Drink. Dine. Do. March 2018
DC THROWBACKS DANCE NIGHTS COVER BANDS ROLLER DERBY RETAIL BARS FILM
ALL-90s BAND
WHITE FORD BRONCO
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TABLE OF CONTENTS WHO IS ON TAP
MARCH 2018: VOL 20 NO 4 THE RETRO ISSUE Drink. Dine. Do. March 2018
DC THROWBACKS DANCE NIGHTS COVER BANDS ROLLER DERBY RETAIL BARS FILM
ALL-90s BAND
WHITE FORD BRONCO
+
ATLANTIC 10 IN DC K.FLAY AT 9:30 CLUB NEW GUINNESS BREWERY
This March, On Tap is very excited to present our first-ever Retro Issue. We’re celebrating throwbacks in the District, paying homage to all things retro for our readers. From our cover story on all-90s cover band White Ford Bronco to a roundup of some of the most popular 80s and 90s cover bands and dance nights in the area, we’ve got you covered. Beyond retro music, read our pieces on best vintage retail, roller derby as a mainstay in local sports, film nostalgia at local theaters, game-filled and throwback-themed bars, an inside look at 14th Street’s Miss Pixie’s, and old-school forms of art making – from figure drawing to papermaking. Plus, our thoughts on this year’s March Madness and Atlantic 10 tournament, an interview with K.Flay before she comes to 9:30 Club, the inside scoop on Charm City’s New Guinness Brewery, RAMW’s Spring Wine Fling, The Wiz at Ford’s Theatre and more. On the cover: White Ford Bronco Venue: 9:30 Club
Photography: Lindsay Galatro Design: Devin Overbey
FOUNDER James Currie PUBLISHER Jennifer Currie
jennifer@ontaponline.com
MANAGING EDITOR Monica Alford
monica@ontaponline.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR Trent Johnson trent@ontaponline.com
PRINT & DIGITAL DESIGN Nick Caracciolo Devin Overbey KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth tomroth@ontaponline.com
DIGITAL & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Kayla Marsh
IN THIS ISSUE
kayla@ontaponline.com
n STAGE & SCREEN Stage & Screen Events........................... 4 The Wiz Remains Relevant.................... 6 Old Films Playing Near You. . ................. 8 Sights & Sounds of Ireland................. 10
EVENTS & PROMOTIONS MANAGER Shannon Darling shannon@ontaponline.com
EVENTS & PROMOTIONS ASSISTANT Katie Seaman katies@ontaponline.com
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Back to the Figure
Ready to Go Retro
A Classic Art Tradition Sees New Life
DC’s Best Vintage Retail
n MARCH ROUNDUP Back to the Figure. . ............................... 12 Pyramid Atlantic Art Center............... 14 A Day in the Life: Pixie Windsor. . ....... 16 DC’s Best Vintage Retail. . ..................... 18 Did You Know? Retro Edition............. 20 Drink, Dine, Do...................................... 22
n SPORTS In Derby We Trust. . ................................ 30 March Madness Scouting Report...... 34 Atlantic 10 Tournament. . ..................... 36
30
48
In Derby We Trust
DC’s Best Game-Filled Bars
Inside the Local Roller Derby Scene
From Pinball to Throwing Axes
n DINING New, Notable, No Longer.................... 38
n DRINKS What’s On Tap........................................ 42 New Guinness Taproom.. ..................... 44 Behind the Bar....................................... 46 DC’s Best Game-Filled Bars................. 48 RAMW’s Spring Wine Fling. . ................ 50
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White Ford Bronco
K.Flay
DC’s All-90s Cover Band
Brings Her Need for Noise to DC
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ON TAP | MARCH 2018 | www.ontaponline.com
n MUSIC Retro Reverb: Kickin’ It Old School... 56 All-90s Band White Ford Bronco. . ...... 58 K.Flay Brings Her Need for Noise.. ..... 60 Music Picks............................................. 62
OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kelcie Glass kelcie@ontaponline.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michael Coleman, Lani Furbank, Natalia Kolenko, Michael Loria, Haley McKey, Travis Mitchell, Reem Nadeem, Courtney Sexton, Alex Thompson, Amanda Weisbrod
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gevar Bonham, Shantel Breen, K. Gabrielle Photography, Lindsay Galatro , John, Gervasi, Ryan Hill, Mike Kim, Natalia Kolenko , Cristina O’Connell, Devin Overbey, Mark Raker On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2018 by Five O’Clock Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Use or reproduction of any materials contained herein is strictly prohibited without express prior written consent. www.ontaponline.com for more information.
OFFICE
25 Dove St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703-465-0500 Fax: 703-465-0400 www.ontaponline.com CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS www.ontaponline.com/calendar Due by 15th of the month for print issue
LUCK OF THE
DRAW
A ST. PATRICK’S CELEBRATION
WEDNESDAY, MAR. 14 FROM 7-9pm Sample complimentary cocktails f rom West Cork Whiskey Authentic Irish food and beer f rom
Finnegan’s Wake
Passed hors d’oeuvres Music f rom The Brad Pugh duo
Model Apartment Tours
WWW.DALEYPARTY.COM Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
8010 Gramercy Blvd Rockville MD 20855 301-501-5734 | daleyshadygrove.com
Stage & Screen Events By Amanda Weisbrod
THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 8
TUESDAY, MARCH 13 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Hold These Truths Based on a true story, Hold These Truths investigates one of the darkest moments in American history through the experience of Gordon Hirabayashi, a University of Washington student who fought the U.S. government’s order to relocate over 100,000 Japanese descendants into internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. After refusing the government’s order, Hirabayashi embarks on a 50-year journey to explore the relationship between his pride for his heritage and his loyalty to the U.S. Constitution, which leads him down a path to understanding America’s triumphs and facing its failures. Various dates and times. Ticket prices vary. Arena Stage: 1101 6th St. SW, DC; www.arenastage.org
The Winter’s Tale A tale of jealousy, prophecy, broken hearts and flourishing romance comes to life in The Winter’s Tale, directed by sixtime Helen Hayes Award-winner Aaron Posner. Equipped with Luciana Stecconi’s exceptionally whimsical set design, this play from Shakespeare’s First Folio will take you back to times of lost princesses, handsome princes and magical spells that save the day. For special performances of The Winter’s Tale, check out Folger Theatre’s website. Various dates and show times. Tickets are $35-$79. Folger Theatre: 201 East Capitol St. SE, DC; www.folger.edu
MONDAY, MARCH 5 - MONDAY, MARCH 19 DIRECT CURRENT Dubbed as a “two-week celebration of contemporary culture,” DIRECT CURRENT combines dance, art, film, music, drag, video games, activism and more to uplift original American artists in disciplines across the board. From orchestral video game music to a DIY instrument-making workshop, this festival has such a wide array of events and performances you’ll have a tough time choosing between them. While the John F. Kennedy Center is the main hub of activity for DIRECT CURRENT, other venues around the city will also open their doors to support this mass appreciation for contemporary arts, so be sure to check their website before going out. Various locations, dates and show times. Ticket prices vary. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 11 - MONDAY, MARCH 12 WOMXN on Fire Festival Keegan’s Boiler Room Series, a programming initiative to promote original performances, will host its second annual WOMXN on Fire Festival to celebrate Women’s History Month. Thirty-six local artists who identify as women will have their opportunity to showcase their work with 10-minute plays and full-length solo shows during this two-day festival. Sunday at 11 a.m. Monday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Keegan Theatre: 1742 Church St. NW, DC; www.keegantheatre.com
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On Tap | March 2018 | www.ontaponline.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 - SUNDAY, MARCH 18 Three World Premieres Choreographers Gemma Bond, Marcelo Gomes and Clifton Brown bring their personal history and experiences as dancers to life in Three World Premieres, presented by The Washington Ballet. Each dancer will choreograph and perform their own interpretation of what ballet and dance means to them. This triad of performances supports The Washington Ballet’s mission to support newly commissioned works and the evolution of ballet. Various dates and show times. Tickets are $25-$118. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org
FRIDAY, MARCH 16 - SUNDAY, MARCH 18 That Part is True A group of activists planning to overturn an oppressive authoritarian regime face betrayal within their ranks and a great unraveling of their cause in That Part is True, written and directed by Madeline Farrington. With parallels to today’s political climate and yearning for justice in marginalized communities, specifically people of color and queer folks, this play touches common sore spots in current society such as police brutality and underrepresentation. After a weekend of That Part is True, you’ll leave the theater with the perfect saying for a snarky sign and a hankering for activism. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $12 if you bring your Fringe Button to the box office. Capital Fringe: 1358 Florida Ave. NE, DC; www.capitalfringe.org
SATURDAY, MARCH 17 - SUNDAY, MARCH 18 Srishti Layankari For a diverse performance and an exploration of Indian dance and mythology, head to Dance Place for Spilling Ink’s premiere of Srishti Layankari. This dance drama project approaches spirituality and Newton’s law of conservation of energy through the story of a Hindu goddess who has the power to create and destroy. Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30. Dance Place: 3225 8th St. NE, DC; www.danceplace.org
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 Translations While students at an Irishlanguage hedge school are studying the basics of Greek and Latin literature in 1833, British soldiers “arrive to map the country, draw new borders and translate local place names into the King’s English,” according to Studio Theatre’s website. With the addition of an English-language national school that students must attend full-time if attending at all, languages and cultures contrast, thus creating relationships but also rousing violence. Written by Ireland’s prestigious Brian Friel and directed by Studio’s Belfast-born Associate Artistic Director Matt Torney. Various dates and show times. Tickets $20-$69. Studio Theatre: 1501 14th St. NW, DC; www.studiotheatre.org
FRIDAY, MARCH 23 - SUNDAY, APRIL 15
Photos: Devin Overbey
410[GONE] Parallel storylines in 410[GONE] follows a young woman as she deals with her younger brother’s suicide and his own journey in the Chinese Land of the Dead, which resembles a disco or an arcade. With dark themes, hilarious moments and strange human interactions, this Rorschach Theatre production is ultimately “a positive affirmation of the complexity of the human experience” and will have you contemplating the more complicated sides of life and death on your drive home. Various dates and show times. Tickets are $20-$30. Atlas Performing Arts Center: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org
Young professionals attended Shakespeare Theatre’s production of Hamlet and enjoyed a post-show reception with craft beer and wine.
www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | On Tap
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FORD’S
F
REMAINS RELEVANT By Keith Loria
ord’s Theatre is inviting audiences to “ease on down the road” with a new staging of the Tony-winning musical The Wiz, directed by Kent Gash and playing March 9 to May 12. The Wiz is a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the context of modern African American culture, differing from the Judy Garland-led Wizard of Oz movie people know so well. The musical originally made its Broadway debut in 1975, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and its source material is obviously much older. Still, Gash says, the show is relatable to modern audiences. “I think it’s always relevant to celebrate home and family, and the love and care in which we bring up our children in the community,” he says. “At a time when all around us we see examples of great cruelty and disrespect, particularly to women, here is a story that has always been about a magical and powerful young girl who goes to a place and helps lots of people get what they want.” While there is no significant update to the script, the director notes that the design work and creative elements will be teased more for a 2018 audience, with little things such as the way relationships are played out. Of course, Gash didn’t want to mess too much with the script, as The Wiz is a cult classic and traditionalists want to see and hear the songs they love the way they remember them. “The music of the show has always been great and has never gone out of style,” he says. “It’s the power of great pop, jazz, R&B and the roots of African music. What we are attempting to do is honor the impulses and great creativity of the original production that was led by the genius renaissance painter, choreographer, director [and] costume designer Geoffrey Holder.” Even theatre lovers may not realize that Holder is the only person in Broadway history to win Tony Awards for both Best Directing and Best Costumes; those Wiz outfits are currently on display near Ford’s at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “The Wiz is a celebration of African American culture and excellence, and we will pay homage throughout our work to great artists of the Harlem Renaissance, Michael Jackson, James Brown and nightclub culture,” Gash continues. “This show was a revolution on Broadway. As Lin-Manuel Miranda says in Hamilton: ‘Who tells your story is every bit as important as what that story is.’” Whether one knows The Wizard of Oz or the film version of The Wiz, there’s few who don’t know the story of how Dorothy gets swept away from her Kansas home to the magical world of Oz and meets a scarecrow, tinman and cowardly lion on her way down the yellow brick road to meet the Wizard.
“It’s always great to see a very brave leading character who is a female and a person of color. I think it’s very inspiring and very telling of its time.”
Ines Nassara as Dorothy
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ON TAP | MARCH 2018 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: Scott Suchman
The production features Ines Nassara as Dorothy, Hasani Allen as Scarecrow, Kevin McAllister as Tinman, Christopher Michael Richardson as Lion and Jobari Parker-Namdar as the Wiz. Nassara, a Helen Hayesnominated actress for her work in Keegan Theatre’s Hair back in 2015, is excited to take on the role of Dorothy.
ALL SEVEN HARRY POTTER BOOKS IN SEVENTY HILARIOUS MINUTES!
“HAD US ROARING WITH LAUGHTER!” Washington Post
Director Kent Gash
“CASTS THE PERFECT SPELL OVER THE AUDIENCE!” The New York Times
Photo: Franc Alicea
“It’s always great to see a very brave leading character who is a female and a person of color,” Nassara says. “I think it’s very inspiring and very telling of its time. With all the conversations happening now with Time’s Up and fiery conversations, it’s nice to see a character who is very open to anyone, no matter what they look like or what their story is. She’s very open to help.” That’s a message that the actress feels needs to be expressed in today’s world – especially to younger audiences. “Starting at a young age, it’s really important to know that it does take a village and if you see someone else in need, it’s great to lend that helping hand because they will be open to helping you as well. That will help shape the future for when they become adults.” Nassara says everything in the production is very Afrocentric.
“The Wiz is a celebration of African American culture and excellence.” “We visit all of the black styles throughout this show, and there are amazing arrangements that uplift the show and make them more funky. There’s still what people are familiar with but texturized in a way that’s better for our cast.” Gash says this is a show that people of all ages can see, with a message that will resonate with everyone. “It’s a story about home and a young girl with a magical ability to help other people and discovers a great deal of who she is by going through this adventure,” he says. “Home is not only a place you leave, but a place you carry in your heart. That combined with a celebration of African American excellence in creativity, design, music and choreography makes this a party everyone will want to take part in.” The Wiz runs at Ford’s Theatre from March 9 to May 12. Tickets start at $27. Check www.fords.org for details on Under 35 Nights.
TWO WEEKS ONLY FROM April 3 back by magical demand!
202.547.1122 ShakespeareTheatre.org
Ford’s Theatre: 511 10th St NW, DC; 202-347-4833; www.fords.org www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP
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OLD FILMS AT A THEATER NEAR YOU
By Trent Johnson
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW?
Movies arrive and depart. They receive ceremonial hype via trailers and press tours where the actors appear on “best dressed lists” and give quippy quotes about the movie before giving annoyed quotes about the movie, because the questions on these types of things seldom vary. After this gratuitous promotion, the film hits the big screen and, depending on several factors, people watch it while tossing popcorn in their mouths. Rinse and repeat, week by week, month in and month out. Despite this repetition, not all movies in theaters these days are new. On the contrary, some are quite old, as theaters around the country are playing up the nostalgia factor to give the big screen some added allure. Society’s fascination with the culture from yesteryear is at a fever pitch, as past decades dictate cultural behavior almost as much as the seasons themselves. A few years ago, the 80s were hot, and now it’s the 90s. Like fashion, music and other forms of media, theaters use the past to grip audiences’ interest in all things retro, and while our attention spans are undeniably stunted, interest in “old” movies definitely exists.
Not every theater is tasked with dusting off old reels in search of a piece of history that could drum up interest (it’s all digital these days, but you know what I’m saying). Some don’t even try, but in the DMV, there are a plethora of options including both Landmark Theatres (E Street and West End), AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, Angelika Film Center Mosaic, Suns Cinema and others who throw out retro viewings. While there are staples that continually rack up cash, a plethora of selections are based off restorations available and expert hunches for specific areas. “I’ve had a booking calendar for E Street since the theater opened, and I’ve tried to notice what gets a good response,” says Ruth Hayler, the film buyer for Landmark’s E Street and West End locations. “I rely a lot on local feedback from the theater and we just monitor for good responses. For DC, anything with a political slant, like All the President’s Men, we figure will be strong in the area.” Both theaters have programs built around repertory viewing, such as E Street’s Cine Insomnia and West End’s Capital Classics. For the AFI up in Silver Spring, cinema history
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ON TAP | MARCH 2018 | www.ontaponline.com
is a colossal component of the theater’s programming as a whole as the mission of the institute is to preserve and honor films and film-going heritage. “Within our programs, we cover a vast array of eras, topics, genres and styles,” says Todd Hitchcock, AFI Silver Theatre’s director of programming. “Our programs exist for audiences to enjoy and appreciate. At the forefront of our planning are the very basic questions: How will this work with audiences, who might these audiences be and how can we engage them effectively?” Luckily, restorations and anniversaries make easy pitches because these opportunities breathe life into movies that have already had their time on marquees as “new releases.” Despite this, there is guess work involved with picking old movies, because theaters don’t know until they try. “As we get into each decade, it’s a new audience and new people coming to the shows,” says Mark Valen, a national film buyer for Landmark. “For people in their twenties, well, there are certain old classics from the 70s that might still reach that audience, but the 80s and 90s are really popular now. There’s no real secret formula, other than, ‘If they like this, they might like this.’ It’s trial and error.”
RETROSPECTIVE INTEREST “[The interest] has been around since the 70s,” Valen says. “That’s what Landmark Theatres was founded on. Back then, there weren’t VHS tapes or DVDs, and the only way they could see their favorite films was to go to these theaters.” In today’s world though, it’s quite literally the opposite; not only do people own their own movies, but they also own their favorite television shows, YouTube videos, books, magazines and any other form of media, often in the palm of their hands. To get around this, theaters simply adapt. This includes interactive movies welcoming audience participation like Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Room, or costume parties accompanying a special anniversary. Sometimes it’s not even the movie itself that draws the people in; rather, it’s a sense of familiarity or even the recreation of a memory. “Nostalgia is indeed probably a big factor – not just nostalgia for specific movies, however, but also for the movie-going experience itself,” Hitchcock says. “There’s something magical about watching a hard-to-see silent film with live accompaniment in a beautiful, restored 1938 theater with a group of fellow film lovers while enjoying a glass of wine. It’s an experience that would be impossible to stream online or recreate at home.”
Valen and Hayler both mention that most old movies already carry a certain reputation or gravitas. There’s no guessing or gauging interest on some of these because the proof is there. With additional sensory experiences thrown in, older movies contain factors newcomers lack. “Part of the attraction of the revivals or older movies is the familiarity,” Valen says. “People are guaranteed to have a good time. Seeing these with audiences brings so much emotion to it, and that’s something we want to keep nurturing in young audiences to keep them interested in this revival of cinema.” Nostalgia is a powerful drug, whether it’s watching Kurt Russell fight aliens, seeing The Big Lebowski for the seven hundredth time or, perhaps, making fun of the audacity of a movie like Ghost. People like old things, whether it’s their grandfather’s faded clothes, or their mother’s scuffed jewelry. The mementos of the past provide windows into different times, and to a host of young moviegoers, these warm and fuzzy vignettes are valuable, necessary and here to stay. “It’s kind of like time tripping,” Hayler says. “You can get immersed in the movie and experience what was then. It’s about widening your experience and watching something from a different day. It broadens your outlook.”
For more on AFI & Landmark’s repertory films, visit their websites.
NAT GEO NIGHTS EVERY THIRD THURSDAY | 5:30–8 P.M.
Join us for special monthly happy hours with stories from National Geographic Explorers, fun interactive activities, lively music, food, and drink specials at our cash bar. Your ticket includes one free admission to the National Geographic Museum starting the day of the event and expiring at the end of the month.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15
FROM THE FRONT LINES HAPPY HOUR
Meet daring explorers Topher White, Juliana Machado Ferreira, and Alexander Braczkowski, who are protecting the rain forest, stopping rare-animal trafficking, and saving critical big cat species.
AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center: 8633 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.afi.com/silver/ Landmark Theatre E Street Cinema: 555 11th St. NW, DC; www.landmarktheatres.com/washington-d-c/e-street-cinema
NAT GEO NIGHTS EVENT PARTNERS
Landmark Theatre West End Cinema: 2301 M St. NW, DC; www.landmarktheatres.com/washington-d-c/west-end-cinema
F O R MO R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T N ATG E O.O R G / N ATG E O N I G H T S
Check out On Tap’s retro viewing picks for March below. The Big Lebowski on March 9 at AFI Silver Theatre Rocky Horror Picture Show on March 9-10 at Landmark E Street Cinema Clueless on March 10 at Suns Cinema A Streetcar Named Desire on March 14 at Landmark West End Cinema Predator on March 19 at Angelika Film Center Mosaic Wargames on March 28 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - One Loudoun
17TH & M STREETS NW
|
WASHINGTON, DC
FARRAGUT NORTH & WEST
www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP DC S18 NGN On Tap March Print Ad_V3.indd 1
9 2/26/18 4:45 PM
SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF TODAY’S IRELAND By Amanda Weisbrod
T
hey don’t have a large country or a long history of independence. But Ireland does have an independent culture, and for Paddy Meskell, culture is at the heart of Ireland’s global influence.
