.

“Someone can come in during art lounge hours and step into our joy.”

Resident artists are multidisciplinary, communicating through art, poetry, music and more. Each weekend will explore a different theme with events, performances and workshops meant to leave attendees feeling inspired, centered and creatively hydrated – alongside thoughtfully curated offerings for sale from local artists.

“It’s about the process, not the product,” Emami says.

DC Arts Walk & Edgewood Arts Center at Monroe Street Market: 716 Monroe St. NE, DC; www.theomicollective.com

Hemphill Fine Arts

Moves to K Street Hemphill has been an integral part of the art community in DC since opening in 1993, and has built a reputation for working with collectors and art aficionados of all ages, incomes and backgrounds.

The gallery represents a variety of contemporary artists working in sculpture, painting, photography and mixed media, with recent exhibitions from Julie Wolfe, Hedieh Javanshir, Rushern Baker IV and James Britton.

Now, the gallery is preparing for a big move in January. Director Mary Early says the move “is a dramatic change from our space of the last 15 years on 14th Street in Logan Circle, where we were located on the third floor of a historic building.”

“That location required a little extra from visitors,” she says. “The effort to seek out and find us, the desire to pursue.”

But the new space in Mount Vernon Square brings unique opportunities for visitors to become familiar with Hemphill artists.

“The move to K Street comes full circle to our beginnings in Georgetown in 1993, bringing us back to a first-floor space in a rapidly evolving neighborhood.”

The gallery’s inaugural exhibition will be Linling Lu’s third solo show with the gallery. Hemphill will soon be bringing visitors old and new to its home on K Street.

“We’re looking forward to getting to know our new downtown neighborhood,” Early adds.

434 K St. NW, DC; www.hemphillfinearts.com

Femme Fatale’s New Pop-Up

Femme Fatale is fast becoming a DC fixture as a pop-up showcasing women artists and entrepreneurs. Visitors can expect to find a trove of jewelry, art, prints, clothing and more. CEO Cee Smith says that Femme Fatale is starting to settle into its role in DC’s creative scene.

“We’re definitely still in startup mode, but we’ve had a chance to assess the value that Femme Fatale brings to different communities,” she says.

Femme Fatale has become well-known for its events – from craft workshops to networking parties – and for its bright and welcoming aesthetic.

“We’ve always been this hub for women not only to gather, but to learn from each other,” says Femme Fatale’s owner and jewelry designer Adriana Mendoza.

Now, Femme Fatale is taking on a more “structured type of template to create a real incubator space for women,” she says.

You’d never know that just a few weeks ago, the new pop-up was a gutted restaurant. Art is everywhere: murals, paintings behind the counter, and jewelry, accessories and textile designs for sale in the shop.

Artists are “the secret sauce of the experience of Femme Fatale,” Smith says. Her team prioritizes supporting a wide range of local creatives and especially “those who might just be starting out or who haven’t really had their voice heard,” Mendoza adds. In other words, Femme Fatale provides a great opportunity to find a unique local piece you might not see anywhere else.

401 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; www.femmefataledc.com

The Torpedo Factory Celebrates 45 Years

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is an icon of Old Town Alexandria.

This year, it celebrated 45 years as an art institution with studios, galleries, classes taught by the Art League School, events and more.

“One of the biggest changes since the Torpedo Factory was founded is how much Old Town and the waterfront has changed,” says director Brett Johnson. “It’s become a vibrant and exciting destination, and it’s been great that the art center was a part of that change.”

Looking ahead, the art center is finding more ways to engage with the community and bring more visitors within its walls.

“City council has tasked staff to create a vibrancy and sustainability plan for the art center,” Johnson adds. “We are seeking to create an even more interactive space than what we already provide with new, hands-on experiences.”

That means everything from well-loved programs like Art Safari to newer ones like Factory Flow morning yoga, as well as seasonal events like the Holiday Market and Olde Year’s Day. On December 13, the art center will look back on the first five years of its post-grad residency program, which supports recent art grads with studio space and presentation opportunities.

105 N Union St. Alexandria, VA; www.torpedofactory.org

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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Torpedo Factory // Photo: Joe Gidjunis/JPG Photography Photo: courtesy of Femme Fatale

Hemphill Fine Arts // Photo: courtesy of Julie Wolfe

Latela's "The Divide" opening // Photo: Sloane Dakota Tucker

Photo: Anurupa Dev

STABLE artists // Photo: Jati Lindsay

By Haley McKey Painted black and gently lit, the brand-new STABLE art space in Eckington looks almost reserved on the outside. But step through the front doors, and you’ll find a torrent of creativity and a veritable warren of studios showcasing local artists. STABLE is a new breed of creative space in DC, and it’s been generating plenty of excitement since its mid-October opening.

The self-described platform for artistic growth provides both studio and gallery space for contemporary artists creating multidisciplinary work. Take the lush, cut-paper collages of Katherine Mann, which almost resemble botanical growths sprouting across the walls of her studio; Maggie Trout’s graphite drawings of printed texts exploring the quiet power of the written word; or Tsedaye Makonnen’s multifaceted exploration of themes such as identity, kinship, migration and colorism through ceremony, installations and light sculptures. This is just a glimpse into the many unique talents who fill the space with the kind of burgeoning creative energy that you don’t usually find in DC’s iconic museums and art galleries.

Visiting STABLE’s open studios in November, I felt like I was moving through a series of microcosms – each studio a contained vision of the artist or artists in the space. Yet there’s also a powerful feeling of connection. STABLE is more than simply a collection of artists in one place. It feels like a cohesive whole.

That feeling is intentional. Co-founders Tim Doud, Linn Meyers and Caitlin Teal Price, who all have studios in the art space, envisioned STABLE as an enduring institution with a strong sense of community.

Each is an established DC artist: Meyers painted “Our View From Here” on the wall of the inner-circle galleries on the second floor of the Hirshhorn Museum in 2016, and Doud and Price have both exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery.

“We met one another through various arts events and realized that we were all thinking the same thing,” Meyers says. “There are a lot of very committed artists working in DC, but we are somewhat invisible. There is a real need for a hub. There has also been a scarcity of affordable studio space for many years, and we recognize that that has contributed to the difficulties artists have had in feeling a strong sense of community in DC.” Living in one of the of the country’s most expensive cities is a major challenge, and many of DC’s artists make it work by creating out of their homes. Mann adds that working and practicing in a dedicated place makes a big difference.

“It’s not as if there aren’t any other artist studio buildings in DC, but there certainly aren’t enough of them,” she says. “I’m a full-time artist and it’s really easy to just isolate yourself. It’s easy to get insular. I wanted to be part of a community and have a conversation about art, have critiques, be part of something larger.”

STABLE is a registered nonprofit so resident artists pay for their individual studios, and the price they pay is the same discounted rate that the art space negotiated with its landlords. This means that

STABLE fundraises for all its common areas, staff and operating costs, and exhibitions.

“Part of our ethos is opportunity-making and resource-sharing, so if [artists] want to be part of our community, they’re a good fit,” Doud says. “One of the things that connects us is that we all feel very [strongly about giving] back in our field and promoting that community.”

“We wanted to bring in people who wanted to be part of this, not [artists who would] shut their doors and not talk to anybody,” Price agrees.

The space also feels welcoming to visitors. Families with children of all ages and even a few dogs on leashes were in the crowd during my open studio visit. Everyone received a warm welcome from STABLE Director of Advancement and Operations Kali Wasenko, who gave each visitor a map and an envelope of beautiful cards with images of each artist’s work. I walked away with an additional bonus: two massive art books from a free pile next to the registration desk. That spirit of friendly generosity permeates the entire building.

“We want visitors to feel a part of STABLE, and to know that artists are here in DC and there is a serious contemporary art-making community here,” Meyers says.

Several artworks are also reflections and celebrations of the city itself, like Nekisha Durrett’s piece “Go-Go Belongs Here” in the gallery. As they developed the concept for STABLE, the co-founders knew they didn’t want it to be a short-term endeavor, but an enduring institution.

“We want STABLE to be a permanent fixture in DC,” Price says. “We couldn’t wrap our heads around paying for a building that would only last for 10 years.”

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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STABLE studio // Photo: Anurupa Dev

The group came up with calling the space STABLE almost by accident, well before finding their current location. They were talking to developers who were excited to work with them but didn’t really understand what the group wanted.

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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

“They promised us this pre-fab barn they were going to build on top of a roof,” Price continues. “[The name] STABLE stuck. It works because it refers to stability and a stable of artists, a studio space – though it was built on some crazy promise.”

In a stroke of coincidence – or stars aligning – the Randolph Place building really was a stable for the horses used to make cookie deliveries for a nearby Nabisco factory in a pre-vehicle DC. Many generations later, rafters that wouldn’t be out of place in a hayloft run across the ceilings of some of the studios. The first floor’s large multiartist gallery space feels airy and open, a nice contrast to the building’s winding hallways and staircases that feel like secret passages.

Mann says the gallery space at STABLE is something she’s particularly looking forward to.

“I’m excited to see how they bring in other artists who are local to DC, or artists outside of the region. There’s a drought in exhibition spaces, so this is equally exciting.”

The new art space may have just gotten started, but its founders have a clear vision for it.

“STABLE is multi-faceted,” Meyers says. “We offer affordable studios to artists who have been juried into the space in a competitive process, we have cutting-edge exhibitions in our gallery and we offer programs that reach beyond our immediate artist community. Now that STABLE is up and running, we are looking toward our long-term goals. We recognize that this likely means we will need to purchase a building, and we are just beginning to explore that.”

STABLE is here for the long haul, and hopefully the start of a new chapter for DC’s local art culture – one where artists can make and share their work in affordable spaces that are baked into their city and their community.

STABLE: 336 Randolph Pl. NE, DC; 202-642-3320; www.stablearts.org

L to R: Beth Hansen, Kathrine Campagna & Tiffany Evans // Photo: Trent Johnson

Pop-Up Queens Hen House DC

By Monica Alford

Bring Art to the People

“Wow, there’s definitely a need for what’s happening here. People want to support women in the arts.” I’m sitting with the three powerhouse talents behind Hen House DC amid the retro lime green-teal-pink walls of their most recent pop-up exhibit “Tiny Show 2” as they open up about the realization that they are filling a void in our city's arts scene. Friends, collaborators and co-founders of Hen House, Kathrine Campagna, Beth Hansen and Tiffany Evans have been overwhelmed by support from the DC community since launching their all-female arts collective this summer. Not only have they created a welcoming creative outlet for local artists, they’ve also made art accessible, engaging and perhaps most importantly, fun. Gone are the days of blank, sterile walls at exclusive galleries. We’re entering a new era for DC arts, one where event spaces like No Kings Collective’s Good Fast Cheap DC in Brentwood can be reconfigured as the colorful dream designs of three badass ladies and filled to the brim with 5-inch-by-5-inch works from 145 artists. I picked the collective brain of this triumvirate focused on creating forward momentum for female-driven, community-focused arts and creative experiences that are meant to connect and not alienate. Read on to learn more about what Hen House is up to, how you can be considered as an artist in their next show and why I now have girl crushes on all three of them.

On Tap: How did you three meet and connect?

Kathrine: Beth and I went to Corcoran College of Art and Design together, so I’ve known Beth since I was 18.

Beth: We’ve known each other for a very long time.

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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Kathrine: Yeah, gross [all laugh]. I met Tiffany through my friend and just working with No Kings.

Tiffany: We really bonded at [Art] Basel a couple of years ago. That’s when we really started talking and hanging out.

Kathrine: Both of our friendships have all been really art-centered, which has been pretty awesome.

OT: What was the impetus to start Hen House?

Beth: A couple years back, a couple of us that all had gone to school together basically made an agreement to start proposing shows.

Kate hit upon this really cool show idea, “Responsive Light,” and there ended up being four rounds of it.

Kathrine: You could make whatever you wanted. It just had to involve light.

Tiffany: I think it was actually kismet because at the last “Responsive Light” show, I approached Kate and she was like, “Oh, Beth actually just offered the same thing. She wants to help as well.” And I’m like, “Let’s all do this together.” And then she had this idea for Hen House.

She was like, “I want to do something with all women. This is perfect.”

Kathrine: I had been sitting on this idea for a while. I really wanted to do it. I wanted to pull people in from all backgrounds of art. I really wanted to make sure it stays diverse, but definitely women-focused.

Beth: We found out really quickly that we all bring our strengths to the table, but we all know enough about what the other ones do that we can come in and help. We can lean on each other’s strengths, but we can also bolster them as well. It feels like everyone is definitely collaborating equally.

Kathrine: Yeah, everyone’s being heard. Communication is definitely our biggest strength.

OT: I read that there was a big draw for local female artists through the “Responsive Light” shows. Why do you think that was?

Kathrine: A lot of women reached out to me who had a lot of talent and had never even shown before. They just didn’t know how to even go about it. They were underrepresented. They didn’t know what tools they had. That definitely put fuel to the fire to get something done.

Beth: I think it helps [that] we’re doing open calls on Instagram.

“Hey, we’re looking for you. Send us your stuff. You don’t even have to consider yourself a full-time artist. But if you’re working on this, let’s see what you have." [We] try as much as possible to fit people’s strengths into each show. We now have this huge collection of artists that have reached out to us, and it’s really incredible to get to meet all of them at these different shows and put those faces to the photographs we’ve seen of their work.

Tiffany: You’d be surprised how many of them – there’s 145 artists in the show – had never shown their work before. And they were like, “How could I? I didn’t know that was really a thing.” It’s been really, really special to see them come and bring their families and they’re like, “This is my first art show and I’ve actually sold a lot of pieces.”

House summer camp or days’ long event where it’s really interactive and we can have people coming and making and buying art.

OT: How do you think DC’s art and overall creative scene has changed since launching your professional careers?

Kathrine: Something that I definitely learned just from working with No Kings the last few years is you don’t need a gallery to sell your work. I think the art scene is becoming a little bit more accessible for everybody. It’s all DIY. It’s going to be hard, but that’s the direction I think people are starting to go. It’s not just for the rich anymore. Art should be for everybody. It should be accessible.

OT: Do you ever want a permanent space, or do you think you want to remain ever-evolving and modular?

Kathrine: I think probably down the road it would be nice to have a place to call our own and make it what we want to.

Tiffany: Or even a monthlong space would be pretty cool, because we could also change it.

Kathrine: But even if we had a brick-and-mortar, I think we’d still be doing pop-ups. I think that’s how we got our start.

Beth: We want to bring the art to the people.

OT: How important is it to you to expand your reach beyond just artists to incorporating other women into your shows?

Beth: If we’re trying to highlight female-owned businesses, we try to bring in other women and trans and non-binary creatives in there as well. We try to include as many people as possible.

OT: Is there anyone on your wish list across local food, drink, music, etc. for future collaborations?

Kathrine: One of our good friends from Corcoran is Laura Harris. She’s the drummer for Ex Hex, and it’d be awesome if they could play one of our shows. I think that’d be super fun.

OT: Tell me about “Tiny Show.” How did you guys decide to go little and how much time and energy does it take to work with so many artists and to collect so many tiny pieces of art?

Kathrine: We went to check out the space at Brookland Exchange [where the first “Tiny Show” was hosted] and it was their artist lounge.

It’s a hallway.

Beth: Like a cheese wedge.

Kathrine: It’s an odd shape – it’s a cool space – we’re just looking at it like, “I don’t know what to do with this tiny, weird space. Maybe it’s too small for a show. Maybe we should just do a workshop." And then I was just like, "No. More artists, smaller work." It’s "Tiny Show" because everything’s tiny because this space is so small [laughs].

Beth: We wanted to be able to get as much work in there as possible, and the only way to do it was like, “We’ve just got to scale this way, way down. No big stuff. Five inches by five inches on the outside dimensions.”

Kathrine: Beth came up with this genius gridding system, so basically no matter how small or big anything is, it will pretty much fit in its space.

OT: What’s next for Hen House?

Tiffany: We’ve definitely talked about a music element. We want to encompass all of the arts in some sort of event where we all incorporate our work on the walls, but we have different performances. I think eventually we want to do something like a Hen

OT: What about wish list spaces?

Kathrine: We can adjust to anything. We’re very adaptable. It’s time that I think is really our main focus for a new space. Can we be there for more than a day? We don’t want to deinstall the next day. We want to give the community and anybody else interested time to see it and keep it as diverse as possible with all the things we’re doing. We always really try to shoot and have a fundraiser attached to it.

OT: Are there any local initiatives or charities you feel passionately about?

Tiffany: We love DASH [local nonprofit District Alliance for Safe Housing]. Beth volunteers for DASH. Beth: I do the art group with the kids who live there once a week.

Kathrine: We’ve donated to them a couple of times.

Tiffany: We want to work with all the charities, actually. We hope to change it up every time so we can spread the love a little bit.

OT: I noticed high schoolers’ artwork as part of “Tiny Show 2.”

How did they react to seeing their art up for sale?

Tiffany: I got to meet a few of the students, and they were literally almost moved to tears when they found out that someone had bought their artwork. Restauranteur Erik Bruner-Yang came in and bought up a bunch of artwork, including some of the students’ work, and was saying it’s going to be included in his new restaurant ABC Pony. And they were literally just over the moon. They could not contain their excitement. I think we’d definitely like to incorporate that in the future.

OT: I feel like at every show you’ve had, there have been families with kids and that’s really cool because that’s another part of the art world that’s not always accessible – not only the price point but whether or not people can bring their kids.

Kathrine: I think it’s nice that families come in because it is a little stuffy in a gallery setting because you know, I guess families aren’t posh and sexy [all laugh]. I like all those weird kids [laughs]. My best friend has two kids. They’ve all sneezed in my mouth. They’re great, man [all laugh]. If I had the opportunity as a kid to grow up in an environment like this where I was exposed to these things, how much cooler would we be?

OT: It’s also a way to include people that live in the neighborhood and surrounding community. It makes it more accessible in that way, which is important too.

Kathrine: We want to keep it as down to earth as possible.

Learn about what Hen House DC has coming up next at www.henhousedc.com or on Instagram @henhousedc.

If you’re an artistic human interested in being considered for one of their upcoming shows, send them a message on Instagram with three submissions of your work and you’ll be included in their pool of submissions for the next one. www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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A Day

Life in the

with

TENBEETE SOLOMON AKA TRAP BOB

By Trent Johnson Photos: Trent Johnson

Tenbeete Solomon looks like she’s at home. When I knock on the door, she appears through a window, emerging from the background like someone strolling through their living room. She’s covered in flecks of paint and holds a brush in her hand. However, I’m not at her house or her studio. Instead, we’re at Big Chief, the New Orleans-themed bar in Ivy City.

No, Solomon isn’t squatting. Instead, the graphic artist better known as Trap Bob is working on a mini-mural promoting her contestwinning Pabst Blue Ribbon design. If you drink the American lager, there’s a chance you’ve seen it. But if not, it’s a dark skyline complete with shining stars adorned by a flying saucer (FROM OUTER SPACE) abducting a classic can of PBR. Also, there’s a hand on there (Trap Bob loves hands). She loves them so much, I once called her the Tarantino of hands.

“They’re the perfect things,” Solomon told me next to her “Stairway to Your Dreams” structure at Refinery29’s “29 Rooms.” “They’re very relatable and something I like to do.”

Known for hands (duh), space and bold colors, Trap Bob has completed projects for national companies like Apple and Viacom; people such as Elizabeth Warren and Missy Elliot; and local entities like the DC Mayor’s Office and Washington City Paper. Her art is infectious and fun, bright and loud. It incorporates the wonders of space, but captures the absurdities of the norm. To learn more about the fast-rising artist, we caught up with her to chat about her moniker, a career epiphany and how she balances her growing body of work.

On Tap: So, Trap Bob. Is there a backstory?

Trap Bob: Yeah, there is. I used to have a Bob The Builder backpack and people used to think it was hard to say my name. I always hated the nickname thing, and then I had that backpack and a friend saw me in the hallway one day and she screamed “Bob!” And, everybody was just like, “Oh, this is okay now.” For Trap, I’m literally Gucci Mane’s No. 1 fan. He dropped Trap God when I was getting into art in 2014, and I put them together.

OT: What is the first art-related thing you remember, whether it’s something you made or something you saw where you thought, “Holy shit, that’s cool. I’m doing this?”

TB: I did a self-portrait in first grade and I painted myself as a princess, but the only princesses I had seen had been blue-eyed blondes. So

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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

I’m going into it and I was like, “You know, how am I supposed to do this?” So I ended up painting myself with blonde hair and blue eyes and a crown, and it was so crazy because I was like , “That’s me as a princess.”

And then [the painting] ended up going on tour in a school art show, and I didn’t get it back until like fifth grade and I forgot about it. Now I have it in my home. I see a message behind it and where my head was then.

OT: You still have it?

TB: Yeah, it’s funny. It’s kind of similar to my style now: really big outlines and primary colors. When I look at it, I see my mind was already in that space of an artist. There was a message in the work when I wasn’t thinking about it.

OT: Did your parents ever see that?

TB: I don’t think that they thought much of it back then, because I think they just thought I was being a little girl. But, my dad is an artist and he always loved that piece because he saw the message in it. He’s the one who makes me aware of when I act like an artist, or create as an artist. He helps me see my work.

OT: What other inspiration did you have growing up? What kind of things were you doodling? Hands?

TB: Not hands, actually! I just doodled random stuff. I don’t even think I had one thing that I liked to draw. It was just a way for me to pay attention. If I was listening, I could draw and keep up that way. I really was into cartoons. I fell in love with anime. Sailor Moon is my everything.

OT: When did you realize you could create art professionally?

TB: I never actually thought of myself as an artist or thought about having a career until my senior year of college. I was studying marketing at the University of Maryland. I figured I’d study business because then I could make money off of whatever I wanted to do, because I didn’t know what I wanted to do.

