On Tap Magazine // May 2019 by DC Fray // District Fray

Drink. Dine. Do. May 2019

Electro-pop trio

SHAED inside the issue:

80s // 90s Nostalgia Arcade Bars WNBA’s Kristi Toliver

100+ fests

music food drink

art culture community film

storytelling

Activism

Photos: Cristina O’Connell

FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THESE AND OTHER EVENTS, VISIT THE ONLINE GALLERY AT WWW.ONTAPONLINE.COM.

The Wharf hosted the second annual Petalpalooza, an official National Cherry Blossom Festival event, featuring a full day of art, music, and family and dog-friendly fun along the waterfront. Festivalgoers enjoyed live music on District Pier and Pearl Street Warehouse’s stages, plus a candy-colored fireworks show at night.

Grand Opening Celebration THURSDAY, MAY 30TH | 7-9PM

SPECIALTY COCKTAILS, BEER + WINE COMPLIMENTARY BITES FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS MODEL UNITS, DC SKYLINE, RAFFLE PRIZES, GIVEAWAYS + MORE LIVE JAZZ BAND IN THE LOBBY ACOUSTIC DUO ON THE POOL DECK DJ STACKS ON THE ROOFTOP

RSVP @ WWW.ALTAIRERSVP.COM 400 ARMY NAVY DRIVE, ARLINGTON VA 22202 833.240.7573

TABLE OF CONTENTS MAY 2019: VOL 21 NO 7

WHO IS ON TAP?

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE And just like that, summer is here. Or at least sort of – it is May after all. In years past, we've provided robust guides for festivals happening in the extended DC area, but this year we've taken it to a whole new level. While piecing together our comprehensive list of events, we stopped and wondered, "How do these things get made?" To answer that essential question, we talked to organizers from popular local happenings and sat down with Smithsonian Folklife Festival Director Sabrina Lynn Motley. Where there are festivals, there's often music. For our cover story, we feature local electro-pop trio SHAED, headlining this month's DC101 Kerfuffle. You hungry? DC is one of the best places to see a show and grab some gourmet grub, and we highlighted some of our faves. If the heat is too much and you want to stow away in a bar, read about spots with laidback vibes and games galore. Plus, interviews with D.C. United's head coach Ben Olsen, the Mystics' Kristi Toliver and so much more. On the cover: SHAED's Chelsea Lee and Max and Spencer Ernst Photo: Shervin Lainez

Designer: Julia Goldberg

PUBLISHER Robert Kinsler

robert@ontaponline.com

MANAGING EDITOR Monica Alford

monica@ontaponline.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Trent Johnson

trent@ontaponline.com

EDITORIAL STAFF M.K. Koszycki

mk@ontaponline.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Julia Goldberg

julia@ontaponline.com

PRINT AND DIGITAL DESIGN Nick Caracciolo KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth

tomroth@ontaponline.com

 SPORTS Washington Mystics' Kristi Toliver.............. 4 D.C. United's Head Coach Ben Olsen.. ........ 8

 DRINKS

Washington Mystics'

Game-Filled Bars

Kristi Toliver

Offer Next-Level Experiences

SweetWater's Guide Beer............................ 12 What's On Tap?.............................................. 14 Wolf Trap // Caboose Collab Brew............ 16 Behind the Bar............................................... 20 Game-Filled Bars........................................... 24

 DINING New & Notable.. ............................................. 28 Elevated Food at Music Venues................. 30

 DC FESTIVAL GUIDE Folklife Festival's Sabrina Lynn Motley.... 36 Festival Makers.............................................. 42 Neighborhood Festivals.............................. 60

Elevated Food

Smithsonian Folklife's

at DMV Music Venues

Sabrina Lynn Motley

 MUSIC SHAED at DC101 Kerfuffle.......................... 64 Nostalgia Tours. . ............................................ 66 The Drums at Black Cat.. .............................. 70 Nick Waterhouse at Rock & Roll Hotel.. .... 72 Music Picks..................................................... 74

 STAGE & SCREEN Stage & Screen Events................................. 78 Grand Hotel at Signature Theatre............. 80

DIGITAL & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Kayla Marsh

kayla@ontaponline.com

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS MANAGER Katie Seaman

katie@ontaponline.com

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS ASSISTANT Savannah Jeter

Savannah@ontaponline.com

OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kelcie Glass

Kelcie@ontaponline.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lani Furbank, Natalia Kolenko, Kayla Marsh, Lanna Nguyen, Jean Schindler, Leah Seyoum, Valeria Villarroel

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lani Furbank, John Gervasi, Julia Goldberg, Mike Kim, Cristina O'Connell, Mark Raker On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2019 by United Fray. All rights reserved. Use or reproduction of any materials contained herein is strictly prohibited without express prior written consent. Go to www.ontaponline.com for more information.

OFFICE

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

www.ontaponline.com/calendar Due by the 15th of the month for print issue.

Creative Curators

Electro-Pop Trio SHAED

DC's Festival Makers

Plays DC101 Kerfuffle

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Raise the bar for what makes a weekend

Extraordinary.

Stay overnight to enjoy VIP access to more than 60 kinds of beer, 40 bourbons and lots of BBQ, June 14-16th weekend.

Book your VIP Package today! GaylordNational.com

Dribbling The

District

MYSTICS’

Kristi Toliver

GOES IN-DEPTH ON COACHING THE WIZARDS By Kayla Marsh Photos: Courtesy of NBAE League

he NBA has included famous females on coaching staffs such as Becky Hammon (San Antonio Spurs), Jenny Boucek (Dallas Mavericks) and now Lindsey Harding (Philadelphia 76ers). Women assistant coaches are slowly gaining residence in men’s sports, including Washington Mystics point guard Kristi Toliver, who is now the first active WNBA player on an NBA coaching staff as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards. “I think it’s cool, special and important,” Toliver says. “I’d like to see more options or openings if women want to coach college basketball. Just the idea of them being open to the idea – we should be past that. It’s just about who can do that job the best. It’s good men are finally realizing that women can bring a whole lot to the table, including a new perspective and mentality they haven’t been exposed to before.” Fresh off the Mystics’ championship loss to the Seattle Storm in the 2018 WNBA finals and hungry for more basketball, Toliver (a former champion herself) spent her summer assisting the Wizards’ coaching staff during summer league and training camp. Toliver was drafted to the WNBA in 2009 by Chicago, enjoyed a stint in Los Angeles and finally joined the Mystics in 2017 during free agency. Continuing her storied basketball journey, her coaching role with the District’s men’s team while active carries great significance. “At first, I didn’t think a whole lot of it because from my perspective, I was just pursuing two things that I’m passionate about and love to do,” she says. It wasn’t until head coaches started approaching her and telling her about the impact she was making, especially on their daughters, that it dawned on her this was something big. “It gave me a new perspective. I’m proud of what I’m doing, but I’m also a person pursuing what I love and that’s the biggest message for other people: there are no limits. I don’t believe in limits. I think you’re capable of anything as long as you’re passionate and care about it and put in the work.” Toliver’s 10-year career in the WNBA has prepared her for how to handle the highs and lows. Though no one truly gets over a championship loss, Toliver stayed open to learning and growing from the 2018 WNBA finals in the offseason. “I think that playing overseas and for a championship helps [to get over it], but for me being on the sidelines in an assistant coach