Dupont Underground
“Culture is the ultimate soft influence,” Meskell says. “As you experience a nation through its culture, you’re more likely to have a positive view and opinion of that country.” Meskell, who immigrated to America from Ireland in 1988, is an integral part of Solas Nua, an organization dedicated to bringing Irish contemporary arts and culture to DC. From March 16-18, Solas Nua will host its first St. Patrick’s Day festival, Sights and Sounds of Today’s Ireland, in subterranean streetcar station-turned-arts space Dupont Underground. As chairman of Solas Nua’s board of directors, Meskell helped organize many of the event’s exhibits, including short art videos, children’s films, poetry readings, feature films and live music – all created or performed by contemporary Irish artists. “We want to help people in the Washington area understand that there is an Ireland that’s not the 1930s, quaint-Irish-villages Ireland,” Meskell says with a thick accent. “There’s an Ireland that’s changing, that’s grittier, that’s outward looking and that has this whole new generation of artists of all disciplines examining life today in Ireland.” Hannah McPhillimy, a young musician from the coast of Northern Ireland, is one of those artists, and she’ll have the stage on St. Patrick’s
Photos: Courtesy of Solas Nua
Day at 9 p.m. A multitalented instrumentalist with incredibly moving vocals to boot, McPhillimy combines jazz-inflected indie music with reflective narratives about her experience being on the road. “She’s the nicest woman you ever met, and she’s also a brilliant composer and singer,” Meskell says. Jonah King, a renowned Irish videographer, will join an artists’ panel on opening night with Jackie Hoysted, who serves as Solas Nua’s exhibit curator and visual arts director. Known for his inspiring interpretation of how the power of digital media relates to our connection with land, King represents the talent of the Irish contemporary arts community. “For some reason, Ireland is not very well-known for its visual art, and yet we have incredible talent there,” Hoysted says. “My mission at Solas Nua is to change that. Jonah represents that amazing talent; he is an emerging, award-winning contemporary Irish artist who produces excellent work worthy of the world stage.” To start the festivities on Friday night, Hoysted will introduce visitors to about 18 exhibits of visual art that will be projected onto the wall, side by side. Throughout the weekend, other featured events include a seisún, a high-energy musical improvisation performance by anyone who wants to join, and an exhibit of ancient Celtic scriptures.
“There’s an Ireland that’s changing, that’s grittier, that’s outward looking and that has this whole new generation of artists of all disciplines examining life today in Ireland.” 10
ON TAP | MARCH 2018 | www.ontaponline.com
“Falling Not Flattening” video still by Lisa Freeman
Visitors will also receive a free copy of New Writing from Ireland, a 32-page selection of fiction and poetry from Dublin-based magazine The Stinging Fly. With all of these exhibits and more, Sights and Sounds is the best way to get a broad range of Irish culture in one place. “Our focus is that Dupont Underground will be a place where people can come, and they don’t have to go to the pubs to experience contemporary Ireland,” Meskell says. Above everything else, Meskell’s Irish blood is the most vital aspect to his character. “My Irish heritage is incredibly important. I am proud of who we are as a nation. I am proud of our people, I am proud of our history, I am proud of our language, I am proud of our culture and I am proud of the contribution we make in the world.”
“Ireland is such a small country. History and heritage is in the fields, it’s in the stones, it’s in the walls and it’s in the rivers. It’s very personal and very intimate.” To him, Irish heritage means being friendly and outgoing with a deep respect for Ireland’s cultural history. It means being passionate and poetic, but still connected to the soil and stone that they grew up in. He says that the Irish revere graveyards because they tell a story of past ancestors, land and generations of culture. “Ireland is such a small country,” he says. “You don’t have to go to the museum. History and heritage is in the fields, it’s in the stones, it’s in the walls and it’s in the rivers. It’s very personal and very intimate.” Sights and Sounds of Today’s Ireland is open from 7-9:30 p.m. on Friday, March 16 and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. Hours on Sunday, March 18 are still TBD. Learn more at www.solasnua.org.
Dupont Underground: 19 Dupont Circle NW, DC www.dupontunderground.org
March 9-May 12, 2018 book by William F. Brown; music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls; from the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum; choreographed by Dell Howlett; directed by Kent Gash
Under 35 Night! April 20 and May 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Get $20 tickets with code* UNDER3518 Join us for complimentary drinks after the show. Event Media Partner:
Discount code also good for Friday evening performances throughout run.
*
www.fords.org
Tickets: (888) 616-0270 Photo of Ines Nassara by Scott Suchman.
www.ontaponline.com | March 2018 | On Tap
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k c a B to the
e r u Fig
T
A Classic Art Tradition Sees New Life
By Hayley McKey Photo: Hayley McKey
Capitol Hill Arts Center sketch
he figure in art is seeing a renaissance. Contemporary artists are taking a fresh approach to the human form, and their work is readily seen on Instagram and other social media platforms. Depictions of the figure, and art in general, are more accessible than ever. Artists like Elly Smallwood and Chloe Wise use the body to explore intense emotions or make playful cultural commentary. Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, the two artists commissioned to paint the official portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama, are redefining the genre by infusing their subjects with meaning far beyond a simple likeness. “I think there’s a certain novelty there; it’s something that has been ignored for so long,” says Will Fleishell, who runs the open drawing sessions at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop in Eastern Market. “Artists are looking back 100 years or so and saying, ‘We’ve lost something.’” That newfound respect for figurative art is reflected in new figure drawing events around the city, bringing people together to study one of art’s greatest icons: the human being. It’s a way to meet people and build community while doing something creative, and it’s bringing in diverse crowds. “I am always amazed at the variety of types of people who show up: professors, diplomats, doctors, students, moms, designers,” says DC-based event creator, figure model and On Tap contributing writer Courtney Sexton. “Art really is a great equalizer.”
She holds bimonthly figure drawing events for all skill levels at Park View hotspot Colony Club. Attendees draw the model, but also socialize during breaks and often hang around to talk at the bar after the session is over. Sexton says the location and friendly atmosphere are big parts of what keeps people coming back. “There is often live jazz music drifting up the stairs and people are free to talk or not, drink or not – just enjoy the company and the catharsis that art can provide,” she says. It’s a refreshing break from the hectic news cycle and high-pressure jobs that dominate the lives of many in the area. Fleishell, a professional artist with a deep knowledge of art history, says such a laidback approach isn’t actually a new concept. “A number of the best portrait painters in history were real raconteurs, and they would engage their subject and try to get people out of their shells a little bit,” he says. Fleishell is friends with many of the artists who come to his sessions and the models who pose for them. “I think artists should be able to feel freer with themselves and have a little more fun,” says figure model and photographer Sheba Amante. “As a model, I get a lot of my energy from the group vibe, just as the artists get a lot of their energy from the models posing.” Amante started working with artists and posing for classes and drawing groups in the area in 2010. “I have approached my modeling work with the same compulsion and drive to create something new as I have with my own art,” she says.
“I think figure drawing forces you to be more present. It is difficult for the model to hold a pose, so as an artist, you recognize that time is precious. It forces you to concentrate in the moment.”
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Colony Club class
Photo: Courtney Sexton
She has seen several changes in DC’s figure modeling community over the past eight years, including the loss of some established figure drawing classes in the area. “Several of the area’s universities have reduced or altogether removed life drawing and figurative art courses from their curriculum,” she says. “I’ve also noticed a handful of groups have shut down as artists lose their studios and such spaces in the DC area become more expensive. In the wake of these more public drawing groups dispersing, many artists have taken to hiring models on their own or in smaller, more intimate groups of friends.” DC resident Matt Smith did just that when the popular drawing group Washington Drawing Center disbanded in 2016. He began hosting drawing sessions in his apartment with a new figure model every month, and the project is still going strong. “I think people like the relaxed, informal environment we’ve cultivated,” Smith says. “We’ve grown through word-of-mouth so most of us are friends, or friends of friends. Some life drawing sessions feel like you’re taking a standardized test; no one talks, and it feels very anonymous.” Artist and curator Jalila Williams’ event series Artist Evolve is anything but a standardized test. For her past few events, she set up models wearing expressive body paint under colorful lights and included food, live DJs and vendors selling handmade goods. She says that even if they don’t consider themselves artists, attendees can feel comfortable trying it out. “You’re inspired by watching everyone else, so you might take your phone and take a few visual shots or ask for a sheet of paper and pencil, and folks are always willing to share,” she says. It also facilitates networking, according to Williams. “Vendors build their clientele by meeting interested buyers of their product, having a caterer allows people to give their food a try, and models, photographers and artists all get to meet each other.” Williams kicked off her Artist Evolve event series in 2015 at music and art space Mousai House in the Union Arts building that used to stand at 411 New York Ave. Sadly, the building was sold to developers and is in the process of being converted into a boutique hotel. Williams has held events since then in other venues and hopes to do more in the future. “In terms of the overall DC art community, it’s definitely booming,” she says. “There’s so much potential here and I hope that I continue to build a platform for artists to try something new.” Amante also has a positive view of how the DC art community may evolve with respect to figure drawing. “I see drawing groups in the DC area becoming more diversified as more people organize their own groups, and word gets around that art and drawing can be a fun social event for groups of friends to bond
Artist Evolve class
Photo: Jalila Williams
over. I hope to see groups be more experimental with the types of poses and even the models that they invite to pose for them.” She notes the importance of increasing inclusivity for models. “I’d love to see more inclusion of nonwhite skin tones and a wider range of body types and gender identities in the figure art created locally.” So what is it about the figure itself that’s so engaging? “I think figure drawing forces you to be more present,” Smith says. “It is difficult for the model to hold a pose, so as an artist, you recognize that time is precious. It forces you to concentrate in the moment.” Right now, figure drawing sessions in DC are giving people the opportunity to both build new skills and make new connections. The human form may continue its resurgence in the larger art world, or it may fall out of favor again. But the power of art to bring people together will never lose its attraction. It’s something to be celebrated and encouraged, Fleishell says. “Artists are part of society, and we have to build that society.” Learn more about Fleishell’s Capitol Hill Arts Workshop classes at www.chaw.org and Sexton’s Colony Club classes at www.colonyclubdc. com, and follow Williams on Instagram at @bohemianfootprints for updates on future Artist Evolve events.
For other drawing classes around the city, check out the following spots: Life drawing classes at Hillyer Art Space: 9 Hillyer Ct. NW, DC; www.athillyer.org Open drawing sessions at McLean Project for the Arts: 1446 Chain Bridge Rd. McLean, VA; www.mpaart.org Weekend Art Group classes at Montgomery College Rockville: 51 Mannakee St. Rockville, MD; https://cms.montgomerycollege.edu The Art League drawing classes at Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N Union St. Alexandria, VA; www.theartleague.org www.ontaponline.com | March 2018 | On Tap
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By Michael Loria
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retchen Schermerhorn sees to it that the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center (PAAC) treads a fine line between assuming the role of serious arts space and community center where “everything is great and everyone gets a ribbon.” “We want to fall in that middle area of being the go-to and the experts, but also being welcoming,” PAAC’s artistic director tells me on a tour of the Hyattsville-based center, along with executive director Kate Davis. PAAC moved back to Hyattsville in 2017 after 13 years in Silver Spring. And before that, they were in Riverdale, which is adjacent to Hyattsville. “Depending on how long they have been with us, people either say, ‘Welcome’ or ‘Welcome back!’” Schermerhorn says. The new space feels cavernous and has a number of retro arts studios including a bindery, darkroom, letterpress, print shop, papermaking studio and screenprinting studio. Additionally, the space houses 18 artists-in-residence.
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Photos: Courtesy of PAAC
We’re about enabling artists to do their own thing. I may not agree with your vision, but I want to help you say what you say best. Davis tells me that the building was first a church – hence the Corinthian columns inside – then was expanded into a silent movie house and after that, became a duckpin bowling alley. It seems to have been abandoned when they first moved in because Schermerhorn tells me that there were plants growing inside and they found duckpins in the walls, one of which is on display at the front desk. The top two floors are mainly gallery spaces with inconspicuous artist studios, but it’s downstairs that we spend most of our time.
Pyramid Atlantic Art Center: 4318 Gallatin St. Hyattsville, MD 301-608-9101; www.pyramidatlanticartcenter.org
Photos: Devin Overbey
“I like to call the downstairs the casino,” Schermerhorn says. “It operates all the time, and you may be having so much fun you lose track of the time.” She shows me the different studio spaces. It’s the middle of the day on a Tuesday, so not all of them are in use. These include many of the machines at the front of the shop like the letterpress, the bindery and the Hollander beater used in papermaking. These machines are massive – they’re pure cast-iron and weigh around half a ton. There are also a number of others which I don’t recognize, and one which looks like a guillotine. Schermerhorn tells me that it is in fact a guillotine, but it’s only used for cutting the homemade books. It could cut much more than that though, which is why it is kept chained up when not in use. In the print shop and screenprinting studio, a few working artists – part of the Art Gym program – look engrossed. I ask one of them if I can take her picture as she steps back to appraise her work, and politely she declines. “I’m a social media holdout,” she says. Schermerhorn then shows me her own personal studio, including the negative for a screenprint she made for artist Mike Bidlo for Brand New: Art and Commodity in the 1980s, a new Smithsonian exhibit at the Hirshhorn. At nearly five feet tall, it’s the biggest Schermerhorn has ever made. “It’s nearly as big as me, though that’s not saying much.” At the start of our interview, Schermerhorn had told me that she hopes the PAAC would be the go-to place for quality work and the fact that she is working in conjunction with Smithsonian-commissioned artists like Bidlo speaks to PAAC having met that goal. Davis, however, assures me that commissioned work comes second to being a home for artists, whether established or still budding. “We’ll do some gigs, but philosophically, we would rather teach you to do it,” she says. “We’d rather put someone in a class so that they can learn to do it. It’s more exciting for us.” Schermerhorn backs Davis up. “We’re about enabling artists to do their own thing. I may not agree with your vision, but I want to help you say what you say best.” That ethos in part comes from the PAAC’s founding impetus: to give artists a shared space to house tools and share techniques. “We were a makerspace before they were a thing,” Davis tells me. PAAC has all of the tools and the knowledge to turn even the clothes off your back into paper and then into a beautifully bound book. In so far as they have all of the tools and all of the knowledge under one roof, the center is the only place locally that affords that. The next closest place you might find that, Schermerhorn tells me, is Philadelphia. When I go to leave, I take my coat from the handcrafted coat rack. It was made by an artist named Franc Rosario, who is also the woodshop and facilities manager at PAAC. Davis tells me that the coat rack almost never came to be. “Once I threatened to buy something from IKEA and Franc almost lost his mind,” she says laughing. “I was like, ‘We can just get some coat hooks from IKEA,’ and he was like, ‘I think that we have a look here and I don’t want to mess it up with your IKEA hooks.’” Looking around the center, you can get a sense of what Rosario means. Aside from the 19th-century machines, most everything exudes a personal touch, and it’s this passion simply for making that PAAC hopes to impart to its visitors. For more information on lessons and workshops, visit the PAAC website. Or just stop in for one of the studio happy hours, to check out the gift shop or to take a look at the current exhibit, Not Too High, Not Too Low, featuring the world’s largest pop-up book. Nat Geo Nights guests got a peek inside the mysterious and remarkable world of birds while enjoying food and drink, and notable National Geographic bird nerd speakers.
www.ontaponline.com | March 2018 | On Tap
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A Day in the
Life PIXIE WINDSOR
Vintage Furniture Connoisseur & Owner of Miss Pixie’s BySexton Courtney Sexton By Courtney
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Photos: Courtesy of Miss Pixie’s
iss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot is nestled in the middle of DC’s bustling 14th Street Corridor, and it’s one of the best places in the city for window shopping. But unlike many of the newer businesses in the neighborhood, the store’s windows – filled with swoon-worthy vintage furniture finds – have been beckoning customers in for more than 20 years. And speaking from personal experience, once inside, it’s hard to leave the cozy, trendy time warp. That’s because owner Pixie Windsor has seen a lot and knows a thing or two about staying relevant – especially when the game is
On Tap: You’ve been operating your shop in DC for more than 20 years, and this month you’re celebrating 10 years in your current location on 14th Street. What kind of changes have you seen? Pixie Windsor: Fourteenth Street has gotten crazy expensive. My lease is astronomical, and I don’t know if I’ll renew it in four years. But until then, I’m happy to continue to serve old and young, local DCers and transients alike. While [the city] has changed a lot, we’ve stayed very busy. I have a lot of really wonderful regulars. I have a lot of customers that I’ve had since
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retro. More than just owning a store, Pixie makes a point to prop up the community: she donates time, space and design ideas to local organizations and businesses, and hosts events and DIY workshops in the shop. Even her website offers customers recommendations for other local vintage, repair and upholstery shops. Windsor shared some insight on how to nab that great statement piece. Pro tip 1: Play it cool at auction; poker face is key. Pro tip 2: Pixie goes to auction every Tuesday and Wednesday, so that’s the time to buy. Don’t wait for a Sunday stroll into the shop after brunch, cause if you snooze, you lose – unless of course, you just want to stop in for some chocolate chip cookies.
1997, who still come around from back when the shop was in Adams Morgan. But I’m also lucky that DC is full of evermoving, ever-changing, ever-transferring in-and-out folks, because I think the word gets out that if you want good furniture for a good price, mine is a great place to get it. OT: What does it take to have the kind of staying power that you do? PW: I have to be current and keep changing with the times as far as what’s going on with the furniture world. But I also have to stay in the ballpark in terms of
not having things [be] insanely expensive. We have cookies and music and I want everybody to feel like they can plop down on a sofa. It’s nice to fill a little need that’s going on in the neighborhood, and source locally as much as possible. I have a great manager and a really trustworthy staff, and I don’t have to worry when I’m out of town. Back in Adams Morgan, I was even on the delivery trucks. Another thing is that I came onto the scene knowing nothing about social media, and I have someone who does that. I’m very fortunate that way.
Can’t Live Without Good transportation Really, really good music Really comfortable clothes Time alone to think and clear my head Physical and mental strength of the people around me OT: Miss Pixie’s has branched out to hosting events. What have been some of your favorites? PW: The terrarium building was really popular, and so was the lamp making. We’re probably going to do one every other month. There’s actually a whole spectrum of things that we do. We just like to keep involved. We’ve done art exhibits, [and] we’ve loaned and set up furniture for theaters. I’ve done some design work for DC Brau. We’ve done just about anything. People say, “How are you going to make this work?” and I’m like, “It’ll take us 20 minutes.” If I can do it, especially with local theatre groups, I’m happy to work with them. It’s my way of giving back to the community.
OT: Were you born with an eye for spotting retro fashions and furnishings? When did you realize that this was your passion? PW: I come from a family that went to auctions for everything, so I love the auction scene. I grew up on a dairy farm in the middle of nowhere on the Eastern Shore [of Maryland], and my plan was to become an artist and move to New York. When it took me 10 years to get through four years of college, I thought I should slow down. So I came to DC and just loved the people. One day I was in Adams Morgan and saw [our original space]. I went in there and it was for rent and I said, “This is it.” And the guy there told me how to do the auctions. He said, “Don’t do consignment.” OT: How do you differentiate between vintage and “old junk”? PW: I know that everyone in DC is too busy to paint or repair or send pieces out to upholster, so everything I buy, I make an effort to make sure it can come off the truck and go into someone’s home. I usually buy what I like. My staff gets to do some buying, too. Mostly, I look for pieces that are functional and comfortable and in good shape. My customers know they’ll be getting a good product. We’re aware what the going price is. I price everything to move.
Miss Pixie’s Must-Haves Fun customers An amazing staff Dependable transportation Good attitude and a lot of energy Endless supply of great things from auctions OT: What’s the secret to winning that really clutch item at the auction? PW: The secret is just to stand around and not act too interested. The auctions are all very different; some are full of people with conservative taste who like traditional furniture, so if there’s a pair of lime green arm chairs, those have my name on them. The most important thing is to get good rest and be ready and on top of it at the auction – and don’t be too enthusiastic.
Learn more about Miss Pixie’s at www.misspixies.com, and follow the shop on Instagram at @misspixiesdc. Miss Pixie’s: 1626 14th St. NW, DC 202-232-8171; www.misspixies.com www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | On Tap
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By Trent Johnson and Natalia Kolenko
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Photo: Courtesy of Tanglewood
f there’s one thing about fashion and home décor that we’re certain of, it’s that what was trendy decades ago will probably be coming back in style sometime soon if it hasn’t already. If you’re like us and you have already raided your parents’ wardrobe for retro finds with no success, your next best bet is a vintage shop. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind wardrobe or just want to add to your cut-off jean collection, one of these DC locations is bound to have what you’re looking for.