OT: What was the big reveal like?

TB: I was relieved, I think. When I figured it out, it was like I solved some lifelong puzzle and everything felt right. Even though it was scary to think of how I was, I was like, “How the f--k am I going to turn this into a career when I just realized that I want to do it?” But it was comforting for me to know. At least I’m committing to something I actually care about. It got to the point where I was like, “Would I sleep in my car to be an artist?” And the answer was “Yeah, I’ll do whatever I have to do.”

TOP FIVE THINGS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Faith Art Coffee Family My cats

TOP FIVE THINGS I NEED AT WORK Coffee A personalized workspace Sketchbook Oil diffuser Comfy socks

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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OT: How did you kickstart your art career?

TB: I did a lot of personal pieces. I was doing a ton of oil paintings, which is a very deep and long process. So I spent a year just practicing. I taught myself [Adobe] Illustrator after I graduated and started getting into digital pieces, because I realized at the very least, I could do freelance work.

OT: You’ve done graphic design for cans and staircases, and you’re literally painting a door right now. How much of your time would you say is spent self-educating, trying new mediums and pushing yourself to explore different canvases?

TB: I would say out of all my time, the time I actually get to create or learn probably makes up half. [The rest is] managing and emailing, and all the behind-the-scenes stuff. I think a lot of the projects I work on end up having things that I haven’t tried before. I try to at least fit in something new with all my work. I really try to stay away from being repetitive. I think I’m always learning as I create. I don’t think I can ever be done with it.

Photos: Alan Kelly Photography

OT: You’ve worked for Refinery29’s “29 Rooms,” Girls Who Code, PBR and Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign. You’re busy as hell. How do you go about separating freelance work that people hire you to do and your own creative endeavors?

TB: That is another thing I’ve always tried working toward balancing, because I have a hard time saying no to things. I like doing different things and I do very well with direction. I think my social media illustrations are mostly for me. They’re like trending topics of things that are important to me.

The Auld Shebeen in Fairfax hosted the November Year of Beer sampling event featuring fall craft brews from Blue Mountain, Bold Rock, Pale Fire, Smartmouth, Starr Hill and Union Brewing.

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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

OT: Your work always has a connection to social issues. How do you approach serious topics?

TB: I don’t like to go negative, really. I like to have a positive way to talk about negative things. Some of the illustrations I do have, like the different girls I make, I’ll just put an emotion behind them [that’s] more up to interpretation. But [there’s] usually a message in there somewhere.

OT: What’s next for Trap Bob? TB: I’m doing a lemonade stand for PBR. It’s like a lemonade stand in space. I’m really excited about that. Next year, me and [local arts collective] GIRLAAA are focusing on a pop-up exhibit installation. [But I’m] not sure where, and I don’t want to be specific.

Follow Trap Bob on Twitter @trapxbob and on Instagram @TRAPBOB. To see some of her projects and learn more about the artist, visit www.trapbob.com.

Drink. Dine. Do. THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22

THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29

Fairfax City Holiday Market Join your family, neighbors and friends for the 3rd Annual City of Fairfax Holiday Market in Old Town Square. Come and shop at the market of craft vendors as you enjoy Old Town Square in the heart of Historic Downtown Fairfax covered in holiday lights. The festival will include live holiday music, hot drinks, gourmet treats and more. The Holiday Market will be open the first three weekends of December on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Craft vendors will vary each weekend. Fridays 5-8 p.m., Saturdays 12-6 p.m. and Sundays 12-4 p.m. Free. Fairfax Old Town Square: 10415 North St. Fairfax, VA; www.fxva.com

Enchant Christmas Light Maze & Market Everyone can enjoy holiday magic at Enchant. General admission includes full access to the world’s largest Christmas light maze, a food and Christmas market experience featuring more than 60 vendors, Santa’s landing, a kids’ zone and an ice skating trail. 4:30-11 p.m. Tickets $21.99-$36.99. Nationals Park: 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC; www.enchantchristmas.com/dc

shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. This year there are new lights to enjoy.

Enjoy dozens of large, glowing animal lanterns and stroll through thousands of reflecting lights as part of the interactive and highly Instagrammable exhibit called “Entre Les Rangs.” 5-9 p.m. Free to attend.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.nationalzoo.si.edu

THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 30

THROUGH SATURDAY, JANUARY 4

Christmas on the Potomac Holiday cheer returns this season when Christmas on the Potomac opens with more Christmas per square foot than any other attraction in the DC region. The resort offers a holiday tradition that is open to both hotel guests and the public with miles and miles of activities including the incredibly popular ICE! indoor exhibit fashioned from more than two million pounds of sculpted ice. The list of fun at Christmas on the Potomac is so long even Santa will have to check twice to be sure not to miss a thing! Various times.

Tickets vary by activity. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: 201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; www.

ChristmasOnThePotomac.com

National Harbor Holiday Movie Showings Bring the whole family and enjoy family holiday movies on the plaza screen each Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Complimentary popcorn provided by Chase and the first 120 guests for each weekly movie, will receive a Chase blanket. 3:30 p.m. Free to attend. National Harbor: National Plaza, National Harbor, MD; www.nationalharbor.com

THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 Downtown Holiday Market This market was rated two years ago by TravelMag as one of the 20 best Christmas markets in the U.S. If you only have the chance to visit one market this season, this is the one to go to. Built like a village, it boasts more than 150 vendors offering everything from food and jewelry to textiles and pottery. 12-8 p.m.

Free to attend. Downtown Holiday Market: Centered at 8th and F Streets, NW, DC; www. downtownholidaymarket.com

THROUGH SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 Spectacular Fireworks Show Looking for a festive light show to spice up your holiday plans? Through December 28, celebrate the holidays with a spectacular fireworks display at 5:30 p.m. at the National Harbor. 5:30 p.m. Free to attend.

National Harbor: National Plaza, National Harbor, MD; www.nationalharbor.com

THROUGH WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 ZooLights at the National Zoo Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered

by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. A free event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday

THROUGH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run Glide across the ice at Ice & Lights, located in The Winter Village at Cameron Run. The summer home of Great Waves Waterpark will be magically transformed from through February into a winter wonderland with an ice rink, beautifully lit photo ops, music and more. Grab a slice of pizza, roast marshmallows over the fire pits and enjoy the winter village. Various times. Tickets $5$17. Skate rentals $4. Cameron Run Regional Park: 4001 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.novaparks.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Young Prose Night: Woman in Black A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him by the specter of a woman in black engages a skeptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and hopefully exorcise the fear that grips his soul. Use code 20UNDER35 for the show’s YPN and receive a complimentary Truly Hard Seltzer or wine at the post-show reception. 8 p.m.

Tickets $35. Michael R. Klein Theatre: 450 7th St. NW; www.shakespearetheatre.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 Dear Black Santa: A BlackOwned Holiday Market The holidays are around the corner. Get your holiday shopping done at Santa’s Workshop. The event will feature your favorite blackowned entrepreneurs, lots of raffle prize giveaways and DJ 3X Dex spinning your favorite holiday jams. Santa will make a guest appearance and you have an opportunity to give to the PERK Consulting NextGen Scholarship. 1-4 p.m. Free to attend. Smith Public Trust: 3514 12th St. NE, DC; www.fb.com/publictrustdc 20th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights At sundown, experience one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions. Alexandria’s harbor shines as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront. Boats will be decked to impress a panel of judges who will award prizes in 11 categories. The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is part of a Potomac River holiday tradition with the District’s Holiday Boat

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Parade taking place the same evening at 7 p.m. at The Wharf.

Parade at 5:30 p.m. Festivities at the marina from 2-8 p.m.

Alexandria Waterfront Park: 1 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.visitalexandriava.com/ boatparade Dear Black Santa: A BlackOwned Holiday Market The holidays are around the corner. Get your holiday shopping done at Santa’s Workshop. The event will feature your favorite blackowned entrepreneurs, lots of raffle prize giveaways and DJ 3X Dex spinning your favorite holiday jams. Santa will make a guest appearance and you have an opportunity to give to the PERK Consulting NextGen Scholarship. 1-4 p.m. Free to attend. Smith Public Trust: 3514 12th St. NE, DC; www.fb.com/publictrustdc

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 Christkindlmarkt Learn some history while you shop at this holiday market.

Each year, the Heurich House honors the Heurichs’ German ancestry by hosting a traditional German public Christmas market in its garden. Saturday, December 7, 12-8 p.m. and Sunday, December 8 from 12-6 p.m. $10-$20. Heurich House Museum: 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; www.heurichchristmas.org Holiday Market at Del Ray Artisans Del Ray’s holiday market focuses on fine arts and crafts from local artists in the area. Purchase anything from ceramics and photography to cookbooks and tote bags. In addition, all artists donate a percentage of their sales to help support the Del Ray Artisans’ mission. Also runs December 13-15 and December 20-22. Fridays 6-9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.

- 6 p.m. Free. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.delrayartisans.org

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 Winter Year of Beer Join On Tap for a December beer sampling at Dudley’s Sport & Ale. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, a raffle for a Dudley’s gift card and beer samples.

Full pours of beer will be available for purchase at the bar, with featured breweries to be announced. Each brewery will feature two beers from their portfolio, and one will be seasonal. Please bring a valid ID. 21+. 6-8 p.m. Free with RSVP. Dudley’s Sport & Ale: 2766 South Arlington Mill Dr. Arlington, VA

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 BrewLights at ZooLights The National Zoo’s hoppiest holiday event BrewLights, a ticketed microbrew and craft beer experience, will take place during ZooLights powered by Pepco. Guests can enjoy beer tastings from a dozen breweries and sample savory foods from top local restaurants, all under the bright lights of DC’s favorite holiday tradition. All proceeds support the critical work of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, including species preservation and animal care. 6-9 p.m. Tickets $65. Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.nationalzoo.si.edu

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Upshur Street Craft Fair The Upshur Street Craft Fair draws artists and makers from all over the DMV and features an abundance of festivities, including a Gingerbread House Contest, a Pop-Up Holiday Lounge with delicious wintery treats, amazing activities by the Upshur Street businesses, and more. Shop local this year! 11 a.m.

- 4 p.m. Free to attend. Upshur Street: 843 Upshur St. NW, DC; www.upshurcraftfair.com

ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Kwanzaa Celebration at Dance Place Celebrate this holiday season at Dance Place’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration, under the direction of Sylvia Soumah. Gather family and friends to join Coyaba Academy, Coyaba Dance Theater and special guests to celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets $15$30. Dance Place: 3225 8th St. NE, DC; www.danceplace.org

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 Firelight Yoga: A Yoga Chanukah Yoga Class In celebration of the festival of lights, Jewish yoga and mindfulness teacher Alison Waldman leads an integrated meditation and gentle yoga flow. All levels of experience with yoga and the Torah are welcome. This event will provide you with a mat. 6:30 p.m. Tickets $18. Sixth & I: 600 I St. NW, DC; www.sixthandi.org

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 DC Fray Speed Dating Skip the swiping and get face-to-face with your future.

No pressure. Just potential.

Fray’s speed dating events are designed to get you several first dates in one evening.

Consider the DC Fray hosts your matchmakers to help you break the ice! Known for its bowling and bocce, Pinstripes in Georgetown has great appetizers, drinks, and games to amplify your dating experience.

Daters will enjoy an exclusive, extended happy hour and the chance to win raffle prizes. 21+.

7 p.m. Tickets $25. Pinstripes Georgetown: 1064 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.dcfray.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Escape The Night with Escape Room Arlington Join us at Escape Room Arlington to experience four unique escape rooms that will challenge your mind and keep your heart pounding until the very end. Artifacts, clues, cryptic symbols and unexpected interactive materials used in each room guide players through exciting adventures.

After you do make it out, hang out and grab drinks at William Jeffery’s Tavern next door – your first drink is on the house. 6:307:30 p.m. and 7:45-8:45 p.m.

Tickets $19.50. Escape Room Arlington: 2301 Columbia Pike Suite C, Arlington, VA; www.dcfray.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 Rock’n’Shop Rock’n’Shop is one of DC’s longest-running craft sales.

And for good reason: its unique mix of local crafters, record dealers, shops, junk sellers and great music offers a one-of-akind shopping experience. Are you looking to augment your collection with some essential records? Are you searching for the perfect T-shirt? Rock’n’Shop is where it’s at. 4 p.m. Free to attend. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 2019 Annual Hanukkah Party Join National Museum of American Jewish Military History at their annual Hanukkah Party for latkes, jelly doughnuts, gelt and song.

Explore the museum and eat, play games, and sing. You will also learn about the ways Jews in the American military have continued the tradition of the Maccabees. 6:30-9 p.m. Free to attend. The National Museum of American Jewish Military History: 1811 R St. NW, DC; www.nmajmh.org

Photos: Kimchi Photography

Clairo serenaded the sold-out crowd at the 9:30 Club on November 12. With a sea of fans at the show, Clairo’s status has drastically changed from SoundCloud artist to major indie pop singer-songwriter this year.

NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS All events are held on Tuesday, December 31. #RiverBash2020 Nick’s Riverside Grill and Tony and Joe’s have the biggest New Year’s Party in DC. This event features live music, DJs, appetizers, eight top shelf open bars and more. Additionally, the restaurants tent and heat the entire outdoor patio surrounding their spaces and open up their outside bars, with plenty of room for everyone.

21+. 9 p.m. Tickets $90. Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place: 3000 K St. NW, DC; www.tonyandjoes.com 2nd Annual Midnight in Paris New Year’s Eve You won’t want to miss the opportunity to welcome 2020 in grandeur and style. Look forward to breathtaking views of The Wharf, live entertainment, dancing, photobooths, open

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bar and more. This exclusive midnight-in-Paris soiree features multiple open bars, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth, party favors and a massive midnight celebration.

10 p.m. - 3 a.m. Tickets $80+.

La Vie: 88 District Sq. SW, DC; www.lavie-dc.com The 25th Anniversary of First Night Alexandria First Night Alexandria is a celebration of the New Year through the performing arts. Retail stores, churches, museums and public buildings are turned into performance venues to showcase incredible local and regional talent. With a unique lineup of musicians spanning multiple genres, a magic show and a middle and high school talent competition there is something for

ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

attendees of all ages to enjoy.

6 p.m. Tickets $25+. Old Town Alexandria: King Street in Alexandria, VA; www.firstnightalexandria.org 90s New Years Eve Party at Satellite Room A 2019-2020 tribute to the best decade of music. Celebrate 2020 like it’s 1999. Get decked out in your best fashion and hit the town to celebrate in style, but with a twist: Instead of dancing to the same music you hear all the time, get down to tunes from the 90s. This all goes down at one of DC’s favorite venues with one of the best crowds to bring in the new year with.

21+. 9 p.m. - 3 a.m. Tickets $35+.

Satellite Room: 2047 9th St. NW, DC; www.satellitedc.com

A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Branford Marsalis Ring in 2020 in style when the always popular “A Jazz New Year’s Eve” returns to the Terrace Theater. This year stars jazz royalty Branford Marsalis, who released more than 30 albums as a bandleader and saxophonist, racking up 16 Grammy nominations and taking home three. Your ticket includes the Grand Foyer Party, a night packed with festive dancing to great bands, a countdown to midnight, a big balloon drop and more. 7 p.m. Tickets $75+. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

Andrew Mellon Auditorium New Year’s Eve DC Gala DC’s best and brightest gather at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Constitution to support local philanthropy and enjoy a night of elegant entertainment. The Mellon Gala, DC’s premier black tie gala, features a red carpet entrance, DC’s most luxurious venue, top-shelf open bar, free flowing champagne, three magnificent ballrooms, five separate party spaces, multiple DJs, passed desserts and hors d’oeuvres, plus more bars, stations and servers than before to ensure an unforgettable night of celebration. 9 p.m. Tickets $99+. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium: 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, DC; www.litonevents.com

Photos: Scott Fields

Brand New Day: 2020 (26+ Hours) This New Years, ring in 2020 with Flash’s Brand New Day 2020, a 26+ hour marathon beginning at 10 p.m. New Year’s Eve and extending into January 2nd. Featuring both national and international talents, a single ticket grants you access to all three floors and permits re-entry throughout the entire 26+ hour event. 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Tickets $60. Flash: 645 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.flashdc.com

Long Bridge Park and DC Fray hosted the 14th Annual Safe at Home Kickball Tournament on November 16 to benefit Bridges to Independence and help lead people out of homelessness.

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Black Cat New Year’s Eve Ball For more than 20 years, the Black Cat New Year’s Eve Ball has been the best night out of the year. With non-stop music, pinball, and the special Red Room Punch, all for $30, it’s no wonder this party always sells out. Peaches O’Dell and Her Orchestra perform throughout the night on the mainstage.

Peaches’ offers an intriguing mix of the world’s greatest swing dance music. And because it’s New Year’s Eve, there will be more than a few surprises thrown in. After midnight, keep the party going in the Red Room with free pinball, free jukebox and half-price drinks.

There’s no dress code, so you can dress up or down as you like. 21+. 8 p.m. Tickets $30.

Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

DC Fray New Year’s Eve Say goodbye to this decade.

Pop the champagne and start off the New Year with DC Fray’s 5th Annual NYE celebration. With live DJs, party favors, and champagne toasts, the only thing you have to worry about is deciding where you want to be when the clock strikes midnight. Get your groove on at Grand Central or dance the night away at Kelly’s Irish Times. 9:30 p.m. Tickets $69+.

Kelly’s Irish Times: 14 F St. NW, DC // Grand Central: 2447 18th St. NW, DC; www.dcfray.com The Big 80s NYE Party Ring in the New Year with DJ Marco as he breaks down the 80s and reconstructs the decade at Union Stage. You may hear music by these bands and artists: Depeche Mode, The Cure, David Bowie, Duran Duran and more. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets $30-$35. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com Big Night DC Get ready for a night of excitement. Make your plans to ring in your new year with more than 9,000 people as the Gaylord National Hotel hosts Big Night DC. Experience the most exciting and hottest gala of the season. Tickets are on sale now and will go fast. The event features 15 themed party areas, five dance floors, an awesome band and DJ lineup, party favors, exquisite Gaylord cuisine and so much more.

9 p.m. Various ticket options available. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: 201 Waterfront St. Oxon Hill, MD; www.bignightdc.com

Find your gameday beach at these locations and grab an ice cold Corona or Corona Light this season!

Maddy’s Tap Room The Brighton Public Bar Live The Midlands Beer Garden Lou’s City Bar

Penn Quarter Sports Tavern Walters Sports Bar The Bottom Line Rocket Bar Pitchers

Nellie’s Sports Bar Cleveland Park Bar & Grill Exiles El Bebe

NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS Double New Year’s Eve Party at Rí Rá This New Year’s Eve, Rí Rá is celebrating the New Year twice. At 7 p.m they’ll ring in the Irish New Year with a champagne toast and live Irish music. Bring the family, have dinner and start your celebrations early as you join for this special toast.Then, join for the countdown party to the American New Year with live DJ from 10 p.m., champagne toast at midnight and balloon drop. 7 p.m. - 3 a.m. Free to attend. Rí Rá: 3125 M St. NW, DC; www.rira.com Black Tie New Year’s Eve Gala at the Luxurious Willard InterContinental Steeped in 200 years of history, the iconic Willard InterContinental is the backdrop for Washington’s premier and most luxurious international New Year’s Eve celebration.

Celebrate in grand style as you indulge in a sophisticated haven of luxury and service such as champagne, an open bar, a spectacular balloon drop and dance the night away to live bands and DJs. For dinner, choose from a VIP sit down three-course dinner with champagne or a dinner buffet of international cuisine. 7:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets $120+.

The Willard InterContinental: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.internationalclubdc.com

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Bluejacket’s 2020 New Year’s Eve Bash Your ticket (food, beverage and gratuity) to the sixth annual New Year’s Eve Bash will give you access to an open bar with Bluejacket drafts and casks, select wines and spirits, as well as a midnight champagne toast. Executive Chef David Testa and his culinary team will have plenty of passed bites and snacks for everyone to enjoy.

Plus, there will be live music and DJ sets throughout the evening.

9:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets $110.

Bluejacket: 300 Tingey St. SE, DC; www.bluejacketdc.com

to 2019 in style. 9 p.m.- 2 a.m.

Tickets $105+. ChurchKey: 1337 14th St. NW, DC; www.churchkeydc.com

Bollywood Da’Bangg - Biggest 2020 New Year’s Eve in DMV This is the biggest New Year’s Eve in the DMV area. This is the ultimate NYE experience.

Enjoy premium bars spectacular performances, party favors, belly dancers, live dholis, live ball drop projection, valet parking and delicious food for purchase. There is a formal, semi-formal dress code. 7:30 p.m. - 4 a.m. Tickets $25-$50.

Karma DC: 2221 Adams Pl. NE, DC; www.fb.com/bandbaajaent

Inner Caucus NYE International Gala This event is great for singles and couples alike, and includes different rooms with varying music throughout the luxurious Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel. 8:30 p.m. - 3 a.m. Tickets start at $75. Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel: 5000 Seminary Rd. Alexandria, VA; www.innercaucus.com

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Soundry Celebrate New Year’s Eve with The 19th Street Band. The Celtic vibe that Caolaidhe Davis (guitar player and vocalist) blends with fiddle/mandolin player and vocalist, Meghan, creates a joyfilled chemistry that no crowd can resist. Your ticket includes an open bar, food, a gratuity and party favors. Doors 9 p.m., show 10:15 p.m. Tickets $125. The Soundry: 10221 Wincopin Cir. MD; www.thesoundry.com ChurchKey’s 2020 New Year’s Eve Party Head to ChurchKey on New Year’s Eve for a night of rollicking revelry featuring an unlimited sea of extraordinary beers, fine food, mirth and merriment as we bid farewell

ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Gatsby NYE 2020 Time to drink champagne and dance on tables. The Prohibition ends on New Year’s Eve 2020 at Eden DC. Get dolled up in your swankiest attire and enjoy six DJs and three floors of sweet whisperings, champagne and the stars. Ring in 2020 with Gatsby, after all, a little party never killed nobody. 8 p.m. - 4 a.m. Tickets begin at $25. Eden DC: 1716 I St. NW, DC; www.edendc.com

International Spy Gala NYE The 18th annual International Spy Gala is an all-inclusive, upscale, black-tie optional party for all ages. Since 2009, it has been held at the Washington Plaza Hotel where you are treated like a celebrity and receive superstar service from the moment you arrive until your mission ends. Dance all night long to the party band in USA ballroom and DJs in Iceland, Istanbul, Caribbean Carnival and the VIP lounge.