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

position, all I could think about every day was getting back to the finals and wishing we had those three games back against Seattle,” she says. “It’s been my motivation throughout: preparing and getting myself better in different ways because I know you have to be better than you were the year before [to succeed].” Coaching is something that’s always been in the back of Toliver’s mind – it’s her way of staying in the sport even after her playing career ends. “Basketball is my passion. I enjoy teaching. I love talking about the game and preparing for games, game planning and other things like that. It kind of just naturally happened and I was presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I wanted to see if I enjoyed it and wanted to get my feet wet.” Last summer, a familiar face that Toliver knew from her four-year college career at the University of Maryland, Ryan Richman, asked her to be his assistant for the NBA G League Capital City Go-Go. It was a perfect fit for Toliver because she knew she was taking a year off from playing overseas. However, inside the Wizards organization, assistant coaching positions became available, vaulting Richman to a position at the front of the bench. Toliver was able to talk with head coach Scott Brooks and nab an assistant spot with the Wizards after prepping the team for summer league and joining them in Vegas. “We had a nice conversation and things just kind of developed from there,” she says. “He asked what I wanted, what my vision was, if I could have anything, what would it be? I went through my checklist and [we] talked through it. Timing is everything; it’s wild how it all turned out.” During Wizards training camp in September 2018, Toliver was addressed more and more as “Coach,” replacing the normal “Panda,” which is what her Mystics teammates call her. “It’s funny. All I’ve head for the past eight, nine months was ‘Coach.’ It was different, but I embraced it. [Panda] is the nickname I had from my team in L.A. and here [in DC], we already had a KT on the team, so I just brought Panda over from the West Coast to the East Coast.” Though she’s known some of the Wizards’ players for a long time, Toliver has embraced the guys on the team and vice versa. She’s been able to learn and gain experience in ways she might not have without this coaching opportunity. “I don’t know if I’m lucky, but I’ve just been around a great group of

Photos: John Gervasi PhotoArts LLC

“I don’t believe in limits. I think you’re capable of anything as long as you’re passionate and care about it and put in the work.”

Georgetown Polo and Expat DC hosted a polo cup at the Congressional Polo Club between Georgetown and GWU. Attendees enjoyed an open bar, DJs and food trucks.

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

guys from top to bottom – guys we still have, guys that were traded away. And [my] relationships with John Wall and Brad Beal, those are two of the guys I’ve been around that [share] my position. All these guys have taught me a whole lot just about the game itself. They’re not only extremely talented in what they do, but also in how they prepare and [in] their leadership qualities – things that I can do better for my team this summer.” Something new Toliver was charged with as an assistant coach was presenting the scouting report to the team and coaching staff, which turned out to be one of her most memorable moments from the season because it’s a big responsibility. “That’s what I knew I was going to love the most about coaching – just the preparation aspect and getting the guys ready and presenting to them with my voice and them engaging with me. It’s a little nervewracking and the way they responded made me feel comfortable. They gave me positive feedback, and it just shows the kind of guys that they are.” Coming off her 2018 season averaging 13.9 points and 4.4 assists, Toliver plans to stay linked with her Wizards’ players during the Mystics’ season so you’ll probably see Beal and Wall cheer her on from the stands at the Entertainment and Sports Arena at St. Elizabeths East. “It’s going to be cool. They’re going to watch us play and stay connected with what we’re doing because they’ve been around me for so many months now, so we do have that connection and that relationship.” As for the upcoming WNBA season, you can expect Toliver and the Mystics to keep the same mentality they displayed last year with new faces and even stronger team comraderies. “Our team will look different in our make-up, but we’ll continue to get better every single day and grow with one another and build on that team chemistry that we had last year. We’re looking forward to getting back to the finals, just getting over that hump. It’s not easy and we understand the challenges that are ahead of us.” Coaching instead of playing this past offseason hasn’t hindered Toliver’s mindset and game plan for her third season with the Mystics – it’s only made her more focused and hungrier. “I didn’t know before I did this whether I’d actually enjoy it or if it was something I’d be passionate about. It clicked right away, and I’m really thankful that I was given that opportunity.” The Washington Mystics will tip off for the 2019 WNBA season on Saturday, May 25, opening the season on the road versus the Connecticut Sun. Their first game in DC is on Saturday, June 1 versus the Atlanta Dream. For more information about their upcoming season, visit https://mystics.wnba.com.

Ben Olsen

is still Kicking as D.C. United Head Coach Photo: Courtesy of D.C. United

By Trent Johnson

hen Ben Olsen hung up his cleats in 2009, the famed D.C. United midfielder figured his 24-year relationship with soccer had ended. After college ball at the University of Virginia and an entire Major League Soccer career with D.C. United, Olsen hadn’t yet considered a coaching career as a way to deepen his relationship with the sport he gave his life to. Despite his hesitation to man the sidelines, he joined the team in 2010 as an assistant coach. Just a few months later, after a poor start to the season, the team installed him as head coach. “It was a strange way to get a head coaching job,” Olsen says. “In some ways, it was my first job. I was swimming for a couple years. Going from [being] a player, that doesn’t prep you to be a coach. Of course, you get knowledge about how you want the game to be played, but you’re not prepped to manage and deal with a group of 30 men and their emotions.” Fast forward to today, Olsen is still leading the D.C. United team on

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

the field. Though a lot has changed since taking over as the interim head coach, Olsen has led talented teams and underachieving ones and seen years of great investment and their leaner counterparts. The 41-year-old has amassed more than 100 wins and counting throughout his 14-year tenure, the longest of any D.C. United head coach. “It’s rare to have been at a club this long – not only from a coaching standpoint but piggybacking on a great career. It’s been a huge part of my life. I’m humbled and burdened with this responsibility to get these fans a championship. That’s the goal, and that would be a success, to get these fans that have been great to me a championship.” Few iterations of this team have been as strong as this season’s unit, featuring the legendary Wayne Rooney, Luciano Acosta and Júnior Moreno. The team raced off of to a hot start, winning three of its first four games and capitalizing on the momentum from last year’s late season run.

www.ontaponline.com | WINTER 2019 | ON TAP

“Audi Field was the first step of D.C. United taking a step toward becoming an elite MLS team. That’s the catalyst of this resurgence.”