HOME Community Forklift While not a store that sells antique or retro furniture per se, Community Forklift does offer people donated materials for home improvement. A nonprofit center, members of Community Forklift pick up unused building materials throughout the DC area and then sell the materials at a low cost, including vintage materials for restoring old homes. 4671 Tanglewood Dr. Edmonston, MD; www.communityforklift.org Foundry by Freeman Founder Yvette Freeman was inspired to bring a Parisian-style flea market to DC, and thus created Foundry by Freeman. A mix of vintage vogue and modern style, all pieces are handpicked by Freeman and the store is updated once a month with new finds. 1954 2nd St. NW, DC; www.foundrybyfreeman.com GoodWood GoodWood is all about the classic American retail experience of our parents’ and grandparents’ time. Established in DC in 1994, expect to find one of DC’s only niche perfume
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makes this store stand out from others. Not only do they encourage people to buy local, they understand the architecture of the surrounding area and know exactly what kind of pieces do and don’t work for local shoppers. Peg Leg focuses mostly on affordable, mid-century houseware but has items from all bygone eras. 9600 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD; www.peglegretro.com
Photo: Courtesy of Miss Pixie’s
counters and handmade shoes mixed in with their mid-century furniture. 1428 U St. NW, DC; www.goodwooddc.com Miss Pixie’s Miss Pixie’s has been offering up mid-century to “shabby chic” furniture finds in DC for over 20 years. Shoppers can find everything from chairs and vanities to art and vinyl, or just stop in for a cookie and enjoy the music on a funky couch. Pixie’s also hosts events and DIY workshops like lamp making and make-yourown-terrarium. 1626 14th St. NW, DC; www.misspixies.com Mom N Pop Antiques Established in 1986 in Petworth, Mom N Pop Antiques has everything from furniture and lamps to tools and records. But what adds a little extra something to this retro store is its friendly and personable owners, Bill and Gail Sims, who are always around to assist patrons. 3534 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.attic-dc.com/store/mom-n-pop-antiques Peg Leg Peg Leg Owners Chad and Krisi Hora are locals through and through, and that’s what
Rust and Refind While Rust and Refind does have a selection of antique and vintage furniture, their specialty is refurbishing old pieces to their former glory. Owner Brenda Potts developed her home décor skills during her army wife days when she collected pieces from all over the world and had to find ways to make them fit together in every new home she had. 8101 Richmond Hwy. Alexandria, VA; www.rustandrefind.com Something Vintage Something Vintage puts a unique twist on vintage and antique furniture in that they rent out their pieces for parties. They handpick and refurbish each piece and rent out everything from tables and sofas to bars and buffets, and if they don’t have what you want, they can almost always make it. 4826 Stamp Rd. Temple Hills, MD; www.my.somethingvintagerentals.com Stylish Patina Falls Church native Kelly Millspaugh Thompson established Stylish Patina after she quit her corporate job in 2011. She aims to collect and sell pieces that have a modern function but a vintage soul. She also sells refurbishing materials like Chalk Paint and Milk Paint and teaches classes on how to use them. 410 South Maple Ave. Suite 114, Falls Church, VA; www.stylishpatina.com
Tanglewood Tanglewood focuses on upcycling; not only do they restore old pieces, they turn them into something new. They also offer DIY classes where you can paint your own upcycled furniture. 5132 Baltimore Ave. Hyattsville, MD; www.tanglewoodworks.com
FASHION Amalgamated Costume and Design Store This Arlington (formerly Alexandria) shop has been written about a few times for its epic costume contributions to hit shows like Boardwalk Empire, as well as Broadway plays. And though it is somewhat exclusive to creatives in show business, the store does still offer a small selection of clothes for purchase. While you may not get an expansive quantity of items to sift through, the quality of Amalgamated’s retro wear is about as high as you would expect from a place that has garnered praise for dressing actors on the regular. The only catch is the location is kind of hard to spot, and doors are only open to the public on Saturdays. However, they do purchase clothes via appointment, so if you’re looking to unload a dress or blazer that’s a little old-fashioned for your taste, it’s worth gauging their interest. 5179 B Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA; www.amalgamated-clothing.com Analog If you’re in the market for handmade accessories, home goods and pins, Analog isn’t a bad place to be. However, this store provides more than just the little things. Apart from the aforementioned items, Analog also gives customers a bevy of options for retro clothing including casual and classy garments for numerous occasions. Though there are only a few racks donning these fashionable finds, the store is stuffed with imaginative trinkets worth checking out. Also, can we just take a second to talk about how great a name “Analog” is for a store specializing in retro products? 716 Monroe St. NE, DC; www.shopanalog.com Buffalo Exchange While exploring hole-in-the-wall spots for retro clothes, there is an excitement to be had venturing into the unknown. For example, heading into a store without a sign where you sift through countless unwanted items that probably don’t fit in your closet, just so you can find the one T-shirt that will. We agree that’s all fun and good, but sometimes you want to depend on others to do dumpster dives for hip clothing on your behalf. Enter Buffalo Exchange. The used clothing chain has locations throughout the U.S., including
Photo: Courtesy of Vintage Mirage
a few in the DC area. Whether you’re a man or woman, hypebeast or button-down connoisseur, this store contains a plethora of throwback fits to add some old-school variety to your outfits. 1318 14th St. NW, DC; www.buffaloexchange.com Elinor Coleman’s Vintage Mirage Whenever you provide clothing from three different centuries, you sort of have your work cut out for you. Luckily, the experts at Vintage Mirage are more than qualified to provide women of the DMV tremendous variety in influence, inspiration and era. Plus, the store often takes requests, is always willing to do its best to accommodate special requests and constantly makes efforts to provide a wide spectrum requisite of the famed Alexandria store’s reputation. They’ll even offer advice on what is stylish for a vacation, trip or just for your everyday wardrobe. These folks love all things style and fashion, and the retro aesthetic is undeniably charming. 117 S. Columbus St. Alexandria, VA; www.vintagemirage.com Joint Custody If you only know of Joint Custody because of its wicked logo and social media updates on the records within its walls, you might be missing out on a plethora of interesting retro fits. The store’s record collection is truly impeccable, but the clothes – ranging from the 1930s-80s – are the real finds here. I know, records are all the rage now, but a truly unique T-shirt from a bygone year is sometimes as special, if not more so, than a piece of wax music. Besides, have you ever heard of CDs, tapes and MP3s? What’s that? Those aren’t cool anymore? Alright you’ve got us, we like records too. Just don’t ignore the clothes; they have joint custody of the place. Ha. 1530 U St. NW, DC; www.fb.com/JointCustodyDC Meeps I don’t know about you all, but when I see the word “meep,” what comes to mind is the
sound made by Spongebob Squarepants anchovies hungry for Krabby Patties. Though the store in DC known as Meeps has nothing to do with yellow sponges or sardines, the self-described retro fashion store is geared toward “rebels, rock stars and romantics,” aka folks with a flair for the fashionably dramatic. The shop acts as a place for understated accessories such as hats and necklaces, but doubles as a stop for people in search of the perfect vibrant 90s-style puffer coat. Regardless of what genre your personal style falls into, Meeps brings a taste of higher-end clothes from yesteryear. 2104 18th St. NW, DC; www.meepsdc.com Polly Sue’s Opened in 1999, Polly Sue’s offers clothing from the past so that it maintains relevance in today’s society. That’s a pretty noble cause, but what they’re trying to say is, “We offer cool shit from the past because it still looks cool.” Both are true, and whether you’re a lady or a guy, this store has retro items from the 1880s up to the 1980s. While I’m not sure how well clothes made in the 1880s would hold up, I’m also not an expert at all – although I do pretend to be one for a living. Once you enter the store, the colors will pop off the hangers and you won’t be sure whether to gravitate toward the numerous classic flannels or the dynamic denim from a simpler time. 6929 Laurel Ave. Takoma Park, MD; www.fb.com/pollysuesvintage Smash Records With a name like Smash, it’s no wonder this store is the DC mecca for used punk wear. We’re talking black boots, rock shirts and other vintage clothes to get you dressed for your favorite rock concert. The store has been open since 1984, and also features records (hello, Captain Obvious), hair dye and CDs to go along with Doc Martens, Vans and Converse shoes. The store also buys used items that are in decent shape, so trading in and upgrading with the store’s inventory is always on the table. 2314 18th St. NW, DC; www.smashrecords.com Via Gypset Perhaps the best website to peruse on a rainy day, Via Gypset offers everything from eclectic throwback ski suits to floral print dresses to various sweaters of different colors and designs. Founded in 2012 by native Washingtonian Isabella Polles, this store has gained a national – scratch that – international following. By the way, the meaning behind the name makes it all the more special once you realize it means Street Gypsy + Jet Set, which is exactly the sort of themes this trailblazing store sets out to offer. 2311 Calvert St. NW, DC; www.viagypset.com www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP
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The
Did You Know?
By Michael Loria
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Can’t wait for season six of The Americans to start? Get your spy fix by checking out the FBI’s old spy house, located directly across from the former Soviet Embassy.
Look for the “Kilroy was here” tag at the WWII Memorial, a sort of proto-meme from the war.
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In 1965, Bob Dylan also performed at the Coliseum. A photo taken from the concert is used as the cover photo of his 1967 album Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits.
There’s a Darth Vader gargoyle keeping inconspicuous vigil in Washington National Cathedral.
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The Washington Coliseum, formerly Uline Arena, hosted The Beatles for their first U.S. concert in 1964.
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There are tons of all-vinyl DJ nights around the District, but DC9’s monthly vinyl-only night, hosted by DC Vinyl Headz, is a great place to start.
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Look to Red Derby for Mario Kart and Wednesday Wings, and get the rundown on the best retro, game-filled bars in DC on page 48.
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Stop by the Atlantic Pyramid Arts Center in Hyattsville for a retro arts fix, and read Michael Loria’s story on the center on page 14.
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Miss your limber kung fu days? Check out Songbyrd’s monthly classic kung fu screenings.
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Check out Landmark West End Cinema’s classic film screenings, and learn more about DC’s love affair with film nostalgia in Trent Johnson’s article on page 8.
Check out Black Cat’s calendar for retro dance parties, including Depeche Mode and Star Wars-themed nights. Read about more retro dance nights around the city on page 54.
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For more analog games, stop by Black Cat and let loose on the vintage pinball machines.
Facts courtesy of the following articles: #1: www.newscastic.com/news/13-strange-and-weird-d-c-facts-2495317/ #2: www.atlasobscura.com/places/kilroy-was-here #3: www.atlasobscura.com/places/fbi-spy-house #4, 5: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Coliseum #6: http://dcnine.com/calendar/2018/01/04/dc-vinyl-headz-2/ #7: www.landmarktheatres.com #8: www.blackcatdc.com/schedule.html #9: www.redderby.com/specials/wednesday/ #10: www.songbyrddc.com/shows/2018-02-27-can-i-kick-it #11: www.blackcatdc.com/pinball.html #12: www.pyramidatlanticartcenter.org
r u o y h s a unle
! N U A H C E R P E L ST. PAT’S 2018 DRINK SPECIALS SATURDAY MARCH 17 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT * DC | MARYLAND | VIRGINIA *Live Entertainment at select locations. Green beer and Jameson features valid March 17, 2018. Offers, dates, times, prices, details and availability subject to change and may vary by location. See server for details. No cash value. May your blood run green and your party be epic. ©2018 BL Restaurant Operations, LLC. All rights reserved. All local, state, and federal laws apply to this purchase. We serve responsibly, you should drink responsibly. DC-MD-VA
All Drink, Dine, Do event listings are provided by the venues hosting them.
Events Ireland at The Wharf We’re bringing the luck of the Irish to the waterfront with our Ireland on The Wharf festival! Celebrate the beauty and tradition of the Emerald Isle with bagpipers, a beer garden, Irish dancers, live music, and plenty of familyfriendly activities on District Pier. And, of course, sip a pint of Guinness in honor of St. Patrick’s Day at Kirwan’s Irish Pub. 2-6 p.m. Free to attend. The Wharf: 700 Water St. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 10 Lucky 10 St. Paddy’s Bash Celebrate the luck of the Irish at Club Heaven & Hell with 10 bands performing on the main stage and 10 acoustic acts on the side stage. 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. Tickets are $15. Club Heaven & Hell: 2327 18th St. NW, DC; www.clubheavenandhelldc.com
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SUNDAY, MARCH 11 The Washington DC 48th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade This St. Pat’s parade fosters the understanding of and celebrates the Irish culture in America. The St. Pat’s Day Parade has been held annually in DC since 1971. This annual affair has grown from what was little more than a leisurely stroll by a few hundred participants on Massachusetts Avenue to a mile long, two-hour celebration of Irish culture along Constitution Avenue. 12-2 p.m. Free admission. St. Patrick’s Parade: Starting and ending at Constitution Avenue and 17th Street in NW, DC; www.dcstpatsparade.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 Whisky Brothers: St. Paddy’s & Irish Whiskey It’s St. Paddy’s season, which means The Whisky Brothers must be nearby. They’ll be walking us through the history of Irish whiskey, and pouring tastes to
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 Luck of the Draw at The Daley Don’t miss the Luck of the Draw St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at The Daley at Shady Grove Metro. Enjoy a featured whiskey sampling from MS Walker, light fare from Finnegan’s Wake, music by Brad Pugh and the chance to win an array of prizes from our luck of the draw competition. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to see The Daley’s beautiful amenity spaces while you enjoy St. Patrick’s themed food and drinks. 7-9 p.m. Free to attend, but you must RSVP online. The Daley: 8010 Gramercy Blvd. Rockville, MD; http://tickets.ontaponline.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 17 Clover Beer Fest 2018 Thanks to the luck o’ the Irish, Clover Beer Fest is returning for 2018. Stocked with your favorite Irish beers and ciders and unlimited access to green beer, there is something for everyone. You don’t need to have a leprechaun’s luck to enjoy this amazing day. They’ll bring the tasty brats, bagpipes, and brews, while you gather all your friends and get ready to dance. They are offering tastings of 100+ beers and ciders, unlimited full pour beverages, access to DC area food vendors, and live entertainment all day. 1-9 p.m. Tickets $25-75. Akridge Lot at Buzzard Point: 32-60 R St. SW, DC; www.fb.com/ cloverbeerfest
Luck of the Irish March is here, leaving only our hearts’ content. Dive into weeks until your favorite the best drams the Emerald Isle holiday, and there’s nowhere has to offer. 7-9 p.m. Tickets are better to celebrate it than at $45.50. Petworth Citizen: 829 The Park! It’s the luck of Irish, Upshur DC; Magazine Ad — 7.5˝w HMWSt.—NW, OnTap x 4.8˝h and chances are, it’s about to www.petworthcitizen.com
be your lucky day! Join as Park at 14th celebrates St.Pat’s with drinks and food. Guests must RSVP before entry. 6 p.m. - 3 a.m. Free entry. The Park at Fourteenth: 920 14th St. NE, DC; www.park14.com Luck of the Irish Pub Crawl Come join for St. Patrick’s Day in DC for our annual St. Paddy’s Pub Crawl around Dupont Circle. You’ll get to indulge in awesome drink specials all night long as you and your friends bounce from bar to bar, celebrating the best drinking night of the entire year. When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, get on down to the registration location for a list of all the participating locations as well as the official St. Paddy’s wristband that will grant you access to the city’s best drink specials. Party all day long as you join the rest of the pubcrawlers and checking out the cities hotspots. 1-8 p.m. Tickets are $19.50 plus registration fee. Luck of the Irish Pub Crawl: Registration location TBD; www.pubcrawls.com
Shamrock Bar Crawl Celebrate a day of green revelry and fun group shenanigans. Join thousands of fellow Irish loving and beer drinkers as they flood Dupont Circle and turn it green. Each bar will feature Shamrock shenanigans and Shamrock beverage deals. With registration you’ll receive a complimentary refillable signature Shamrock mug, party favors and free pictures of the event. 21+ only. 2-10 p.m. $20$40. The Front Page: 133 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; www.merevents.com Shamrock Fiesta 2018 Join us for the 5th Annual Shamrock Fiesta. Open bar runs from 1-4 p.m., the patio will be open, DJ Dimmy and NCAA basketball will be on the big screens. Come toast the luck of the Irish at Dupont’s best and only Mexican saloon and enjoy an open bar featuring margaritas, mimosas, bloodies, beer and a brunch buffet. 1-4 p.m. Ticket prices will continue to increase, and the event will
SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2 : 00 – 6 : 00PM We’re bringing the luck of the Irish to the waterfront with our Ireland on The Wharf festival! Celebrate the beauty and tradition of the Emerald Isle with bagpipers, a beer garden, Irish dancers, live music, and plenty of family-friendly activities. And, of course, sip a pint of Guinness in honor of St. Patrick’s Day at Kirwan’s Irish Pub. Free to attend, must be age 21+ to consume alcohol.
For more information, follow us on social media or visit wharfdc.com.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 17 ShamrockFest at RFK ShamrockFest is America’s largest St. Paddy’s Day festival, where thousands shake their shamrocks to a variety of current and nostalgic rock bands. It’s pure shenanigans where the beer flows strong and everyone is Irish for the day. This huge DC festival will have live music all day, including Sum 41, Shaggy, Reel Big Fish and many more. 12-8 p.m. $35-$90, prices will increase soon. RFK Stadium Festival Grounds: 2400 E Capitol St. SE, DC; www.shamrockfest.com
They will have live music from Magnolia Blue and a tapping of Tori’s ROCK STAR Red Ale at 2 p.m. They will also have Irish food specials and our award-winning beer! 2-6 p.m. Free entry. Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 West Broad St. Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com
sell out early. Mission Dupont: 1606 20th St. NW, DC; www.missiondupont.com
St. Patrick’s Day All-Day Pregame Whether you’re sticking around Tysons Biergarten or heading to DC to party, you can make TBG your first stop. The kitchen will be making breakfast burritos until supplies run out. There will be giveaways, live music, drink specials and photo ops. 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. Free entry. Tysons Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, VA; www.tysonsbiergarten.com
St. Paddy’s Day Party at Mad Fox Brewing Co. Come join Mad Fox and ROCK STAR Realty for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.
St. Patrick’s Day Beer Garden Party Join the St. Patrick’s Day Party in The Watergate Hotel’s new beer garden with bottomless
Happy Hour! 3-8pm 1/2 Off Appetizer Drink Specials!
Guinness on tap and a buffet, including traditional St. Patrick’s Day pub foods like bangers and mash, fish-n-chips and more. 12-3 p.m. Tickets are $50. The Watergate Hotel: 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, DC; www.thewatergatehotel.com St. Patrick’s Day Whisky Tasting Party Whisky basics class that will teach beginners how to talk, enjoy and shop for Irish whisky. Guests will be greeted with a welcome drink and will taste three Irish whiskies as they learn about each spirit. Passed hors d’oeuvres will be paired with our featured Irish whiskies. 2-4 p.m. Tickets are $70. The Net Whisky Bar: 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, DC; www.thewatergatehotel.com St. Patrick’s Irish Stroll Bring the Blarney to Washington, DC this St. Patrick’s Day! Crawl through the city at the Irish Stroll on and celebrate the luck of the Irish with free admission and magic drink
St. Patrick’s Day! Green Drinks Irish & Pub Fare Plenty of Specials!
specials at participating bars. Don your wristband and grab a bar crawl map when you register at the registration site from 1-8 p.m. Then you’re ready to crawl. Drink specials, times and prices vary per venue. Ticket holders may visit participating venues in any order. Registration sites, bars and drink specials are subject to change. All sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable regardless of attendance. This event is 21+. 2-10 p.m. Tickets are $25-$47. Registration location: 1825 M St. NW, DC; www.barcrawls. com/washington-dc
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 Night Lab: Hackology You won’t want to miss this brand new event with LabX and Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences, featuring team trivia, group activities, mini-tours, photo challenges and drinks and free food. Recommended for ages 18+, must be 21+ to drink. 6-8:30
Sunday Brunch 11-3pm
Trivia Night Starts at 7pm
1301 S. Joyce St. • Arlington Pentagon Row • Pentagon City 703-415-4420 • www.sineirishpub.com 24
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THURSDAY, MARCH 8 Civic Restoratives Launch Party Republic Restoratives, a womenowned DC distillery, is hosting a launch party with Thunder Grill to celebrate the release of Civic Vodka, a triple distilled corn vodka. This event will feature two specialty cocktails made with Civic Vodka, a tasting table manned by one or more of the distillery owners and a special menu of appetizers. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free entry. Thunder Grill: 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC; www.republicrestoratives.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 8 Year of Beer at Primetime Sports Bar & Grille Join On Tap for a spring beer sampling on Thursday, March 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Primetime in Fairfax. As always, there will be complimentary appetizers, a raffle for a Primetime gift card and full pours of the beer available for purchase. There will be five craft breweries featuring two beers from their portfolio. Sample them all and vote for your favorite! This is a free event, but you must RSVP online and the event fills up fast. Primetime Sports Bar & Grille: 11250 James Swart Cir. Fairfax, VA; https://tickets.ontaponline.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 9 A Love Letter to Myself: DC Comedy Variety Show A Love Letter To Myself honors the journey of a woman’s quest for self-love, acceptance and empowerment. This two-hour variety show is packed with laughs and intimate emotional connection with the audience
from start to finish. Featured guests include Carmen Lynch, Chelsea Shorte, Kasha Patel and more. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Woolly Mammoth Theatre: 641 D St. NW, DC; www.woollymammoth.net Beatz & Eatz With live music, local goods, exotic drinks and a vegan-based menu, Hemp Eatz presents this special, one-day pop-up social experience for anyone who loves good food and fun. There is limited space at this event, so you must RSVP. 6-9 p.m. Early bird tickets $20, $25 at the door. House of Steep: 3800 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA; www.houseofsteep.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 9 Shakespeare Theatre’s Noura Young Prose Night As Noura and her husband Tareq prepare to celebrate their first Christmas as American citizens, she looks forward to welcoming a special guest: Maryam, a young Iraqi refugee. But the girl’s arrival upends the family, forcing them to confront where they are, where they’ve been and who they have become. A ticket to Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Young Prose Night includes a post-show reception with a complimentary beer or glass of wine. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets $25. Lansburgh Theatre: 450 7th St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 11 Don’t Panic, It’s Organic During this hour-long class, Dio-owner Stacey Khoury-Diaz will guide you through the farming side of wine. You will taste six sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines and talk about what these terms actually mean for a vineyard. The wine will also be accompanied by light
Photos: Cristina O’Connell
p.m. Tickets are $20 and include admission, snacks and one free drink. National Academy of Sciences: 2101 Constitution Ave. NW DC; www.labx.org
Guests came out to Dock 5 in their chic pink outfits for DC’s first exclusive rosé festival. Rosé After Hours had more than 50 different rosés, and fantastic food at amazing bars.