9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Various ticket options and prices. Washington Plaza Hotel: 10 Thomas Cir. NW, DC; www.spydc.com New Year’s Eve Magic Duel Comedy Show Tired of the same old New Year’s Eve? Magic isn’t for kids anymore. Two first rate snarkists battle live and onstage for the

title of DC’s Best Magician in The Magic Duel. This show is full of seriously funny magic that will fool you. Badly. Audience members choose the magical challenges for the contest and then vote electronically to determine the winner of the coveted Golden Wand. 9-10:30 p.m. Tickets $60. The Mayflower Hotel: 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.catchmeshow.com New Years Eve 80s Dance Party with DJ Darin Put on your best 80s fashion, grab your dancing shoes, and ring in 2020 with a fresh, totally rad 80s dance party. Head to Jammin Java to turn back the clock for a fun night of food, beverages, dancing and all things 80s. Doors 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $35. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com New Year’s Eve 2020 Open Bar at Duffy’s Irish Pub Celebrate with an open bar including 30 unique varieties in cans and bottles, and a free appetizer buffet. Tickets are limited to make sure people have a great time, and there is room to dance. Get your tickets early. 9 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Tickets $75-$95. Duffy’s Irish Pub: 1016 H St. NE, DC; www.dcduffys.com New Years Eve: Back to The Future Come dressed in an outfit from your favorite era, and help celebrate the new year with your friends at Songbyrd DC. You’re not required to wear a costume, but it is recommended. DJ Trevski and NoRequeststTheDJ will be spinning the greatest jams of all time. 7 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Tickets $15-$50. Songbyrd: 2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner This is every detective’s fantasy come true, an opportunity for people with a passion for murder mysteries. Slippery red herrings, diabolical clues and ingenious detective work to get plunked smack dab in the middle of a hilarious homicide investigation. Enjoy the atmosphere and fabulous cuisine of Maggiano’s Little Italy but remember, you could become the leading suspect.

7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Tickets $150.

Maggiano’s DC: 5333 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.maggianos.com New Year’s Eve Party at Captain Gregory’s Celebrate the New Year at Captain Gregory’s. Chef Brandon McDermott and beverage director Doug Anderson are presenting a special food and cocktail menu for their third annual New Year’s Eve Party.

Your ticket includes food, two cocktails and a glass of champagne for toasting, as well as tax and gratuity. 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Captain Gregory’s: 804 N. Henry St, Alexandria, VA; www.captaingregorys.com New Year’s Eve at Shaw’s Tavern Join Shaw’s Tavern to ring in 2020. Tickets include DJ, open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight, passed hors d’oeuvres, champagne at midnight, a 12:30 a.m. breakfast buffet, and hats and noisemakers for all. Tickets will sell out quickly, so get yours soon. 9 p.m. Tickets $75. Shaw’s Tavern: 520 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.shawstavern.com New Year’s Eve Roaring 20s Party In a city synonymous with backroom dealing, hidden doors and secret passages might not seem that far-fetched.

But did you ever think you’d be able to party among them?

Now’s your chance with our New Year’s Eve Roaring 20s party. Enjoy premium open bar and dance until the stroke of midnight when you will share a toast. 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Tickets $255+. The Mansion on O & O Street Museum: 2020 O St. NW, DC; www.omansion.com Oh He Dead’s Fancy NYE Celebration w/ Color Palette There’s a little bit of magic and a whole lot of love in the funky rock band, Oh He Dead. The DC band, Color Palette, will also be bringing their electro rock/synth pop to the holiday. Bring your friends, bring your grandma, bring your beagles and bring your sexy selves. Let’s party, DC. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets $30. Pearl Street Warehouse: 33 Pearl St. SW, DC; www. pearlstreetwarehouse.com Rock and Roll Hotel’s New Year’s Eve Blowout More than five DJs will take over Rock and Roll Hotel’s stages

to ring in the new year. Ticket includes admission, a photo booth, access to the open bar all night long and first come first serve appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. The rooftop deck and bar will also be open. No dress code. 21+. 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $85. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com The Park New Year’s Eve 2019 You wouldn’t want to let your perfect evening fall short, so why would you celebrate at anything less than the perfect spot. The Park at 14th knows perfection. Details are what they do: the food, the drinks, the music and the people. It all has to be on point for the evening to be a success and The Park has you covered. 5 p.m. - 3 a.m.

Tickets $40+. The Park at 14th: 920 14th St. NW, DC; w ww.park14.com

TOO COLD OUTSIDE? CHECK OUT OUR BAR LEAGUES,

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By Jon Kaplan

Todd Harrity // Photo: courtesy of PSA

Coach Paul Assaiante // Photo: David B. Newman

Squash, it seems, is finally having its moment in the United States.

This past summer at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, the U.S. men’s team won its first-ever gold medals in both doubles and team play. And this month, for the first time in its over 50-year history, the World Squash Federation (WSF) Men’s World Team Squash Championship is being held in the U.S. – right here in DC – on December 15-21.

The tournament will take place at Squash on Fire, a state-of-the-art facility that opened on M Street two-and-a-half years ago. Built on the site of one of DC’s oldest fire stations (hence the “on fire” part), Squash on Fire features eight squash courts, a café and a pro shop in its downtown location.

With no membership required, Squash on Fire is just the kind of place to help popularize the sport across the country.

“The game in the United States is exploding,” says Paul Assaiante, the legendary coach of the U.S. men’s squash team. “Junior squash is up something like 500 percent in the last decade, and it’s one of the few countries in the world where squash is, in fact, growing. Squash had always been something of a private school/private club activity.

Now, with clubs like Squash on Fire, we’re seeing this game go much more public in the U.S.” Assaiante knows what he’s talking about, with 44 years of coaching squash under his belt.

“I’m as old as dirt,” he laughingly puts it.

He’s been with the U.S. squash team for 20 years, and at Trinity College for 26. He holds the record for longest consecutive winning streak of any college sport and led the Trinity team to 17 national titles.

On the U.S. men’s team, he has help from assistant coach Thierry Lincou, another squash notable who was formerly the top player in the world and currently coaches the MIT squash team. The current U.S. men’s team players are some of the best in the world as well, including Andrew Douglas (ranked 119), Christopher Gordon (ranked 94), Chris Hanson (ranked 67), and Todd Harrity (ranked 48 in the world and number one in the U.S.) Harrity, who was sidelined by injuries earlier this season, is back on the court and ready for the tournament, he says.

“It has been a nightmare season for me so far as I have been hampered with injuries,” Harrity says. “I had torn ligaments in the wrist

The team has experienced this together. They have a higher level of confidence and belief in each other. They know anything’s possible.

and ankle. But thankfully, I am healthy now and it feels great to finally be fit to compete again.”

Harrity says he looks forward to the team aspect of the upcoming championship since it’s a change from the usual solo matches in squash.

“Squash is an individual sport and as a professional squash player, you spend a lot of time focusing on yourself. So being part of a team for once is very special and requires a slightly different mindset.”

Assaiante has nothing but praise for Harrity, who started playing squash as a young child and went on to be the number one varsity player during his four years at Princeton.

“He had a storied college career and he’s having a great pro career,” Assaiante says. “He’s such a deep, thoughtful and introspective guy, but really fun to be around.”

For his part, Harrity is thrilled about the fact that the world championship is finally being played in his home country.

“It is very exciting for us that the event will be hosted in the U.S. The home team always gets a little extra attention, and it will be quite invigorating to have our families and friends come watch us compete.

Perhaps there is a little more pressure, but I try not to think about that.”

Assaiante says the players know they can’t rest on their laurels after winning gold at the Pan American Games. They’re fully aware that the world competition is even tougher.

“We know the mountain is much steeper,” he says. “The good news is, the team has experienced this together. They have a higher level of confidence and belief in each other. They know anything’s possible.”

He says they are super excited about the upcoming tournament, and after all, why shouldn’t they be? This is the moment for squash and its top U.S. players to shine, according to the coach.

“If you can’t get excited for this, then you’re in the wrong sport.”

Catch the 2019 WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship on Sunday, December 15 through Saturday, December 21. General admission tickets start at $25. Learn more about the championship at www.worldteamsquashdc.com.

Squash on Fire: 2233 M St. NW, DC 202-241-2233; www.squashonfire.com www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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WIZARDS

By Briana Florez

T

Troy Brown Jr. // Photo: Rob Carr via Getty Images

he start of the 2019-2020 season seemed like a period of rebuilding for the Wizards, with the seventh youngest roster in the league, a few injuries including an Achilles tear from star point guard John Wall, and the departure of players like Otto Porter Jr. and Kelly Oubre Jr. But, just 15 games into the season and actually performing better than expected, the Wizards have pleasantly surprised many. The team has shown they are a force to be reckoned with on offense.

Shooting guard Bradley Beal is at the front of this force, with power forward Dāvis Bertāns and center Thomas Bryant right there with him. Bertāns is shooting above 40 percent from the 3-point line, and Bryant holds a 55.8 FG percentage.

Currently, Beal puts up almost 30 points and averages 7.1 assists per game. But despite Beal’s unbelievable scoring, his focus is not on averaging a certain amount of points.

“I think [scoring] is more or less expected of myself,” Beal says. “I just do whatever I can to help the team win. Whatever I can do, that’s what I try to accomplish.”

The 6-13 Wizards have some new faces on their roster, including rookie Rui Hachimura. Younger players like Troy Brown Jr., who’s in his second season, and new player Mo Wagner continue to make a name for themselves. Also leading alongside Beal are players who have

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Bradley Beal // Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein via Getty Images

seen plenty of time in the league like Isaiah Thomas, Ish Smith and C.J. Miles.

Brown Jr. feels having such a young team gives them an edge and the ability to learn from more experienced players.

“It allows us to grow, develop, and bond on and off the court together, but it also allows us to learn from and take advantage of the advice the vets on our team give,” he explains. “Not many guys have the opportunity to learn from a Bradley Beal, C.J. Miles or John Wall at such a young age in their career.”

The saying “defense wins championships” might not apply to this Wizards’ team, but don’t be too hasty in writing them off just yet.

Although, head coach Scott Brooks said to NBC recently that having a top-rated offense and low-rated defense does not cut it.

One player who has been playing consistently well on both sides of the ball is Wagner at center.

He has brought intensity to the offense as a playmaker, scorer and rebounder, and is very dominant on defense. His outstanding play is not limited to inside the paint – he is a threat outside the arch also, shooting just below 50 percent from the 3-point line.

If Wagner can keep his fouling to a minimum, he is destined to earn more playing time from Brooks. Wagner says this is the first year he has really been given a big opportunity, and he works every day to take advantage of it.

I’ve told myself that this year is about having patience. We have a lot of new faces, a new system and young players that are developing.

“I just try to bring an energy and help wherever the team needs me. Run the floor and get rebounds, be solid defensively, take and knock down open shots – that’s all I’m trying to do.”

Thomas, on the other hand, has been in the league for almost 10 years. He knows the type of play that is required to be successful in the NBA, but historically underperforms on defense.

A highly talked about topic among fans is who should start in the point guard position during Wall’s absence: Thomas or Smith. But Thomas says he is primarily focused on becoming known as a leader on the team and doing whatever it takes to help the Wizards obtain wins.

“I’m just looking forward to a really great season and helping in any way possible,” he says. “A leadership role is something that I’ve always done. It just comes naturally: to lead by example, lead vocally.”

What do the Wizards need to do to have the best possible season?

Play harder and with a smarter defense. That has become evident to most anyone who has watched them play so far this season. They have shown they can light their opponents up on offense, move the ball well, and favor the pick-and-roll to make plays, create space and find open shots.

If they stray away from having one of the worst-ranked defenses in the league, they would be scary good. Currently, the Wizards average 6.8 steals, 4.1 blocks and 32.2 defensive rebounds per game. With the exception of defensive rebounds, the Los Angeles Lakers – the toprated defensive team in the league – are almost doubling the Wizards’ numbers on defense.

While unlikely, only time will tell if the Wizards can turn things around enough on defense to earn a playoff spot. Beal says for him, this season is about fostering winning habits on and off the court.

“I’ve told myself that this year is about having patience. We have a lot of new faces, a new system and young players that are developing.

[We’re] just putting in the work, getting better every day and learning from the mistakes we make.”

The Wizards play at Capital One Arena four more times this month.

For tickets and more info on the team, visit www.nba.com/wizards.

Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC 202-628-3200; www.nba.com/wizards

WINTER REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!

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Photo: courtesy of Northstar Tutoring

Photo: courtesy of Casey Trees

PAY IT FORWARD,DC 15 WAYS TO GIVE BACK LOCALLY

By Toni Tileva

Community yoga class at Bread for the City // Photo: Gracy Obuchowicz

HIPS rally // Photo: courtesy of HIPS

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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

‘Tis the season for paying it forward, so we decided to put together a list of 15 ways to give back to the DC community year-round. Our handpicked list is chock-full of unique organizations eager to put new volunteers’ hands and minds to novel uses. Read on for a list of creative ways you can give more of yourself to those in need around the District.

Restore the Anacostia Watershed Eco-minded folks can help restore wetlands, plant native plants, collect seeds and much more, all while learning about the watershed and its ecosystem. www.anacostiaws.org/how-to-help/volunteer.html

Put Down Roots with Casey Trees Channel your inner tree-hugger through a variety of opportunities, from tree planting and tree care to advocacy. www.caseytrees.org

Get Your Hands Dirty with Columbia Heights Green Put your green thumb to good use at Columbia Heights Green, one of many participating parks and gardens in the Community Harvest Program at Washington Parks & People. www.columbiaheightsgreen.org

Show Compassion & Offer Advocacy through HIPS Donate to and/or volunteer with HIPS (Harm Reduction Experts Improving Lives Since 1993), offering compassionate harm reduction services and advocacy to people who engage in sex work or drug use in the DC area. www.hips.org

Expand Your Practice with Yoga Activist Are you a yoga teacher who wants to take the practice outside of the confines of traditional studio spaces? Yoga Activist is the place to do it. www.yogaactivist.org

Knit It Forward in the District Do you stay calm and knit on? Join one of many knitting meetups held at DC Public Library locations and/or donate your handknitted items to a variety of charities. www.dclibrary.org // www.lionbrand.com/blog/10-charities-for-knitters-and-crocheters

Feed the Hungry with So Others Might Eat Help provide nourishing breakfasts for those in need. They use real eggs, too – none of that powder stuff. www.some.org

Provide a Fitness Framework for Girls on the Run Volunteer with the DC chapter of this national nonprofit dedicated to making a world where every girl is free to boldly pursue her dreams through running. Support students during a 10-week program to help them establish an appreciation for health and fitness. www.gotrdc.org

Dress to Impress with Suited for Change Help local women entering the job market dress to impress through a variety of volunteering and donating options, including leading a styling workshop. www.suitedforchange.org

Support Senior Citizens at We Are Family Help isolated senior citizens with groceries, cleaning, transportation or just a friendly visit. Make a new friend this season by joining We Are Family. www.wearefamilydc.org

Save the Felines with Alley Cat Rescue The trap-neuter-return program at Alley Cat can make life on the streets a little more bearable for our furry friends. Donate to the rescue or adopt one of their many cuddle bugs. www.saveacat.org

Be a Classroom Volunteer at Carlos Rosario International Volunteer in adult ESL, culinary, IT and health classes and programs at Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, and/or join as a mentor through the Impact Mentorship Program. www.carlosrosario.org/get-involved/volunteers-2

Mentor Families with Northstar Tutoring Tutor, mentor and help support members of low-income families in DC through Northstar Tutoring. www.northstartutoring.org

Help the Homeless at Friendship Place Help people in need transition out of homelessness at Friendship Place through a variety of volunteer roles, from mentoring to cleaning. www.friendshipplace.org

Go Pro Bono with the D.C. Bar If you’re a DC lawyer, you can give back by providing a variety of pro bono legal services. www.dcbar.org/pro-bono/volunteer

Coach Soccer with DC Scores Score a winning goal by helping coach and referee soccer games. www.dcscores.org/volunteer

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

35

Photo: courtesy of Heather Freeman

In the District, Heather Freeman is best known for her 25-plus years at the helm of Heather Freeman Media & Public Relations – with an impressive list of hospitality industry clients including Blue Duck Tavern, Ambar, Cuba Libre, 2941 and the brand-new Brasserie Liberté, among many others.

But while her work is rooted in the nation’s capital, her home is a 13-acre farm in North Carolina inhabited by a variety of pets – especially horses.

Once Freeman discovered the inhumane ways that unwanted horses are sold, shipped and slaughtered, she turned her love for helping horses into a charitable 501c3 organization. The mission of HERD, which stands for helping equines regain dignity, is to rescue and rehabilitate horses so they can be placed into loving forever homes.

With the help of donations and volunteers, HERD has transformed from a small grassroots rescue group into a national organization.

Since 2016, the rescue has saved hundreds of horses from the slaughter pipeline to Mexico and Canada. Now, she seeks to educate the public about the cruel practices affecting American horses. Read our conversation with Freeman to learn more about how she turned her passion into a successful philanthropic effort.

On Tap: What is your personal history with horses? When did you first develop a love for them?

Heather Freeman: I’ve been crazy for horses since I was 2 years old and climbed up on a relative’s Saddlebred horse. I started riding ponies when I was barely able to walk. I took riding lessons as a young girl and always dreamed of owning my own horse. My grandmother got me my first horse when I was about 12. I’ve been riding, showing and competing for many years.

OT: When did you become aware of people using horses for meat and hides? What kind of revelation was that for you?

HF: [I realized] about four years ago when a local pelt skin [auction] opened in North

By Joyelle Ronan

Carolina. I saw all of these beautiful horses standing in blood up to their knees and ankles. There were many former show horses and children’s ponies. I never knew where horses went when people sold them at auctions or on Craigslist. I found out really quickly that they were being shipped for slaughter mainly to Mexico and, in some cases, Canada.

interception on Craigslist or somebody contacting me saying, “If somebody doesn’t come buy this horse today for $300, I’m taking it to the auction.” And “taking it to the auction” mainly means [the horse] is going to go to slaughter. There are some kill buyers that I watch online who send me pictures of thoroughbreds they’ve gotten. We get them in a myriad of ways.

OT: How did you go about establishing HERD? How long did it take before you became a fully operational program?

HF: I started HERD on my own farm saving 12 horses a year. I paid all the bills. I got some neighbors to help me. I would go get the horses and do it all. Within months, I had people in the community helping me, coming to see the horses and spreading the word. One woman named Stuart Evans saw [one of HERD’s rehabilitated stallions] and said, “You have got to get your 501c3 if you want to have a bigger impact.” Within a year, HERD was a 501c3 and had gone nationwide.

OT: Do you think kill buyers are a problem that people are unaware of? How does HERD go about educating the public?

HF: We have a closed group on our Facebook page. We have members. I go and speak to riding clubs. You’d be amazed at the number of people who ride, show and own horses that have no idea that this goes on, and I was one of them up until four-and-a-half years ago. I didn’t know. I try to tell as many people as I can what’s going on.

I encourage people to write to their congressmen and senators and tell them, “Stop slaughtering American horses. Stop sending them for live export. Stop doing that.” Knowledge is power. By getting people the information, you help them. If there was legislation was passed to stop the export of these animals, something would have to be done. But right now, [America] gets rid of all their unwanted horses by sending them to another country.

OT: Was there anything like this before you started? How is HERD different from other horse rescue organizations?

HF: There are other people like me, but what’s different about our group is that we get them [trained] and super healthy and adopt them out to new homes. A lot of the horses that we’re saving end up going on and winning at horse shows and events because we put so much into them. We don’t just stick them out in the backyard and leave them there. What also sets us a little bit apart is that we take in younger horses, some of which have never been ridden or are too young to be ridden.

OT: How many horses has HERD rescued? How do you find the horses in need?

HF: We usually rescue about 100 horses a year, sometimes more than that. It depends because I have to raise the money to rescue them, which is a big undertaking. How I find them is sometimes through

OT: What does the future of HERD look like?

HF: I’m hoping that I have been enough of a role model that as I age and won’t be able to do the strenuousness of this – riding and handling all of these horses – younger HERD members and supporters coming up behind me will help step up and keep HERD going, or start their own [charity] like HERD. Visit www.herdrescue.com for more information on HERD, and learn more about Heather Freeman Media & Public Relations at www.heatherfreeman.com.

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Food Rescue US Fights Food Waste, Helps Feed DC Imagine a restaurant with delicious, healthy food. The chefs prepare enough to serve hundreds of people daily, but often, good resources are thrown out and left to rot in a landfill. Meanwhile, 11.1 percent of U.S. households were food insecure at least some time during 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including 5.6 million households with very low food security.