“We were hoping we could pick up where we left off, and we were able to do that for the first month of the season [by] having the same group return,” Olsen says. “The relationships were there. Preseason, we pushed the group a little bit further toward our identity and how we wanted to start winning games. Sometimes early in the season, you can catch teams that aren’t really who they are yet. Now we’re at a tough spot where you have injuries and suspensions, and you have to rely on your depth.” As Olsen mentioned, the team has come back down to earth since their blistering opening month. The team had a record of four wins, two losses and two draws as of late April. “We’re on track,” Olsen says the day after a 0-2 defeat to New York City FC. “The parity in the East is very strong [and] to get caught up in how we’re doing in the standings is a bit silly. You’d rather start this way and have some wins under your belt, but things change quickly in this league. You try to stay level and just get better by tactically figuring out how the group can be at its best.” This season also marks the first full slate of home games at the team’s new Audi Field. Playing his entire career at the historic RFK Stadium, Olsen notes the differences in a number of areas from players to staff – and how much the entire organization has evolved for the better. “Audi Field was the first step of D.C. United taking a step [toward] becoming an elite MLS team. That’s the catalyst of this resurgence. With that comes Wayne Rooney and some of the younger players. I’ve gone through a lot of ups and downs and now to come out of some of those lean years, you have to enjoy the moment because things change.” D.C. United returns to Audi Field on Wednesday, May 15 versus Toronto FC and on Saturday, May 18 versus the Houston Dynamo. For more information on Olsen and the team, visit www.dcunited.com. Audi Field: 100 Potomac Ave. SW, DC; 202-587-5000; www.dcunited.com

Cantina Bambina is a unique combination of a concession stand with a bar on the rooftop patio above. We are located in the heart of the Wharf on the Transit Pier and offer unparalleled views in a relaxing park-like atmosphere. You can still get away without going away.

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

! N O I S S I FREE ADM

running of the CHIHUAHUAS

VIII

SATURDAY, MAY 4 | 1-5 pm

District Pier at The Wharf 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

COLD COSTUME THE CINCO BEER CONTEST RACES FUN!! Must be 21+ to purchase alcohol

GUEST EMCEE

TOMMY MCFLY

CASH ! PRIZES

Host of

The Tommy Show

WWW.CINCODC.COM DOG R E

R ES I

PET

V & SA

Photos: Courtesy of SweetWater

SWEETWATER’S NEW GUIDE BEER New 4 Percent Lager Gives Back to Nature’s Best Stewards

By SweetWater staff

reddy Bensch first rolled through Atlanta in the summer of 1996 to find the city at a vibrant peak while hosting the Olympic Games. With a freshly inked environmental sciences degree in his pocket, Bensch embarked upon a crosscountry road trip, leaving University of Colorado Boulder with his friend Kevin McNerney and dog Badger. When their truck broke down in Atlanta, the crew decided to stay and play. Enamored with Atlanta’s glittery city appeal and Southern downhome charm, their stay kept getting extended. The one thing lacking? A great craft beer scene. Bensch and McNerney had worked in breweries while in college in Colorado and saw an opportunity to introduce Atlanta to the tasty West Coast-style ales they loved. One small business loan later, and SweetWater Brewing Company was born. Craft enthusiasts are likely familiar with SweetWater’s 420 Extra Pale Ale – the first batch was brewed 22 years ago on April 20 – and their heady, hoppy portfolio of IPAs. This year, the Atlanta-based brewery introduced a lighter lager to the mix: Guide Beer. At 4 percent, it’s a crisp and refreshing cooler-filler, with all the robust flavors you’d expect from a craft. But it’s more than just a great liquid: Guide Beer has a greater mission. Of Guide Beer’s profits, 11 percent will be given back to nature guides in need, whether they’ve suffered devastation from a hurricane, a broken limb, an illness or anything that keeps them from working. Why guides? “SweetWater has always been about creating a company and brand that exudes the same core values we hold as individuals, and that includes a deep love of all things outdoors,” Bensch says. “Whether it was water conservation, habitat protection or just straight-up stocking streams, this was who we were and this was what we were going to support. Guide Beer has become a natural extension of this philosophy: a light, easy drinking lager specifically designed for days in the outdoors that also gives back to the best stewards of the great outdoors – guides.” Bensch says he and McNerney developed a great sense of gratitude for the guides they befriended along the way. “Always taking a sliver of information or heightened respect from each experience, we came to understand that these guys and gals are the true stewards of nature. Guides are the keys that unlock

outdoor experiences for the greater masses.” He points out that the past several years have seen devastation to the guide community from Hurricanes Irma, Florence and Michael. “It hit me that we as a company need to step up and formally give back to guides who’ve impacted so much of who we are as a company and frankly, who I am as a person and outdoorsman,” he says. “That’s what Guide Beer is: in honor and support of those who show us the way.” In order to make Guide Beer an authentic representation of the folks it’s meant to honor, SweetWater worked with guides from all over the nation to develop it. “We reached out to some of the nation’s most well-known and revered guides and started asking them, ‘What kind of beer do you like to drink after a long day out guiding?’” says Guide Beer Brand Director Tucker Berta Sarkisian. “The answer was nearly unanimous: a crisp, light, easy drinking, low-ABV beer. We continued to work with the guides to develop the liquid and the concept around it – getting their input on everything from cans versus bottles to artwork to a philanthropic program that would be authentic to SweetWater and this new beer.” What guides told SweetWater they wanted aligned with industry stats: a shift toward a lighter profile among craft drinkers and proven success in the top 10 drinkable styles. It also brings to the table new consumers: craft enthusiasts looking for a crisp 4 percenter, plus a new base of lighter profile beer consumers who may be new to SweetWater but appreciate the outdoors and aspirational nature of the guide lifestyle. Men’s Journal recently named Guide Beer one of the “Five Best Lagers for Day Drinking.” “Our hope all along was that Guide Beer would spark conversation and inspire people to get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer,” Sarkisian says. “And we’re seeing that, from consumers talking about the maps on the cans and the locations they’ve visited or want to visit to planning an excursion with a guide.” Check out videos from guides, booking links and more at www.guidebeer.com and follow Guide Beer on Instagram @guidebeer. Find out where to pick up the brew in the DMV at www.sweetwaterbrew.com/find-sweetwater.

This article was sponsored by Virginia Eagle Distributing Company.

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

FOR RECREATIONAL USE ONLY A second sticky hit from 420 Strain, an American Wheat packed with herbal, juicy mango notes and a distinctive dank nose. Strain specific terpenes and natural hemp-type flavors complement the hop and malt bill, delivering a euphoric ale with that fresh olfactory bonus rip.