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snacks. Come relax and enjoy unique and delicious wines while learning something new about how they are made. 2-3 p.m. Tickets are $35. Dio Wine Bar: 904 H St. NE, DC; www.diowinebar.com Open Mic Comedy Show Catch DC’s best comedians and enjoy half-priced wings at O’Sullivan’s every Sunday night at 7 p.m. Got a great joke? Join the “Everybody’s a Comedian” joke contest at the end of the show. 6-8:30 p.m. Free entry. O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub: 3207 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.standupcomedytogo.com Paella Cooking Class Work alongside expert chefs as you learn the art of making this traditional Spanish dish. Compete with others in your class for the best dish and a chance to win a prize. Includes welcome sangria and appetizers, a brief history of paella, a paellamaking session, dessert and more. 12-3 p.m. Tickets starting at $75. La Tasca DC: 722 7th St. NW, DC; www.latascausa.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 March Watercolor and Cocktails Join cookbook author and illustrator Marcella Kriebel in an evening of watercolor painting of an original recipe by mixologist Gina Chersevani. Participants will enjoy a specialty seasonal cocktail prepared by Buffalo and Bergen, and each will be supplied line art of an illustrated recipe of Chersevani’s drink to paint in watercolor. Art materials for this project are included. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $50. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 15 Cocktail Making: Mixology Put some spice in your life, or at least in your next cocktail. Pansaari’s cocktail classes offers the joys of a traditional cocktail class with an Indian flair. Patrons
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will learn how to infuse and brew spices to create signature drinks. Afterwards, socialize and browse through our spice library and Indian market while enjoying your cocktails. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $55. Pansaari: 1603 17th St. NW, DC;
THURSDAY, MARCH 15 Nat Geo Nights: From the Front Lines Meet the daring and innovative National Geographic Explorers— conservation technologist Topher White, conservation biologist Juliana Machado Ferreira, and big cat biologist Alexander Braczkowski—who are going to extraordinary lengths to protect the planet. Find out how they’re using cell phones to conserve the rain forest, working to end rare-animal trafficking, and saving critical big cat species from poaching. Ticket includes free admission to the National Geographic Museum, happy hour with hands-on activities, and post-talk discussion with other attendees. 5:308 p.m. Tickets are $20. National Geographic Campus: 1600 M St. NW, DC; www.nationalgeographic.org
SATURDAY, MARCH 17 Love, Pain & Poetry Open Mic Bring a friend, have a drink and enjoy the best in Peruvian Cuisine at Flor De Luna’s open mic night. Poets, spoken word artist, musicians and comedians are all welcome. Flor De Luna: 11417 Woodglen Dr. Rockville, MD; www.lovepainandpoetry.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 18 The Hill Sip & Paint Learn step-by-step instructions on how to paint DC’s beautiful cherry blossoms with local artist Chris Alvear at this relaxing event. Admission includes all materials, two glasses of wine, chef’s selection of bar snacks and instruction. 15 percent discount available if you decide to join the
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group for brunch or dinner prior to or after class. 21+ only. 4:30-7 p.m. Tickets are $55. Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar: 223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC; www.sonomadc.com
MONDAY, MARCH 19 Pizza Making at Timber Pizza Co. Join Timber Pizza founder Andrew Dana and chef Daniela Moreira Camia for an afternoon of pizza making and wine drinking. Learn how to stretch dough, build flavor profiles, and cook the pie in a wood-burning oven. And there will be wine! Guests will leave with a goody bag and tips on how to create restaurant-quality pizza at home. 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $80. Timber Pizza Co.: 809 Upshur St NW, DC; www.timberpizza.com
TUESDAY, MARCH 20 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 Festival Night at Cherry Blossom PUB In collaboration with Drink Company, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. invites everyone to raise a glass to the first night of spring. 100 percent of ticket sales will be donated to the Cherry Blossom Festival. Your pass grants you timed access to Cherry Blossom PUB for two hours. Guests are welcome to make additional donations once inside. This event is 21+. 5 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Tickets $20, only available online. Cherry Blossom PUB: 1841 7th St. NW, DC; www. popupbardc.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 Cherry Blossom Drinks Class Come sharpen your bar skills with our mixologist and learn how to craft three outstanding Cherry Blossom themed cocktails. They will be serving up a Gin Blossom Dearie, Sake Blossom, Cherry Blossom Daquiri cocktails, so join for an evening of sugar, spice, and cocktails over ice! 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $38.50. Via Umbria: 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 22 Justice Trivia: Women’s History Month Edition Republic Restoratives is set to honor all the badass, trailblazing, sometimes scandalous women of history. They’ll have drink specials running all night long, and food available to order from businesses run out of Union Kitchen. As always, tickets include one drink on Alliance for Justice’s tab. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, and best team name. Be on the lookout for a special discounted Lyft code for all attendees. 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Republic Restoratives Distillery: 1369 New York Ave. NE, DC; www.afj.com Sisterhood of Spies: History of Women in Espionage Led by Jim Hewes, legendary bartender at The Willard’s iconic Round Robin Bar for over thirty years, History Happy Hour offers a mixology lesson “straight up” with history “served long.” This month, History Happy Hour: Sisterhood of Spies examines the incredible history of the some of the most notable women in espionage. 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $49. The Willard: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.washington. intercontinental.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 25 Henny & Waffles Come for brunch, then turn up. Enjoy $10 Hennessy drinks all day and $15 unlimited mimosas during brunch, which includes waffle and omelet stations, Hennessy whole wings, six cheese mac & cheese and more. RSVP by noon on March 25 for guaranteed access to the brunch and day party. 1-9 p.m. Tickets are $35. Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC; www.hennyandwaffles.com
MONDAY, MARCH 26 – SUNDAY, APRIL 1 Spring Wine Fling The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington
Photos: Mark Raker
The Wharf DC inaugural Mardi Gras Parade was amazing! Parade-goers enjoyed live music, decorated floats, beer and wine at the bar on District Pier, and fireworks fired off the water.
presents the 2018 Spring Wine Fling. Uncork, unwind and enjoy specially priced wine flights featuring blends from across the globe at participating DC area restaurants. Flights will be priced at three for $15 and five for $25. Spring Wine Fling: Various DC restaurants and locations; www.wineflingdc.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 29
Taste Something Different at Grills Gone Wild March 6-9 Only! r Wate lo Buffa et Brisk wich Sand
el Cam s o Tac Slop py Goa t
Ostr ich Burg er
Alexandria 25 South Quaker Lane 703-778-9663
Arlington 3471 Washington Blvd. 703-528-9663
Washington, DC 2418 Wisconsin Ave 202-333-2558
Yes, ROCKLANDS Caters! Call 703-778-8000
www.rocklands.com 28
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BRABO & Catoctin Creek Spring Cocktail Party Join for cocktails crafted by BRABO’s head bartender, spirit suggestions by Catoctin’s head distiller and specially-paired hors d’oeuvres by BRABO’s executive chef. 21+ only. 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $70. BRABO: 1600 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.braborestaurant.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 29 – SATURDAY, MARCH 31 Easter Dinner with Marco and Chiara To celebrate Easter, Chef Liam has created a special menu that focuses on the most traditional of Easter ingredients, lamb. Last week broke down a full lamb this week at Via Umbria and they are hosting a special dinner where Chef Liam will use the best cuts from that lamb to prepare a one of a kind four-course meal. 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $82.50. Via Umbria: 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com From the Archive: Chasing Cherry Blossoms Pioneering photojournalist Eliza Scidmore was National Geographic Magazine’s first official female writer, photographer, and board member; she also led the effort to bring the cherry blossoms to DC. National Geographic photo archivist Sara Manco will share Eliza’s trailblazing story through archival images and actor-performed readings of her letters.7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $25. National Geographic Campus: 1600 M St. NW, DC; www.admin. nationalgeographic.org
SATURDAY, MARCH 31 Blossom Kite Festival The seventh annual Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field. Kites will also be available for purchase onsite. 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Free entry. Washington Monument Grounds: Near 17th Street and Constitution Avenue in NW, DC; www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org Blue Moon 5k Fun Run Friends of the National Arboretum present the 2018 Blue Moon 5k Fun Run at the U.S. National Arboretum. Enjoy a moonlit brisk 5K course through collections and meadows. Stay until the end for a full moon celebration with food, drink, music and fun. There’s not another blue moon until 2020 so join for this special evening. No children under-16 and no pets. Proceeds from the race will support the Friends of the National Arboretum and Washington Youth Garden. All registrations include a t-shirt. 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $40-$400. U.S. National Arboretum: 2400 R St. NE, DC; www.fona.org Capital BrewFest Celebrate springtime at this year’s Capital BrewFest: Blossom Bash Beer & Wine festival with samples of more than 50 rare and seasonal beers, 50 wines including a ton of rosé varietals, and tons of cider and gluten-free options. Live music and a DJ will keep the party going all day, plus lots of fun tabletop games, outdoor activities and arts will be available to enjoy. 21+ only. 1-8:30 p.m. Tickets starting at $24.95. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.brewfestdc.com
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DERBY By Michael Loria
I
TRUST
Scandal comes around the bend
was on time, but found no one else there. Waze led me to a row of desolate warehouses, and I had no idea behind which dark door I might find my point of contact, Slam Grier. “I didn’t know I was this intense of a reporter,” I thought. I was in an industrial park, literally on the far side of the tracks, hoping to talk with a few of the DC Rollergirls during a roller derby practice. I felt uneasy and near ready to turn around, but another car pulled up. A woman carrying a sports bag hopped out and went for one of the unmarked doors. “Looks promising,” I thought. I steeled myself and followed her inside. That was February 14, and my previous knowledge of derby had been limited to Drew Barrymore’s Whip It (2009) and word of mouth. I had been led to expect a WWE-like spectacle, but what I found felt like any other weeknight practice. There were no tutus or fishnets, only compression shorts. But that’s not what derby is about anyway, I realized. It has more to do with the Rollergirls’ motto: In derby we trust. Inside, there were 15 or so women stretching and doing light calisthenics. I was directed to the far side of the gym, where I met Slam Grier, the woman I had been emailing with. Slam’s name is a reference to Pam Grier, known for her role in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown. “I wanted a name that was really strong and confident, because I didn’t always feel that way,” Slam told me. “But when I was on skates I did, so I wanted to have this big name, and Pam Grier is what came to mind.” Slam never gave off the feeling of a lack in confidence. She was warm and maintained Tony Robbins-like eye contact. It was easy to see why she was just re-elected president of the DC Rollergirls. Whatever unease I felt was put to rest.
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Photos: Pablo Raw Benavente
he DC Rollergirls aren’t the only ones bouting (derby speak for playing) in the DMV though. There’s also the NOVA Roller Derby in Northern Virginia and the Free State Roller Derby (FSRD) in Montgomery County. Like NOVA and FSRD, they follow the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) rules. The skaters I spoke with all reiterated that they do flat track derby, as if to immediately dispel any association with the banked-track spectacle of the 70s, or even the banked-track spectacle of Whip It. Flat track is the modern incarnation of derby, which got its start in the early 2000s in Austin, Texas. The scripted fights have been done away with, as have the banked tracks. The flat tracks allow anyone with tape and gym access a chance to play. I was able to speak with some skaters who remember derby as it was in those early days, including Yankee Scandal of the DC Rollergirls and Futz from NOVA. Scandal started skating with DC in 2009, but had her first experience with derby in 2005. “I was living in Arizona and there was an article in the newspaper about roller derby,” she said. “I went and it was amazing. But I didn’t follow up. I was just like, ‘That’s a really cool thing; those girls are really bad ass.’” Before she skated over, Slam had pointed Scandal out to me. On skates, she’s intimidating. Her strides are long and mesmerizing, and you feel somehow wild watching her. I imagined camping in Wyoming and stumbling upon a moose or bighorn – you can’t help but look, though you would never take a step closer.
FOR EVERY CASE OF SWEETWATER BEER SOLD IN SELECT VIRGINIA COUNTIES, SWEETWATER WILL DONATE $1 THROUGH THE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF VIRGINIA TO ADD NATIVE TROUT TO LOCAL VIRGINIA RIVERS THIS SPRING.* DISTRIBUTED BY
FOR MORE INFO VISIT SweetWaterBrew.com/VATrout *Based on sales of SweetWater Brewing Company case equivalents sold from 02/15/18 to 04/30/18 through off-premise retailers in the Virginia Eagle Distributing Company footprint. Go to vaeagle.com for more information on VAE Distributing sales and distribution. SweetWater Brewing • Georgia • SweetWaterBrew.com
“I wanted a name that was really strong and confident, because I didn’t always feel that way.” But she was more approachable with her helmet off and mouthguard out. Scandal is a fish biologist by day and before moving to DC, she had refed some derby in Massachusetts. “At that time, [derby] was just so glitzy and glam – the fishnets and the style. It’s still a very rough sport, but it just seemed so much more dirty and grungy. And the hits – people used to get wiped out.” Futz said much the same as Scandal. “I’ve been skating since 2010, and the game is nothing like it used to be. Derby was skate fast, turn left. There was very little strategy and a lot of big hits.” Scandal said she misses some of the kitschiness and will still skate in a skirt for home bouts, but I never got the sense she thinks that derby’s lost something. Same with Futz. And I think that’s because regardless of the reason a skater may get into derby – whether it’s to “wear glitter and hit people,” as Scandal told me about one of her teammates, or just for the exercise – the derby community is what they stay for.
S
candal told me that in moving to DC for work, she didn’t know anyone and derby became her family. In fact, the girls she met in Fresh Meat Camp – an aptly named bootcamp for beginners held by many leagues – remain her best friends. “I had literally nothing and I found a family,” Scandal said. “When my father passed away, one of the first calls I made was to my captain to let them know I was going away, and they sent flowers to his funeral.” Futz described a similar level of support from her teammates. “I’ve had people help with childcare, cook my family meals when I was sick, help me put air in my tires – you name it, NOVA probably provides it.” In derby we trust. The positive impact of the derby community extends to its officials. I was able to speak with the head referee for FSRD, Wagnarok, and he had a number of stories to share. It’s common practice for skaters to skate with local derbies when they travel, and because Wagnarok is in the military, he’s had the chance to participate in derbies around the world. “The leagues have different cultures and traditions, but it’s not hard
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to break into it because we all have that roller derby family in common,” he told me. “Honestly, roller derby gives me friends and family all over the world. I’m still friends with people I met in Australia.” Roller derby also helped Wagnarok get through a time when he was suffering from PTSD. “Free State supported me through those times where I wasn’t as strong as I wanted to be – as an official and a person. I’ve tried to return the favor as much as I can. They stuck with me through the good and the bad.” Flat track has done away with the scripts and now it’s just bad ass women – and bad ass people in general – still skating, still hitting and still saving some glam for home bouts, but mainly supporting each other in whatever they want or need. Come for a bout and see why derby is still picking up fresh meat. The DC Rollergirls had their season opener February 24, NOVA has their first bout March 17 and FSRD has theirs March 25.
For more info on upcoming bouts and local teams, visit: DC Roller Girls: www.dcrollergirls.com Free State Roller Derby: www.freestaterollerderby.com NOVA Roller Derby: www.novarollerderby.com
COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP March 13th - April 2nd
s k l e n i v r e D & 3l d s o r o a s F 5 b 49 hditngvdc’s r ecials Sp includ t hd projecto larges
SHOWING EVERY GAME
1214 18th st nw washington dc /publicbardc /publicbar www.PublicBarDC.com
By Trent Johnson
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dcfray.com
The DC Guide to the
ATLANTIC
Tournament
By Alex Thompson The excitement and rollercoaster of emotions gearing up for March Madness will take over the DC area as the Capital One Arena hosts the Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 7-11. Local teams George Washington University (GWU), George Mason University (GMU) and nearby Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Richmond are sure to have their fair share of fans come cheer them on, but it’s #18 nationally ranked Rhode Island that is favored to come in and win it all. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see St. Bonaventure or VCU emerge from the weekend, but the body of work Rhode Island has put out there has been impressive,” says WTOP sports reporter Dave Preston. “They’re a team built for March, and they should win the A-10 tournament.” Don’t count out Davidson though, who is tied for second and could surprise people with their performance, Preston adds. “Coach [McKillop] has been there forever and seemingly growing these shooting guards, and because they are not the team that anyone is really chasing, they are the classic team that can sneak in and get to some finals and win.” Other teams to keep a watch for are VCU and Richmond, says Ted Jeffries, former University of Virginia (UVA) basketball announcer, who was a four-year starter for the team before going on to a professional career and coaching Division 1 basketball. “Looking at VCU, they are always a team that can be dangerous as you look at this tournament,” Jeffries says. “And Richmond is a team that always surprises me; their style of play can be challenging for certain teams, depending on the matchup.” The VCU Rams have gotten to the finals every year they’ve been in the Atlantic 10 Conference so they are not a team to be discounted, Preston says. “When you look to playing back-to-back days potentially, they have Justin Tillman, who is a beast inside and a guy you can’t ignore in a tournament situation.” But Preston says not to count out hometown teams GMU or GWU, who could get some extra help from the local crowd. “You talk about the unique nature of being here in the DC area,” Preston says. “George
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It’s a great venue. No bad seats in the house – with even the nose bleeds getting a good view – so this is a great place to have this tournament. Mason [and] George Washington benefit from a short commute for their fanbase, and it’s always good to have a good crowd.” Jeffries says he’s played at Capital One, as well as broadcast there. “It’s a great venue,” he tells On Tap. “No bad seats in the house – with even the nose bleeds getting a good view – so this is a great place to have this tournament. You’re in the fourth quarter of your season, literally and figuratively, and you look at it and say, ‘Man, this is an opportunity for us; we lose we go home, so let’s give it our best.’ And when you have that type of dynamic, that’s what makes March the greatest month in sports.” Aside from what’s expected to be a great weekend of basketball, those in town for the tournament are also near some of DC’s top places for catching a pregame bite and beverage. Just steps away from Capital One stands Penn Commons, celebrating A-10 with “Wear Your Team Gear” specials. Fans donning their favored team’s apparel can enjoy a $5 happy hour drink all day on game day. Over at Maryland-themed bar Free State, enjoy $2 off draft beers, wine by the glass and local spirits Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m., and be sure to check out their bottle list with some rare beer finds from the Mid-Atlantic states. At nearby burger and bourbon mecca b DC Penn Quarter, happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3-7 p.m. with half-price appetizers, mix and match mini-burgers, $4 retro drafts, $5 house wine, and $6 cocktails and bourbon nip of the week. And on Sundays, be sure to hit up their brunch before you head off to the finals, running
from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. with $15 bottomless mimosas and bourbon sours. Over at Fado Irish Pub, enjoy $5 draft beers Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. and snack, wine and cocktail specials including a “beer of the month” offered for $5 all day, every day throughout March. Just south of Capital One, Texas BBQ hotspot Hill Country has a daily happy hour from 4-7 p.m. that includes beer and wine specials, and $20 margarita and beer pitchers, along with food specials including their heavenly chili-rub wings with buttermilk ranch sauce. At Bar Louie, take full advantage of happy hour specials from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with $7.50 signature martinis, half-priced appetizers and beer and wine specials, and a late-night menu that will refuel you after the games. Just across the street from Capital One, 10 Tavern will be running specials starting March 7, including $14 Bud Light bottle buckets, mouthwatering 16-oz. double bacon cheese burger, pulled pork and loaded up downtown hot dogs. They’ll also be hosting a wing-eating contest sponsored by Bud Light and Captain Morgan, with more details to come on their website soon.
Learn more about this year’s A-10 Tournament at www.atlantic10.com and find info for our pregame bar picks below. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC 202-628-3200; www.capitalonearena.com 10 Tavern: 707 G St. NW, DC www.10tavern.com Bar Louie DC: 701 7th St. NW, DC www.barlouie.com Fado Irish Pub: 808 7th St. NW, DC www.fadoirishpub.com Free State: 501B G St. NW, DC www.freestatebar.com Hill Country: 410 7th St. NW, DC www.hillcountrywdc.com Penn Commons: 700 6th St. NW, DC www.penncommonsdc.com Penn Quarter: 801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC www.burgersbeerbourbon.com
A Rake’s Progress and Bar
Photo: Daniel Krieger Photography
By Lani Furbank On Tap keeps locals in the know about the hottest new food and drink spots around town, the top culinary news of the month and recent closings. Read on to get the inside scoop on what’s new, notable and no longer in the DC area.