In an effort to combat this reality, Food Rescue US is taking action to prevent food waste and combat food insecurity with the help of technology. This year, the nonprofit has recovered around 730,000 meals, and since October 2016, the organization has recovered 2 million pounds of food. This recovered food amounts to $3.5 million, a staggering amount and a point of pride that shows how the organization’s efforts benefit its respective communities. “[Food Rescue US] helps address food waste and hunger,” says DC site director Kate Urbank. “[Approximately] 40 million people, including 12 million children, are food insecure in the U.S. If we could take more of the food being wasted and direct it to folks who are food insecure, it solves two problems: it [reduces] methane gases from food rotting in landfills, which is a huge contributor to climate change, [and the food is] redirected to people who are food insecure.”

Places that donate food include one-off catered conferences that do not want to throw out premade food, restaurants and even organizations like the World Bank. Receiving agents may be places that serve the homeless or local women’s shelters. One of Urbank’s goals is to find agencies that are not well-known about around the District and can benefit from the organization’s services.

Want to help the organization? There’s an app for that. The Food Rescue US app uses an algorithm to match food donors and agents who have a surplus of resources with nearby receiving agencies and organizations that feed people. Urbank uses the app to help coordinate efforts with volunteers known as food rescuers, who transport surplus food from food donors to receiving agencies.

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Photos: courtesy of Food Rescue US

By Josh Goodrich

A third version of the app is under development, and the update will make for a more seamless and interactive experience. However, for now there is a need for a human intermediary, and Urbank sits at the helm where she conducts conversations with donors once they sign up.

“I know these folks well enough to either email or text my posse and tell them we need to go out to [a location] because it is not covered,” she says. “Usually, someone steps up. Sometimes, I will write to my donor and say, ‘Can you hold the food until tomorrow morning, and I will get someone there tomorrow?’”

Failure to deliver food from donors to receiving agencies is not an option. When a match happens, a food rescuer is enlisted to ensure pickup and delivery. People use different modes of transportation, including a wagon, to rescue the food. The time it takes to participate is roughly 30 minutes to an hour, and anyone can try volunteering once to see if they enjoy it.

“Some people do one rescue and maybe never do it ever again,” Urbank continues. “Some people do it three times a month. Some people do it [two or] three times a week. It is up to the individual to opt in. You can schedule yourself.”

Food Rescue US is one of many organizations offering a solution to America’s food waste problem. With a hand-to-hand operation, donors can see financial benefits and food rescuers can actively help their community by ensuring that receiving agencies provide hungry people with food that would otherwise be discarded. “[Food Rescue US] is about offering an option: a solution for businesses that want to donate their food and have not had the time or the knowledge to know where to take it,” Urbank adds.

For more info about volunteering with Food Rescue US and to download the app, visit www.foodrescue.us.

Capitol Lounge

Hawk & Dove

Lucky Bar Blackfinn

Mad Hatter The Bottom Line

Rocket Bar Kelleys Irish Times Grand Central

Enjoy Responsibly. ©2019 D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., Pottsville, PA 17901

NEW & NOTABLE Frosted carrot garden // Photo: courtesy of Amity Commerce

By Lani Furbank On Tap keeps locals in the know about the hottest new food and drink spots around town and the top culinary happenings of the month.

Read on to get the inside scoop on what’s new and notable in the DC area.

Amity & Commerce

Brasserie Liberté

Open: November 1 Location: Southwest Waterfront Lowdown: Just across the bridge from the Jefferson Memorial, the Mandarin Oriental’s new restaurant pays homage to the country’s first Ambassador to France and the only Minister Plenipotentiary for Negotiating Treaties of Amity and Commerce. It’s named after the 1778 Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the U.S. and France, and invites diners to break bread in the name of friendship and business. The menu follows suit, with bistro fare influenced by both French and American culinary traditions. Chef de Cuisine Justin Houghtaling struck a balance between the two, crafting dishes like duck liver parfait, caramelized shallot and onion soup, and steak frites along with cocktail shrimp, pan-roasted Amish chicken and a burger. There’s also a selection of chops from the grill, as well as elaborate rotating plats du jour such as braised veal cheeks and marrow jus with ricotta agnolotti, sherry-braised salsify and salsify chips. Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen prepares artful and intricate desserts masquerading as fruits and vegetables. The high-ceiling dining room has an open kitchen and a long, wood-topped bar. In the warmer months, the outdoor patio offers additional seating.

1330 Maryland Ave. SW, DC; www.mandarinoriental.com/washington/ national-mall/luxury-hotel

Open: November 16 Location: Georgetown Lowdown: For his latest restaurant project, restaurateur Hakan Ilhan is bringing back classic. Liberté embodies the French brasserie with traditional fare in a chic yet warm setting. Formerly the den-like Morton’s The Steakhouse, the space has been completely transformed with higher ceilings, modern architectural touches, and vibrant colors, patterns and textures. One booth in the back is sure to be the most requested table in the house: it’s in an ornate alcove reminiscent of a Fabergé egg. Executive Chef Jaryd Hearn – a young Alinea alum – has built a menu that delivers everything you might crave at a brasserie, starting with a hearty French onion soup or buttery escargot followed by duck confit, boeuf Bourguignon (as well as a vegan mushroom option) and steak frites. The superbly seasoned crispy frites are the product of 77 attempts at perfecting the dish. Desserts also hit all the expected notes, with profiteroles, opera cake, Paris-Brest and crème brulée. Much of the wine list is from France, and the cocktail program also goes back to basics with variations of archetypal drinks like the Old Fashioned and French 75. Bartender Zachary Faden is serving two of his creations that won top honors at Tales of the Cocktail, including the world’s best martini. 3251 Prospect St. NW, DC; www.libertedc.com

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Nina May

The Renegade

Open: November 1 Location: Shaw Lowdown: Co-owners chef Colin McClimans and general manager Danilo Simic want you to feel like family at Nina May. They named the farm-to-table restaurant after each of their daughters and the space is old-fashioned and homey, with whitewashed clapboard siding on the interior walls and wooden bench seating like you might find on a boardwalk. The menu is intended for family-style dining, offering large and small shared plates. These dishes, which rotate often based on seasonal availability, are made with ingredients sourced within 150 miles of the city. You can order à la carte or opt for the “Chef’s Choice,” allowing the kitchen to select a variety of dishes for you to enjoy. Early fan favorites include sautéed green beans with cardoons, heirloom carrot and brown butter cavatelli, lemon and thyme roasted Pennsylvania chicken, and a playful pasta dish called green eggs and ham. The cocktail menu is organized by flavor profile, from rich and powerful to bright and crisp. In addition to brunch and dinner service, the first floor will open as a casual counter-service café in the mornings starting in mid-December serving pastries, coffee, light breakfast and lunch. 1337 11th St. NW, DC; www.ninamaydc.com

Open: October 24 Location: Clarendon Lowdown: No matter the time of day, you can stop by The Renegade.

It starts early as a coffee shop, and then the kitchen opens for lunch and dinner. In the evenings, there’s live music (no cover) and the bar stays open until 2 a.m., with a late-night menu available on the weekends. Chef and owner Patrick Crump describes it as an amoeba, ready to adapt for any use. In designing the 5,500-square-foot space, he wanted to ensure that it would serve all of these purposes. There’s high-top seating throughout to encourage mingling; the walls and drink rails are lined with outlets for the remote working crowd; and the large stage is centrally located for optimal viewing. In addition to his culinary resume, which includes a stint at the Inn at Little Washington and a long tenure at Clarendon Ballroom, Crump is also quite handy. He welded the bar himself and personally handled many of the equipment repairs when renovating the kitchen. The menu reflects Crump’s personal preferences, which involves food that comes from the world’s equatorial regions. Within the categories of “goops and scoops,” “grips and stix” and bowls, there are dishes with punchy flavors and wide-ranging influences like spicy red curried collard greens, cinnamon and black pepper lamb lollipops over green rice, and shawarma-spiced chicken in a pita. 3100 Clarendon Blvd.

Clarendon, VA; www.renegadeva.com

Bandoola noodle bowl // Photo: courtesy of General Design Company

Green eggs & ham // Photo: courtesy of Nina May

The Renegade beef // Photo: Zach Pearson

Brasserie Liberté apple pithivier // Photo: Scott Suchman

Revolution punch // Photo: courtesy of Amity Commerce

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Tropical ceviche // Photo: courtesy of Buena Vida

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The Buena Vida Fiesta Experience Location: Clarendon Lowdown: Buena Vida owner Ivan Iricanin is known for the epic unlimited experience that started at his popular Balkan spots, and both locations of his Mexican concept have now followed suit.

Priced at $35 per person for dinner and $34 for brunch, the fiesta at Buena Vida Clarendon includes all-you-can-eat small plates from the extensive menu redesigned by newly appointed Alexis Samayoa. As the corporate chef for the group’s Latin concepts, Samayoa brings experience from Spanish and Mexican restaurants in New York as well as Espita Mezcaleria in Shaw, where he served as the opening executive chef. Highlights from Samayoa’s new unlimited menu include chicken empanadas, confit mushrooms in guajillo salsa and hanger steak marinated in chili ash. The brunch menu also includes six house cocktails priced at 25 cents each. 2900 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.buenavidaclarendon.com

Menu Expansion at Bandoola Bowl

HAPPY HOUR IS MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 3-7 PM

1/2 PRICE APPETIZERS DRAFTS $3.50-$5 HOUSE LIQUOR $4 HOUSE WINES $5

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Location: Georgetown Lowdown: This Southeast Asian salad shop from the owners of Mandalay in Silver Spring has officially expanded into the world of carbs. The menu previously offered exclusively salads, featuring the flavors of Burma, Vietnam and Thailand. Now, you can order warm bowls with brown rice or Taiwanese wheat noodles. The protein options for warm bowls include roasted pork, grilled chicken, lightly fried tofu and steamed shrimp. The bowls also come with various fresh veggies and other crunchy ingredients, like shredded cabbage, onions, tomato, red bell pepper, cilantro, crispy garlic and fried shallots. They’re priced at $13-$14 per bowl. 1069 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.bandoolabowl.com

FOR RECREATIONAL USE ONLY

G13 IPA is a strange new strain indeed.

We took an already dank IPA and married its hops with strain specific terpenes and natural hemp-type flavor. The result is an aromatic super-hybrid sticky IPA that’s ready to rip.

SweetWater Brewing Company • Atlanta, Georgia • SweetWaterBrew.com 420 Strain Series is an olfactory experience for sure, but there is no actual THC or CBD in this beer. Please enjoy responsibly.

SweetWater Brewing Company • Georgia • SweetWaterBrew.com • +21 Please Drink Responsibly

SWB-TAP-G13-Ad-7x10-191127-02.indd 1

11/27/19 3:17 PM

Photo: courtesy of Bourbon Steak

IO Cozy Spots WHERE TO IMBIBE, NOSH & WARM UP THIS WINTER

By Travis Mitchell

With winter creeping up on the calendar, motivation can wane to get out of the house and into the cold. But rather than stay stuck inside, aim for a meal with a side of warmth and comfort. Be it beside a fire, curled up with a blanket, or just enjoying an indulgent plate of fondue or curry, here are 10 bars and restaurants where you can be sure to stay cozy this season.

Bourbon Steak As long as it’s cold outside, the patio at Bourbon Steak in Georgetown will welcome guests with three premium champagne-themed bubbles. Each enclosed dome has its own theme: one dedicated to Dom Perignon, one to Krug and one to Ruinart. While each bubble has suggested pairings, the restaurant’s entire menu is available throughout the patio, including drinks. “You can sit in there and have a full dining experience,” says general manager David Van Meerbeke.

“We see it as an extension of our restaurant.” Reservations are highly suggested, and each bubble has a reservation fee along with a food and beverage minimum. They’ll be available through the end

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of winter. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.fourseasons.com/ washington/dining/restaurants/bourbon_steak/

Brasserie Liberte French classics get a fresh look at Georgetown’s newest brasserie – a casual location for lunch, dinner and brunch. Expect French onion soup, beef or vegan mushroom bourguignon, steak or mussels with fries, and more. The cocktail list is extensive, as is the selection of French wines. And its spacious booths – including one modeled off a Fabergé egg – are great for lingering over some pastries and coffee.

3251 Prospect St. NW, DC; www.libertedc.com

Photo: courtesy of Bourbon Steak The Conrad après-ski // Photo: Albert Ting

Dram & Grain Cavalletta // Photo: Rey Lopez Brasserie Liberté profiteroles // Photo: Scott Suchman

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Butter Chicken Company

L’Annexe

Fight the midday blues with a hearty lunch at this Indian newcomer near Foggy Bottom and the White House. Owner Asad Sheikh, who also owns two Bombay Street Food locations in the District, keeps this fast-casual kitchen simple. “Our classic Indian dishes like butter chicken, chicken tikka masala and saag paneer are hearty, and the spice level brings on the heat and warms you up,” he says. Meals come as combo platters, generously sized with a choice of entree (a vegetarian option is available), rice, two sides and naan. The restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and closes once the day’s food is out. 818 18th St. NW, DC; www.usabutterchicken.com

Take a break from holiday shopping and stop in for a cocktail and a bite at this European-inspired M Street bar. Drinks are crafted from behind the zinc bar using craft spirits and houseinfusions. “We want our space to be as welcoming as we are, like guests to our home,” says owner Fady Saba. “So, being at the bar is like when you gather in a friend’s kitchen, move about, have a bite, a sip, a chat.” Drink recipes range from melon-infused vodka to a turmeric root rum. Savory dishes include small plates like corn hummus with subtle heat, skewers of scallops and pork belly, and spreads of cheese and charcuterie. It’s the mushroom toast, however, that Saba says has become a customer favorite.

“The combination of pecorino cheese with pine nut jam and sage blends perfectly with the mushrooms, but the melt-in-yourmouth brown butter powder sprinkled over it is the real secret to its popularity,” he says, recommending a pairing with the bar’s twist on an old fashioned. In addition to the bar, the dining room offers space for more conversation with friends, as does the low-lit “library” in the rear. 2917 M St. NW, DC; www.lannexe-bar.com

Conrad Hotel Along New York Avenue, the luxury Conrad Hotel is bringing the charm of a French ski lodge to downtown DC. Director of food and beverage Troy Knapp says guests can defrost with a rooftop aprèsski experience that includes blankets, fire pits, thermoses full of spiked beverages and hearty snacks designed to evoke the alps.

Drinks include shareable hot buttered rum and “haute” toddies along with wines by the glass, beers and other wintery cocktails.

For food, graze on a European meat and cheese board or indulge with a rich croque madame sandwich with duck confit. S’mores offer a sweet ending to any evening. Groups of four to 12 looking for something extra can opt for the Conrad’s fireside vintage port experience, served with Stilton-style cheese. “We’ve secured a few bottles of Fonseca port from the 85 vintage and we’re presenting it with a traditional glass breaking method, which is really quite impressive,” Knapp says. 950 New York Ave. NW, DC; www.conradhotels3.hilton.com

Dram & Grain After a 15-month closure, one of DC’s best cocktail bars got new life this November when it opened in its new Adams Morgan home. Located beneath The Imperial, Dram & Grain offers reservations for seated tastings as well as an à la carte menu and space for walk-ins. Drinks include unique creations and classics mixed with house-made ingredients like baked citrus amaro, black peppercorn tonic and nigiri jasmine rice syrup. A separate fireplace room seats 24 and is available for private events.

2001 18th St. NW, DC; www.dramandgrain.com

Hazel Shaw has no shortage of food and drink options. But few things cut through the chill better than the heaters, fire pits and blankets on the Hazel patio. Inside, grab a local craft beer and a meal of Turkish-inspired food from chef Robert Curtis. A good starting point is to order up a few dips and spreads – sweet potato hummus, red pepper and walnut muhammara, for example – served with a side of pita-style “laffa” bread. The rest of the menu is structured from appetizers to medium and large-sized entrees of swordfish or lamb neck, all meant to be shared. 808 V St. NW, DC; www.hazelrestaurant.com

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Officina Carb load with fresh pastas and other Italian favorites at this Wharf neighborhood restaurant and market. Have a meal in the dining room, grab some food and ingredients to cook at home, or bundle up with a blanket, fireside seat and river views on the rooftop terrazza, open year-round. 1120 Maine Ave. SW, DC; www.officinadc.com

Stable Swiss culture and cuisine come together at this cozy H Street eatery. Ward off winter’s cold, dark days with a bubbling vessel of traditional cheese fondue mixed with garlic and black pepper or schnapps. Equally warming are the chicken wings, raclette toast, and hearty venison loin served with spaetzli, braised red cabbage and chestnuts. For drinks, knock back a European beer or go for the strong Immune Booster cocktail, made with bourbon, rose hip, lemon juice and raspberry. 1324 H St. NE, DC; www.stabledc.com

Tabard Inn The Tabard Inn is the oldest continuing running hotel in DC, catering to locals and guests alike. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights bring live jazz to its fireplace lounge – an ideal setting during the winter months. Dinner dishes run the gamut from duck leg confit and heritage pork chops to gochujang cioppino.

1739 N St. NW, DC; www.tabardinn.com

troegs.com/wonderfulbeer |

@TROEGSBEER

Behind the

Bar

with The Imperial’s Andy Bixby

By Lanna Nguyen Since its long-awaited opening in November, The Imperial in Adams Morgan has quickly become a destination for cocktail enthusiasts buzzing about the funky ingredients and collection of rare bottles and vintages. Bridging together multiple historic buildings, the highly anticipated three-level concept from Jack Rose owners Bill Thomas and Stephen King has become a multifloor playground of sorts for beverage director Andy Bixby.

He’s able to let loose in the basement of The Imperial, where neighboring Jack Rose’s cocktail bar Dram & Grain has relocated to provide an outlet for offbeat and unconventional cocktails. The first floor focuses on a cocktail menu that pairs well with the raw bar, seafood and Mid-Atlantic menu offerings.

From building on and elevating base ingredients to presenting innovative cocktails with a new perspective, Bixby is constantly challenging his team to think about the next ingredient, the next recipe and the next concoction. We caught up with him to find out what firsttime guests and repeat customers can look forward to at The Imperial this winter.

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The Imperial Beverage Director Andy Bixby // Photo: courtesy of Julep PR

On Tap: It’s been a long road to opening The Imperial. What are you most excited to share with guests now that you’re officially up and running?

Andy Bixby: I think it’s the full space. [Co-owner] Steve [King] has done a ton of work making sure the design is great. [Chef ] Russell [Jones] has done an incredible job making sure the food is good.

My hope is that I can help to complement and build upon that with cocktails I think are meant to be consumed with food. I’m excited for people to come out and try things that wouldn’t necessarily be the first thing they’d order, [and] to have people’s eyes opened up to new corners of the beverage world.

OT: The food menu is taking more of a role than at sister restaurant and bar Jack Rose. How does the beverage program play into the menu?

AB: I was very excited to take on this program as a sister program to Jack Rose because this allows me to flesh out more of my creativity. It’s always been about the food on this first floor. The beverages were always meant to help elevate and bolster that food program. The Cham-boo! is one of our cocktails featured on the main floor because it is the perfect pairing with the majority of our food. In essence, [it’s] a classic cocktail called the Bamboo. We’re taking that concept, force carbonating the whole thing and turning it into an emulation of how you drink champagne. But [it’s] actually just an elevated form of this cocktail.

The Imperial Gin and Tonic Bombay Sapphire House dehydrated grapefruit tonic Clarified lemon & grapefruit Juniper salt Saline & CO2 Garnished with fresh grapefruit, thyme, tarragon & juniper berries

“The cocktail culture in the city has changed drastically. I’ve noticed a significant change in how people are going out and wanting to imbibe. Guests want to be educated and learn more.”

Photo: Rey Lopez

OT: A lot of the focus surrounding The Imperial’s opening has been centered on the rare bottles, vintages and unconventional cocktail ingredients. Talk to me more about the varied selection.

AB: [Bill Thomas] spent the last two years really scouring to curate vintage spirits. The oldest thing we have is a bottle-and-a-half of cognac bottled in 1854. We have turn-of-the-1900s madeira, ports and sherries. We also have 1960s Galliano Amaretto. As far as the real fun ingredients, that’s where the basement comes in. Right now, we have three base ingredients on the menu: a citrus amaro, a tamaro (three different amari blended together and sous-vide with tamari, shoyu, miso, mirin, lemongrass, ginger, sesame seeds [and] dehydrated lime), and an anisette. We can constantly rotate the menu while we keep [those] ingredients and start making new ingredients.

The goal is that we can still always produce these drinks, or at least very close facsimiles of them, by the time people start to fall in love with them and want to keep coming back.

OT: The reception has been overwhelmingly positive so far, with lines out the door before the bar is even open. What do you think is behind this buzz and what does that say about the cocktail culture in DC? AB: The cocktail culture in the city has changed drastically. I’ve been bartending now for almost 11 years and I’ve noticed a significant change in how people are going out and wanting to imbibe.

Guests want to be educated [and] learn more. I’ve always focused on bartender-to-guest interaction because I want to make sure that if you have questions, you can have that outlet – somebody that can talk you through with confidence and understanding of what’s going on in the beverage.

I think that’s [been] a huge change over the last couple of years.

OT: If you had to select one drink from the menu that you’d recommend to guests, which would you go with?

AB: I think the Cham-boo! is an incredible cocktail that helps bridge [the gap between] people that love cocktails but also those that don’t necessarily want to think about cocktails as much. Our Imperial Gin and Tonic [is] our cornerstone drink to what I want the program to be.

It is a Spanish-style gin and tonic served with Bombay Sapphire, our house dehydrated grapefruit tonic and a little bit of juniper salt. The tonic itself has clarified lemon and grapefruit. [It’s] fully carbonated [and] we serve it in a large balloon glass with a grapefruit wheel, thyme and tarragon bunched together [with] juniper berries. I think it’s an aesthetically beautiful cocktail. It’s simple in concept, but we are giving you a gin and tonic that is wildly different from any gin and tonic you’ve had before.