DISTRIBUTED BY

SweetWater Brewing Company â&#x20AC;˘ Atlanta, Georgia â&#x20AC;˘ SweetWaterBrew.com Mango Kush Wheat Ale is an olfactory experience for sure, but there is no actual THC or CBD in this beer. Please enjoy responsibly.

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

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, MAY 2

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

Caboose’s Fourth Anniversary Beer Dinner Don’t miss this spring beer dinner in honor of Caboose Brewing Company’s fourth anniversary. The evening will include a five-course meal and beer pairing created by executive chef David Rabin and Caboose’s wonderful brewing team. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $75. Caboose Brewing: 520 Mill St. NE, DC; www.caboosebrewing.com

Calvert Woodley’s DMV Brewery Night Join for a walk-around tasting featuring breweries from DC, Maryland and Virginia, who will be showcasing their favorite brews. Come sample their flagship offerings as well as some seasonal specials. As an added bonus, all the brews will be available for purchase at specially discounted prices. You’ll also receive a complimentary glass for the tasting. 6 p.m. Tickets $25. University of the District of Columbia Heritage Hall: 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.calvertwoodley.com

The Kapittel Farewell Party Join The Sovereign as they bid a fond farewell to the beers of Kapittel. On this day, they will feature five classic ales from Watou, Belgium. All Kapittel beers will be priced individually by the glass and in 4-oz. tasting pours. 5-11:30 p.m. Free to attend. The Sovereign: 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.thesovereigndc.com

FRIDAY, MAY 3 Slaters Lane Socials: Spanish Tapas Join Rustico Alexandria for their next installment of the Slaters Lane Socials series. On the first weekend of each month, the restaurant will showcase a few fun and exciting food specials paired with one of their favorite craft brewers. This month, Rustico is celebrating the cuisine of Spain with executive chef Stephen McRae’s delicious tapas menu. 5-11:30 p.m. Free to attend. Rustico Restaurant and Bar: 827 Slaters Ln. Alexandria, VA; www.rusticorestaurant.com

SATURDAY, MAY 4 Dawn Patrol Release Party on the Patio Join Lost Rhino Retreat for a party on the patio for the release of Lost Rhino’s Dawn Patrol Session IPA. Taps open at 2 p.m. and the event will feature live music, barbecue, seafood boil, beer bucket specials and more. Join for a great opportunity to bring in the summer a little early with the release of this new brew. 2-10 p.m. Free to attend. Lost Rhino Retreat: 22885 Brambleton Plz. Ashburn, VA; www.lostrhino.com The First Annual Brewer Spring Art and Culture Crawl Enjoy a beverage from each of Silver Spring’s three breweries while slurping up new knowledge about the art, architecture and culture of Silver Spring’s blossoming urban community. The ticket price includes a pint of your choice at each brewery, a T-shirt and a chance to win some prizes along the way. 1-4 p.m. Tickets $50. The Rotary Club of Downtown Silver Spring: 923 Ellsworth Dr. Silver Spring, MD; www.silverspringrotary.org Rocket Frog 1st Anniversary Party It’s been one year since Rocket Frog opened its doors to the public. This will be a festival-style event inside the brewery. The festival features their 12 taps behind the main bar, an additional 10 taps in the brewing area, and one firkin (TBD), all with your favorite Rocket Frog beer. There will be several variations from beers served throughout the first brewery’s first year. 12-6 p.m. Tickets $30-$48. Rocket Frog Brewing Company: 22560 Glenn Dr. #103, Sterling, VA; www.rocketfrogbeer.com

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

SATURDAY, MAY 11 Cheers for Babies Join Sauf Haus in Dupont Circle for a happy hour fundraiser supporting the Maternity Home and Pregnancy Center programs of The Northwest Center. Since 1981, The Northwest Center has served over 57,300 women and babies in the DC area. With your help they can continue in their mission of empowering women and strengthening families. 6-9 p.m. Free to attend. Sauf Haus Bier Hall: 1216 18th St. NW, DC; www.saufhausdc.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 Horizontal Tasting: Cider, Beer and Wine Celebrate spring by exploring cider, beer and wine together! Your ticket includes a guided, five-part horizontal tasting. For each course, Capitol Cider House will pair a different cider with a similar beer or wine. To sweeten the night, the fifth and final course will pair a dessert wine with Capitol Cider’s house made North Columbia essentially, the apple version of port wine. Capitol Cider House: 3930 Georgia Avenue NW, DC; www.capitolciderhouse.com

FRIDAY, MAY 17 SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience What happens when celebrated chefs team up with some of America’s finest craft breweries? The answer: an unforgettable night of sensory delight. Set amidst the grandeur of the National Building Museum, SAVOR is the premier beer and food pairing event in the country. Discover your new favorite craft beers and pairings and meet the people behind the beer, including owners and brewers, who will be personally serving their beer. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $135. National Building Museum: 401 F St. NW, DC; www.savorcraftbeer.com

SATURDAY, MAY 18 Sour Mania! Pucker up and join Mad Fox for their 2nd Annual Sour Beer Festival. Sample special and limited-edition sour ales from around the region and across the country at this indoor event. Enjoy live music and fantastic food while sipping some truly tart ales. Admission to the brewpub is free and space is available on a first come, first served basis. Please call the restaurant for table reservations. Tasting begins

at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Check out the samtpler package offer available online only. 11 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 W. Broad St. Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com The Ultimate Beer Pong Tournament Are you the master of beer pong? Do you want to help a good cause while also consuming libations? Well, this is the perfect event for you. Join Town Tavern with your best beer pong partner and drink and play for a cause. The bar is hosting a beer pong tournament to raise money and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 6:30 p.m. Tickets $5-$25. Town Tavern DC: 2323 18th St. NW, DC; www.towntaverndc.com

SUNDAY, MAY 19 Bingo with the DC Sisters Come to the DC Sisters’ monthly bingo night. They will be at Red Bear Brewing with games, raffle tickets for the 50/50 raffle, extra game books, and food and beverages will also be available for purchase. 1-4 p.m. $20 will get you six rounds of bingo, each with a $100 cash prize and potentially a door prize. Red Bear Brewing: 209 M St. NE, DC; www.dcsisters.org Pups N’ Pints Join Fairfax Dogfish Head Alehouse for a fundraiser in an effort to raise money for the HART Organization. Kick off the day with the annual 5K run and then enjoy the outdoor bar and grill. 10 a.m. 10 p.m. 5K registration is $40. Dogfish Head Alehouse: 13041 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy. Fairfax, VA; www.dogfishalehouse.com