NEW
style of early American cuisine, influenced by the traditions of German and Irish immigrants who opened many of the city’s early 20th century establishments. Expect dishes like poutine, weisswurst and sherry mushroom toast, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The surroundings are equally era-appropriate, with art deco patterns, old photographs, intricate wood flooring patterns and metallic detailing rescued from an old insurance building in Baltimore. As the name suggests, there are two gas fireplaces inside, as well as a wood-burning fireplace on the indoor-outdoor patio. 2012 9th St. NW, DC; www.gaslight-dc.com
Photo: Courtesy of Gaslight Tavern
Gaslight Tavern Open: January Location: U Street Lowdown: The Hilton brothers’ new tavern harkens back to the 1920s, from the drinks to the décor. Ask for a cocktail, and you’ll be given a mini-history lesson about classic drinks that originated between the 1870s and the 1950s. Each entry has a note explaining its backstory, like the Boulevardier’s creation by Erskine Gwynne in 1927. The shareable plates are in the
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Graffiato at Isabella Eatery
Photo: Greg Powers
Isabella Eatery Open: December Location: Tysons Corner Lowdown: If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of trying to visit each one of the restaurants in empire-building Mike Isabella’s portfolio, his latest project was made just for you. Isabella Eatery
is a 41,000-square-foot food emporium housing nine different concepts – some that are spin offs of existing concepts and others that are brand new – all under one roof. There’s a mix of fast-casual counters for a quick bite and full-service dining areas for a leisurely meal. A few spots take reservations, while others are carryout or open seating. The eatery snakes around the third floor of Tysons Galleria, with brown floor tile linking each space and marking where you’re allowed to roam with your drinks from the restaurants and bars. On my first visit, I walked through the space with my mouth agape at the sheer expanse and the beautiful design features that distinguished each concept from the others. Once you get over the shock, it’s time to decide what to eat. The first spot you’ll find if you arrive via the street entrance is Nonfiction Coffee, a great place to fuel up with a pour-over and get some work done. For bruschetta, pastas and focaccia pizzas, head to Graffiato. Sweet treats like sundaes, splits and shakes can be found at Retro Creamery, a scoop shop inspired by ice cream parlors of the 1950s. At Pepita, you can grab a quick taco or burrito, or belly up to the bar for Mexican beer, tequila and margaritas. Requin is primarily a raw bar slinging oysters, crudos and tartare, but there are also a few cooked seafood favorites like mussels, crab cakes and lobster rolls. If you’re in the mood for sushi, poke and sake, grab a seat at Yona. Arroz has Spanish classics like tapas, pintxos, sangria and signature pans of bomba rice. The fast-casual version of Kapnos Taverna is Kapnos Marketa, with gyro wraps and bowls, as well as spreads and wood-grilled vegetables. For Prohibition-style classic cocktails, stop by Octagon Bar, where a DJ spins on weekends. If you just can’t decide what you’re in the mood for, snag a table at the Dining Hall, which ties together a majority of the concepts with an extensive menu and full service. 2001 International Dr. McLean, VA; www.isabellaeatery.com
The LINE Hotel Open: December Location: Adams Morgan Lowdown: The LINE Hotel might just be the most Instagrammed spot in town right now. What used to be a neoclassical church has been beautifully renovated into a hotel with five distinct food and beverage options from talented local chefs and their
Photo: Daniel Krieger Photography
teams. It’s the kind of place where I would love to linger all day. When you first enter the hotel, you’re greeted by a coffee bar from Chef Spike Gjerde and Corey Polyoka of Woodberry Kitchen. The Cup We A Rake’s Progress and Bar at LINE All Race 4 features Counter Culture Coffee drinks, plus an unusual dairy substitute. Since the guiding principle of all Gjerde’s restaurants is using ingredients exclusively sourced in the Chesapeake region (with rare exceptions), oat milk is the non-dairy milk of choice rather than the more common almond or soy. The food menu includes whole-grain pastries, sandwiches on house-baked bread, salads, and assorted other breakfast and lunch selections. Head up the stairs and you’ll find Gjerde’s other two concepts, A Rake’s Progress and A Rake’s Bar. At the bar, Polyoka has curated cocktails by geographic region and spirit, plus a few innovative recipes that fall under the category of “progress.” Local distillers and brewers take center stage, along with preserved produce in tinctures, bitters, shrubs and more. Moving into the dining room, which wraps around the upper level balcony overlooking the lobby, Chef Opie Crooks helms the kitchen. The wood-burning hearth is the focus, and it’s impossible to leave without getting a taste of the char – housemade bread is grilled over the fire before hitting guests’ tables at the start of each meal. The flames also add flavor to small game like rabbit, quail and duck, as well as pork loin, lamb shoulder and more. At the end of service each night, potatoes are buried under the dying embers in the hearth to cook overnight for a dish aptly named “lost potatoes.” Many dishes are presented tableside and then carved or finished off at the centrally-located carving station to give diners a show. For dessert, peruse Pastry Chef Amanda Cook’s stream-ofconsciousness-style menu that includes baked Alaska, Smith Island cake and perhaps a soufflé in the future. Downstairs in the lobby, Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto has dominion. Brothers and Sisters serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the dishes play off the idea of American cuisine that you might find overseas, namely in Japan. Chef Harper McClure and Pastry Chef Pichet Ong have crafted a menu of playful and satisfying small plates and desserts like savory oatmeal, an octopus hot dog, a knife-cut noodle dish that adds Asian flavors to an Italian staple, French onion chicharrónes, a citrus chiffon cake and a vegan rice pudding draped with mochi. Uni and caviar service is available as well, plus high tea in the afternoons. There’s a bar on either end of the lobby where Todd Thrasher mixes drinks inspired by hotel bars around the world – American classics and Ametora-influenced drinks. Brothers and Sisters provides room service for the hotel, and you can even order a bar cart up to your room. Bruner-Yang’s second concept within the hotel, Spoken English, is a standing-room restaurant located within the kitchen that’s slated to open at the beginning of March. 1770 Euclid St. NW, DC; www. thelinehotel.com/dc
Unconventional Diner Open: December Location: Shaw Lowdown: As the resurgence of upscale diners spreads across the city, this spot by Chef David Deshaies stands apart from the trend with an even more elevated take on American comfort food. Unconventional Diner follows the formula of a diner with a menu
MARZEN$ MADNESS! Marzen 4 for 16.5oz (not available at DC locations)
NEW APPETIZERS: Black & Blue Sliders | Cheddar Jalapeno Dip Dunkable Trio
5th Anniversary Party Navy Yard Location! Wednesday, April 4
W/JOHN LUSKEY
Portion of proceeds going to team Rubicon
Navy Yard
100 M Street SE | Washington, DC | 202.484.2739
www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP
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Alhambra 923 16th & K Streets, NW, DC www.alhambradc.com The Avenue 5540 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC www.theavenuedc.com Chercher 1334 9th St. NW, DC www.chercherrestaruant.com Chloe 1331 4th St. SE, DC www.restaurantchloe.com Circa 781 7th St. NW, DC www.circabistros.com Damn Good Burger Co. 4251 Campbell Ave. #105, Arlington, VA www.eatbigbuns.com Elle 3221 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, DC www.facebook.com/eatatelle
Photo: Courtesy of Unconventional Diner
that starts with waffles and omelets and ends with steak and a giant slice of cake. But then things diverge. Instead of ketchup, meat loaf is glazed with Sriracha. Brussels sprouts are seasoned with tikka masala spice. Chicken pot pie is condensed into a bite-sized popper, which I found impossible to stop popping into my mouth. Deshaies also pays homage to his mentor, Michel Richard, with a short rib dish the two developed together at Citronelle. The diner has a footprint of nearly 8,000 square feet, encompassing a bar, dining room and quick-service counter and café featuring pastries by Deshaies’ wife Ana. The design is inspired by California diners, with bright green and peach booths and varying shades of wood. The artwork leans heavily modern, including an Andy Warhol screen-printed wall. 1207 9th St. NW, DC; www.unconventionaldiner.com
Photo: Courtesy of the Watergate Hotel
Sunday Suppers Date: March 4, 11, 18 and 25 Location: The Watergate Hotel Lowdown: Kingbird Restaurant at the Watergate Hotel is inviting the whole family over for dinner on Sundays this month. Their Sunday Suppers series launched in January and continues through March, with a family-style, multicourse meal each week. The menu changes every Sunday, featuring themed dishes inspired by the chef’s travels and family recipes. Guests will sit at a communal table and share an appetizer, entrée and dessert, including dishes like chicken tamales, cheese and charcuterie, spit-roasted leg of lamb, and walnut baklava. Dinners are priced at $38-$42 per person. Reservations can be made for up to 24 people. The Watergate Hotel: 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, DC www.thewatergatehotel.com
NOTABLE
Cherry Blossom PUB 1841 7th St. NW, DC www.popupbardc.com
High Side 4009 Chain Bridge Rd. Fairfax, VA www.highsideva.com
Dorjee Momo at Bullfrog Bagels 317 7th St. SE, DC www.dorjeemomo.com Jrink at Whole Foods H Street 600 H St. NE, DC www.jrink.com/pages/whole-foods-h-st
Little Pearl 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC www.littlepearldc.com Masala Story 3301 12th St. NE, DC www.masalastory.business.site Morris 1020 7th St. NW, DC http://morrisbardc.com Ooey Gooey Crispy 1309 5th St. NE, DC ww.ooeygooeycrispy.com Pizzeria Paradiso Game Room Lower level of 3282 M St. NW, DC www.eatyourpizza.com/gameroom Spark at 12 1626 N. Capitol St. NW, DC www.sparkat12.com
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Photo: Courtesy of Gourmet Symphony
American Expressions: Gourmet Symphony’s Saloon Concert Series Date: March 11 Location: One Eight Distilling Lowdown: Music and craft spirits are a perfect pairing at this concert put on by a local organization that blends gourmet cuisine and classical music. Gourmet Symphony’s Saloon Concert Series will be an evening of live chamber orchestra music accompanied by light bites and cocktails, all inspired by the culture of Americana. Expect to hear works by Barber, Copland and Shaw while you enjoy food from Union Market vendors and drinks by One Eight Distilling. General admission tickets are $49. One Eight Distilling: 1135 Okie St. NE, DC; www.gourmetsymphony.org
ON TAP | MARCH 2018 | www.ontaponline.com
NO LONGER The Chickery in Dupont Circle
Lincoln Park Kitchen & Wine Bar on Capitol Hill
Co Co. Sala Downtown
Madrid in Dupont Circle
DGS in Dupont Circle
Pier 2934 in Georgetown
Drift on 7th in Shaw
Ping Pong Dim Sum in Chinatown
Driftwood Kitchen on H Street
Piola in Columbia Heights
French Quarter Brasserie in Shaw
Tadich Grill Downtown Thally in Shaw
SHINE BRIGHTER Blue Moon is a wheat beer brewed with Valencia orange peel for a taste that rises above the ordinary.
TASTE RESPONSIBLY
©2018 BLUE MOON BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO • ALE
BM_2018_Shine_Brighter_ON_TAP_MAG_8_25x10_75__W77195JC.indd 1
2/23/18 2:51 PM
All What’s On Tap listings are provided by the venues hosting them.
By Trent Johnson and Amanda Weisbrod Greetings, beer nerds! As you likely 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 coming up at a few of these fine establishments.
THURSDAY, MARCH 8
FRIDAY, MARCH 9
THURSDAY, MARCH 15
Beer and Sugar Shack Donuts with Spencer Devon Join Fredericksburg’s best brewery and the best donuts in the Commonwealth for an amazing beer and donut night. And as always, Sugar Shack serves beer on tap every day and has tons of board games for you and your friends. So, come visit Spencer Devon and come back for more relaxed donut beer magic. 4:30-9 p.m. Free entry. Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee: 1014 South Glebe Rd. Arlington, VA; www.sugarshackdonuts.com
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 one of Bluejacket’s signature drafts, followed by a full tour of the brewery and operations with three tasters throughout the tour. At the conclusion, guests will head to the Bottle Shop & Tasting Room to enjoy a flight of three additional tasters each expertly paired with a snack from their talented culinary team led by Chef de Cuisine Marcelle Afram. 7-10 p.m. Tickets $35. Bluejacket: 300 Tingey St. SE, DC; www.bluejacketdc.com
The Captain Lawrence Tap Invasion Owen’s Ordinary will pour no less than nine beers from the Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. Headlining the list are two beers from Captain Lawrence’s barrel-aged sour program. Fans of sour beer won’t want to miss Rosso E Marrone, a wine-barrel aged Sour Red Ale conditioned with Merlot and Zinfandel grapes; and Hudson Valley Harvest: Black Cherry, made with local New York-grown black cherries. Other notables include fresh kegs of Powder Dreams IPA, hopped with Galaxy and Citra lupulin powder and Tears of Green Imperial IPA, brewed with Motueka and Mosaic hops. 5-11 p.m. Free entry. Owen’s Ordinary: 11820 Trade St. North Bethesda, MD; www.owensordinary.com
Milk (Stout) & Cookies This evening, Pizzeria Paradiso in Hyattsville is tapping a keg of Firestone Walker’s Nitro Merlin Milk Stout and giving away homemade mini chocolate chip cookies while supplies last. Firestone Walker representatives will be at the bar to chat with customers and give out Firestone Walker merchandise on a first-comefirst-served basis. 5-9:30 p.m. Free entry. Pizzeria Paradiso: 4800 Rhode Island Ave. Hyattsville, MD; www.eatyourpizza.com NOVA Release Party Join B Side Cuts as it hosts the official Northern Virginia debut of Collective Arts Brewing. On this night, they’ll tap the firstever NOVA kegs from the Canadian brewery, a total of nine beers in all. Collective Arts Brewing, located in Hamilton, Ontario, was created to fuse the craft of brewing with up and coming musicians and artists. In the spirit of this mission, they’re asking you to bring in your favorite vinyl records to spin all night long. 4-11 p.m. Free entry. B Side: 8298 Glass Alley, Fairfax, VA; www.bsidecuts.com
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Nirvana IPA Release To celebrate the release of Brewery Ommegang’s newest Nirvana IPA, the Paradiso Game Room will host a fundraising event for the Chesapeake Bay Trust. One dollar from each Nirvana IPA sold will be donated to the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and Brewery Ommegang will donate one dollar for every 100 points scored in Skeeball at the Paradiso Game Room from 5-8 p.m. Free entry. Pizzeria Paradiso Game Room: 3282 M St. NW, DC; www.eatyourpizza.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 10 The Ultimate DC Beer Tour City Brew Tours DC is a tour company that offers daily behind-the-scenes access to DC and its surrounding area’s top breweries, brewpubs and beer bars. The tours are all-inclusive with beer-focused tastings for brew lovers visiting and living in the metropolitan area. Every brewery tour includes up to 15 different craft beer samples, a beer pairing lunch, VIP visits to four breweries, and round-trip transportation from downtown DC. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $99 per person. National Portrait Gallery: 801 F St. NW, DC; www.citybrewtours.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 16 Stout Wars Following a tradition started a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the Black Squirrel will find out whether the dark side will take over the light. Grab your light saber, mechanical hand and favorite droid and head to The Black Squirrel Adams Morgan on March 16 to join for an epic selection of beers from the Dark Side along with food special fit for the Rebel Alliance. 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Free entry. The Black Squirrel: 2427 18th St. NW, DC; www.blacksquirreldc.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 17 Yoga & Beer Detox/Retox Get your St. Patty’s asana on at New District! Attend a flow through all-levels vinyasa yoga class and follow up with refreshing craft beer. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets are $15 presale, $20 walk-in and include your first pint of beer. Bring your own mat. New District Brewing Company: 2709 South Oakland St. Arlington, VA; www.newdistrictbrewing.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 22
SATURDAY, MARCH 24
TUESDAY, MARCH 27
Reason Beer Takeover Reason Beer, a small brewery in Charlottesville, VA, is bringing its first drafts to DC for the first time on March 22. Limited quantities of Reason drafts will be available at Pizzeria Paradiso’s Dupont location as well as after the release event in the Game Room in Georgetown. 5-8 p.m. Free entry. Pizzeria Paradiso Game Room: 3282 M St. NW, DC; www.eatyourpizza.com
The Sovereign Celebrates Orval Day One of the most important beers to ever come out of Belgium, Orval Trappist Ale is an amber-hued Saison that is dry-hopped, then finished with Brettanomyces. Intensely aromatic and dry, this one-of-a-kind beer is as complex as it is unique. Orval beer, brewed within the walls of Notre Dame d’Orval Monastery, is one of only 11 officially recognized Trappist breweries across the world. The alluring complexity of this iconoclastic beer has made it a world classic, one that has inspired a generation of brewers across the globe to craft bonedry beers of mixed-fermentation. Come see where it all began, and contribute to a great cause. On this day, Orval will donate proceeds from each bottle sold to MAP International, a non-profit organization that provides aid for people living in impoverished communities. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free entry. The Sovereign: 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.thesovereigndc.com
Evening Star Celebrates Oberon Day They say winter isn’t over until you have your first Bell’s Oberon. If you agree, Evening Star Cafe invites you to toast the unofficial first day of spring. On Tuesday, March 27, they’ll pour eight different Bell’s Brewery beers, including the first kegs of this year’s Oberon Ale. To celebrate the return of one of their favorite beers, our kitchen will serve a selection of Michiganthemed snacks, including Oberon-inspired donuts. If that isn’t enough, they’ll also offer complementary Oberon glassware and swag, while supplies last. 5:30-11 p.m. Free entry. Evening Star Cafe: 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.eveningstarcafe.net
FRIDAY, MARCH 23 End of Winter Stouts Tapping To celebrate the end of the winter season, Bier Baron will be tapping a special selection of stouts and porters, including Epic Big Bad Baptista, De Molen Sin & Remorse, Magic Rock Grand Mariner Aged Bearded Lady, Perennial Fantastic Voyage and more. 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. Free entry. Bier Baron Tavern: 1523 22nd St. NW, DC; www.inlovewithbier.com
with
Jameson Brand Ambassador
Gary Feeney on Jameson Caskmates IPA
On Tap: First off, can you explain for beer neophytes what an Irish Pale Ale is? Gary Feeney: So, an Irish Pale is something that comes in between an English Pale Ale and an American IPA. We used Irish barley grains, and it’s mostly about the style. The fact that it isn’t quite as hoppy, and is more hoppy than that English style, is the reason. It wouldn’t be recognized as an official IPA. It ties in more with the Irish palate. OT: How creative do you guys typically get for these limited beer releases? How do you decide who you’ll collaborate with? GF: We’re not actually releasing the beer. The beer is officially released by Franconia Well Brewery. How we decide to work with a brewery is to see their outlook on everything; to make sure their brand ties in with us in some way. As big as we are, we still have a small brand mindset: for instance, for any bottle of whiskey, every barley grain comes from a 75-mile radius from our place of work. We first worked with them on a stout and because it was such an enormous success, we decided to do the IPA. We sent them barrels, and this time, they filled them up with an IPA beer.
Photo: www.jamesonswhiskey.com
OT: What is the goal with these beer releases? Are you trying to capture a new audience or just offer variety for folks that love the Jameson brand? GF: It’s been incredible to watch the beer enthusiasts react to it. We’re always trying to make the best liquids; we’re tying it back to our craft credentials. To be honest, in the industry, it’s important to innovate, and Jameson is a well-known name, but we can see the craft beer industry growing like crazy and this was an opportunity for us to make a move and take a chance. These products are not just one-trick ponies.
OT: Are there any plans to expand and make a more permanent offering? GF: They’re not seasonal, and they’re permanent, so they’re here for the long run. But we’re not sure what’s coming up.
In conjunction with the late February release of the Caskmates IPA, a plethora of DMV bars are offering Hoppy Hours in March. Check www.jamesonswhiskey.com to find participating locations near you.
www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP
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Inside
s s e nn i u G w e N s ’ y r e w e Br m o o r p a T Test Photos: Courtesy of New Guinness Brewery
By Michael Coleman One of the world’s oldest and most celebrated beers – the Irish legend Guinness – has set sail from the shamrock-covered shores of its homeland to open a new brewing outpost near Baltimore, marking the classic brand’s first foray into American brewing in more than 60 years. Global beer and spirits powerhouse Diageo, Guinness’s parent company, set its sights on the Baltimore area after acquiring the old Seagram’s distillery in Halethorpe, Maryland near BWI Airport. The company opened a 150-person Guinness Test Taproom in the refurbished industrial space in October as a sort of sneak preview of a much larger-scale brewery and restaurant set to open at the site this summer. For now, concrete floors, exposed pillars and barrels of beer doubling as tables welcome visitors to the initial phase of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House, where suds lovers can try three to six experimental beers on any given day. Guinness master brewers Peter Wiens and Hollie Stephenson are brewing beer in two-barrel batches, so the varieties will be turning over fast. Even repeat visitors will almost always be able to try something new. “The Test Taproom is a way for us to experiment and play around with some new ingredients,” Wiens says. “We’re thinking of it as a place to have a conversation with American consumers [and] figure out what they like to drink.” Oliver Gray, the new brewery’s marketing manager, says the Test Taproom has helped to quickly put Guinness on the map in Maryland’s competitive craft brewing scene.