The Imperial: 2001 18th St. NW, DC; http://imperialdc.com

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Quarry House Tavern // Photos: Chelsea Bailey

Drinking in a Winter Wonderland The Local Lowdown on Seasonal Brews from On Tap's Resident Beer Nerds

By Chelsea Bailey and Anna Jacoby

Two of our favorite local beer enthusiasts joined forces to find five spots around the DMV with diverse tap lists and rotating seasonal pours.

Anna Jacoby and Chelsea Bailey found more than just winter warmers on their beer-focused adventure – they found beer menus that satisfied each other’s varying taste profile preferences.

“I like my winter beers like my soul: cold and dark,” Bailey says.

She tends to favor stouts, porters, black lagers and black IPAs. While winter isn’t her favorite beer season, Jacoby loves porters.

“I like stouts, too, but steer clear of winter brews that are too aggressive with spices. I don’t like it when my beer tastes like liquid allspice.”

If there’s one thing they can agree on, it’s that each beer has a time and a place. Whether it’s in front of a firepit or casually drinking with friends at the pub, there is a moment for every kind of beer. Read on to find out what happens when two strangers with a common love of craft beer, but very different taste buds, come together to try seasonal brews at some of the best beer spots in the area.

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Brookland Pint

Jackpot Galaxy Hut

Westover Market & Beer Garden

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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BROOKLAND PINT 716 Monroe St. NE, DC; www.brooklandpint.com Brookland Pint, along with sister spots Smoke & Barrel and Meridian Pint, is known for its superior tap list curated by legendary beverage director Jace Gonnerman. At this Monroe Street locale, we created our own winter beer flight simply because #InJaceWeTrust. Our flight consisted of every dark beer that was on their list at the time of our visit.

DC Brau Penn Quarter Porter Chelsea: I love how it has a malt profile but also chocolate notes. It’s super sessionable.

Anna: There are malty chocolate flavors but they’re not overpowering, so it’s not rich or like a milkshake.

Chelsea: Also, the mouthfeel is a lot lighter than what you get with a stout.

Chelsea: B // Anna: B

Perennial Artisan Ales Fantastic Voyage Stout Anna: Wow. That’s complex. It’s thick and the opposite of the Penn Quarter porter and has some coffee notes. Tell me your secrets. What’s in it?

Chelsea: Coconut! It has a lot of chocolate notes and coconut.

Anna: It’s funny that it’s a seasonal winter beer style, but it has that tropical kick at the end.

Chelsea: It’s a well-executed stout. The mouthfeel is phenomenal: very smooth, thick, slightly sweet, but not overly sweet. I could have a whole pint of this.

Chelsea: A // Anna: A

Goose Island Bourbon County Vanilla Stout Chelsea: Now I know I’m going to like this.

Anna: That smells familiar. What is that smell?

Chelsea: College.

Anna takes sip: Well, that’s different.

Chelsea: Good different or bad different?

Anna: It’s a lot. I appreciate the complexity of it. But I couldn’t like, sit and drink it casually.

Chelsea: It’s the perfect beer to have while sitting by a fire with blankets.

Anna: It’s an experience – a time-and-place kind of beer.

Chelsea: B // Anna: C

QUARRY HOUSE TAVERN 8401 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD; www.fb.com/quarryhouse Not even a fire, broken water main, or the resulting three-year hiatus could keep people from flocking to this Silver Spring classic.

Resurrected in May 2018, Quarry House Tavern is an unpretentious, quintessential basement dive bar with grungy charm. Its list of over 200-plus beers or “beericulum vitae,” as general manager and drink curator Ellen Cox calls it, is extensive and wide-ranging. Cox is a human beer encyclopedia, so we knew we were in good hands. She is more than happy to nerd out with her customers when it comes to trying craft beer. One of the first winter pours we tried was an inaugural holiday bière de garde ale, which Cox explained is a French style of brewing that results in champagne-like carbonation. She tried it for the first time with us. Upon tasting, all-around enthusiasm ensued.

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Two Roads Holiday Ale Bière de Garde Ellen, whispering excitedly: See? Look at the tiny bubbles in this!

Anna: It does look like champagne. I probably wouldn’t have known it was a beer.

Ellen: Oh, that’s nice. It’s very clean for a holiday beer. That’s great!

Anna: I always worry about holiday ones because I feel like they’re going to overdo it.

Chelsea: I feel like people try to fill holiday beers with like, every single clove and allspice they have.

Ellen: Alright. I love this beer – the little bit of tartness, kind of almost like a cranberry in the back. And the bubbles are light on your tongue.

Chelsea: They’re like, “Hello!” It’s a little treat. It’s a very happy beer.

Anna: Nice surprise, this one.

Chelsea: B // Anna: B+

Southern Tier 2XMAS Spiced Double Ale Anna: It smells festive, gingery.

Chelsea: It smells minty to me. That’s nice. It doesn’t taste like an 8 percent [ABV] beer. That’s dangerous!

Anna: I’m getting a little pepper at the very end.

Ellen: It’s like a white pepper almost.

Chelsea: This would pair really well with soft cheeses, I feel like. Some prosciutto or salami. Grapes.

Ellen: Grapes and some heavy-duty local honey.

Chelsea: Now I know what I’m doing for dinner tonight.

Anna: If a beer inspires you to plan an entire meal around it...

Chelsea: That tells you the beer has made an impression.

Chelsea: A // Anna: B+

Left Hand Chai Milk Stout Nitro Anna: I’m getting a little bit of a sweet potato vibe.

Ellen: So good over ice cream.

Anna: Oh my god, that’s genius. It’s a milk stout?

Ellen: Yeah. Beer floats! You pick the porter, we provide the ice cream.

It’s on our menu.

Chelsea: That’s what Left Hand does really, really well is a milk stout.

Chelsea: B // Anna: B

JACKPOT 726 7th St. NW, DC; www.jackpotdc.com Jackpot has a beer-meets-speakeasy vibe. As you climb down the stairs to this basement bar in Chinatown across the street from Capital One Arena, you are not quite sure what to expect. Upon walking in, you are instantly greeted with the scent of warm, fresh popcorn.

We reviewed the tap list here and were impressed with their winter offerings. They do not offer flights, but being the intrepid reporters that we are, we didn’t let that stop us. We ordered five pints, and while it was hard to choose, these were our top three.

Red Bear Brewing Polar Bear Wheat Pale Ale Chelsea: I really like this. I just wasn’t sure what to expect. Is it going to taste like a wheat or like a pale ale? But it tastes like both. I’m still a little confused.

Anna: This is subtly reminiscent of an amber ale.

Chelsea: This might be one of my new favorite winter beers. Good job, Red Bear.

Chelsea: A // Anna: B+

Alewerks Coffeehouse Stout Anna: I want to put that on ice cream. I really do. When I drink it, I think of vanilla ice cream.

Chelsea: This to me is an example of a well-executed beer. Robust and full of coffee notes, but well-balanced.

Anna: This one keeps flirting with me. I keep wanting to try it and see what new flavors I’m going to get from it.

Chelsea: A // Anna: B+

Clown Shoes Hammer of the Lion Anna: Do you like it?

Chelsea: I like it! The flavor changes from when you take your initial sip. This is 11 percent [ABV] so I was expecting to be bashed in the face with booze. This one is deceptive.

Anna: It looks like it is going to taste a lot more aggressive than it is.

Chelsea: B // Anna: C

WESTOVER MARKET AND BEER GARDEN 5863 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.westovermarketbeergarden.com Westover Market and Beer Garden in Arlington is a whimsical, multifunctional establishment with a little bit of everything: all-in-one deli, beer garden, butcher shop, bar, bottle shop, bodega, grocery store, gift shop and even art gallery with wall-to-wall, booze-themed murals. Commenting on the bar alone would be a disservice to readers who have never been here. Westover’s multipurpose market is just as notable as its tap list. A wide range of craft beers line the walls and even wind up a few of the aisles. Each time we thought we had reached the end of the market’s beer selection, it just kept going.

Back at the bar, we tried one winter cider and two beers.

Supreme Core Cider Ginger Beard Man Chelsea: Going into it, my expectation was sweet. But that’s my general expectation of a cider.

Anna: Agreed. It smells like Martinelli’s apple juice but tastes nothing like it.

Chelsea: It smells the way an apple pie would smell, and then you take a sip of it. It’s very dry, very ginger. As someone who is not the biggest ginger fan, I think that this is all that I would be able to drink of it.

Anna: This is yum. I love the ginger. It’s not what I expected because I’m not the biggest cider fan. I was worried because it smells like it’s going to be so sweet.

Chelsea: C // Anna: A

Rocket Frog Brewing Company Best Buddy Milk Stout Anna: That’s super smooth.

Chelsea: I love milk stouts, so this will always be what I gravitate toward. It’s coffee-forward but not overwhelmingly so, and lightly sweet but very balanced.

Anna: That’s really tasty. Sometimes, I can’t drink a stout and not think about putting it on ice cream. So, I want to put that on ice cream.

Chelsea: This has been a consistent thing with you.

Chelsea: A // Anna: B+ alone, A with dessert

Three Notch'd Brewing Company Oats McGoat's Oatmeal Stout Anna: This smells like a solid, straightforward oatmeal stout.

Chelsea: It’s toasty and roasty without it being overly coffee. It’s malty and very lightly sweet, but not overwhelming. The mouthfeel is super light.

Chelsea: B // Anna: B+

GALAXY HUT 2711 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.galaxyhut.com This staple craft beer bar has so many different beers on tap that sometimes guests get overwhelmed, but the bar staff are happy to guide even the most inexperienced craft beer drinkers toward the right beer for their tastes. They want people to be able to come in, have a good time and enjoy what they are drinking. It’s what makes the Clarendon spot an overall great neighborhood bar. We were fortunate enough to be joined by Galaxy Hut’s Patrick Fish as we sampled their winter offerings.

Anderson Valley Nitro Cerveza Crema Anna: I don’t smell anything notable with this one, but I like the taste.

Chelsea: It’s sessionable. I’m not getting a lot of flavor, but it’s something I would certainly sip on. I would consider this a casual beer to have during the winter that is not a dark beer.

Chelsea: C // Anna: C

Hardywood Bourbon Barrel GBS Anna: This is sweet.

Chelsea: I agree. It is sweet. What I like about it, though, is that it doesn’t punch you in the face with the bourbon, which has been my hesitation with barrel-aged beers these days.

Anna: Personally, I don’t think I could drink a lot of it. It is just a little too sweet for me.

Chelsea: The mouthfeel is a lot lighter than I was expecting. I’ve gotten used to a heavier mouthfeel with heavier beers. It also doesn’t taste like ginger, which makes me happy.

Chelsea: A // Anna: C

Ardent Imperial Milk Stout Patrick: This one’s got that kind of nice sweet-but-not-syrupy, without being overpowering.

Anna: That is a level of sweet that I can tolerate.

Patrick: That is probably my favorite dark beer that we have right now.

Chelsea: This is really good. I would have multiple pints of it. It actually reminds me of Port City’s porter. It has a lot of the same roasty notes: slightly coffee on the back of the tongue, but not overwhelmingly so. This is a milk stout, right? It’s not super lactose-y.

Anna: I wouldn’t say that I would put this one on ice cream.

Chelsea: B // Anna: B

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WHAT’S ON TAP? All What’s On Tap listings are provided by the venues hosting them.

Greetings, beer nerds! As you know, there are a number of fantastic spots 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 what’s up next at a few of these locations.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12

Good Tidings Sunday Port City Brewing Company is going to deck the halls with boughs of holly and good tidings. Start off the day by trying a Barrel Aged Tidings Ale, aged in a chardonnay barrel, followed by Holiday Trivia at 3 p.m. and photos with Santa from 4-8 p.m. Trivia requires a $7 ticket but it’s free to enjoy the Tasting Room or sit with Santa. 12-8 p.m. Free to attend, trivia ticket $7. Port City Brewing Company: 3950 Wheeler Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.portcitybrewing.com

Brewlights at Zoolights Friends of the National Zoo’s hoppiest holiday event, BrewLights, a ticketed microbrew and craft beer event, will take place during ZooLights, powered by Pepco. Guests can enjoy beer tastings from dozens of breweries and sample complimentary snacks, all under the bright lights of DC’s favorite holiday tradition. 6-9 p.m. Tickets $65.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.nationalzoo.si.edu

Wicks & Sips Enjoy a craft beer while having fun making your own candle. During this event you will create your own soy wax candle, selecting the vessel, scent and color of your choice. 2-5 p.m. Tickets $21. Eavesdrop Brewery: 7223 Centreville Rd. Manassas, VA; www.eavesdropbrewery.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Crafting Happy Hour Handi-hour is DC’s original “crafting happy hour.” Get ready for an evening of creativity, live music by local acts and craft beer from local breweries. Featured crafts are tailored to all skill levels. Your ticket includes all-you-can-craft supplies, craft instructions, two beers and a Handi-hour glass for beer and snacks. 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets $25.

Renwick Gallery: 1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.americanart.si.edu Sip & Write Workshop Sip on cider and write! As you wind down 2019, use the crazy highs and lows of the past year as inspiration for short stories in this fictionfocused writing workshop. You will discuss techniques for creating characters, snappy dialogue and vivid scenes. Open to writers of all levels. The workshop will be led by Willona Sloan. Your ticket also includes one pour of cider. 7-9 p.m. Tickets $25. Capitol Cider House: 3930 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.capitolciderhouse.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 17, 24 & 31 Pints & Pawns Chess Club Chess players of any skill level are invited. Games may be played both with and without time controls depending on individual preferences.

The club meets in the Taproom at T.J. Stone’s, that means if you enjoy beer, then grab a pint or two as an added bonus. Games start at 7 p.m. Free to attend. T.J. Stone’s: 608 Montgomery St. Alexandria, VA; www.tjstones.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 & 18 The Comments Section: A Stand-Up Comedy Show The comments section is the best part of most articles, which is why Capital Laughs anthropomorphized it into a comedy show! In this show, a comic does their set, while four comic commentators write thoughts on comment cards. Then, the host reads the funniest as the performer looks on take in the trolling. 7 p.m. Free to attend. Capitol Cider House: 3930 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.capitallaughs.com

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 Can Jam Beer Extravaganza Come to City Winery to try several canned beers from local breweries with cheese! Can you imagine the delicious local possibilities? 7-9 p.m.

Tickets $40. City Winery: 1350 Okie St. NE, DC; www.citywinery.com December Brewmaster Tour Spend your evening like a Brewmaster in the 19th-century home of historic DC brewer Christian Heurich. Admission includes an hourlong guided tour of the museum and a local craft beer tasting. You’ll receive one beer flight per person, featuring 4-oz. pours of three local beers to experience the Brewmaster’s Castle with a drink in your hand.

After the tour, guests are welcome to mingle in the Conservatory and purchase full beers. Various times. Tickets $30. Heurich House Museum: 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; www.heurichhouse.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 20 & 27 Friday Night Beers & Bites Tour The Bluejacket Friday Night Tasting Tour is a special brewery tour offered weekly. Upon arrival, guests will be treated to a signature draft, followed by a full tour of the brewery and operations with three tasters throughout the tour. Guests will then head to the Bottle Shop & Tasting Room to enjoy a flight of three additional tasters each expertly paired with a snack from our talented culinary team led by Chef de Cuisine Marcelle Afram. Various times. Tickets $35.

Bluejacket: 300 Tingey St. SE, DC; www.bluejacketdc.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 3rd Annual Holiday Market The days are getting shorter and the holiday season is approaching.

7 Locks Brewing officially set the date for their 3rd Annual Holiday Market. Get your holiday shopping done at this festive event and enjoy live music, food, activities and local vendors. Participating vendors include Shafa Blends, Tea Thoughts, pottery by Mary Lou Relle, pottery by Kira Kibler, Sandy Shuman Jewelry and DRM Photography. 3-7 p.m. Free to attend. 7 Locks Brewing: 12227 Wilkins Ave. Rockville, MD; www.7locksbrewing.com The Hip Hop & Craft Beer Share Join ChurchKey, MistaForty and DJ Analyze as the venue hosts the Hip Hop & Craft Beer Bottle Share. Come celebrate diversity in craft beer while DJ Analyze spins some classic and golden era hip-hop tracks.

2-6 p.m. Free to attend. ChurchKey: 1337 14th St. NW, DC; www.churchkeydc.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Voarm, Sickdeer, Torvus Prepare to descend into the underworld with Atlas Brew Works.

They’re going to give you more soul crushing black metal to make this a true black winter. Bands include VA doom/black metal group Voarm, DC black/death group Sickdeer and DC occult black/doom group Torvus. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $5-$10. Atlas Brew Works: 2052 West Virginia Ave. NE, DC; www.atlasbrewworks.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 Painting & Pints: Winter Wonderland Come paint and drink amazing beer. We may not all be Van Gogh, but that’s what the beer is for. The session will run approximately 90 minutes and your first pint is included. All design levels are encouraged to participate. 6 p.m. Tickets $30. Fair Winds Brewing: 7000 Newington Rd. Lorton, VA; www.fairwindsbrewing.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 The Most Wonderful Time of the Year for a Beer Join Belga Cafe at The Betsy as they get cozy and pop open some of the most anticipated beers of the year. Sit back and relax while sipping and sampling and talking all things beer. Brews include St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, Straffe Hendrik Xmas Blend, Scaldis Noël and Corsendonk Christmas Ale. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets $39. The Betsy: 514 8th St. SE, DC; www.belgacafe.com Tuesday Brewsday Every Tuesday the bar in Kramerbooks & Afterwords showcases 18 half-price pints, including new rotating limited and specialty run drafts and cans. Each week highlights different varietals. It’s a great chance to try out new breweries and flavor profiles. 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Free to attend. Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe: 1517 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.kramers.com

ONE LAST HURRAH

AT RÍRÁ

‘tis the season to be NO COVER

PRIZE THE U FOR GL SWEA IEST TER!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Holiday Beer Dinner Join Chef Ryan Gordon and Granville Moore’s beermonger Brendan Kilroy for an evening of food, beer, fun and festivities. Featuring a festive four-course dinner with exclusive holiday beers. 7-10 p.m.

Tickets $65. Granville Moore’s: 1238 H St. NE, DC; www.granvillemoores.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 Draughts & Laughs Comedy Show Get ready for the finest that comedy has to offer, paired with Twinpanzee’s fresh and delicious signature brews. The North American Comedy Brewery Tour brings the best of the best North American comedians to local breweries across the United States for an evening that keeps the beers flowing and the laughs coming. 8-10 p.m. Tickets $20. Twinpanzee: 101 Executive Dr. Sterling, VA; www.facebook.com/Twinpanzee Hike and Hops: Sky Meadows and Dirt Farm Brewing Cold beer is even better at the end of a great day outside. Join REI for a guided hike of the Piedmont Overlook Loop in Sky Meadows State Park. This hike is just more than five miles, and includes spectacular views of the Piedmont and a section of the fabled Appalachian Trail. Then there will be drive a short distance to another peak Blue Ridge experience: the farm-to-pint brewing of Dirt Farm Brewing in Bluemont, Virginia. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets $75+. Washington DC REI: 201 M St. NE, DC; www.rei.com

UGLY SWEATER PARTY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH 8PM TILL LATE

It’s time to get festive, have some fun and get ugly! We’re throwing an Ugly Sweater Party with a live DJ playing all your favorite festive tunes, prizes for ugliest sweater and specialty cocktails.

So grab your ugliest sweater and head down for a night to remember at Rí Rá.

3125 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 www.rira.com | (202) 751-2111 www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Dio // Photo: Durazo Photography

Unexpected Bubbly

Your Cheat Sheet to Unique Sparkling Wines in the District

By Aparna Krishnamoorthy

Nothing says “celebration” quite like opening a bottle of bubbles, and there’s no better time to celebrate than the holidays. It’s easy to default to champagne as the bubbly of choice, but with the variety of excellent sparkling wine made the world over now, it’s time to try something a little different. These destinations showcase some of the city’s best wine lists with an impressive breadth of wines across many regions, styles and price points. While they are great wine spots overall, we specifically asked about some out-of-the-box sparkling wines to enjoy this holiday season so read on for your local cheat sheet of unexpected bubbly.

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Jaleo // Photo: courtesy of ThinkFoodGroup

City Bubbles at City Winery City Winery Beverage Director Magdala Francillon recommends the City Bubbles this holiday season. The grapes are brought from the largest vineyard in the Penedès region of Spain: the home of cava. The City Bubbles cava is aged for 12 months and “has fine champagne-like bubbles with notes of zesty citrus and brioche.” Magdala recommends this for the holiday season because it is outstanding quality at a tremendous value ($11 by the glass, $55 by the bottle).

She suggests pairing this wine with Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the Ivy City restaurant. Her recommendations include Chef Brandon Ingenito’s mussels with garlic, shallots, pancetta, cream and grilled ciabatta or his smoked pork belly served with braised collards, spiced apples and honey mustard glaze.

1350 Okie St. NE, DC; www.citywinery.com/washingtondc

Fable Farm Fluxion Ancestral & Old Westminster Pét-Nat at Dio Wine Bar This H Street spot focuses on natural wines made from organic or biodynamically farmed grapes with no added yeast or other additives.

Owner Stacey Khoury-Diaz has two recommendations: one local and the other domestic.

“Since we work with natural wines at Dio, some of my favorite bubbles are pét-nats (short for pétillant naturel),” she says. “The short story on this type of wine is that it’s all naturally occurring bubbles. In more technical language, that means primary

fermentation starts and finishes in the bottle and the wine is often not disgorged, leaving the final product cloudy.”

When you are drinking a pét-nat, you are drinking something unpolished and unadorned – and that’s the beauty of it.

“We have many wines made in this style, but some of my favorites are the pét-nats from Old Westminster Winery in Maryland. They make these types of bubbles from grapes like syrah, muscat, pinot gris and more.”