SATURDAY, MAY 25 Rivershed Run Kick off your long weekend with a fast and flat run that starts in urban Alexandria, cools down through beautiful Cameron Run Park and finishes at the Port City Brewery. After the 5K, you will have earned your fair share of calories. So, plan to stay for the ultimate Virginia Memorial Day BBQ. Live bluegrass all afternoon, All American food trucks with a pig roast, burgers and apple pie. All that and the release of Port City’s new Rivershed Ale. 10 a.m. 2 p.m. 5K registration is $45. Port City Brewing Company: 3950 Wheeler Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.portcitybrewing.com Stone Carving at the Brewery New District Brewing Company has had paint nights and food pairings, but now it’s time for stone carving. Come in empty handed and walk out with a small stone creation made with your own two hands. The instructor will guide you through a class to give you the basics of stone carving while the brewery will provide plenty of beer to coax out your muse. 2 p.m. Tickets $30. New District Brewing Company: 2709 South Oakland St. Arlington, VA; www.newdistrictbrewing.com Woodbridge Beer Fest This beer event is taking over the main drag of Woodbridge for the second year, filling it with beer, food and even wine. There will be 12 breweries providing the best of local and regional craft breweries, food vendors, live music and other entertainment. Want to stay late? The Brew Republic taproom will host an after party. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. Tickets start at $39. Brew Republic Bierwerks: 15201 Potomac Town Pl. Woodbridge, VA; www.brewrepublic.beer

www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2019 | ON TAP

Caboose Brewing Company’s

Wolf Trap Summer Ale Makes Its Return By Natalia Kolenko

Photos: Courtesy of Wolf Trap

here is something about seeing a concert in the outdoors that makes a show so much more enjoyable. Maybe it’s because there’s more room to breathe and dance around, or perhaps it’s because an open-air show is a sure sign that summer has arrived. Whatever it is that draws you to an outdoor gig, the promise of new drinking options makes Wolf Trap the place to go this summer.

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

The music venue is prepping the rollout of the newly updated Wolf Trap Summer Ale, a fairly light pale ale made for easy summertime drinking in collaboration with nearby Caboose Brewing Company. The partnership has been going strong since early 2016, not long after Caboose first opened its doors in Vienna. In search of a middle-of-the-road beer that wasn’t like anything else they offered, Wolf Trap Director of Food & Beverage TJ Pluck worked with Caboose’s co-owner Matt Greer to create a brew that used the venue’s outdoor elements to inspire the Summer Ale’s flavor profile. In early discussions, Pluck, Greer and Wolf Trap Executive Chef Chris Faessen would talk “about the Wolf Trap experience and what’s unique here.” “You’re sitting in this oasis of trees in nature in the middle of the city,” Pluck says of the venue. With the abundance of cedar trees, pines and Faessen’s bee apiaries in mind, the brew was born. As for changes to the batch available for the 2019 season, Pluck and Greer agreed to tone down the bitterness of last year’s recipe. “We typically bitter with Warrior [hops], but we’ve reduced that quite a bit and introduced some Falconer’s Flight into the mix, which is another kind of aromatic hop,” Greer says. “But other than that, the base malt build has pretty much stayed the same.” He adds that these changes will make the 2019 batch an ale that is more with the times but anticipates that the team will continue to tweak the ale as they go. While Pluck had long envisioned serving a proprietary beer at Wolf Trap, it was not until Caboose opened its flagship location that he felt he had found the right brewery to work with. The timing was perfect as Wolf Trap was looking to focus their beer program on local brews, now including Starr Hill and Devils Backbone. Greer adds that a collaboration with Wolf Trap made perfect sense on Caboose’s end – as soon as he and Pluck’s team sat down to talk, the two groups just clicked. Since then, the national park and brewery have only grown closer. “They are literally a mile-and-a-half down the street from us,” Greer says. “We talk all the time and I’m constantly going to shows. TJ [Pluck] could call me tomorrow and say ‘Matt, I love this beer I had a dream about and I need to make it,’ and of course I would make it for him. It’s become more of a friendship than a business situation.” Not to mention that as a brewer, Greer is always looking for new projects to work on with local groups. “Honestly, we live for collaborations. It’s a lot of fun.” With the summer ale collaboration going so well, Greer and Pluck both mention there’s a good chance the collaboration could grow in the future. While nothing is set in stone, Pluck says the two groups have started talking about potential projects down the line – including adding more Caboose beer at Wolf Trap as the brewery has recently started canning their beer and using the honey produced by Wolf Trap’s bees. “We’re all hyperlocal, we like participating in each other’s events and we’re just really blessed with having so many like-minded people in the area,” Greer says. The revamped summer ale isn’t the only drinking option to look forward to at the park this year. Wolf Trap will also be offering Richmond-based Väsen Brewing Company’s Guava Otter Gose. “[Väsen’s] beers are all named after animals because they’re all about the outdoors, which fits in with us being a national park,” Pluck says. “We’ll actually be one of the very few places in Northern Virginia to have it in cans.” Devils Backbone’s new Hibiscus Hard Lemonade will be offered, as well as two new cocktails created by Wolf Trap – vodka-and-orange puree concoction the Blood Orange Breeze, and cucumber and Spindrift cucumber sparkling water combo the Cucumber Refresh. On the nonalcoholic side, the national park struck up a collaboration

CELEBRATE CINCO!

VISIT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS FOR HOT SPECIALS ALL WEEKEND! Cantina Bambina H Street Country Club El Rey El Bebe Agua 301

Tiki TNT Mi Vida Cactus Cantina El Centro Chupacabra

Lauriol Plaza Johnny Pistolas Guapos Don Juan El Tio

El Techo Flash Alero

“There’s nothing better than great music and beer together in one place.” with Caffe Amouri in Vienna to create the Wolf Trap coffee blend – a mix of artisan coffee beans from Papua New Guinea and Guatemala – served hot or iced and sold in to-go bags in the gift shop. Whatever you’re looking for in an outdoor concert venue, Wolf Trap has something for everyone with their numerous local drink options, natural beauty, and stellar lineup of bands and performances.

Artist Picks

“There’s nothing better than great music [and] beer together in one place,” Greer says. “I’m just excited that we’ve got this national resource right next to us.” Wolf Trap’s summer season kicks off on Thursday, May 23 with a three-night lineup of The Avett Brothers, coinciding with the release date of the revamped Wolf Trap Summer Ale. For more information about the venue’s summer season, visit www.wolftrap.org. For more on Caboose, go to www.caboosebrewing.com. Caboose Commons: 2918 Eskridge Rd. Fairfax, VA www.caboosebrewing.com Caboose Tavern: 520 Mill St. NE, Vienna, VA www.caboosebrewing.com Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts: 1645 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

Concertgoers aren’t the only ones who like to enjoy a beer during – or before or after – a show. Check out what a few artists coming to Wolf Trap this summer like to sip on during a performance and how they celebrate post-show.

Lake Street Dive

Toad the Wet Sprocket

Favorite pre-show drink: Honestly, water. Pee clear, sing clear, drink after.