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“The whole idea [of the initial tasting room] was to generate buzz around the opening, but also to give us a playground to test,” Gray says. “Right now, we’re open Thursday through Sunday, and the response from the public has been really good.” Gray says the new brewery will help rebrand Guinness not only as purveyor of its legendary Guinness Stout, but also as a beer maker that can compete with others in the booming craft beer scene in Baltimore and around the country. The brewery will offer IPAs, blondes and other beers that have become ubiquitous in bars and breweries around the country. “We really want to teach people that Guinness isn’t just a beer,” Gray explains. “We’re a brewery. The brand is 259 years old – older than the United States. We have this awesome brewing pedigree, and at one point, we were the largest brewery in the world. We want to show we have the chops to be just as good as your favorite craft brewery.” Gray adds that Baltimore has a growing and vibrant beer scene. “We have some great breweries here, and this is a really up-and-coming market.”
But while craft-brewed variety will be a hallmark of the new facility, Guinness traditionalists need not despair. The Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House will, of course, still serve traditional Guinness Stout “on draught.” The classic brew will still be imported from the St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. The brewery will also serve a recently released anniversary Export Stout, celebrating 200 years since Guinness first arrived on American shores in South Carolina. To go along with their $50 million investment in bringing Guinness brewing to the U.S., Diageo has also hired some of the heaviest hitters in the brewing business to oversee the operation. Wiens, who worked previously as the senior director of brewery operations for Stone Brewing Company’s Richmond facility, will be the master brewer. Stephenson, Wein’s former Stone Brewing colleague and more recently, the master brewer at Highland Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina, has a reputation for innovation. “She’s a wealth of creative ideas,” Gray says. It’s unclear exactly when the entire operation, which will include a full-service restaurant on the third floor, will open to the public. But Gray says he expects it to be sometime in mid- to late summer 2018. “There’s nothing quite like what we’re building within the whole I-95 corridor.” Visit the New Guinness Brewery Test Taproom from Thursday to Sunday; hours vary. Learn more at www.newguinnessbrewery.com
Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House: 5001 Washington Blvd. Halethorpe, MD; www.newguinnessbrewery.com
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serving up hope since 2005
The Brewer’s Ball
BEHIND THE BAR
By Natalia Kolenko
Drinking with friends at a nearby bar is always a good way to kick back, but sometimes it’s fun to liven up your night with some good, old-school games. But these are not just any games – these are the games of your childhood, especially you 80s and 90s kids. So grab your friends, order an Old Fashioned and play everything from a giant Pac Man to Mario Bros. at one of these game-filled spots.
Photos: Natalia Kolenko
HILLARY JACKSON Assistant General Manager, Franklin Hall
KAT BASILE
Bar Manager, The G.O.A.T.
On Tap: What’s it like having Franklin Hall inside the historic Manhattan Laundry building? Hillary Jackson: It’s actually kind of neat. One of our bartenders attended the charter school that used to be here. We also have several people born and raised in the city that are on staff now that remember when the building was a school. It’s come full circle in a way. OT: Why did you decide to offer so many different kinds of board games? HJ: People love to come and play games, and it’s like a more affordable Dave & Buster’s. And it’s super casual and keeps things fun. My favorite old-school game we have is a Simon. When I saw we were bringing that out, I got very excited. OT: What gives Franklin Hall that nostalgic feel? HJ: All the artwork; [it’s] kind of like the Benjamin Franklin and American beer hall theme. You’ve got all these amazing beers [and] you’ve got Ben Franklin everywhere, and the bar has really made a claim on that theme. OT: How did you settle on such a beer-heavy menu? HJ: We were going with an American take on the German beer hall, and we serve only domestic and local beers. Right now, beer is one of those things that people are looking for. That’s the new trend and what people are getting excited about – all these local and domestic brews. Hillary’s Pick
MANHATTAN Bitters Sweet vermouth Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Bourbon
Franklin Hall: 1348 Florida Ave. NW, DC www.franklinhalldc.com
On Tap: What inspired The G.O.A.T.’s inclusion of a huge Pac Man and other arcade games? Kat Basile: The owners wanted to do a sports bar with a bunch of games, so they brought in games that they thought would spark people’s interest because no one else around here really has that. It also gives the bar an interactive feel, so you don’t have to just sit at the bar all night. OT: What about the bar will transport people back to their childhoods? KB: One nostalgic thing is what they’ve done with the stairs. On every single landing, they have a different sort of greatest-of-all-time team and their championship seasons like the Yankees, the Steelers and the Celtics. OT: What makes The G.O.A.T. unique? KB: The people who run it. They are very enthusiastic about their jobs; they’re very much team players. They want to be a part of something that is great, and so they came here. OT: What do you think is the best nostalgic drink to have while playing old-school arcade games? KB: A lot of people who come in here have been going for beer, but we do have a play on a Manhattan. It’s called The 24, named after Michael Jordan, [and] has infused Ezra Brooks bourbon, chamomile and honey. And a lot of the drinks are inspired by some of the greatest-of-all-time, old-school athletes. Kat’s Pick
THE CAVALIER Smoked applewood Orange and honey syrups Exotico Reposado Tequila Chili lime and sea salt rim House-infused red chili pepper syrup
The G.O.A.T.: 3028 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA www.thegoatva.com
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WEST CORK DISTILLERS
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JASON CRAFTON Co-owner, Jackie Lee’s
On Tap: Jackie Lee’s is housed in the renovated Brightwood Park space, and you’ve kept a lot of the old space’s style. Why keep it old school? Jason Crafton: If you look at the front of the building, the sconces above the sign are art deco-like, and we tried to reflect that on the inside. The bars we like are old school, and we came from working at Red Derby, so that kind of shows where our spirit is. We hope we’re paying homage to the old Jackie Lee’s. OT: Why did you decide to add an old Nintendo Entertainment System to the bar? JC: That was [co-owner] Nick [Schieber’s] idea. He thought it would be fun [on] slower nights for people to play around with. People dig it. They come in and it’s like nostalgia, and to actually be able to play games like Duck Hunt makes them jazzed. And it’s a conversation starter.
Bourbon Cask: A delicate blend of grain and malt whiskey matured in bourbon casks, delivering a smooth and approachable whiskey with a soft vanilla finish. Irish Owned and Hand Crafted Triple Pot Distilled Prepared with locally sourced spring water Only Distillery to Malt Its Own Irish Grown Barley
OT: What makes Jackie Lee’s different from other bars, aside from the Nintendo? JC: We have that old-world mentality of focusing on making the customer welcome and happy over the product. It’s more about you coming in and having a good time and [this] becoming your regular spot than having the newest, coolest beer or the fanciest cocktail. We like the idea of the bar being part of the community. OT: Jackie Lee’s menu pretty much sticks to classic cocktails. Why is that? JC: They’re classics for a reason. They’ve been around a long time because they’re good. They’re also simple, which we like, because it allows us to talk with our regulars and not just keep our heads down behind the bar mixing drinks. Jason’s Pick
NEW OLD SCHOOL OL’ FASHIONED Bitters Overholt rye Simple syrup
Jackie Lee’s: 116 Kennedy St. NW, DC www.jackieleesdc.com
Produced, Distilled and Bottled in Ireland by West Cork Distillers, LLC. Imported by M.S. Walker, Inc. Boston, MA. 40% Alc/Vol. www.westcorkdistillers.com PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP
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From Pinball to Throwing Axes DC’S BEST
Game-Filled A
s a child, Ian Hilton would head to Bethesda’s Montgomery Mall and pump quarter after quarter into now-classic games like Gauntlet and bubble hockey. Now, the local restaurateur is bringing some arcade favorites to Washington’s 14th Street neighborhood, albeit with an adult twist. The 70s-themed Players Club is the latest concept from Ian and his brother and business partner, Eric Hilton. The two have opened bars and restaurants across DC, including American Ice Company and Chez Billy Sud. Something focused around games, however, was a new experience. The underground space was designed to appeal to people looking for something more than just a place to drink – the brothers included. “We don’t go to places to meet women – we’re both married,” Ian says, laughing. “It gets to the point where you kind of want to have something fun to do.” He found a mix of old and new favorites for the bar, which also includes a selection of vinyl records and exaggerated lounge decor. There will be some TVs on too, but without the rowdy sports bar vibe. “I tracked down some of those old games and hoped people would get the joke and think it was fun,” he continues. “We’ll find out, I guess.” In a city full of bars and restaurants, providing games has become a way to stand out and offer a reason for return visits and longer stays. They’re also an especially welcome distraction in the Washington region, where people are so often caught up in their high-stakes professions. “It’s funny to watch people get so
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excited,” says Steve Teague, coowner and general manager of Breadsoda in DC’s Glover Park. The spot will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this May and has drawn a steady crowd – everyone from the elderly to college students to Tinder daters – for its selection of pool, darts, board games and more. “Shuffleboard is definitely the yelling game,” he says. A round of shuffleboard or pinball is a natural social icebreaker and can often turn to more serious competition. There are many game leagues around the region for those who want to test their abilities, including the DC Pinball League, which hosts regular gatherings at Lyman’s Tavern and Black Cat. Similar opportunities exist for pool, skeeball and shuffleboard fans. DC also counts some more unique activities among its retro gaming offerings. For example, take the indoor miniature golf course at H Street Country Club, which quickly became a hit when it opened in 2009. “We were very lucky to have settled in a great neighborhood where there was a lot of demand,” says owner Ricardo Vergara. There’s more competition now than there was a decade ago, but Vergara says the combination Mexican restaurant and game bar still keeps customers coming back for hours at a time for new experiences. Some changes have been made to keep things fresh, particularly to the mini-golf course. One hole was
Arwork: www.playersclubdc.com
Bars
By Travis Mitchell
Breadsoda
rethemed from a Capital Beltway scene to a design build around H Street’s infamous street car. The restaurant is also toying with retiring its increasingly outdated Marion Barry hole. “We find ourselves having to explain who that is,” he says of the late DC politician
Retro Game
Havens A&D 1314 9th St. NW, DC www.andbardc.com Atlas Arcade 1236 H St. NE, DC www.dcatlasarcade.com Atomic Billiards 3427 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC www.atomicbilliards.com
Kraken Axes
Augment Arcade 645 Florida Ave. NW, DC www.augmentarcade.com Photo: Kraken’s Fac ebook page
says. “We hate to have arguments or people bashing the actual figurines.” As the number of game-centric bars increases, businesses are finding new ways to stand out. Stuert Martens, founder of Kraken Axes, dug deep back in history for inspiration. The ax-throwing company opened its first location earlier this year in Park View and is banking on the sport that’s so popular in Canada catching on in the nation’s capital and around the U.S. “This is for us, by us,” says the DC-born Martens, who headquartered the company in Washington. “We very intentionally put our facility in a neighborhood.” Kraken Axes features two throwing arenas that can be booked in two-anda-half hour increments. Guests can also grab a drink from the fully stocked bar or play a round of cornhole. A beer and wine garden is scheduled to open up once the weather gets warmer, and other locations are planned across the country. Martens’s spot is becoming a popular destination for parties and offices looking for more creative ways to bond over a beer. “The days of going around and doing the team trust fall are over,” Martens says.
Photo:
www.breadsoda.com
Check out these four game-filled spots and many more in and around the nation’s capital. Breadsoda: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC www.breadsoda.com
and former mayor. One thing you likely won’t see anytime soon? A new hole reflecting the current presidential administration. After all, games are supposed to be fun, not polarizing. “We like people to come in here and have a good time and enjoy themselves,” Vergara
H Street Country Club: 1335 H St. NE, DC www.hstcountryclub.com Kraken Axes: 3400 Georgia Ave. NW, DC www.krakenaxes.com Players Club: 1400 14th St. NW, DC www.playersclubdc.com
Bar Elena 414 H St. NE, DC www.barelenadc.com Board Room DC 1737 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC www.boardroomdc.com Board Room VA 925 N Garfield St. Arlington, VA www.theboardroomva.com Carpool 12821 Fair Lakes Pkwy. Fairfax, VA www.gocarpool.com Franklin Hall 1348 Florida Ave. NW, DC www.franklinhalldc.com G.O.A.T. 3028 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA www.thegoatva.com Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Room 3410 K St. NW, DC www.gypsysallys.com Halfsmoke 651 Florida Ave. NW, DC www.halfsmoke.com Jackie Lee’s 116 Kennedy St. NW, DC www.jackieleesdc.com Lyman’s Tavern 3720 14th St. NW, DC www.fb.com/lymanstaverndc Penn Social 801 E St. NW, DC www.pennsocialdc.com Pizza Paradiso Game Room 3282 M St. NW, DC www.eatyourpizza.com/game-room Red Derby 3718 14th St. NW, DC www.redderby.com www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP
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By Amanda Weisbrod Chef Hamilton Johnson
Whether you like wine, love wine or are flat out crazy about it, Spring Wine Fling is the best time to try new and exotic varietals. Hosted by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, this weeklong event for wine lovers will take place at restaurants around the DC area from March 26 to April 1. Enjoy three pours of wine for only $15 or five pours of wine for $25 at participating locations. Check out our list of the best places to uncork, unwind and enjoy.
American Prime Featuring wines from California to Oregon, General Manager Rob Weeks says American Prime is excited to see what comes of their first experience with Spring Wine Fling. “It gives us an opportunity to showcase our wine list which has a good variety of varietals and regions, but also has tremendous value attached to it as well,” says Weeks. In addition to its wine selection, American Prime is a great place to find delicious meats, including pancetta, prosciutto and 28-day dryaged New York Strips, which all hang in the inhouse charcuterie. 1420 Spring Hill Rd. Mclean, VA; www.americanprimeco.com
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Photo: Courtesy of Honeysuckle
B Too Chef Bart Vandaele says, “everything with B is better,” from bacon and burgundy to Belgian waffles and bourbon, and now B Too – his latest venture into Belgian cuisine. With their expansive wine list of 335 bottles and 22 wines by the glass, B Too is a must-visit locale during this year’s Spring Wine Fling. General Manager Rinata Gafarova says she’s most excited for guests who might not be wine lovers to experience their wine selection. “The Wine Fling is a beautiful tool to showcase our cellar and let our guests explore different flavors,” says Gafarova. During Spring Wine Fling, they will have a wide selection of Rosès and other by-the-glass options available in flights. 1324 14th St. NW, DC; www.btoo.com
Columbia Firehouse Built in 1883, this renovated firehouse now stands as a historic American brassier and barroom in the heart of Alexandria’s Old Town. Their menu features delectable seafood dishes, mouth-watering steaks and crisp salads. Over on the bar side of the restaurant, stylish wines and classic cocktails reign. As their first year in Spring Wine Fling,
General Manager Kevin Johnson says Columbia Firehouse is eager for the opportunity to showcase some great domestic wines. 109 Saint Asaph St. Alexandria, VA; www.columbiafirehouse.com
Honeysuckle Southern warmth and hospitality with a rock-star edge is the best way to describe Honeysuckle, a café inspired by Chef Hamilton Johnson’s eclectic tattoos, diverse taste in music and love for South Carolina and Nordic cuisine. One of the most interesting things about Honeysuckle is the restaurant decor, according to Beverage Director Brad Gamble. “As an ode to Charleston, an oak communal table made of recycled timber from one of South Carolina’s oldest community farms will sit in front of the acid edged copper wrapped bar,” says Gamble. “The team tapped local artist Rick Bach to create an impressive modern mural over the communal table, reflecting the artistry of Chef Hamilton’s tattoos.” With atmosphere like this, Honeysuckle is featuring equally eclectic and offbeat varietals during Spring Wine Fling. 1990 M St. NW, DC; www.honeysuckledc.com
#WINEFLINGDC
d Trough l r o W e h t l Wi e v a ne r T MARCH 26 - APRIL 1
th st
presented by: RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON
Uncork, Unwind & Enjoy Specially Priced Wine Flights
featuring blends from across the globe at participating DC area restaurants
$15
OR
$25
PA RTI CI PATI N G L O C ATI O N S :
at Pavilion Café
VIS IT WI NEFLI NGD C.COM FOR DETAILS
Joselito: Casa de Comidas Family photos dating back to the 40s hang from the walls of this small, authentic Spanish cafe on Capitol Hill, giving anyone who enters a welcoming impression. Joselito: Casa de Comidas loves to treat its customers like family and bring aspects of real Spanish culture to DC — dispelling the stereotypes of matadors and flamenco dancers, according to General Manager Gustavo Iniesta. From indigenous Graciano wine to indigenous and foreign blends, their unique wine collection reflects Spanish culture as family-oriented, artistic and rooted in tradition. “There’s a lot of culture inside Spain and we think that by showing the people our wines and our food, we can contribute to breaking all those stereotypes and teach them about the real Spain,” says Iniesta. Joselito has always wanted to serve wine drafts, so they’re thrilled to use Spring Wine Fling as an excuse to do just that. “I always said that drinking a glass of wine can transport you to where it comes from with the right knowledge,” says Iniesta. With a variety of wine brands from obscure Spanish wineries, Joselito’s wine draft is the perfect way to get an authentic taste of Spain. 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC; www.joselitodc.com
Jug & Table Wine isn’t just for elite palates and refined tastes anymore. Jug & Table takes away the intimidation of wine tasting with an openarms approach. To General Manager Dave Delaplaine, feeling comfortable about drinking wine is the best way to enjoy it. “Wine loses some of its magic when you put it on a pedestal,” says Delaplaine. “We encourage our guests to try new styles outside their comfort zone.” With eight wines on tap and more than 30 types of wine by the glass, it’s easy to try something new at Jug & Table. “It’s fun to offer something special to our regulars while showing off our thoughtful wine program to people who aren’t as familiar with what we do,” says Delaplaine. 2446 18th St. NW, DC; www.jugandtable.com
Pavilion Café As their first time joining Spring Wine Fling, The National Gallery of Art’s Pavilion Café will offer two wine flights, one red featuring Tempranillo, Malbec and Pinot Noir, and one white featuring Riesling, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. General Manager Johanna Kearns says they’re especially excited to show guests that the café is a great spot to meet with friends year-round. “There is no better place for folks to enjoy a
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drink,” says Kearns. “You can take your glass of wine on a stroll through the Sculpture Garden and take in the beautiful landscaping and sculptures by so many famous artists.”
“These [wine makers] really live among their history, and this wine is the loving product of that history,” says Nelms. “It’s a privilege to offer it to our guests and a privilege to drink it.”
7th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, DC; www.pavilioncafe.com
1205 11th St. NW, DC; www.supradc.com
Slate Wine Bar & Bistro Based on Chef Danny Lledó’s upbringing in the kitchen and vineyard, Slate’s new American menu combines sustainably produced wines and cuisine with a contemporary flair. To set Slate apart from other American restaurants, Chef Lledó pulls from his Spanish and Portuguese heritage to give dishes like his award-winning Valencian paella an extra boost of flavor. Slate will offer two wine flights, one European and the other from the West Coast, during their third year participating in Spring Wine Fling. While the European flight features three tastes and the West Coast flight features five tastes, both flights are examples of what Slate thinks you should be drinking during the spring season. “These wine flights, and our other wine flights, are opportunities to challenge one’s palate and to see what one enjoys,” Chef Lledó writes in a press release. “Our philosophy for our wine list is to try to have something for everyone and introduce guests to new tastes.” 2404 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.slatewinebar.com
Supra While Georgian culture and cuisine is largely undiscovered in the West, Jonathan Nelms plans to change that with Supra. Five years ago, after moving back to DC from Moscow, Nelms and his family missed Georgian food so much that they decided to start their own restaurant. While their cuisine is delicious in its own right, what makes Supra really stand out is its expansive wine list comprised mainly of authentic Georgian wines. Rather than fermenting wine in a barrel or a stainless-steel tank, Georgians store it in underground clay vessels called qvevris. This ancient tradition has been passed down through generations of families for over 8,000 years. “[Qvevri wines] are the truest expressions of Georgian wine-making,” says Nelms. “The wine takes on an incredible earthy quality. One sniff or sip, and you feel like you’re in Georgia.” Joining Spring Wine Fling was the perfect opportunity for Nelms to spread the word about Georgian wine. He’s most excited to feature Orgo’s blanc de blanc sparkling wine made exclusively from white grapes in qvevri fashion.