And yes, you can try all of them at Dio. According to Khoury-Diaz, the flavor profiles have quite a range depending on the grape, but the muscat is floral, fresh and “absolutely chuggable.” Another bubbly recommendation is the Fable Farm Fluxion Ancestral from Vermont.

“It’s actually a cider made from wild foraged apples, but the producers consider themselves winemakers so we do, too. The Fluxion is bright, funky and earthy.”

Diaz says that both the Fable Farm and Old Westminster have cutting acidity, which pair well with fatty dishes: everything from fried foods to salty and savory charcuterie.

904 H St. NE, DC; www.diowinebar.com

Mousseux Bugey-Cerdon Rosé La Cueille at Plume Inside the historic Jefferson Hotel downtown, Plume has a spectacular selection list with tons of wines emphasizing Spain, France, California and plenty of local Virginia favorites. Thomas Jefferson was truly a wine connoisseur, and the wine list at Plume pays homage to his passion. There are over 50 vintages available, www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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a variety of half bottles and helpful suggestions of “hidden gems,” which highlight rare wines of quality and distinction. Plume Manager Sean Mulligan is a fan of pét-nat styles for the holidays.

“Pét-nat, or méthode ancestrale, is a method of sparkling wine production used all over the world and is quintessential for a holiday pour,” he says. “At Plume, we have the following listed on our dessert wine list by the glass for patrons to taste and enjoy: Patrick Bottex, Mousseux Bugey-Cerdon Rosé La Cueille.”

Mulligan’s pick goes for $12 a glass – a steal at this Michelin-starred restaurant.

1200 16th St. NW, DC; www.plumedc.com

Schloss Vaux Cuvée Vaux Brut at The Eastern Midcentury-inspired The Eastern in Capitol Hill has a wine list of over 40 wines by the glass and bottle with a menu helpfully organized to find something new based on the style of wine you typically like.

General manager Robert Morin recommends the Schloss Vaux Cuvée Vaux Brut if you like champagne, for $13 a glass and $48 a bottle.

“This sparkling white wine from Germany is just banging,” Morin says. “Made in the champagne style from pinot noir, pinot blanc and Riesling, there’s that German, cold-weather acidity that cuts through all of the heavy holiday meals but with a creamy finish from the bottle age and 24-month lees aging.”

360 7th St. SE, DC; www.easternwinebar.com

Sella & Mosca Brut at Maxwell Park Shaw’s Maxwell Park has an extensive and serious wine program, with many selections that change monthly and over 500 selections by

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the bottle. For a current sparkler, sommelier Niki Lang recommends the 2018 Sella & Mosca Brut from the Sardinia region of Italy for $12 by the glass and $48 by the bottle. Made with the Torbato grape, which is exclusive to Sardinia, Sella & Mosca revived this once-rare white wine grape producing both still and sparkling wines.

“Facing near extinction, Sella & Mosca decided to cultivate Torbato,” Lang says. “Grown on the Northwest corner of Sardinia in Alghero, these limestone-rich soils add complex minerality and its proximity to the sea intensify this with sea spray and savory aromas. Sea spray, acacia and fresh honeysuckle bring you in, followed by brioche and almond. Finally, the fruit appears with fresh quince, green apple skin, star fruit and apricot. Next time you see this, drop the prosecco and proceed with no caution.”

1336 9th St. NW, DC; www.maxwellparkdc.com

Cuvée José at Jaleo Is there anything José Andrés cannot do? The Cuvée José, created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the chef’s Penn Quarter mainstay Jaleo, was a collaborative effort between ThinkFoodGroup Wine Director Andy Myers, Pepe Raventós of Raventós i Blanc, ThinkFoodGroup Sommelier Jordi Paronella and Andrés himself.

“The wine represents a traditional approach to Spanish winemaking with a clearly modern touch,” Myers says. “We have found the wine to brilliantly complement the cuisine at all of our ThinkFoodGroup concepts.”

The exclusive bubbly is made in the region of Conca del Riu Anoia in Spain and has a delicate, creamy and toasty character with notes of green apple. Find it at all local Jaleo locations as well as Zaytinya and China Chilcano, and be sure to ask about food pairings for these bubbles.

480 7th St. NW, DC; www.jaleo.com

Photos: In His Eye Photography and Kimchi Photography

The second annual DC Wine Walk on November 16 took place across the city in The Wharf, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle and Shaw. Wine walkers received a souvenir wine glass to enjoy samples and exclusive full pours at participating locations, providing boozy fun no matter what neighborhood they decided to stroll through with glass in hand.

Breaking bread Food Industry Vets & Celebrity Chefs Open Up to DC Audiences

By Reem Nadeem

From top to bottom: Carla Hall, Ashish Alfred & Cathy Barrow // Photos: courtesy of Story District/Shedrick Pelt

Food tells stories about our lives: recipes handed down through generations with no exact measurements, a dish that was learned while traveling abroad or even a recipe discovered when you had to get creative with what little there was in the pantry – and it turned out delicious. Food tells stories about our families, our cultural heritage, our travels and so much more.

When searching for recipes online, you’d be hard-pressed to find a recipe that isn’t accompanied by a story of some kind. Even for cooks as challenged in the kitchen as I am, my favorite dishes all have their own stories – like the Egyptian macaroni béchamel that my mother refuses to write down exact directions for or the scrambled eggs with corned beef that makes up my father’s entire recipe repertoire (to be eaten straight from the pan with pita bread, no discussion).

The stories that surround the food we make can be touching, funny, nostalgic, painful or, likely in a lot of cases, some combination of all four. So, imagine the stories that professional chefs and those who work in the food industry can tell. Local arts organization and storytelling series Story District is hosting Breaking Bread to do just that: tell their stories. On December 17, celebrity chefs and insiders from the food and hospitality industry in the DC area will gather at Sixth & I downtown to share their stories onstage.

Their stories are as diverse and varied as the foods they cook.

Celebrity chef and TV personality Carla Hall will tell a story about her time as a competitor on Top Chef. Washington Post food writer Cathy Barrow will tell the audience about a 60s dinner party scene, à la Mad Men. Chef Ashish Alfred, owner of three Bethesda restaurants (Duck Duck Goose, George’s Chophouse and The Loft at 4935), will tell his harrowing tale about overcoming addiction while choosing to remain in an industry that can be grueling.

“We are real people with real problems who are laying ourselves bare every time we serve a plate and invite you into our restaurants.”

Although their careers and experiences might seem intimidating to those who can barely boil water, the stories they’ll tell are about much more than just food.

“Any time I share my story, I hope people take away that if you want a different life, the only thing standing in your way is you,” Alfred told On Tap. Alfred knew exactly what story he wanted to tell. But for Hall, who can be seen cooking – and acting – on TV and who used to model, narrowing it down to one story was more difficult.

“It’s like therapy when you’re going through [the process], because it’s so much and they are pulling these stories out of you, which is so incredible,” Hall said.

She ultimately decided on a story about her time on Top Chef because it’s a story of a struggle.

“People assume from the outside that success looks one way and I think in telling my story, it will show a different side of myself. People are so used to me being shown [in this] very happy [way], which is true. But this is a story [where] I am actually sharing a struggle.”

Although being in the competitive limelight of a show like Top Chef

“These stories are stories of redemption and expansion and unlikely opportunity, and I think that that resonates in all aspects of life and every kind of work.” might seem natural for someone as used to celebrity attention as Hall, she had to get used to judgment – not only from the judges on the show but from the millions who were watching it, too.

“It’s emotionally hard. You feel emotionally exposed [and] vulnerable because you’re making your food and then you’re being judged. You’re being judged publicly by millions of people who can’t actually eat the food.”

When it was time for Barrow to pick a story, she thought she knew exactly what she wanted to tell: how she became a food writer. But she said the story, told on many a book tour, felt stale. Instead, she decided on something a little more glamorous.

“My story is about how the dinner party scene in the 60s and Andy Warhol and my dreams of stardom all came together.”

Barrow’s story will touch on the family history genre of food stories, describing a time when people – including Barrow’s mother – hosted or attended dinner parties every weekend. The 60s was the decade that most informed Barrow’s cooking experience.

“I have been cooking since I was a very young child, and I had really expanded expectations. I wasn’t just going to make chocolate chip cookies. I was going to make a madeleine, you know? The dinner party was what informed all of that for me. There was a whole ritual to it – the fine china, the linen, the crystal – and how shiny everything was. It was very fancy.”

And non-chefs have a lot to learn from those in the industry.

“I think there’s always something to learn from people in the food industry because that’s what we work with,” Barrow said. “There’s a lot more to us. These stories are stories of redemption and expansion and unlikely opportunity, and I think that that resonates in all aspects of life and every kind of work.”

These stories remind us of the fact that chefs are normal people.

The food industry can be a difficult place to work on every level, even if you’re not in the spotlight.

“We are real people with real problems who are laying ourselves bare every time we serve a plate and invite you into our restaurants,” Alfred said.

Despite the diversity of their stories, everyone had a similar answer when about what makes DC’s food scene special: the people who work in it.

“There is a great community [in DC] where it doesn’t necessarily feel competitive,” Hall said. “It feels like we’re all in this together.”

Catch Hall, Alfred, Barrow and four other DC food industry vets speak at Sixth & I for Breaking Bread: Stories by Celebrity Chefs and Industry Insiders on Tuesday, December 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $30-$35. Learn more at www.storydistrict.org.

Sixth & I: 600 I St. NW, DC; 202-408-3100; www.sixthandi.org www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Sinclair Daniel, Chauncey Chestnut, Derek Smith, Christopher Flaim & Jenni Barber // Photo: Teresa Castracane

Peter Pan and Wendy cast // Photo: Scott Suchman

Tom Story, Gregory Wooddell, Calvin McCullough & Michael Glenn // Photo: Teresa Castracane

Peter Pan Reimagined Female-Driven Peter Pan and Wendy Flips the Script

By Nicole Hertvik Alan Paul likes to go big. Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC)’s associate artistic director has made a name for himself directing musicals and operas notable for their grand scale and lush scope.

That experience will come in handy this December as Paul tackles his biggest project yet: a re-envisioning of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, at Sidney Harman Hall through January 12.

Peter Pan and Wendy will feature a fresh new script by playwright Lauren Gunderson, a cast of 20, and a creative team of 66 that will bring the Peter Pan story to life through special effects, flying and ambitious sets. It is bigger than anything STC has produced before, and it’s all in Paul’s hands.

“I don’t feel like the director of this show,” Paul said during a recent interview at STC’s rehearsal space. “I feel like the captain of the ship, like I’m orchestrating 50 people doing a million things, which I am.”

Paul envisions a show that is grand in both ideas and design.

His team includes a roster of A-list artists like Gunderson, currently the most frequently produced playwright in America according to American Theatre magazine, and Emmy Award-winning scenic designer Jason Sherwood (Fox’s Rent: Live), who is tasked with creating the worlds of the Darling family nursery, Neverland and more.

Gunderson’s script calls for dazzling effects: flying bunk beds, midair fight sequences and pirates tumbling from their ship while a giant crocodile lurks below, to name but a few. The playwright first saw her work come to life during tech rehearsals last week.

“Oh my gosh,” she said of the experience. “The incredible caliber of the design on this project is magic. It’s all the things you want in a great spectacle.”

Peter Pan and Wendy includes the familiar Peter Pan storyline – with some twists.

“Peter Pan already has his story,” Paul said. “The pull of it for me was Wendy and what happens to her. This is Wendy’s story from start to finish.”

“Peter Pan already has his story. This is Wendy’s story from start to finish.” www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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“It’s not a subtle play. It’s about good and evil, and the stakes are really high.”

Paul felt that Gunderson, known for her plays that put women – often neglected historical figures – center stage, was the perfect person to develop a “robust, swashbuckling adventure” led by a smart, inquisitive heroine.

“There were a lot of people out there who could have written a post-modern riff on Peter Pan, but not in a big, crowd-pleasing, robust way. And that was the charge I had for her. It had to be robust.”

And it had to put the ladies in charge. Paul hopes Peter Pan and Wendy will do for theatre what Frozen did for movies: rewrite the rules and prove that female-driven adventure stories can attract large audiences.

Rewriting the rules “is the whole point, actually,” Paul said. “In the original Peter Pan, Peter wants to bring Wendy to Neverland to sew their socks and mend their buttons. That feels very different in 2019.”

Gunderson agrees.

“We wanted to save what is worth saving about this beautiful, timeless story but also confront what is deeply problematic about it,” she said. “In the original, Wendy, a 12- or 13-year-old girl, is referenced only by whether or not she will be a mother. And she is boy crazy as soon as she sees Peter Pan. I said, ‘Absolutely not.’”

In Gunderson’s version, Wendy is a budding scientist whose role model is Marie Curie, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist.

“Peter Pan was written in 1904, and I realized that was the year after Marie Curie won her first Nobel Prize,” Gunderson said. “There are not that many other female scientists that were recognized at that level at that time, so it aligned nicely.”

Wendy is joined by Tiger Lily, the Native American character that many productions of the still-popular 1954 Peter Pan musical cut because it’s widely considered offensive and even racist. In approaching the Tiger Lily character, Paul felt his and Gunderson’s job “was not to be apologetic, but to actively flip the script.” Rather than eliminating the Tiger Lily character, they wanted to make her voice powerful and real.

“Tiger Lily is brave and courageous, and a warrior,” Gunderson said.

“It was just a matter of actually treating her like a fully fleshed out person and acknowledging the indigenous perspective on situations as opposed to reveling in the stereotypes.”

Tiger Lily is now a driving force in Peter Pan and Wendy, a vocal sparring partner with Pan and a leader in Neverland. Paul enjoys mining the deep psychological undercurrents in the script.

“This is a play that is obsessed with time,” he observed, noting that Peter Pan and Captain Hook are both trying to stop the clock and avoid the inevitability of aging. “It’s not a subtle play. It’s about good and evil, and the stakes are really high. These kids go to Neverland to discover who they are and see the worst of the world. They come back having learned big things.”

The story plays out on five separate sets, each of them designed to dazzle by Jason Sherwood.

“When you do Peter Pan, you can either do Peter and the Starcatcher, which is a very slimmed down version, or you just go ‘Boom!” Paul said. “And I was like ‘Jason, it’s time for big scenery. People want an adventure.’”

In his approach to scenic design, Paul draws from his experiences directing opera. He recalls advice he once received from Sir Nicholas Hytner, the former artistic director of London’s National Theatre.

“The secret to opera is that you have to create five images that the

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audience will find spectacular,” Paul recalled Hytner saying.

That can be a set piece, like the pirate ship that makes an entrance in Peter Pan and Wendy’s fifth act.

“We played around with simple designs for the ship, but then I thought, ‘People are waiting for that pirate ship to show up. It needs to be great.’”

Or it can be a scene. Paul thinks the opening sequence in which Pan reunites with his shadow will be spectacular. He hopes that one scene featuring an aerialist mermaid in a sea cave will be a beautifully stark and memorable contrast to the rest of the show.

STC commissioned Peter Pan and Wendy as the first offering in new artistic director Simon Godwin’s holiday family-friendly initiative. But Gunderson and Paul believe Peter Pan and Wendy will speak to adults and children equally.

“I think we ended up with something that is going to be a lot of fun, and powerful and thought-provoking too,” Gunderson observed.

Paul knows it is the visual splendor that will wow young audiences, but he also thinks back to the opening night of J.M. Barrie’s original 1904 play.

“The audience that night was full of adults. Adults keep coming back to this old play from 1904 because there is really something to it. We had to find a way to honor that and make it about really contemporary things.”

Don’t miss Peter Pan and Wendy at Sidney Harman Hall through January 12. Times vary. Tickets are $35-$120. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.shakespearetheatre.org.

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; 202-547-1122; www.shakespearetheatre.org

Justin Mark as Peter Pan // Photo: Scott Suchman

Signature Stars Take theStage

In the heart of Union Station, jazz musician Mark G. Meadows and actress Maria Rizzo posed for the camera. Both local artists were dressed to impress for our mid-November cover shoot – Rizzo in full costume from her current role in A Chorus Line at Signature Theatre and Meadows in a vibrant jacket in keeping with the festive vibe of his show A Motown Christmas, also at the Shirlington venue. Standing together, the pair looked like performers you’d see on a famed Las Vegas strip and exuded a kind of confidence only artists can project. After our shoot, we spoke with them both about their unique stories, Signature shows and relationship with DC theatre. Before you see them in the spotlight, read on about these two local stars.

Maria Rizzo & Mark Meadows // Photo: Rich Kessler

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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DC Actress

Maria Rizzo

Embraces Challenges, Finds Humor & Adds a Hint of Sass

By Trent Johnson

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Photo: Rich Kessler

Kicking and Singing

Maria Rizzo is quick to tell you she’s not a dancer. Her high kicks aren’t high enough, she says when flinging her leg effortlessly in the air for the On Tap cover shoot.

“I’m in pain,” she says. “Great pain. My hamstrings are ruined.

[Dancing] is absolutely horrifying and really scary to me, [but] it’s a wonderful challenge.”

The challenge she’s currently tackling is playing Shelia in Signature Theatre’s A Chorus Line. During her audition at the Arlington theater, Rizzo made a point not to dance. That was never her strong suit, and it wasn’t going to be the reason for her casting. Instead, the Helen Hayes nominee relied on the aspects she loves most about acting: comedy and sass.

“I was cracking jokes in there,” she says. “I was trying to be funny, trying to be charming. I love comedy so much. You can find humor in [characters] if you’re not taking them as seriously as they take themselves.”

In the DC theatre scene, Rizzo is definitely taken seriously. She’s performed at many of the city’s most renowned theaters including Arena Stage, Keegan Theatre, Olney Theatre Center and Studio Theatre, among others. The actress has essentially taken residency at Signature this year, appearing in Grand Hotel, Assassins and the aforementioned A Chorus Line, running through January 5.

“I mean I didn’t plan it, but they just kept asking. [Signature] feels like home. I know and respect the work that the directors and choreographers do, and I love vibing with those friends. I want to call them friends because of how much I love and respect what they do.”

Auditioning to Play Auditioners

The winner of nine Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, A Chorus Line is an iconic musical with a narrative about a group of hopeful dancers going through the process of landing a spot on the chorus line of a show. While the commentary could be meta for people in the theatre world, Rizzo was drawn to the play because of its underlying question of whether to hold on or let go of your passion.

“When I started, I had a very different opinion of the show then where I’m at now. I thought it romanticized what we do and was just a bunch of dancers trying to get a part and be in this ensemble [with] this mean director asking them about their Rosebud or their childhood. Yes, it’s about performers, but it’s a coming-of-age story about letting go or holding onto your dream, your passion, whatever it might be. I really learned to appreciate this more.”

And then there’s the dancing, as the play is physically exhilarating and demanding for the performers. While Rizzo – again, not a dancer – was excited to portray Sheila, she knew it would be a large undertaking.

“An OG of DC theatre, Holly Twyford, said in an interview, ‘If it doesn’t scare you, what are you doing?’ If I’m doing the same crap all the time, how is it making me a better artist? It’s also really great learning from all the people who are in the show and do this 24/7.”

Apart from the physical demands, Rizzo was also drawn to the character of Sheila from an emotional perspective. One of the more seasoned dancers in the audition room, she’s entitled, tough and a little bossy.

“I think she’s jaded,” she says. “There are definitely people in the industry who are that way – not in our show, but in shows I’ve done in the past. Sheila’s not villainous in any way, but she’s tough. I think playing that is always more fun than playing the congenial type.”

For the show, Rizzo is joined by one of the largest casts in Signature Theatre history. With the number of bodies moving around onstage and behind the curtain, it’s hard not to get caught up in the energy surge, whether you’re a part of the cast or audience.

“There’s something about big dance shows, like West Side Story or A Chorus Line, that creates camaraderie,” she says. “I enjoy a surge of energy. It’s a 5, 6, 7, 8 power punch and you’re just going.”

The Bug

Theatre was always the obvious career choice for Rizzo, as she “caught the bug” after portraying Fran in a grade school production of Once Upon a Mattress. Eventually, her childhood passion turned into her area of study at Catholic University before becoming her profession.

“I think I knew when I was really young, and luckily I have really supportive parents, a supportive family, who would let me do and study the craft,” she says. “What’s been the best is being able to bring them to these great theaters, to show them the work we’re doing. It’s full circle.”

Rizzo says people always ask her what she would be if not for her career as an actress, and lately, because of the subject matter of A Chorus Line, the query has been fielded even more.

“That stuff comes up all the time when I look at my bank account,” she says, laughing. “That question is coming up a lot doing the show because it’s about learning to let go of love or hold onto love. I’m sure there is [something], but I just haven’t looked in that direction. When something brings you this much joy, it’s hard to look away from it.”

Despite jokes about her bank account and her reflections on her currently meta role, Rizzo has no reason to shift focus. There’s little doubt Rizzo will be on many a DC stage in 2020, bringing sassy characters to life while continuing to challenge herself as an artist.

“Everything you do presents challenges and glory in different ways, but at the same time, everything is also very fleeting. You can’t take anything for granted and you can’t throw too much of it away. I’m always looking for ways to make it better, or [find] what’s the next. I’m never satisfied.”

A Chorus Line is currently sold out but for updates about the show, visit www.sigtheatre.org. Follow Rizzo on Instagram @mariarizz9o.

Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA 703-820-9771; www.sigtheatre.org

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Jazz Musician

Mark G. G Meadows

Brings Spontaneity to Signature Theatre

By Trent Johnson

Photo: Rich Kessler

A Jazz Musician

“I am a jazz musician,” Mark G. Meadows says matter-of-factly while sitting at a Blue Bottle Coffee table in a bright red embroidered jacket that helps him stand out among the commuters and passersby at Union Station. “Why do I need to audition for an acting role? I’m not an actor.”