Go-to beer on tour: I enjoy a Toad the Wet Hop Ale from Green Man Brewery. Either that or a nice, light Mexican beer like Modelo with a squeeze of lime.

Drummer Mike Calabrese

Go-to beer on tour: Some [members of the band] are IPA people, or NEIPA people. Others prefer something yellow, like a classic German lager or pilsner. Post-show spot: The bus! The venue usually hooks up the local stuff for us backstage and then we go into the lounge and ask the bigger questions about life, love and Game of Thrones. Lake Street Dive plays Wolf Trap Saturday, June 8. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Learn more about the band at www.lakestreetdive.com.

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Bassist Dean Dinning

Favorite pre-show drink: I enjoy a shot of decent tequila like Maestro Dobel or Casamigos with a squeeze of lime – never heavy, always refreshing. Post-show spot: I always go to [U Street soul food spot] Oohh’s & Aahh’s when I’m in DC. Never miss the opportunity! Catch the band at Wolf Trap on Sunday, June 30. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Learn more at www.toadthewetsprocket.com.

VISIT THESE LOCATIONS FOR AN ICE-COLD HEINEKEN Kirwan’s on the Wharf The Big Stick Brighton Mission Willie’s Brew & Que Agua 301 Cantina Bambina Scarlet Oak CIRCA at Navy Yard Ugly Mug

Finn McCool’s Declaration RíRá Lou’s City Bar Fadó Irish Pub Irish Channel Across the Pond Lucky Bar Hawk ‘n’ Dove

Photos: Trent Johnson

Behind

Bar

Neighborhood Classics By Trent Johnson

With DC’s craft cocktail industry on the rise and more and more mixologists digging deep in their bag of ingredients for new flavors, it’s understandable that some creations at local haunts might seem intimidating. However, if you’re in search of a place with a unique atmosphere and a laid-back list of offerings, Grand Duchess in Adams Morgan and the newly opened Jake’s Tavern in Shaw are two of the best, so allow us to take you behind the bar at two of the District’s neighborhood spots.

Grand Duchess

Co-owner Rory Adair Lined up among the other rowhouse businesses on the Adams Morgan end of 18th Street sits Grand Duchess. Though the name conjures images of mystique and royalty, the location is much more subdued. Upon entering the building adorned with a diamond logo, you’re greeted with the look and feel of a 50s or 60s diner – complete with a jukebox, and assorted memorabilia and art adorning the walls. “That’s what we’re going for – an old-time comfort you don’t really get anymore in bars – especially because we’re a neighborhood cocktail bar,” co-owner Rory Adair says. “We kind of just pick up what’s cool. The jukebox actually came from a diner that was closing in Southern Delaware.”

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Jake’s Tavern Pimm’s Cup

the

Owned and operated by Adair and Vinnie Rotondaro, Grand Duchess opened in 2017 and has since offered AdMo a lowkey place to enjoy vinyl, read a book or hang out with friends for a few hours. “We’re rock ‘n’ roll vinyl nerds,” Adair says. “We play a lot of records. We have a jukebox full of 45s. I think it adds something. A lot of times, guests will see us put on vinyl and they’ll ask to see the actual covers.” In fact, the first thing highlighted on the Grand Duchess website is the phrase “Cocktails & Vinyl.” The bar interlinks the two subjects whenever possible – from events and vinyl-only DJ sessions meant to bring in new audiences to cocktail crafting sessions in the “beat lab” inspired by music. “Vinnie and I will be in here after hours, and we’ll just put some tunes on and figure out what the songs mean and how they translate into a cocktail,” Adair says when describing the pair’s beat lab. “The majority of our cocktails are named for albums. The Louder Than Love is a Soundgarden album. We were thinking something outrageous, and Chris Cornell had a very unique voice. We also have the Twin Infinitives – that’s a Royal Trux album, so we were thinking a little sweeter and juicier.” Though music and cocktails can be intricate in nature, Adair favors a simpler approach to both. While vinyl collectors and cocktail aficionados can sometimes be intimidating, Grand Duchess is trying to pull in a laid-back clientele with a warmth and openness reflected in the decor and drinks. “We like to riff on the classics because they’re the best. That’s pretty much our outlook on everything. We don’t get too crazy.” Adair also has a list of canned beers, wines and happy hour classics, but he always encourages folks to try out one of their creations. “I have seen a lot of people who otherwise might not have stepped into a cocktail bar who discover that [Grand Duchess] is approachable and cool, and maybe they’ll try a cocktail.” Grand Duchess: 2337 18th St. NW, DC; www.grandduchessdc.com

LOUDER THAN LOVE Yellow chartreuse Gin Amaro Lemon

Jake’s Tavern Bartender Jason Fellman

The name Jake’s Tavern sounds like a neighborhood spot that might be featured in a modern-day rendition of Cheers. Though you won’t find Ted Danson drinking a Pimm’s Cup at the bar, the casual establishment in Shaw has already found a niche since opening in late January. “The thing we kept hearing over and over again after we opened the doors was, ‘We’re so happy you’re here,’” bartender Jason Fellman says. “There was an appetite for a simple, honest place that was doing things at a high level of service with a low level of pretense. [We’re] just trying to do things well.” Unlike other neighborhood taverns, Jake’s is extremely bright with white walls and blue trim. The bar is lit by a large window, and the outdoor patio recently opened for warm weather months. The bar’s simple decor is reflected on the menu, which features a plethora of beers from local to national favorites as well as classic cocktails. “We’re not going to have a ton of esoteric amaros on the list,” Fellman says. “We’re not going to be bending the curve with ingredients. When I go out to a cocktail bar and look at the ingredients list, I may not know some of them. As a consumer, that can be off-putting or intimidating and we’re trying to get away from that. We want you to feel comfortable with a nice, well-prepared Old Fashioned or a Tanqueray and tonic. We want to be as approachable as possible.” Before the bar established its aesthetic, they wanted to put feelers out to gauge consumer preferences. There was no preconceived notion other than wanting to give locals what they desired most. “[We have] a tremendous dexterity to engage,” he says. “One of our big objectives was to come here without being steeped in a concept, with the flexibility to be open to feedback from the community. There’s an effort here to simplify service and always be smiling and responsive. People love Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, and that’s where we want to be.” www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2019 | ON TAP

The current menu features those classics along with variations on the Orange Crush, Martinez and Pimm’s Cup. “I think it’s spirit-driven and season-driven. You’re going to see a lot more gin-focused stuff as we head into the summer. I’m not trying to show you something you’ve never seen before. What I’m trying to do is [make] what you like the best I can.”