Vermilion Using local, farm-raised products, Chef Thomas Cardarelli creates delicious modern American cuisine to bring gracious hospitality to all guests at Vermilion. Along with a menu focused on local ingredients, their bar also hosts a variety of local brews and spirits. General Manager Jay Kendall says Vermilion has a unique wine list that features wines from all around the world as well as “outstanding wines grown right here in our backyard of Virginia.” In addition to their usual wine list, Vermilion is adding Disznoko, Dry Furmint, especially for Spring Wine Fling. “This crisp, fresh and fruity expression from one of the oldest wine regions in the world, Tokaji, Hungary, is a great spring wine that dances around your tongue,” says Kendall. As Vermilion’s first time participating in Spring Wine Fling, they’re excited for guests to sit back, enjoy the experience and hopefully discover a new love for special wines they may not have tried before. 1120 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.vermilionrestaurant.com
Via Umbria From the rolling hills of Italy directly to your table, Via Umbria’s distinct wines, handpicked by owners Bill and Suzy Menard, are a unique surprise to find in DC. Umbria’s distinct terroir as the only land-locked region in Italy with soil and climate perfect for winemaking has earned it the title of the cuore verde d’Italia — “green heart of Italy.” Chef Liam LaCivita mentions that because Bill and Suzy have personal friendships with farmers and winemakers in Umbria, many of their wines are directly imported by Via Umbria itself. “We thought Spring Wine Fling was a great medium to show the wonderful wines of Umbria that are hard to find in DC, especially at retail,” he says. “There is just so much to love about these wines and the prices are so reasonable!” 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com
Spring Wine Fling runs from March 26 to April 1 at these and several more restaurants around the DC area. To learn more, visit www.wineflingdc.com.
B R E V E R O R RET School d l O t I k c i K s J D d n a s d n Ba
Party Like It’s...
Photo: Courtesy of Party Like It’s...
By Natalia Kolenko When it comes to music in DC, we pretty much have it all: one-of-a-kind venues like 9:30 Club and Black Cat, and festivals like Funk Parade and Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival. But there’s another music scene in DC that has proved a local staple: retro and throwback cover bands and dance nights. From all-90s cover band White Ford Bronco to Will Eastman’s No Scrubs: 90s Dance Party, anyone can travel back to their high school years and jam to the best music of the 80s, 90s and 2000s. We caught up with a few local cover bands and DJs about their favorite throwbacks, and got an inside look at the DC retro music scene. OT: What drew you to spinning so much of Prince and Michael Jackson’s music, and forming dance nights around them? DD: Just my youth. Michael Jackson is probably one of the biggest stars the world’s ever known. Prince was different for me. When I first heard his music and saw him, he looked [and] sounded different. He was playing guitar, and at that time, you didn’t really see black men playing the electric guitar – especially in that way. He was just so free and honest with what he was saying, and it really resonated with me as a kid. He was really the reason I noticed and wanted to play music.
DJ DREDD Mixes vinyl with a genre-bending style // DC’s unofficial “Princeologist” Spins Prince, Michael Jackson and Madonna dance parties On Tap: How do you mix genres and how would you categorize your sound? DJ Dredd: I would characterize it as anything goes. If you come to a gig of mine, you can hear anything. What I like to do is find records that may be on totally opposite ends of the spectrum and mix them together. You may hear me mix a Radiohead song with a Rick James song or an Oasis song with a Björk song – just taking things that are polar opposites in a lot of ways and making them work.
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OT: What are your favorite venues to spin at? DD: I do a lot of one-offs, but there’ still places like the Black Cat that I have a lot of respect for because if I have an idea for something, they let me roll with it. I’ve been doing stuff there since 2005 – I’ve been doing their New Year’s Eve party for about 10 years – and I can try stuff out there. Also 9:30 Club still respects the DJ culture and I do the MJ celebration there, which will be happening in August. OT: What kind of crowds come out to your Prince, MJ and Madonna nights? DD: Diverse [crowds] – just like their music. It’s young, it’s old, it’s international, it’s a very accepting crowd. When I have those nights, it’s great because people come, bring their friends, celebrate the art and come together.
Learn more about DJ Dredd at www.djdredd.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Party Like It’s...
PARTY LIKE IT’S… Horn-infused pop, rock and ska band // Covers 80s, 90s and 2000s songs, plus modern hits
Photo: Courtesy of DJ lil’e
DJ LIL’E Spins alt-80s indie hits // Established the Right Round: 80s Alt-Pop dance party On Tap: What genres do you like to spin? DJ lil’e: I’m most known for the 80s dance party Right Round, and the artists I spin for that are some of my favorites like The Cure, The Smiths, Siouxsie and the Banshees – stuff like that. Not so much the Prince, Michael Jackson and Madonna, but more so the weirdo 80s. OT: How did you get into DJing retro dance nights? DL: I have been collecting records my whole life, and I was born in the 70s and [my] teen years [were] in the 80s, so that alternative music has always been where my heart has gone. Back when I started DJing at the Black Cat, there really weren’t a lot of alternative dance parties going on and there weren’t a lot of female DJs, so I kind of fit into a niche that needed to happen. OT: Why do you think 80s music is still relevant today? DL: There’s so many different ways you can go with the 80s. You can go straight up cheesy or you can go funky. I feel like – at least for 80s alternative – a lot of the music feels really timeless and it’s music that’s really danceable. The people who are really into it were the kind of loners of my generation, so I think it appeals to us in that way. We’ve never fallen out of love with it; it’s stayed relevant. OT: Do you think dance parties like Right Round have become more popular in recent years? DL: Right Round is a funny creature because the people who have been coming to that dance night, some of them started when they were in college and then they went off and got married and had kids and now they’re coming back. My crowd is super diverse in terms of age. I just try to throw a really good party that’s not the music you hear all the time. This past Saturday was its sixteenth anniversary as a monthly dance party, which is crazy.
Learn more about DJ lil’e at www.fb.com/you.love.lil.e.
On Tap: What is the back story behind the band’s formation? Guitarist Eric Taft: About four or five years ago, our trumpet player at the time wanted to put together a ska band. There’s a punk band called Me First and the Gimme Gimmes that does punk rock-style covers of all kinds of songs from the 50s and 60s, so our trumpet player wanted to [be] the reggae and ska version of that. He assembled all the musicians he knew from different places and put us together. OT: Who are your major musical influences as a band? Lead singer Cathy DiToro: We all really like ska, punk and reggae, but me personally? My main influences are No Doubt and Gwen Stefani. ET: It’s a pretty wide range. We have a lot of influences from bands like The Police all the way up until punk bands like NOFX. I’m personally influenced by whatever grabs me. OT: Is there a stereotype about cover bands that you think is all wrong? ET: You could perceive that there’s a stigma surrounding cover bands; especially in the DC area, it can be incredibly lucrative playing in a cover band. Everyone in our band also plays original music and has other projects, but to have this thing we can offer that sets us apart in this market can be incredibly lucrative. It’s not the reason we set out and that’s not how we see ourselves. But in [the DMV], the cover scene is so strong and dense that there’s demand for it, and we take advantage of that. OT: How do you put a unique spin on songs and make them your own? ET: When we decide to cover a song, we take two days to tear it apart and make sure it’s our own thing. That’s what makes this band not feel like a traditional cover band; it puts an element of originality into what we do. Even though we’re playing covers, we’re still doing our own arrangements and there’s an element of creativity and artistic liberty that comes with that. We have a horn section at our disposal, so we might turn a synth section into a horn part or write a part in for the horns. CD: We work on arrangements and try to make [them] cool or fun or different. That does set us apart significantly from many bands in this area – many of which I know and have been a part of.
Learn more about Party Like It’s… at www.partlikeits.com and catch them at Wonderland Ballroom on Thursday, March 8 at 10 p.m. Wonderland Ballroom: 1101 Kenyon St. NW, DC www.thewonderlandballroom.com www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP
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WILL EASTMAN
Photo: Courtesy of Will Eastman
U Street Music Hall owner // Spins house, techno and disco DJ nights include No Scrubs: 90s Dance Party and Hot in Herre: 2000s Dance Party
THE REFLEX
Photo: Zuproc Photography 2018
80s tribute band // Plays everything from Blondie and Journey to Cyndi Lauper and Whitesnake On Tap: How and when was The Reflex established? Lead singer JR Russell: The Reflex has been around since 2000, but it’s had a bunch of different variations with different singers and musicians playing in it. There have been three male lead singers, four female lead singers, two or three guitarists, and two or three drummers. The only person in the entire band who was in the original lineup is Darron Morfino, who plays bass. I’ve been in the band for about three years. OT: Why did you guys choose to go the cover band route, and why focus on the 80s? JR: I think there’s more of a demand for cover music here in the DC area. The 80s [are] pretty cool because you have a lot of varied sounds that have become very synonymous with the decade. It’s where you have legendary artists who have played some of their best stuff. You have your Michael Jacksons [and] your Journeys of the world, your Madonnas and Princes; they all had their hot stuff in the 80s so that’s what we try to do – the best of all of that every time we do a show. OT: How do you think the cover band scene has changed in DC over the years? JR: We’ve seen some of the bands from up near Philly or Dewey Beach come toward DC because some of the clubs want to bring in bands that are doing contemporary covers. We’re also finding that some of the clubs that you might have been able to play in the past [aren’t] available anymore. And now you have new clubs opening up, like Club Eclipse [in Gainesville, Virginia]. It’s a changing scene. There’s a consistency with cover bands because people want to go out in this area; they want to hear songs that they have heard and can sing along to. OT: Have you noticed younger people coming out to your shows? JR: We have. It’s sometimes surprising because I’m looking at the crowd wondering whether or not [they were] even born in the 90s – let alone in the 80s – when these songs were popularized. To have people who are millennials show up to gigs is fantastic, especially when they know all the words.
Learn more about The Reflex at www.reflexlive.com and catch them at Uptown Alley-Manassas on Saturday, April 28 at 9 p.m. Uptown Alley-Manassas: 8300 Sudley Rd. A-7, Manassas, VA www.uptownalleymanassas.com
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On Tap: What inspired the No Scrubs dance party? Will Eastman: It was kind of a happy accident. My friends Brian, Billy and I came up with an idea [in 2003]: we wanted to help with [our friend Kylos Brannon’s] theatre group and we sort of had in [mind] a tongue-in-cheek gesture. There were lots of 80s dance parties around at the time and we were like, we love 90s hip-hop, pop, grunge and alt sounds, [so] let’s do a 90s dance party. From the get-go it was extremely popular, and eventually we added the 2000s dance party Hot in Herre. OT: Why do you think these themed dance nights have become so popular? WE: We’ve been doing No Scrubs for 14 years and Hot in Herre for eight, and we just launched a 2010s dance party called Can’t Feel My Face. We’ve seen over time that as our parties have gotten successful, people have copied them. It used to be rare to find a 90s party and now they’re everywhere, and it used to be hard to find a 2000s party and now they’re growing. Other markets and venues have seen that this is an event you can do that isn’t super expensive that can work in your room if you brand and market it right, and have the right people doing it. From an audience point of view, it’s fun. It’s a great time. OT: How does it feel knowing that songs from the 90s and 2000s are now considered retro to millennials? WE: It’s fun. I’ve always been a fan of music from the 90s, but I wasn’t DJing til the end of that decade; but I was a DJ for a lot of the 2000-2010, era so I have a viscerally strong connection to that party. In terms of retro, I’m not sure [there’s] much of a kitsch factor. It’s curating a great set of songs, culling through a decade’s worth of music and presenting to a crowd what you think some of the best and brightest was. OT: How has the local DJ scene changed since you’ve been spinning? WE: It’s changed a lot since I started. These parties are just a portion of what I do as a music professional and they are something I do on the side for fun; I [also] produce music under my own name. I feel like there are more places that have great music today than there were five years ago and five years before that. Hopefully, that trend continues and DC gets on the map as a music lovers’ city, because I think there are a lot of music lovers here and in a lot of ways, DC doesn’t get the due respect it deserves.
Learn more about Eastman at www.soundcloud.com/willeastman and catch him at 9:30 Club on Friday, March 9 at 9 p.m. for his No Scrubs: 90s Dance Party. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
Throwback Music in the City Compiled by Amanda Weisbrod
COVER BANDS
Psycho Killers
Talking Heads tribute band May 5 at Gypsy Sally’s
The Reagan Years
www.notu2.com
www.thereaganyears.com
Jeff From Accounting 80s & 90s multi-genre June 9 at Yards Park
www.jefffromaccounting.com
The Legwarmers
80s multi-genre
The Reflex
80s tribute band
www.reflexlive.com
Uncle Jesse
Ultimate 80s experience
90s grunge, alt-rock and pop band March 23 at Smokehouse Live
Party Like It’s…
White Ford Bronco
www.thelegwarmers.com 80s and 90s ska March 8 at Wonderland Ballroom
www.partylikeits.com
DANCE PARTIES
Flashback Fridays
R&B and EDM flashbacks Every Friday at Decades
No Scrubs
90s dance party March 9 at 9:30 Club
www.littlemisswhiskeys.com
www.930.com
90s Tracks
Peach Pit
Underground flashbacks
www.dcnine.com
Back to the 80s
80s dance night reunion Next date TBD at Rock & Roll Hotel
www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
Cryfest
The Cure vs. The Smiths dance party Next date TBD at Black Cat
www.blackdatdc.com
Depeche Mode Dance Party
90s dance party Next date TBD at DC9
www.dcnine.com
Rewind Saturdays
Biggest tunes from the 80s to today Every Saturday at Decades
www.decadesdc.com
Right Round
80s alt-pop dance night March 17 at Black Cat
www.blackcatdc.com
FYM Productions’ 17th annual Depeche Mode party April 14 at Black Cat
Saved by the 90s
Eighties Mayhem Strikes Back
Throwback Thursdays
www.blackcatdc.com
Star Wars 80s dance party May 4 at Black Cat
www.blackcatdc.com
Live 90s music with The Bayside Tigers March 17 at State Theatre
MIKKY EKKO
JUN 7
ROGER DALTREY PERFORMS THE WHO’S TOMMY
QUEEN LATIFAH COMMON JUL 20
JUN 10 + 12
ALISON KRAUSS WITH
DAVID CROSBY AND FRIENDS JUN 6
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL JUN 26–28
REBA McENTIRE JUL 1
JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER JUL 24
BRYAN ADAMS AUG 5
THE REVIVALISTS ZZ WARD AUG 19
www.thestatetheatre.com
Decades of hip-hop and dance Every Thursday at Decades
www.decadesdc.com
Fillmore Flashback
Werk Ethic
www.fillmoresilverspring.com
www.ustreetmusichall.com
80s vs. 90s dance party feat. Biz Markie March 23 at The Fillmore
MAY 29 + 30
FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS X AMBASSADORS
All-90s band March 16-17 at Gypsy Sally’s www.whitefordbronco.com
First Wednesdays at Little Miss Whiskey’s
Featuring Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
JOHN FOGERTY | ZZ TOP: BLUES AND BAYOUS TOUR
www.unclejessemusic.com
www.decadesdc.com
80s on H Street
FIRST SHOWS ON SALE NOW!
www.fb.com/psychokillersbaltimore
2U
U2 tribute band
SUMMER
BRING YOUR OWN BREWS AND PICNIC TO ENJOY AT THE SHOW!
80s and 90s house and techno Next date TBD at U Street Music Hall www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP
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ALL-90s BAND
Photos: Lindsay Galatro
By Trent Johnson
F
or the people in this room, this will sound better when there’s like 1,000 fans,” Diego Valencia shouts into the mic at 9:30 Club. Valencia, a founding member of DC-based 90s cover band White Ford Bronco, just wrapped up serenading the mostly empty venue on a Friday evening in February to Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge” before addressing the dozen or so people standing in for the real crowd. The lights are still being tinkered with before the band’s sold-out show, and folks are rummaging around behind the bars on both sides of the venue. There are two half-finished pizzas on the countertop, presumably eaten by staff and maybe even the band; if so, they’ll soon wash the slices down with beer upstairs in the green room.
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After the band wraps up soundcheck on some additions to their setlist, they join me for an interview, which feels more like a casual conversation. A few of the five members are quieter, namely Sean McCauley and Max Shapiro. Valencia is probably the most gregarious, and Ken Sigmund comes off geeky in a garage rock way. Lead vocalist Gretchen Gustafson talks the most, and her delivery is blunt and direct, like she’s heard these questions a million times before, whether they be from family, friends or fans. That makes sense, because 2018 marks the band’s tenth anniversary. “I’d say it’s easy memories,” Gustafson says. “What we listened to at 13 is what we’re playing now. People have fun going back and reliving those memories, and typically it’s with your friends at a thirtieth birthday party or a wedding. That’s what draws us all to it in a certain way.”
NOSTALGIC NICHE It’s no secret that a majority of cover bands get their start in the local bar scene. Often, their first gig is at a place where the musicians know the owner or manager and do their best to invite everyone in the area following them on social media. White Ford Bronco was no different, except for their era of choice. “Our generation had gone to see 80s bands, but we didn’t remember the music that well because we were kids then,” Valencia says. “So why not play music that we remember, that we talked about and sang along to? When we started 10 years ago, people were like, ‘Isn’t it too soon?’”
The answer was a resounding no. In 2008, culture from the 90s was slowly dripping back into the zeitgeist from the holy nostalgia faucet. This phenomenon has only grown over the past 10 years, as fashion, art and other forms of culture have looked back on the decade best known for grunge and teen dramas for inspiration and imitation. “With O.J. out of prison and the whole series that they had about him [there are two actually: ESPN’s O.J.: Made in America and FX’s The People vs. O.J. Simpson], and they’re bringing back Full House and Rosanne – we definitely see the era in clothes, ads and colors, it’s everywhere,” Gustafson says.
VENUES OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES White Ford Bronco quickly gained popularity, going from the Irish dive bar scene – that some members still clamor for – to larger venues. The first breakthrough for the group was their debut at State Theatre in the City of Falls Church, which they find colossally difficult to recollect because the memory of the show is hidden beneath a drunken haze from the night. “The first time we ever played State Theatre, they gave us nine days’ notice and all of us were scared out of our minds, and we got truly drunk,” Gustafson says. “It was absolutely crazy.” The band has a ton of tales like this, each member waxing poetic on the venue – or benchmark – that meant most to them. For McCauley and Sigmund, it’s that State Theatre show; for Valencia, it’s Rock & Roll Hotel; and for Gustafson, it’s the Howard Theatre – proof their appeal could sell out a larger DC venue. “I don’t think we ever thought we’d be here 10 years later and selling out venues like we do, and playing as much as we do,” Gustafson says. “Getting the opportunities that we’ve gotten has been incredible.” Now the group plays in venues of all shapes and sizes, from bars to concert venues to parks. Though it’s human nature to get more excited about an opportunity to headline the famed 9:30 Club than a small wedding or corporate gig, the group is steadfast in performing for the audience. “When we first started, we were at bars and we were playing to 20 or 30 people who were made up mostly of our friends,” Gustafson says. “They were there to support us, so no one was going to tell us we sucked. Now we’re playing for 1,200 people and I look out in the room, and I see only three people that I know. We just hold ourselves to a higher standard.”
WHY WHITE FORD BRONCO? “Everyone knows where they were during that moment,” McCauley says. That “moment” was June 17, 1994 when O.J. Simpson eluded the Los Angeles Police Department in a white Ford Bronco, avoiding arrest until he finally arrived in his driveway. Afterward, the image of Simpson’s truck slowly moving on the highway has undeniably been burned into society’s collective memory. “You can call a cover band whatever you like, but most of them are references to a television show or a piece of music,” Valencia says. “This was an event. [His] white Ford Bronco – everyone saw it.” On whether or not they are ever sucked into discussions on the O.J. Simpson trial, the band assures me that they try their best not to be. For them, it’s more fun to discuss the possibility of Simpson stumbling across their band name or bumping into them at random. “The interesting thing is that a lot of people who come and see us don’t remember that,” Valencia says. “They don’t know what we’re talking about, and some people will have no clue.” “Is that your favorite truck?” Sigmund adds, imitating recurring questions from audiences. “Are you a country band?”
The name emerged as the obvious choice by chance, after Valencia was going back and forth with a coworker to figure out what the hell he would call the band. There were numerous references to television shows and other nostalgic moments on the cutting room floor, but once White Ford Bronco came up, it was easy. “The first time I heard it, it was simply, ‘Yeah,’” McCauley says.
DRIVING INTO THE FUTURE The band has tenth anniversary plans, but a majority of them are under wraps – either awaiting confirmation or perhaps basking in mystery. The band is in full-on reminiscing mode, and they’re happy to be here nearly a decade later. “It started just playing for some friends in a stupid bar on a Tuesday night,” McCauley says. “We were losing money, but after all these steps, here we still are.” As time elapses, the musicians often find themselves competing with the bands from the very decade they tribute. People might think this creates a problem, because of the authenticity that comes from the creators of this sound they play, but the band doesn’t seem too worried. “We lost a gig to a band from the 90s, but they have one f--king good song,” Gustafson says. Valencia interjects, “And we play it!” “It’s funny now that those are who we are competing with,” she continues. While they’re happy to be here, it hasn’t all been great memories. No one looks too fondly back on unloading a double-parked car on a crowded Adams Morgan street in the rain or having to search and search for equipment, only to realize it’s been stolen. However, these moments supplement the brighter contrast, allowing the good times to glow like a piece of their own nostalgia. “We’ve been a rock band for 10 years,” Valencia says. “We just happen to play other people’s songs and I’m okay with that. We’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing.”