He explains how theatre first piqued his interest as a performer, and as soon as he begins recounting how he nabbed the titular role in Signature Theatre’s Jelly’s Last Jam in 2016, it becomes obvious that theatre was more interested in Meadows rather than the reverse.

Instead of dipping his toe in the water, Meadows dove headfirst into the deep end in the form of a major production at one of the DMV’s most prominent theaters – forcing him from his comfort zone as an artist and performer. Since the successful starring role, he’s done nothing but increase his jazz and overall musical prowess through various titles at Signature, including as the Shirlington-based theater’s cabaret series artistic associate.

“I realize that sometimes you have to let go of your dreams and let what is happening help you find your niche,” Meadows says. “For me, my dream three years ago [was that] I’d be touring the world as Mark G. Meadows: The Movement. It hasn’t happened. But in a way, it’s almost even better because I stand out as this quasi-theatre/jazz guy.”

Merry Motown

Meadows’ latest production is A Motown Christmas, a holiday special in Signature’s cabaret series. The show, which runs through December 22, allows the jazz musician a chance to revisit songs that evoke childhood memories of him and his father singing along to Motown hits while decorating their Christmas tree.

“It might seem selfish, but I chose the [songs] that related to me the most,” he says. “Not only because it’s what I like, but because I can teach them better. I can see my dad putting ornaments on the tree, blasting these.”

Songs include The Supremes’ rendition of “Silver Bells,” Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas,” Marvin Gaye’s “Purple Snowflakes” and The Jackson 5’s version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” which apparently includes rapping? Yes, rapping.

“On several tracks, they straight up rap,” Meadows says about the legendary Motown group. “They’re doing it with swag and everything, so we have some surprises for the crowd to make it feel current.”

Despite the performance being a Christmas special, Meadows says there’s no added pressure to pick specific songs people are familiar with. But he does encourage crowd engagement. Though he laughed when labeled an “expert,” he does admit he’s been listening to holiday tunes since September and can match any crowd suggestions with one of his own.

“Talk to a white person, black person, old person, young person, whatever – they know Motown,” he says. “I want people to feel the Christmas spirit. I think obviously we’re going through some awful times with a sense of culture and connectedness, and we’ve lost a real sense of feeling. I hope that the music, Motown and Christmas can tie people together.”

A Taste of Theatre

“I got back to DC, I met up with [Jelly’s director and Signature Theatre’s associate artistic director] Matthew Gardiner, I auditioned, and he told me if I accepted the role, I would be the lead. I still had no idea what it was. I was thinking like a small high school auditorium with a piano where I play a few songs and take a bow.”

Instead, the spotlight and pressure were on him to deliver an all-encompassing performance as historic jazz musician Jelly Roll Morton. Though he hasn’t taken the stage in this capacity since, he was suddenly an established force in the DC theatre scene.

“It was amazing. It was one of those stars aligning kind of moments,” he says. “Now all of a sudden, my foot is in the theatre world. It’s great because I’ve begun to be a music director for a lot of productions. It’s totally opened up my world to an audience who is even more appreciative of jazz than a jazz audience.”

Go with the Flow

For Meadows, the transition from jazz musician to leading man to behind the curtains has been seamless, and includes stints in some of Signature’s more music-forward productions like its cabaret series and the musicals Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Spunk. Though the jazz artist wouldn’t turn down another opportunity to be in the spotlight, he won’t lie and tell you he’s pining for it either.

“I’m the kind of person [who] just goes with the flow. Whatever work comes my way is the work that I accept and focus on. [Acting] has not come up as much since Jelly’s Last Jam. It’s been more so from the music direction perspective, which is more my cup of tea.

If something comes up again, I’d probably take it and roll with the punches. If I look at my life, music direction is more my forte. Acting is great and challenging. I had no idea what I was doing. I managed to do it, but I feel way more secure as a music director than as an actor.”

Theatre has also helped his burgeoning jazz career, introducing his style of music to an audience who otherwise may not have heard him. While theatre is generally more restrictive than spontaneous, improvisation-heavy jazz, Meadows’“theatrical” lyrics and ability to adapt to the classical structure has led to a surprisingly fruitful marriage.

“Signature has given me the freedom to have jazz energy while having structure and form,” he says. “The cool thing about being a music director is that I have the authority to extend a section or repeat something or do a longer intro. I feel that even though it’s leaning toward theatre, it doesn’t lose the spontaneous nature of jazz.”

With his go with the flow attitude, it’s tough to make predictions about what’s on the horizon for Meadows. Will he be a leading man onstage? Will he oversee the music for a future production? It’s hard to predict what a jazz musician will focus on next, because like the music, there are usually twists, turns and outright risks.

“I still don’t understand how Matthew Gardiner took a risk on me,” he says laughing. “I don’t know what he saw. I don’t even think he saw me perform, but God bless him.”

See Meadows in A Motown Christmas at Signature Theatre now through December 22. Tickets $38. For more information about Meadows and his artistic endeavors, visit www.markgmeadows.com.

Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; 703-820-9771; www.sigtheatre.org

Meadows’ first inclination was to pass on the audition for Jelly’s Last Jam, and the decision would have stood had he not been persuaded by a friend from Dizzy’s Club in New York City. www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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STAGE & SCREEN

By Josh Goodrich

Come from Away

THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 The Woman in Black Stephen Mallatratt adapted this British play based on the horror book of the same name, and Robin Herford is directing this eerie production at Shakespeare Theatre Company leading up to the holidays. The play is about Arthur Kipps (Adam Radcliffe) who asks an actor (Dominic Price) to help tell his dark story, and each performance will take the audience from a Victorian theater to the creepy Eel Marsh House. Just remember to be cautious around the Woman in Black. Various dates and times. Tickets $39-$79. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Michael R. Klein Theatre: 450 7th St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org

THROUGH THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 Eureka Day Anti-vaxxers, pay attention. This play is about a mumps outbreak in a Berkeley school. Watch as the community experiences a diverse environment clash when mandatory vaccinations take center stage.

The play also displays projections that show how people behave online when the subject matter is controversial. Everyone will enjoy a night of satire with this award-winning play that looks at mandatory vaccinations in a humorous way. Various dates and times. Tickets $10$32.50. Atlas Performing Arts Center: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org The Second City’s She The People: The Resistance Continues!

Your favorite all-female show is back. These comedians will offer a satirical view of what the world can be like for a woman, as the show pokes fun at stereotypes and how absurd things can be. This political

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sketch-comedy show is one that you do not want to miss. The Second City is a renowned comedy troupe with notable alumni including Tina Fey and Steve Carell, and many other talented comedians. Various dates and times. Tickets $20-$109. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company: 641 D St. NW, DC; www.woollymammoth.net

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 It’s a Wonderful Life This classic film is a staple for the holiday season that audiences have enjoyed since 1946. The American Film Institute has recognized It’s a Wonderful Life as one of the 100 best American films ever made. The movie takes place on Christmas Eve when George Bailey is about to take his own life, but things change when his guardian angel Clarence gets involved. Watch Clarence show George what the town would be like if he had never been born. 3:30-5 p.m. Tickets $10. National Museum of American History: 14th Street and Constitutional Avenue in NW, DC; www.si.edu

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Joel and Clementine loved each other. But after a breakup, the couple opts to erase their memory of each other. Join the Embassy of France and watch this award-winning film starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. The movie plays with flashbacks and a nonlinear narrative as the audience learns about the former couple’s love life. Enjoy this film from director Michel Gondry about people falling in love again despite doing what they could to forget the other. 7-10 p.m. Free to attend. The Embassy of France: 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW, DC; www.franceintheus.org

NOW PLAYING THROUGH She the People

JANUARY 12

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Fiddler on the Roof Matchmaker, matchmaker, this is a good musical for you. Tonywinning director Bartlett Sher gives his spin on the 10-time Tony Award-winning musical. In 1905 Russia, Tevye tries to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions while the world changes around him. This musical is a story of family, love and attitudes toward Judaism. The popular Broadway songs, the orchestra and the cast will put on a delightful performance that will prove why Fiddler on the Roof once held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical.

Various dates and times. Tickets $54-$114. National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.thenationaldc.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 Come from Away A true story of kindness inspired this musical. It started on 9/11 when 38 planes were grounded in Grander, a small town in Canada. The 10,000 residents of Gander welcomed the 7,000 passengers in one of the darkest days in modern history. During the short period of time, the residents and passengers formed a bond made of compassion and kindness. Music enriches the story, and the show will remind you that there is light in the darkest times. Various dates and times. Tickets $49-$169. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

ORDER TODAY!

SHAKESPEARETHEATRE.ORG | 202.547.1122

35 or under? Tickets are just $35!

Visit ShakespeareTheatre.org/Under35 to learn more.

Sponsored by Suzanne and Glenn Youngkin Restaurant Partner:

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Fiddler on the Roof

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 Jersey Boys The Four Seasons were made up of Bob Gaudio, Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This musical shows the band’s rise to success and their eventual breakup. It comes to life with some of The Four Seasons’ top hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and more. The musical is told from the perspective of each band member as the performance enters different seasons. During this time, the musical explores the lives of each member off the stage including, stints in prison and relations to the mob. Various dates and times. Tickets $39+. National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.thenationaldc.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 A Merry Murder Mystery The butler did it in the dining room with the candy cane. This is your chance to take part in a seasonal murder mystery adventure, and you better hurry because this event sold out last December. This year’s murder mystery will involve a holiday party and a secret Santa gift exchange. Comedians Rob Maher, Joe Robinson, Tommy Sinbazo and Erik Woodworth return. Justin Schlegel, a co-host of the 98 Rock Morning Show, also returns for this year’s show. You may even have a role. Do you think you can successfully deduce who the killer is?

7:30-9:15 p.m. Tickets $22. The DC Improv Comedy Club: 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.dcimprov.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 Mistakes Were Made: Storytelling About Failure We learn from mistakes. Mistakes can be frustrating but also funny.

Your schadenfreude mind might enjoy listening to other people’s epic fails. The best part: all the fail stories are true. Hear about someone’s failed relationship, encounters or dumb mistakes. You can even submit your own fail stories to reflect and laugh at, and you might even win a nifty prize. The biggest mistake you could make would be missing out on this delightful event. 7-9 p.m. Tickets $15. Bier Baron and Comedy Loft: 1523 22nd St. NW, DC; www.mistakes.live

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LIVE LIFE ANCHORS UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: Agua 301 The Brighton Calico H Street Country Club Maddy’s Taproom

Pearl Street Warehouse Public Bar Live RedRocks H Street Tiki TNT

RAISING THE BAR The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Promotes Inclusivity, Diversity & Holiday Cheer

By Langford Wiggins

I

t’s evident that advocacy is engrained in the fabric of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (GMCW), and that extends to their spirited The Holiday Show at Lincoln Theatre on December 7, 14 and 15.

“When people think of the holidays, they immediately think [of ] Christmas,” says tenor and soloist Abel Jimenez, who is new to the chorus. “But no, this isn’t just going to be Christmas.

There’s a lot of representation acknowledging different cultures, which I am very excited [about as] a Latino. Being able to sing in my first language with a group of people who are putting forth so much effort as well is very rewarding.”

If you peruse historical images of gay men choruses around the country, you’ll notice a trend of predominantly white, middle-aged men. But through intentional programming, the GMCW’s more than 250-member group grows more and more representative as each holiday season rolls around.

“Because of our location, we sometimes have greater opportunities to fight the good fight, to be in the trenches,” proudly states Michael Aylward, a tenor and soloist in his 11th season with the GMCW. Aylward sees his role in the chorus as one of visibility, of “not being afraid to be front and center as an out and proud gay man.”

“I think what we do is important because we are in Washington, DC,” he says. “We have a responsibility as a gay chorus to be active

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Photos: courtesy of the GMCW

and visible in moments when issues relevant to the gay population around the country are being discussed.”

GMCW Artistic Director Thea Kano places emphasis on actualizing the mission of the chorus: to inspire equality and inclusion with musical performances and education promoting justice and dignity for all.

“I consider what’s going on in the world [and] in the realm of social justice,” Kano says of her process for making song selections.

“Our goal is always to be sure that audiences see a version of themselves onstage.”

Incorporating diverse voices remains an important means for facilitating inclusivity in the GMCW, while also staying current with what’s hitting the airwaves.

“We always try to have a mix of new music that might have been written recently,” she continues. “[This year], we are depicting different languages. [For example], a traditional Filipino carol will be sung in Tagalog, a language of the Philippines, [accompanied by] a traditional Filipino dance.”

While the concert’s lineup features songs in up to six different languages, Kano says, “The song list is mixed up.”

“It’s sort of like DC’s weather: if you don’t care for a particular one, just wait,” she adds. “Something for you is just around the corner.

There are enough traditional songs sprinkled in – a little something for everyone.”

"WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY AS A GAY CHORUS TO BE ACTIVE AND VISIBLE IN MOMENTS WHEN ISSUES RELEVANT TO THE GAY POPULATION AROUND THE COUNTRY ARE BEING DISCUSSED." Expect everything from a little Mariah Carey to “Lo V’chayil” to Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas,” and so much more. As the largest and most-often sold-out performances of the year, Kano says The Holiday Show is the easiest to program.

“There is so much good, fun music for the holidays,” she says.

Her only challenge? Ensuring that the sounds and performances

are fresh and relevant. This year, the GMCW is keeping audiences on their toes with a 7-foot-tall Christmas tree in heels, among other yetto-be-announced elements.

“People come expecting to be entertained,” she adds. “We’re known for putting on shows different from a standstill chorus.”

The artistic director’s enthusiasm is matched by Jimenez’s excitement to perform a solo in this year’s holiday concert. Not only does he feel very at home with the chorus, but his family will be at The Holiday Show to see the GMCW perform for the first time. When he first heard friends rave about the GMCW’s holiday concerts and went to see a few shows himself, he wasted no time in joining the ranks.

“You did not wait one second!” Jimenez laughs, reflecting on comments from his peers once he was named a soloist in his first concert months ago. “I wanted to jump in and do as much as I could because it’s my passion. Being a part of this community, being able to do good with my talents, it feels wonderful. I feel honored.”

Don’t miss the GMCW’s The Holiday Show at Lincoln Theatre on Saturday, December 7 at 8 p.m., Saturday, December 14 at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, December 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25-$65. Learn more and buy tickets at www.gmcw.org.

Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; 202-888-0050; www.thelincolndc.com www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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The Melodic Archivist

DC'S DJ NATIVESUN BRIDGES CULTURAL GAPS

By Natalia Kolenko

Photo: Jamie Jazelle

It’s easy to imagine what the life of a DJ might look like to the outside world: at a different party every night, playing sets in glamorous locales and constantly having fun with friends. But the reality is often much different.

“DJing for me is a back-and-forth,” says Chris Harris, known as DJ Nativesun. “It’s not a pretty picture like everyone thinks.”

It’s hard work, he continues, and has been a struggle at times. To Harris, it’s much more than a cool hobby or aesthetic for social media – it’s a way of life.

“You’re providing people with a place to come be free, let go and forget about shit. It’s serious work to me because I take pride in making people dance and giving them a place to really let go.”

You can find Harris making people dance at a myriad of venues across the District, where the DJ grew up and got his musical start. Raised in a musical home, his parents would often play funk, soul or house music.

His mom could often be heard listening to gospel records in one room while his sister played piano down the hall.

“[DJing] is something I love because I really love music. It’s always been there for me. It’s always been something that I could turn to and dive deep into.”

Always looking for ways to bridge the cultural gap between more popular music and the underground, his sets consist of sounds across a wide variety of genres like afrobeat, house, trap and R&B, to name a few. Harris is known as a melodic archivist: in his words, someone who combines musical influences from the past and present and across numerous genres.

“I like to take on the challenge of not only playing the stuff people know but [also] playing the stuff they don’t know, and opening people’s minds up to different sounds and genres.”

Harris also cofounded and is a producer for The Future R&Bass Collective with collaborator DJ Underdog. The collective, which began as a movement in the form of a party bringing new sounds and artists to DC, has hosted a variety of artists from around the world like Sango, DJ Lag (co-presented with L.E.N.G), Full Crate, Abdu Ali and SassyBlack.

You're providing people with a place to come be free, let go and forget about shit.

I take pride in making people dance and giving them a place to really let go.

Harris and his friends would spend almost every weekend at go-go shows, where they would dance and listen to covers and remixes of some of their favorite songs on the radio.

“Going to see [local go-go bands] on the regular growing up was a huge influence for me, because go-go music was a place where I could dance and let go with my friends and be inspired by the music.”

The DJ’s biggest influences growing up included Frankie Knuckles and The Isley Brothers, but at the top of the list were Marvin Gaye and Jimi Hendrix.

“Jimi was a talented guy, but his musical career was a struggle,” he says. “That always brought me back to reality – even now.”

Although music was always around him, Harris didn’t begin to DJ until he was in his 20s. What started as messing around with records in his room ultimately led to the chance to play a house party.

Soon after, he came up with the name Nativesun: a combination of being a District native and bringing the energy of the sun to his sets. Since then, Harris has played across the world for broadcasting platform Boiler Room and at festivals like Afropunk, Bonnaroo and South by Southwest.

Harris hopes to host more women of color in 2020 but beyond the collective, he wants to keep producing and become more involved in the festival circuit, with potential stops in Europe and Africa. He’s also focused on building up more projects like Future R&Bass locally – projects that feel different.

“I want to have more raves in DC focused on people of color, for the LGBTQ [community and] people that feel like they don’t have these spaces. I want to provide a space where people can dance all night and not have to worry about a curfew – where we can just go until the morning.”

Stay up-to-date on all things DJ Nativesun on Facebook and Twitter @djnativesun and on Instagram @dj_nativesun.

Stream his music at www.soundcloud.com/dj-nativesun.

www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Talks New Record, Touring with Friends and, of course, David Lynch

By M.K. Koszycki

Chicago rock band Twin Peaks has been at the forefront of the city’s vibrant music scene since their formation in 2010 and first record Sunken in 2013. Now about a decade into their careers, the five-piece outfit has switched up their usual recording process for something totally new with their latest release, this year’s spectacular Lookout Low. They’ve hit the road in support, and we caught up with singer and guitarist Cadien Lake James while the band was on the road in Texas to chat recording the album, why this specific tour is so fun for them and the band’s namesake.

On Tap: What has it been like being on the road and playing this new material from Lookout Low? How have fans been reacting?

Cadien Lake James: I think people are pretty engaged with it. We’re lucky to have fans who are pretty supportive of whatever we do. This stuff is just very tight because we recorded the record live, so we are really locked in as a band performing it. It’s pretty natural to bring that on to the stage.

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OT: What can fans who plan to catch one of your upcoming winter shows expect from this tour?

CLJ: It’s been a really fun tour because it’s all Chicago bands. We’re all friends and I think that really comes across [in the] show. We’ve got a lot of people hopping into other people’s sets. We’ve got the gals from OHMME singing on a lot of our set with us, and they sang on the new record. It’s kind of a family affair, and everyone’s in their element having a blast.

OT: I know your recording process was pretty different from what you guys have done in the past. Can you tell me a little bit more about working on this record?

CLJ: It was just a total flip of the script. We always recorded [in an] instrument by instrument, one step at a time kind of way. But [for] this record, we worked with producer Ethan Johns and we did it all live, including vocals in the room. It was just what was happening in the moment: a band of guys playing songs. It was challenging but it was really fun to do, and we got cool results.

OT: Do you still get people asking you why you’re called Twin Peaks at this point in your career? Did you see the rumors about an apparent season four of director and cult icon David Lynch’s show of the same name and how do you feel about it?

CLJ: Yeah. I feel regret [laughs]. No, just kidding. People still ask about the name, for sure. It is what it is. But I love the show and I hope [David Lynch] does more. I think there’s always more to delve into the story there. Other than me liking the show, no one’s really delved into the name and otherwise, it really has nothing to do with us. We thought it was a cool name when we were 16.

OT: I’m a huge fan of the show, so when I first started listening to your music, the name was a big draw for me. I think you’ve gained fans that way, too.

CLJ: See, that’s good. Yeah. I think it goes both ways. Some people are like, “F--k those guys for doing that.” And some people are like, "Oh, that’s cool.”

OT: Maybe one day your paths will cross with David Lynch and you can tell him what a fan you are.

CLJ: Actually, Connor [Brodner, drummer] rode in an elevator with David Lynch.

OT: Was it brought up at all?

CLJ: Uh, no. Apparently, they didn’t talk [laughs].

Twin Peaks play the Black Cat on Wednesday, December 11 with fellow Chicagoans Lala Lala and OHMME. Tickets are $20 in advance, and doors open at 7:30 p.m. For more on the band and their new record Lookout Low, visit www.twinpeaksdudes.com.

Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

Photo: Cooper Fox

OT: Did you face any new challenges because of it?

CLJ: Yeah, definitely. But we’re pretty good at communicating. Once we all decided [to record] this way, it was [about] getting on the same page about working our asses off so that we wouldn’t have too many problems when I got up [to the studio]. We were definitely intimidated before we went to do it. But once we got there, most songs were done in the first one to five takes.

OT: Now that you’re back on the road and out of recording mode, has your tour routine changed at all?

CLJ: I just know that I don’t want to be hungover at a show anymore.

It’s a little more adult.

OT: I feel like being in your mid-20s, for me at least, is the kiss of death as far as hangovers being horrible. I still don’t know why that is.

CLJ: That seemed like a big turning point for me this year.

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WOLFTRAP.ORG/GIFT 703.255.1900 www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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A SALVE FOR THE SOUL GYPSY PUNK’S GOGOL BORDELLO BRINGS COMMUNAL MUSIC TO 9:30 CLUB

By Michael Coleman

Frontman Eugene Hütz (far left) and Gogol Bordello // Photos: Daniel Efram

Anyone who has witnessed the unbridled exuberance of a Gogol Bordello show knows that the gypsy punk dance party is an experience unlike any in modern live music.