PIMM’S CUP NO2 BOURBON Pimm’s Fresh-squeezed lemon juice House-made mint syrup Ginger beer

JAKE’S ORANGE CRUSH Vodka Triple Sec Fresh-squeezed orange juice Sprite

Jake’s Tavern: 1606 7th St. NW, DC; www.jakestaverndc.com

Big Changes Ahead for Virginia Happy Hour Ads Have you ever noticed that happy hour specials outside of Virginia can seem a bit more adventurous than those in the Old Dominion? Starting July 1, that’s slated to change. After an embattled ordeal between the state and area restaurants – many of which had to alter their advertisements between DC, Maryland and Virginia – bars and restaurants now have more creative liberty with which to advertise their offerings. Actual drink prices can now be listed, along with fun or alliterative drink special titles that allude to the type of alcohol on special. This will no doubt give businesses better ways to entice customers, and in turn give customers a better picture of what their favorite watering hole will have to offer in the summer months and beyond. There are certain things remain unchanged, though. Namely, you won’t find any happy hours past the witching hour of 9 p.m., and two-for-one drink specials remain off the table. For more information on these changes, visit www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/retail-resources/happy-hour.

May 5 - 11, 2019 You can use this ad to receive a discount during DC Small Business Week! Visit www.cnhed.org for a list of participating businesses

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Game-Centric Bars OFFER NEXT-LEVEL EXPERIENCES By Lanna Nguyen

SPIN

Photo: Rey Lopez

With a reputation for attracting the Type A working crowd, DC is a hardworking town deserving of a well-needed break from time to time. Enter bars with plenty of distractions in the way of arcade games, social sports and communal entertainment that also provide elevated dining experiences over the typical pub grub. In the past year, the city has seen a wave of bar openings that go beyond the usual food and drink offerings whether they be sport, arcade games, or providing a place to gather and unplug from the 9-5 grind. DC newcomer SPIN recently opened its eighth location a hop, skip and a jump away from Metro Center, a hub for the downtown working crowd. Malin Pettersson, SPIN’s grand opening manager, reflects on what makes the ping-pong club an attractive destination for District denizens. “You have to disconnect a little bit after work,” Pettersson says. “Everyone is so busy doing big, important jobs. SPIN is a place where you can really disconnect. We’re in the basement too, so you kind of have to disconnect.” An oasis from the burdens of office life, the social sport club is an ideal refuge. “When you play [ping pong], you can’t really focus on anything else but the ball,” he continues. “You can’t think about your issues at work or what you have to do. You just have to let go and watch that ball. I think that’s something that DC needs: a place to disconnect.” At its core, SPIN is all about offering a place to create relationships on a personal, individual level. “I think it’s great that [we] don’t want to sit still and want to have an activity, because it’s so much easier to connect with people that way.” Beyond the escape aspect, SPIN offers an easy environment for folks to let loose and connect over an elevated bar menu and brews. “Our chef is Filipino so he’s putting a little bit of an Asian twist on some of the items there and it’s been very well-received.” Notable menu items include the fried chicken banh mi and crispy shrimp bao buns. The Eleanor in NoMa is another bar raising the game when it comes to menu offerings and entertainment. When owner Adam Stein took the menu into consideration, he focused on comfort foods with some seasonal twists. “We try to be super eclectic,” he says. “Even though a lot of our stuff falls into the bar category, we make as much as we possibly can in-house.”

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Inspiration for some dishes came from the kitchen’s collective history of working together (think elote loco-style hush puppies or whimsical dishes from Stein’s childhood like the spaghetti sandwich. “It was really important to us to elevate the food, the drinks and the service.” Another important factor in his decision-making process? Keeping a sense of DC authenticity on the menu. “We definitely made sure we involved a lot of the local producers. A lot of our spirits [and beers] are from DC, Maryland and Virginia. In terms of food, we try to be seasonal, so we use a lot of local purveyors.” Branded as a bowling lounge, bar and grill, The Eleanor caters to a multitude of crowds. No matter who walks in the doors, the mini-bowling lanes, arcade games and pinball machines ensure that anyone and everyone will have a good time. Players Club on 14th Street offers an approachable cocktail program with throwback games in an environment where guests can have a “laid-back and entertaining time at the bar.” “The venue works cohesively as a bar, a place to watch sports and an entertainment venue with plenty of options,” says director of operations Scott Herman. Guests mostly fall into the category of “young professionals to bar and restaurant industry friends that stop by on their night off,” according to Herman. Although the retro basement bar doesn’t offer its own food menu, patrons can have items delivered from nearby Shake Shack. “People love being able to order Shake Shack without having to leave the bar.” At the end of the day, it all comes back to building an authentic connection. “It’s been interesting to see how much people enjoy the games,” Herman notes. “We see lots of couples on dates – having games to play is an easy icebreaker for people that are just getting to know each other.” Learn more about these game-centric bars below. The Eleanor: 100 Florida Ave. NE, DC; www.eleanordc.com Players Club: 1400 14th St. NW, DC; www.playersclubdc.com SPIN: 1332 F St. NW, DC; www.wearespin.com

DCFRAY.COM

Game-Filled watering Holes Looking for a quick escape with friends? Whether you live in DC proper or across the bridge, the surrounding areas have plenty to offer in the way of social activities and fun distractions to take you away from the daily grind.

Bar Elena

Adam Stein also co-owns the H Street spot focused on eclectic comfort food (think fancy nachos topped with cotija, radish and black bean puree and General Tso’s wings), local shellfish, and a seasonal cocktail program with diversions that come in the form of pinball machines, skee-ball and classic video games like Ms. Pac-Man. Rounding out the bar’s offerings are two happy hours to draw in the after work and late-night crowds. 414 H St. NE, DC; www.barelenadc.com

The G.O.A.T.

The Arlington sports bar is home to 50-plus HD TVs to catch all the live sports action, plus a gaming lounge complete with the newest arcade games and throwback favorites like shoot-to-win basketball and skee-ball. Snack on next-level bar food such as filet mignon skewers, bulgogi wonton tacos and pastrami egg rolls. 3028 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.thegoatva.com

Jackie Lee’s

Pizzeria Paradiso Game Room

Photo: Juliana Molina

Brightwood Park’s Jackie Lee’s has fun on the forefront of its bar offerings. Patrons of the neighborhood spot can partake in vintage arcade games while chowing down on comfort pub fare like baconwrapped jalapeños and knocking back cold brews. Communal tables, Art Deco décor and an assortment of throwback games add to the social bar experience. 116 Kennedy St. NW, DC; www.jackieleesdc.com

Kraken Axes

What better way to let loose than by satisfying the primeval urge to hurl axes? The indoor axe-throwing haven recently relocated to Penn Quarter where guests can take a less traditional route to bar games. Throw back some brews while throwing axes and order up beer, wine at the bar and small plates from Kraken’s next-door neighbor Cedar Restaurant. 840 E St. NW, DC; www.krakenaxes.com