Catch White Ford Bronco at Gypsy Sally’s on Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. both nights. $25 in advance, $30 day of show. To follow the rest of WFB’s busy schedule, go to www.whitefordbronco.com. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; 202-333-7700 www.gypsysallys.com www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP
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By Reem Nadeem Photos: Kenneth Capello
hen K.Flay kicks off the second part of her U.S. tour in DC this March, the alt-rock musician is bringing a lot of new experiences with her, including two Grammy nominations and a song written for the upcoming Tomb Raider movie. But even as she grows more established and her sound continues to evolve, she’s staying true to her raw, edgy sound. The musician, best known for the popular, Grammy-nominated track “Blood in the Cut,” will be performing at 9:30 Club on March 12. Although she’s been touring Europe, DC remains one of her favorite places to perform. “I always love playing in DC,” she says. “I feel like it’s one of those cities where live audiences are just full of energy and really awesome.” While you can expect to hear the gritty vibes from her newest album Every Where is Some Where, K.Flay brings a new experience to her repertoire. The newest Tomb Raider hits theaters March 16 – in case dancing at her show isn’t enough K.Flay for you – and features a song written and performed by the songstress just for the movie: “Run For Your Life.” Although she hasn’t seen any of the previous movies or played the video game, her sound is a perfect match. “This reboot [is] a bit different [than] the earlier movies. [Lara Croft is] just this complete badass, and they wanted a song that reflected that.”
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ON TAP | MARCH 2018 | www.ontaponline.com
Although the process of writing music for a movie was new – and a far cry from her usual writing process – K.Flay’s approach to the new experience was certainly reflective of the in-your-face attitude you hear in her music.
“Usually when I’m given an opportunity to do something new, I always want to do it.” The artist’s fearless attitude is sorely needed in her genre and industry. She was recently one of the only women nominated for a Grammy in the rock category. In the era of the #MeToo movement, when the entertainment industry is both engaging in important dialogue and awards shows are under heavy scrutiny for their lack of diversity, her response to the lack of diversity among nominees in her genre is probably familiar to a lot of women – shocking, but not shocking.
“As a woman in the touring space, often [you are] one of very few – or perhaps the only – women around. I think there’s a lot of women making incredible rock music, and I’m certainly hoping that more of that is recognized in mainstream channels, like radio and awards ceremonies and big festivals.” The highly publicized and criticized conversations coming out of the entertainment industry aren’t new though, K.Flay says. They’ve been happening quietly for a long time among her circle of friends, and she says she’s hopeful that things will get better. But simply nominating more women for awards isn’t the only way to fix the issue, she says. Her solution, or at least a step in the right direction, is a more complicated one: allow minorities the same amount of nuance that those in power have. “That spectrum of nuance is afforded to the people with the most power. The more different genres and spheres that women are occupying – and this isn’t just women, this is people of color [and] all sorts of sexualities as well – where are people allowed to live on these spectrums?” Regardless of how these conversations continue in the entertainment industry, K.Flay intends to continue using her power for good. “As a musician, I have the ability to be vocal. It’s not like I work for a law firm and they’re going to fire me. I have some latitude in my ability to express these things.” Catch K.Flay at the 9:30 Club on March 12. Tickets are $20. And learn more about her at www.kflay.com
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC 202-265-0930; www.930.com
FESTIVAL OF COLORS
“THE G R BAND I EATEST PART N YEAR Y S!” -NP R
FRIDAY, MARCH 23
SATURDAY, MARCH 24
TICKETS AT WWW.THEHAMILTONLIVE.COM
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By Michael Loria and Amanda Weisbrod
TUESDAY, MARCH 6
Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark OMD began as Kraftwerkinspired synth-pop pioneers in England in 1978. They’ve since inspired entire generations of synth-pop acts, from Depeche Mode to Nation of Language, (on whom you can soon look for a profile from yours truly). Yet, OMD continues to craft new synth-pop to this day. Their latest record is The Punishment of Luxury, released in September 2017. It’s their thirteenth record, but on it they say that they still feel they’re making something new. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
pronoun. Breakups are rough, but they get a little easier with pronoun’s 2016 debut EP, There’s no one new around you. Alyse Vellturo,
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self-proclaimed emo kid and one-woman band, explores the emotional stages behind a failing relationship in tracks like “just cuz you can’t,” which, with its surprisingly upbeat and groovy sound, can help a broken heart through the worst of times. Vellturo’s deeply personal lyrics layered on top of rhythmic lo-fi will hit you right in the feels...in a good way. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $12. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com
We Banjo 3 Mix the skills and strengths of the Flecktones with a bit of Punch Brothers and add a dash of Gaelic Storm and you get one of the best live acts to come out of Ireland in recent years, the multi-awarded winning We Banjo 3. With a seven time, allIreland banjo champ, a four time banjo champ, another member who is an all-Ireland champ on both fiddle and Bodhran and with a passionate lead vocalist like a young Springsteen adopted by the Chieftans, the
ON TAP | MARCH 2018 | www.ontaponline.com
result is truly unforgettable. On both sides of the Atlantic the word is out about this group. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $16.75-$39.25. Write-up provided by venue. The Hamilton: 600 14 St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
Acid Dad After randomly coming together in 2014 at a drag show, Acid Dad spent the next year and a half establishing a name for themselves by performing in small clubs and venues all over New York City. In 2016 they released their debut EP, Let’s Plan a Robbery – a bipolar mix of psychedelic melodies and raw angst. Now this up and coming band is touring the U.S. and bringing psych punk to the city. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $12. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 8
Jonathan Wilson LA-based artist Jonathan Wilson is releasing his first record since 2013’s Fanfare March 2. The new record, Gentle Spirit, shows the virtues of that sabbatical during which he toured with several artists and worked in studio sessions throughout LA, including sessions for Father John Misty’s Pure Comedy. In fact, he was reportedly Misty’s right-hand man on the Grammynominated record. Misty had the following to say on Wilson: “Jonathan’s talent—’mastery’ may be more apt—places him among a rarefied class of musical auteur. You’d be hard pressed to find a comparison, or contemporary for that matter, that would do his recent work justice.” Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 8 FRIDAY, MARCH 9
the pieces. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 11
OPEN MIC EVERY TUESDAY IN OUR VINYL LOUNGE
SATURDAY, MARCH 10 Excision Feel like throwin’ elbows? Jump in the pit and head bang with Excision, a dubstep bass god most popular for establishing his own annual music festival, Lost Lands, set in the allencompassing cornfield that is eastern Ohio. Under his pseudonym, Jeff Abel pairs heavy bass music with psychedelic light shows and trippy visuals to give his fan base a reason to go nuts. If this two day show is anything like the set he played at Everafter Festival in Canada last summer, make sure to swallow lots of water and ibuprofen during your pregame. Lots. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, DC; www.echostage.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 9
Ezra Furman There’s a singular conglomeration of influences to be found in the music of Ezra Furman. The Chicago-raised songwriter shows a strong penchant for Americana music like Woody Guthrie and Bruce Springsteen. It’s there in the sing-a-long melodies and the instrumentation, whether it’s the saxophones, harmonicas or prominent acoustic guitar. But lyrically, Furman draws on his own experience as a queer, Jewish artist. It’s a dynamic mix of influences that’s goddamn catchy. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
Dumpstaphunk Dumpstaphunk stands out among New Orleans’s best as one of the funkiest bands to ever arise from the Crescent City. Born on the Jazz & Heritage Festival stage, and descended from Neville family bloodlines, these soldiers of funk ignite a deep, gritty groove that dares listeners not to move. Their performances combine ingenious musicianship and complex funk and jazz arrangements with soulful melodies that are simple enough for anyone to enjoy. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets $20-$23. Writeup provided by venue. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 1 ALL GOOD PRESENTS
DJ WILLIAMS’ SHOTS FIRED FRIDAY, MARCH 2 ALL GOOD PRESENTS
WOLF!
FT. SCOTT METZGER SATURDAY, MARCH 3
BEN TUFTS & FRIENDS PRESENT A TRIBUTE TO
THE POLICE SUNDAY, MARCH 4
BEN TUFTS & FRIENDS PRESENT A TRIBUTE TO
THE POLICE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
THE WAY DOWN WANDERERS THURSDAY, MARCH 8
WADE BOWEN ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
FRIDAY, MARCH 9
STEAL YOUR FACE, POSSESSED BY PAUL JAMES
SATURDAY, MARCH 10 ALL GOOD PRESENTS
TOUBAB KREWE SUNDAY, MARCH 11
DUMPSTAPHUNK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14
THE SOUTHERN BELLES, SHWIZZ THURSDAY, MARCH 15
SHANE SMITH & THE SAINTS, FLATLAND CAVALRY
Philip Glass’s 20 Études Aside from John Cage, there’s likely no 20th century American composer who has been as influential as Philip Glass. He is often regarded as a pioneer in minimalism, however, his stronger contribution might be more his subtle rhythmic manipulation of repetitive structures. This structural manipulation is never so clear and so pristine as in his keyboard music, and specifically his études. The 20 Études were composed over a 20 year period and he regards them as something of a self-portrait. The concert will feature worldclass artists like Jason Moran and Devonté Hynes playing
Tycho Tycho is a musician who I feel like almost everyone has at some point encountered in a YouTube deep dive. His records Dive (2011) and Awake (2014) appear in the related videos almost regardless of what you’re listening to. For YouTube, all roads lead to Tycho and I guess that’s because people tend to like his music. His latest record Epoch (2015) follows in a similar vein. The music combines vintage and down tempo synthesizers with a strong ambient melodic influence. Doors are at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Flash DC: 645 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.flashdc.com
High Up Soul-sister duo Christine and Orenda Fink bring punk, indie and big band music together in High Up--their personal escape from the mundane. After tirelessly working dead-end jobs and finding her true self at karaoke nights, Christine decided she wanted something else out of life. Orenda, a notable singer songwriter, persuaded her sister to do what made her happiest--performing live. Thus, High Up’s smooth mix of big band sound and punk rock vocals was born. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $12. The Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 16 ST. PADDY’S DAY BASH NIGHT 1
WHITE FORD BRONCO SATURDAY, MARCH 17 ST. PADDY’S DAY BASH NIGHT 2
WHITE FORD BRONCO SUNDAY, MARCH 18
GEORGE PORTER, JR. TRIO WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21
PLEASURE TRAIN, NAH FRIDAY, MARCH 23 ALL GOOD PRESENTS
OCTAVE CAT FEAT. JESSE MILLER (LOTUS), ELI WINDERMAN (DOPAPOD), CHARLIE PATIERNO SATURDAY, MARCH 24 ALL GOOD PRESENTS
FRUITION FRIDAY, MARCH 30
KENDALL STREET COMPANY SATURDAY, MARCH 31
YELLOW DUBMARINE
www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2018 | ON TAP
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TUESDAY, MARCH 13
Little Tybee Little Tybee, a sextet hailing from Atlanta, blends elements of folk, psych, jazz and bassa to create their very own genre that’s both relaxing and groovy. Since they’ve been a staple of the Atlanta music scene since 2009, they’ve opened for acts like of Montreal, Maps and Atlases, Victor Wooten and more. Not only is their music complex and moving, but their live shows are too. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave E, VA; www.jamminjava.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14
Head for the Hills Head for the Hills is perfect for both classic bluegrass lovers and exploratory listeners. By carefully blending intricate banjo runs, homesick lyrics and upbeat tempo with a jazz and folk feel, Head for the Hills can even coax genre purists and timid exploratory listeners into enjoying their music. After ten years and four studio albums, this Colorado-based bluegrass band is heading for the peak of their career. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $10. State Theatre: 220 N Washington St. Falls Church, VA; www.thestatetheatre.com
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SATURDAY, MARCH 17
Oddisee Local emcee Oddisee is true to his name. In his lyrics you can find a kind of socially conscious and fluid verse that’s searching for answers. He plays from his influences like the New York hip-hop he heard growing up, or the Go-Go and gospel records his father would play. But Oddisee’s family is also from Sudan and you can hear a sort of cool-balance to his music that’s reflective of years spent listening to his father play the Oud or summers spent in Khartoum learning Arabic and swimming in the Nile. 9 p.m. Tickets are $30. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com
Jon Batiste You likely already know his face from somewhere on TV. The Louisiana-born pianist and bandleader had a recurring role on HBO’s Treme about New Orleans musicians living in the aftermath of Katrina, and now he’s the bandleader of the house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Batiste is known for his optimism, humor and effortless piano virtuosity. His latest record Social Music (2013) spent a month atop billboard charts as the #1 jazz album in the world. Doors are at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 16
SUNDAY, MARCH 18
Hyetension Hyetension, a three-piece alt rock group from Virginia, will take the stage at Velvet Lounge on March 16. Their sound is reminiscent of The Strokes or Arctic Monkeys, but with a little more grit mixed in. Low bass riffs paired with splashes of rhythmic guitar layered behind melodic riffs gives their music enough depth to be interesting, but not so much that would ruin the punk feel that they’re going for. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $10. Velvet Lounge: 915 U St. NW, DC; www.velvetloungedc.com
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George Porter Jr. George Porter, Jr. is best known as the bassist of The Meters, along with Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste. Few bass players in the history of modern New Orleans music are as storied as George Porter Jr. During the course of a career spanning more than four decades, Porter has not only made a deep impression with his work in the Meters, but he’s notched session work with artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Jimmy Buffett, David Byrne and more. He continues to be not only an in demand performing artist but an accomplished studio musician and producer. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets $15. Write-up provided by venue. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
Malcolm London An endorsement from philosopher Cornel West is not the norm for musicians performing in DC. But the Chicago-born artist has gained national recognition for his social activism and has shared the stage with figures including John Legend, Bill Gates, Matt Damon and Lupe Fiasco. Cornel West regards him as the Gil Scott-Heron of his generation. Scott-Hernon is known as the grandfather of rap and for his socially conscious verses as well. Doors are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day-of. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, www.blackcatdc.com
Moose Blood With their emo pop punk sound and Eddy Brewerton’s gorgeous vocals, Moose Blood will bring you back to the days of skinny jeans and black hair in 2008. This British alt-indie rock band is crossing the pond for a U.S. tour this spring to celebrate their latest studio album, I Don’t Think I Can Do This Anymore, which is set to drop on March 9. So put on your liquid eyeliner, jump into your skin tight jeans and slip on your Vans--it’s time to reminisce the golden age of emo while Moose Blood’s in town. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
MONDAY, MARCH 19
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21
FRIDAY, MARCH 23
AVERY*SUNSHINE Focused on the brighter side of life, Avery*Sunshine wraps anyone listening in the warm blanket of her smooth and soulful vocals. Think Michael Buble, but with the power and soul of a black mother of two from Pennsylvania. In her most recent studio album, Twenty Sixty Four, a big band with a base-line R&B groove backs her robust vocals as she sings about her experience with love, relationships and staying true to herself. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $55. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com
Mura Masa Electronic producer Mura Masa was famously born on the Isle of Guernsey, an island in the English Channel, close to the Brittany coast but closer to Britain in culture. However, the producer is also famous for looking beyond the island in terms of influence; in fact, well beyond the island. His name comes from a Japanese sword-smith and his samples come from as far as Jamaica and Nigeria, making use of dancehall and afrobeat samples. Doors are at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Flash DC: 645 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.flashdc.com
The Strypes With hints of indie-pop, punk and blues, British rock ‘n’ roll band The Strypes writes with musical maturity and diversity that brings something new to the classic rock ‘n’ roll table. Their latest album release, Spitting Image, spins the archetypal Rolling Stones rock with a modern sound to carry ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll into the new millennium. And because all four band members are only in their early 20s, they have the potential to grow their sound into something truly impressive over the years. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St.NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com
TUESDAY, MARCH 20
Palm No one in Palm is formally trained on their instruments, but that doesn’t stall these New York musicians and it also doesn’t mean that they make simple music either. Sonically they may have much in common with indie pop music, but rhythmically they tend towards math rock, making use of abrupt rhythmic changes and odd time signatures. It’s what makes their music both distinct and so fun. It’s like a cubist palm tree. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 25
SATURDAY, MARCH 24
Wild Child Wild Child mixes the groove of indie-pop, the soul of folk and the accents of big band jazz together to create their own unique sound that’s perfect for a long drive on a sunny day. Their newest album, Expectations, is nothing like you’d expect from a band labeled as “indie-pop.” While there are some indie-pop elements to their sound, every song on this album sounds different. From reggae to blues, from jazz to folk, you don’t know what you’re going to hear from each track until it starts. Listening to them is definitely a journey worth taking, and if their live show is as unique as their sound, you won’t want to miss it. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
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Son Lux On their Bandcamp page for their latest record Brighter Wounds, they describe themselves as the “grand, genre-less dream of Los Angeles composer Ryan Lott brought to roiling, vivid life with the help of two New Yorkers” and there really is no better way to describe them. Brighter Wounds came out earlier this year and shows any number of influences from Bjork and Arca to even Vaporwave. Their blend of drums and space is hypnotic and ornate. Doors are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 in-advance, $20 day-of. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
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The Marmozets The Marmozets, a British garage punk band, features angstriddled guitar riffs, heavy drum beats and lead singer Becca MacIntyre’s Cherry Bomb-esque vocals. The Weird And Wonderful Marmozets, their debut album, is a testament to what it’s like to live in the U.K. as a young and different teenager. With a sound that sits on the border of punk and metal, while Knowing What You Know, their 2018 release, is a little lighter and leans towards punk-pop more than anything. But both albums have a powerful message about casting off society and embracing your inner weirdo. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com
Caleborate In the Bay Area, no young hip-hop artist is getting as much recognition from locals like Caleborate. Born in 1993, he has already released three records: Hella Good, 1993 and Real Person, released in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively. He’s known for his sharp lyrics about the life of a 20-something and the daily grind of a collegiate youth. His topics range far and wide, but that’s not to say he skims wherever he goes. The boy is deep. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com
TUESDAY, MARCH 27
Walk Off the Earth Best known for their 2012 viral cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Walk Off the Earth experiments with popular music to create innovative cover songs that are unique to their style and multi-talented instrumentalists. Most of their music falls under the umbrella of folk-pop, but their wide range of musical talents allows them to explore almost any genre. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35. The Fillmore: 8656 Colesville Rd. MD; www.filmoresilverspring.com
MONDAY, MARCH 26
Turnover From Virginia Beach, Turnover makes indie or dream pop styled rock. Their latest record, Good Nature (2017), can feel like a turn on a dime from their previous record though. 2015’s Peripheral Vision was a sleeper hit for pop-punk kids with a penchant for shoegaze. But Good Nature reflects a different side of the band. Frontman, Austin Getz, up and moved from Virginia Beach to California with his girlfriend and the record sounds like he’s been there for years. Not only sonically, but spiritually too. Doors are at 7 p.m. $20. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 30
Blair Crimmins and The Hookers Atlanta-based musician Blair Crimmins and The Hookers puts a modern twist on 1920s ragtime jazz with subtle innuendos that’ll make you laugh out loud. After his debut album dropped in 2010, Crimmins became an Atlanta radio star as his music was the most requested on the air. Now his most recent studio album, You Gotta Sell Something, brings old stylings of Dixieland jazz to a current audience with topical commentary and groove. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $12. Pearl Street Warehouse: 33 Pearl St. SW, DC; www.pearlstreetwarehouse.com
The Machine Perform Pink Floyd The Machine, America’s top Pink Floyd show, has forged a 25year reputation of excellence, extending the legacy of Pink Floyd while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many, selling out theaters, large clubs and casinos across North and Central America, Europe and Asia. They have also appeared at renowned music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Riverbend, Gathering of the Vibes, Buffalo’s Artpark and Germany’s Rock of Ages. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $25-$30. Write-up provided by venue. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 SATURDAY, MARCH 31
New Politics What do you get when you mix catchy pop melodies, driving punk guitar riffs and infectious beats? New Politics. Since the late 2000s, this Danish indie band has captured listeners with their popular electronic dance-rock songs and highenergy performances. Hits like “Harlem” and “One of Us” are so catchy they’ll be stuck in your head for days. But we’re not mad about it. The Fillmore: 8656 Colesville Rd. MD; www.filmoresilverspring.com
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Frances Luke Accord Chicago-based duo Frances Luke Accord may have a name that has something of an air to it, but once you hear their music you’ll want to lean right into it. The two are serious musicians and meticulous songwriters. They make roots music, but one which draws on more contemporary Americana, jazz, soul and rock. Their debut LP Fluke was released in 2016 and they’re still riding its coattails into 2018. Doors are at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Jammin Java: 2276 Maple Ave. E Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com
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Caroline Rose On the artist’s website, the featured photo gives you an idea of where Caroline Rose’s head is at. The photo shows her decked head to toe in red athletic gear and lighting an entire pack of cigarettes in her mouth. This is the cover photo from her record Loner, released February 23, and it’s dark but deeply satirical. The record is a shift in focus from her earlier music making and reflects a change in her own approach to life, what she refers to as a “dismantling [of] my ego.” The result is music which is more causal and pop-oriented, but still backed by those same ironic lyrics. Doors are at 6 p.m. Tickets are $12. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com
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Photos: Shantel Mitchell Breen and K. Gabrielle Photography
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Photos: Gevar Bonham
Following the smash success of platinum-selling single “Electric Love,” BØRNS has performed at major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, in addition to headlining a sold-out tour in 2016. He played at The Anthem on February 13.
One of the biggest names in EDM, Steve Aoki rocked the Echostage music floor on February 10. Though the DJ and producer was atop the marquee, the list of names that preceded and joined him onstage was extensive, including Desiigner, Grandtheft and Ricky Remedy.