If you’re in DC over the holidays, this is your chance to see the rowdy extravaganza. Gogol Bordello, led by joyously charismatic Ukrainian frontman Eugene Hütz and featuring several special guests, will rock the 9:30 Club on December 30 and 31.

“We’re bringing a celebration,” Hütz promised during a phone interview with On Tap from his home in lower Manhattan. “That’s our vibe. It’s a collaboration with our friends. We’re bringing our gypsy punk vibes. [Rapper] Marty Baller is bringing authentic hiphop vibes. We’re also coming with friends from [dub/rock group] Dub Trio, whom we’ve shared several tours with in the past. We’re making a collaboration that people will remember. We have a lot of creative spirits. That’s how we grow.”

Now in its 21st year as a band, Gogol Bordello has always tried to stretch and grow in new musical directions – and 2020 is no different.

Hütz, especially inspired by hip-hop in recent years, is dropping a solo album next March exploring that inspiration while remaining rooted

in his eclectic, international style of music-making.

“The times bring new influences,” Hütz explained. “Your core remains the same, but I’m always curious about what’s new on the streets, in the clubs and at the festivals. Besides exploring new sounds within the band, the solo record is something that kind of bubbled up on its own. It’s my own take on urban music.”

Not surprisingly, Hütz – a longtime darling of New York City’s cuttingedge artistic set – has recruited some top-tier talent to help out on the solo record.

“It’s really cool collaborating with friends I’ve made along the way like Tim Armstrong of Rancid, Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Marty Baller,” he explained enthusiastically.

“I find hip-hop music right now particularly inspiring. I’ve always been a fan, but I’ve come back to it. Hiphop is very special to me.”

While hip-hop may hold a unique appeal for Hütz, his legendary band’s musical DNA is rooted in punk rock. Hütz said early in his career, he was mesmerized by Iggy Pop’s theatrics and showmanship, and he incorporated that physical aesthetic into his own show.

“Iggy is one of my mentors,” Hütz said, noting that he’s played on live bills with him several times. “If not for Iggy, the whole

We’re making a collaboration that people will remember. We have a lot of creative spirits.

That’s how we grow.

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school of stage performance in rock ‘n’ roll would not be nearly as swashbuckling as it is. The whole idea of being very poetic but very athletic and physical at the same time – it takes a very singular kind of individual to be able to pull it off. Creating that synthesis and storytelling, and delivering it in an athletic and Dionysian way, is a special way of performing.

Even as a kid, I took my initial start from Iggy. He’s amazing.

He’s a hero.”

Closer to the nation’s capital, Hütz singled out DC punk pioneers Fugazi as another key influence.

“They had the cream-of-thecrop kind of radical art sound,” Hütz said. “When I heard them, I was like ‘Yeah! That’s my kind of music.’ I was bewitched by that. Also, I discovered Bad Brains [another legendary DC punk band] through Fugazi, and then go-go music.”

It’s no secret that Hütz’s home country has loomed large in the impeachment proceedings consuming Washington this fall. However, the loquacious artist – perhaps wisely – declined to weigh in, except to say that Gogol Bordello’s communal music is designed to be a salve for

the soul. That might be just what politics-weary DC needs to usher in a new year.

“When we all get to dance around the fire together – metaphorically or not metaphorically speaking, because the show gets quite fiery – there is nothing else quite like it,” Hütz said with a laugh. “My job is to bring joy, energy and fresh vibes into the air [and] help people recharge their energy to deal with the rest of the world.

That’s what I get from art and music. Everybody around the world has their own shit to deal with, and day-to-day we need joy. Hopefully, we can create a situation where people can recharge for a couple of hours.”

Catch Hütz with the rest of Gogol Bordello and special guests on Monday, December 30 (doors at 7 p.m., tickets $35) or Tuesday, December 31 (doors at 9 p.m., tickets $75) at 9:30 Club. Learn more about the gypsy punk band at www.gogolbordello.com.

Everybody around the world has their own shit to deal with, and day-to-day we need joy. Hopefully, we can create a situation where people can recharge for a couple of hours.

9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.930.com www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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GWAR Gets Weird for the Holidays

By M.K. Koszycki

Do Christmas carols make your skin crawl? Would you rather watch a slasher movie than a touching Hallmark holiday rom-com? When your cat smacks an ornament off the family Christmas tree, do you look on at the feline’s rebellion in delight?

If you answered “Yes” to any of the above, you may be a good candidate for attending the holiday-themed extension of GWAR’s Use Your Collusion tour at 9:30 Club on December 27. The collective of intergalactic shock rockers, known for spraying their audiences with fake blood, “murdering” puppets of politicos onstage, and generally not caring about offending anyone or anything, are clearly not concerned with tarnishing the holiday.

That’s what makes them fun and has kept fans coming back since their beginnings in Richmond, Virginia in the early 80s. The group’s “lead howler” Blothar (real name: Michael Bishop), who took the

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This show is a welcome respite from cutesy holiday feels if you’re into tipping the scales toward the gross, the shocking and the more metal side of things.

They’re disarmingly friendly for a band made legendary primarily through guts, gore and provocative rock ‘n’ roll.

GWAR with frontman Blothar front and center // Photo: courtesy of GWAR

reigns as frontman in 2014 after performing as bassist Beefcake the Mighty in the 80s and 90s, explains that Christmas GWAR-style is part of the band’s long-running history.

“We’ve talked about maybe doing even more of [the holiday theme] this year because we used to do it all the time,” Bishop says. “One of my favorite ones was when we did basically a GWAR version of the Scrooge story A Christmas Carol, where our manager sort of experiences all of these things to try and convince him not to be a Scrooge.”

The variations on the holiday theme have changed over the years, so you’ll just have to show up to see exactly what’s in store this time around. Seasonally appropriate programming aside, GWAR always aims to get a rise out of those who engage with them. It’s easy to interpret the band’s ethos as one that exists for the sake of shock value alone, but Bishop is quick to note that there’s usually something deeper going on behind the band’s extreme antics.

“From the very beginning of the band, GWAR talked about climate change,” Bishop explains of the band’s fictional origin story, and the mythology of the band that’s made it so appealing to fans. “That narrative was just getting going in the mid- to late 80s. That was a part of the beginning of GWAR. It was built into that narrative that we were awoken from our Antarctic slumber by a hole in the ozone layer.

[This] was one of the early things that climate change scientists would talk about: the ozone layer getting thinner, that there was a hole in it over the Antarctic, and that hole kind of gave way to the idea of greenhouse gas. We were talking about that stuff really early on, and it’s still there.”

The band has roots in the DC area, perhaps accounting for the infusion of politics into their ethos and making how controversial they’re not afraid to be all the more entertaining. Late seminal figure and frontman of the band Dave Brockie, a.k.a. Oderus Urungus, hails from Northern Virginia and eventually settled in Richmond.

GWAR’s presence in Richmond fits seamlessly into the city’s identity and vice versa, as many band members including Bishop call it home.

The band even has its own bar in the state capitol, GWARbar, with some of its elaborate costumes incorporated into the décor and drinks aptly named with just the right amount of crass. And in DC’s Shaw neighborhood, GWAR was even the subject of a Drink Company pop-up bar last summer, appearing in full costume to take selfies with revelers on opening night.

In person and on the phone, they’re disarmingly friendly for a band made legendary primarily through guts, gore and provocative rock ‘n’ roll. The band is also known to eviscerate, disembowel and otherwise kill elaborate, lifelike versions of famous people onstage. They’re equal opportunity stage murderers, having done this to the likes of Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, just to name a few recent onstage “deaths.” Though this is nothing new to their live shows, Bishop notes that the audience’s attitude toward these theatrics has gone through notable changes in recent years.

“It’s weird to me because we’ve been doing this kind of stuff for a long time. I think that this is something that’s true across [the current] culture: only recently has the world been in a state where they would look at something like that and say, ‘Oh, you guys have a bias.’ That’s something that we never heard before. Now we do hear that people are upset about some of the things that we do.”

Even if you’re not a card-carrying fan of this band – the kind who never misses GWAR’s stop in your city – this show is a welcome respite from cutesy holiday feels if you’re into tipping the scales toward the gross, the shocking and the more metal side of things.

“Come out, because like I said, we still manage to piss people off, we still have fun and we still do things that are outrageous – and we’re very happy and grateful to be doing it.”

Apparently getting sprayed with fake blood can be festive – it is red, after all.

GWAR plays the 9:30 Club on Friday, December 27. Unearth and Savage Master open. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $25. For more on the band, visit www.gwar.net.

9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.930.com www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Men I Trust

By Destinee Harper

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Mariah Carey This year marks the 25th anniversary of Mariah Carey’s album Merry Christmas, and her All I Want For Christmas Is You Tour commemorates her album’s success. Carey recently announced that she will be rereleasing Merry Christmas with its original songs as well as remixes, and a portion of ticket sales from her holiday tour will benefit Toys for Tots. Carey also encourages ticket buyers to bring donations for the program. Concert at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $160. The Theater at MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Ave. Oxon Hill, MD; www.mgmnationalharbor.com/entertainment

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Cher: Here We Go Again Tour The goddess of pop returns to DC for her Here We Go Again Tour.

Fans can expect Cher classics as well as songs from her newest album, Dancing Queen, a tribute to ABBA. Special guests Nile Rodgers and Chic will also grace the stage for the North American stint of Cher’s tour. Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 The Suitcase Junket Considering Matthew Lorenz began creating music with repurposed items from the garbage, the professional production of Mean Dog, Trampoline is an enormous step for this self-made entertainer. His classic melodies carry through to his newest album, but artistic

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tweaks from the production team make these songs more accessible and even more worth hearing at this performance. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 Alicia Ward & Joey Antico Cellist Alicia Ward and percussionist Joey Antico come together for a performance that pairs beautifully with Ward’s stunning melodies and Antico’s percussive prowess. Ward has shared her talent at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Moscow Conservatory, and has won the Lennox International Competition as well as the National Symphony Orchestra Soloist Competition. Antico’s background in jazz traditions promises a unique night as he shares the stage with another thrilling talent. Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $24. The Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda, MD; www.strathmore.org Rachael & Vilray with Akie Bermiss Lake Street Dive vocalist Rachael Price lends her velvet voice to an album made in partnership with guitarist, singer and composer Vilray.

Their self-titled debut album Rachael & Vilray stars the duo’s shared love for 30s- and 40s-inspired jazz, and their performance is sure to set the mood for a chilly December evening. Akie Bermiss, pianist for Lake Street Dive, joins Price and Vilray on their musical adventure and provides unobtrusive tunes that complement the duo’s playful, bantering lyrics. Concert at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Sixth & I: 600 I St. NW, DC; www.sixthandi.org

Cautious Clay

Rachael & Vilray

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

Cautious Clay with Remi Wolf Cautious Clay characterizes his music with electronic twists that make his songs catchy yet soothing. His passion for music shines through his lyrics, and it’s clear that each song reflects an important aspect of his life and career. Remi Wolf’s impressive beats and blunt lyrics will prep the stage for the Cautious Clay main event, and audiences can expect honest and passion-fueled performances. Doors at 10 p.m.

Tickets $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

80s Mayhem Holiday Extravaganza Dance Party FYM Productions will bring groovy 80s remixes to the 10th annual Holiday Extravaganza Dance Party. Their group consists of DJ Steve EP, DJ Missguided and Killa K. These experts are well-versed in mixing quality music. DJ Steve has been in the business for more than 25 years and DJ Missguided is a regular at Black Cat’s exceedingly popular events. Their group was founded in 2001, and they continue to pursue their mission of promoting good times. Dance party kicks off at 9 p.m. Tickets $12. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

Harry & the Potters Harry & the Potters will dive into the hidden possibilities of the Harry Potter universe. The group explores an alternate reality in which Harry misuses a time-turner and starts a punk rock band with a past version of himself, and their songs will cover a range of topics from saving Ginny Weasley to Voldemort’s inability to defeat rock ‘n’ roll. A portion of each ticket will benefit the Harry Potter Alliance, a nonprofit that encourages humanitarian activism. Doors at 6 p.m. Tickets $20.

Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com Vim & Vigor with Kellyn Marie Goler Vim & Vigor, a pop-folk band based in DC, produces unique songs that resonate with melodic sweetness. Their band name translates to “enormous vitality and energy,” and their music and performances live up to that promise. Kellyn Marie Goler, an independent singersongwriter also based locally, creates acoustic folk-pop that will pair perfectly with Vim & Vigor’s performance. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $10.

DC9 Nightclub: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dc9.club

Anuel AA As part of the Emmanuel World Tour, Anuel AA is visiting Eagle Bank Arena to showcase his talent as a rapper and singer. He was the recipient of the 2019 Billboard Latin Music Award and is wellknown as a pioneer of the Latin trap movement. His songs feature unrelentingly honest lyrics and moving beats that will shine as the artist shares his reggaeton and trap blends. Concert at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $39. Eagle Bank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir. Fairfax, VA; www.eaglebankarena.com Best of 2010s Flashback Showcase by 7DrumCity The 2010s featured trends like YOLO and unforgettable music like Train’s “Hey Soul Sister” and Young Money’s “Bedrock.” As 2019 draws to a close, it’s time to honor the music this decade had to offer. 7DrumCity’s Best of 2010’s Flashback Showcase will feature nine bands time traveling through the top hits of the past 10 years. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $13$15. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2019 | ON TAP

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Lomelda with Long Beard and The Goodbye Party Texas songwriter Hannah Reed, a.k.a. Lomelda, says her stage name is a made-up word meaning “echo of the stars,” and her performances maintain this drifting vibe. She is a strong stage presence, though, and her song “Interstate Vision” is full of original sounds that demand audience attention. In contrast, Long Beard’s music explores the definition of home while incorporating impressive melodies. The Goodbye Party, another solo stage presence, started with bedroom recordings and eventually upgraded to mostly self-recorded album Silver Blues. Show starts at 10 p.m. Tickets $12. Comet Ping Pong: 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.cometpingpong.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Amy Guess Amy Guess finds her musical inspiration from bands like Evanescence and Portishead while incorporating industrial sounds and emotive energy. Guess is currently preparing for the release of her sophomore EP that details her experience as a music presence, and she continues to unapologetically create bold content. She feels confident that her music career is just getting started, so join her journey at this upcoming event. Doors at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $10. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com Andrea Bocelli Andrea Bocelli, the world’s most beloved tenor, captivates audiences once again during his 2019 tour. Bocelli has paired with pop icons like Ed Sheeran and Celine Dion to produce stunning duets, and he has been in the international spotlight for more than two decades. His career barrels on as he travels across America to share his impressive vocals once more. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $83. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena.com Horton’s Holiday Hayride The Reverend Horton Heat reinvents country twang by infusing his music with punk rock vibes. This hybrid genre – psychobilly – is the Reverend’s specialty, and his band is picking up momentum as they begin their holiday shows and prepare for their upcoming 2020 tour.

The Reverend will be joined onstage by the Voodoo Glow Skulls, an American ska-punk band, and The 5.6.7.8.’s, a Japanese rock trio.

Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 Hot 99.5’s Jingle Ball This year’s Jingle Ball will feature headliners like Halsey, Khalid and Charlie Puth. Halsey paired with South Korean boy band BTS this year to produce “Boy with Luv,” and Khalid recently wrapped up his Free Spirit World Tour. Niall Horan will also grace the stage along with French Montana, Lewis Capaldi and Why Don’t We. The lineup for this Jingle Ball is packed, so don’t miss this opportunity to see multiple music icons rock the stage in a single night. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Capitol One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 The Hip Hop Nutcracker The Nutcracker meets the modern world in this reinvention of a holiday classic. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is set in New York where MariaClara and the Nutcracker Prince embark on a thrilling adventure through the city. The performance features Tchaikovsky’s original score while incorporating updated hip-hop choreography and a DJ. Kurtis Blow, described by Strathmore as “one of hip-hop’s founding fathers,” will open the show and prepare the audience for a remixed version of a Christmastime favorite. Shows at 8 p.m. Tickets start at

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$33. The Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda, MD; www.strathmore.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 CeeLo Green Holiday Hits Tour CeeLo Green, a five-time Grammy Award winner, returns to the stage for his Holiday Hits Tour. He initially released his Christmas album CeeLo’s Magic Moment in 2012, and the album was nominated for a Grammy in 2014. Green is also well-known for his four seasons as a coach on The Voice, and his wildly popular song “Forget You” was nominated for five Grammy awards and won Best Urban/Alternative Performance. Green’s tour will showcase his well-rounded talent as he continues to push his career. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45.

Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC; www.thehowardtheatre.com The Slackers with Mephiskapheles The Slackers have been sharing their ska-, reggae- and soul-inspired music with audiences for more than 28 years. Since the NYC band’s beginnings, they have released 15 albums and were referred to as “the sound of New York” by The New York Times. Ska band Mephiskapheles will open. Concert at 7 p.m. Tickets $20. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com Turnover with Men I Trust and Renata Zeiguer Turnover, an American rock band from Virginia Beach, boasts four albums, two EPs and a handful of singles their fans are wild for. They will share the stage with Men I Trust, a Canadian indie pop group that self-released their latest album Oncle Jazz. While these bands have extremely different sounds, their music is complimentary without overpowering the other. Renata Zeiguer will open for the Turnover and Men I Trust, and she recently released her newest album Faraway Business. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 The Captivators The Captivators describe their genre as third-wave ska, and have proven themselves worthy members of the DC ska scene through electrifying shows and captivating tunes. The six band members pride themselves on providing soulful and danceable music. An important aspect of their concert is the dance floor, so you’ll definitely want to groove to their irresistible beats as they blow through their energetic lineup. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets $12. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 FeelFree with The Elegant Plums Alexandria-based FeelFree’s Define The Free won Best Reggae Album of 2018 at the Wammie Awards, and members of The Elegant Plums hail from a variety of music backgrounds and use their diversity to provide unique jams. Everything from reggae to bluegrass to rock will make it onstage at this show. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $15. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com LITZ + Radii LITZ blends funk, go-go and electronica vibes with the intent to distract their audiences from everyday stresses and provide an unforgettable concert experience. The band has been hard at work on their newest album, and they plan on sharing their 16 new songs in four separate EPs, one of which will be released at this show. Radii plays a mix of rock, funk and alternative music, and they perform remix covers of your favorite classic tunes. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $12. Pearl Street Warehouse: 33 Pearl St. SW, DC; www.pearlstreetwarehouse.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 Hackensaw Boys with Yarn For 17 years, the Hackensaw Boys have delivered their unique version of American roots music to fans that are hungry to hear more. Their band promotes a “the more, the merrier” attitude while sometimes fostering up to 20 members. Yarn, a folk band with rock ‘n’ roll influences, uses their music as an outlet for storytelling. Their lyrics are meaningful and reflect experiences from all walks of life. Each band brings a distinct personality to the stage, and audiences can expect a night of toe-tapping songs. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com Throwback Bash featuring Almost Queen Almost Queen strives to create experiences as similar as possible to Queen’s concerts. This four-part tribute band dresses in realistic costuming and creates an energetic concert that emulates the legends themselves. Audience members will honor classics with the help of Almost Queen’s dedication to throwback experiences. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $25. Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 The Roots Questlove (Ahmir Thompson) and Black Thought (Tariq Luqmaan Trotter) of The Roots originally performed together on street corners while attending Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. They are now well known in the hip-hop industry and have been considered one of the greatest living bands by Rolling Stone.

The Roots will share their iconic music with audiences on one of their free nights away from serving as house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Concert at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30 The White Panda This EDM duo started with two college guys looking to procrastinate their homework. Eventually their remixes, made in lieu of doing school assignments, topped the Internet radio charts in 2009.

Entertainment Weekly named The White Panda “a veritable partymashup machine,” so prepare for a wild time at their high-energy performance featuring loads of thrilling special effects. Concert at 9 p.m. Tickets $30. Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

Photos: Tom Roth

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31

Through December, On Tap and Pacifico are teaming up to visit Agua 301,The Brighton, Calico, H Street Country Club, Maddy’s Taproom, Pearl Street Warehouse, Public Bar Live, RedRocks and Tiki TNT.

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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Moonshine Society’s NYE Speakeasy Party Moonshine Society combined talents in 2009, and their inspiring blues and old-school music is a testament to their success. Band members were inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame for their work with harmonica player Charlie Sayles, and Moonshine Society was listed in top four fan favorites in DC two years in a row. Join this onthe-rise band as they take over the Hamilton Loft Bar to ring in the new year. Doors at 9:30 p.m. Tickets $35. The Hamilton LIVE: 600 14th St. NW, DC; http://live.thehamiltondc.com

on the scene

Photos: Kimchi Photography

FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THESE AND OTHER EVENTS, VISIT THE ONLINE GALLERY AT WWW.ONTAPONLINE.COM.

Nutrition education nonprofit Healthy Living, Inc. joined forces with Chef Kwame Onwuachi, No Kings Collective and On Tap Magazine for an epic party to support an amazing cause on November 21. Locals mingled at Good Fast Cheap DC, sampled fare from Chef Kwame’s Kith/Kin and other local spots, viewed art from Hen House DC’s “Tiny Show,” and heard from youth impacted by Healthy Living’s mission.

November 15 – December 30, 2019 ICE! Featuring Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas™ is Washington, D.C. Region’s Must-See indoor winter wonderland featuring: • A colorful walk-through holiday attraction with larger than life sized ice sculptures carved from over two million pounds of ice • Kept at a chilly 9 degrees • Hand-crafted by 40 artisans from Harbin, China • Enjoy four two-story tall colorful ice slides and a full Nativity in stunning crystal clear ice A PART OF

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