Pizzeria Paradiso Game Room

The local pizza chain’s Georgetown location debuted its game room early last year. The basement bar’s walls are splashed with colorful murals and it’s filled with familiar games like pinball, shuffle ball and skee-ball in addition to a rotating list of popular arcade games. As one can expect from Pizzeria Paradiso, the beer offerings are on point with 60 cans and eight taps featuring rotating craft brews. 3282 M St. NW, DC; www.eatyourpizza.com/game-room

Punch Bowl Social

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Photo: Amber Boutwell

An adult playground of sorts, Arlington’s barcade features 25,000 square feet of restaurant, games, outdoor patio space and social activities galore. At the tri-level entertainment destination, guests can take part in all kinds of amusements including karaoke, bocce, bowling, table games (think Giant Scrabble, ping pong, billiards and foosball) and arcade favorites. Bar offerings include plenty of shareable items like sheet nachos and green chorizo fries to go along with boozy punch (of course), craft brews and signature cocktails. 4238 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.punchbowlsocial.com/location/arlington

Kazoku

Photo: Rey Lopez

By Lani Furbank On Tap keeps locals in the know about the hottest new food and drink spots around town and the top culinary happenings of the month. Read on to get the inside scoop on what’s new and notable in the DC area.

Hot Lola’s Open: March 10 Location: Ballston Quarter Lowdown: Himitsu’s “sauce boss” Kevin Tien has entered the hot chicken game, but he’s put a Sichuan spin on Nashville’s spicy fried specialty. Hot Lola’s is one of the highlights of Ballston Quarter’s new food hall Quarter Market. The streamlined menu makes decisions easy: sandwich, tenders or “tenderdog.” Then the question is: how hot do you want it? The scale goes from zero to 10, or from not hot to too hot. The middle of the scale is perfectly manageable, but it only gets hotter from there. The pickles, slaw and sauces (like comeback sauce and secret sauce) add an extra punch of flavor to the already punchy chicken, and then you can add sides like crispy seasoned curly fries. Even if your mouth is on fire, you can feel good about eating at Hot Lola’s thanks to the 4 percent equity surcharge Tien has opted to add to every order. This goes to ensure a fair wage and health coverage for employees, both in the kitchen and at the counter. This pacesetting provision is something

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Tien hopes to scale and implement at all of his current and future restaurants. 4238 Wilson Blvd. Level C, Suite 112, Arlington, VA; www.hotlolaschicken.com

La Betty Open: March 15 Location: Mount Vernon Triangle Lowdown: The family behind Baked & Wired and A Baked Joint have expanded their portfolio to include a full-service restaurant. Chef and owner Teresa Velazquez saw a need for “feel-good food” in the neighborhood and decided she wanted her kitchen to be the place where people could come for a nostalgic, home-cooked meal, even if home is thousands of miles away. The space was designed to be cozy and welcoming, with warm woods and Turkish rugs. The menu is short and sweet, with less than 20 items between shareable starters, hearty main courses and family-style sides. The recipes are inspired by Velazquez’s German heritage and the food she grew up on. She learned to cook from her

mother and grandmother and by the age of 12, she was regularly making dinner for her five siblings. The dishes at La Betty are simple and familiar, like corn dogs, deviled eggs, breaded chicken schnitzel with arugula salad, glazed ribs, currywurst and a roasted root vegetable galette. The beverage program is similarly concise and straightforward, offering just two beers, three wines, a cider, a draft cocktail and a few of spirits. The name of the restaurant is an homage to strong women – Velazquez says everyone has a Betty in their life. If you’re still confused, she’ll refer you to the Urban Dictionary definition. 420 K St. NW, DC; www.la-betty.com

Punjab Grill Open: March 11 Location: Penn Quarter Lowdown: People love to talk about how restaurants transport them to other places, but in the case of Punjab Grill, that idea is more literal than you would expect. The space is a slice of India that journeyed across the ocean to make it to Washington.

and crudo, makimono (sushi rolls), an entrée, and dessert. It’s the perfect way to explore the entire menu at a surprisingly affordable price point. The chef changes the offerings regularly, but previous dinners have included edamame, marinated squid with wakame salad, wagyu beef gyoza, crispy vegetable egg rolls, pork donburi (rice bowl) and mochi ice cream. The menu is $35 per person. Drinks are not included. 1274 5th St. NE, DC; www.o-kusushidc.com

New Location of TTT Mexican Diner & Buena Vida Location: Clarendon Lowdown: Serbian restaurateur Ivan Iricanin ventured into Mexican cuisine in May of last year by opening Tacos, Tortas & Tequila and Buena Vida in Silver Spring. Now, he’s debuted a second location of the concepts in Clarendon, this time with acclaimed Mexico City chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo at the helm. Vázquez Lugo is known for his cooking at Nicos, named one of Latin America’s 50 best restaurants. Like their Maryland sister restaurants, TTT and Buena Vida Clarendon are two levels of the same building. Downstairs, find Mexican street food – tacos and tortas – featuring house-made bread and tortillas. Upstairs, Buena Vida focuses on traditional, indigenous fare like aguachile, dry soup and shellfish pozole. Both offer beer and wine from Mexico as well as a wide range of tequilas and other agave spirits. 2900 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.tttdiner.com and www.buenavidaclarendon.com

NOTABLE

Stellina Pizzeria Open: April 2 Location: Union Market District Lowdown: You probably know them from Lupo Verde, but now Antonio Matarazzo and Matteo Venini have a spot of their own. “Follow the star” to find Stellina (little star) Pizzeria, an upscale, fast-casual concept where you can get to know the Southern Italian street food and pizza they’re

Kazoku Sundays at O-Ku

Photo: Jennifer Hughes

Photo: Miroslav Pavlovic

Buena Vida Clarendon seabass

Photo: Rey Lopez

Location: Union Market District Lowdown: This chic Japanese newcomer recently debuted a family-style tasting menu available on Sunday nights. Kazoku Sundays is an eight-course meal that takes diners through izakaya-style dishes, sashimi

Kazoku

Punjab Grill

dubbing neo-Neapolitan. The goal of the restaurant is to take their experience in formal dining and translate it to a casual atmosphere without sacrificing flavor or quality. Venini has developed his own style of pizza with an out-of-the-box dough that uses more water and ferments for almost three days, resulting in a lighter pie that’s easier to digest. He hopes this means you’ll eat more than one. Between traditional toppings and creative combinations, you’d be hard-pressed to choose just one anyway. Highlights include the schiacciata with mozzarella, mortadella, stracciatella and pistachios, and the cacio e pepe, which is the beloved pasta in the form of a pizza. The menu also offers street food classics like paper cones of fried vegetables and seafood, oven-fired paninis like il cuzzetiello stuffed with eggplant parm, and of course, pastas. The bright, colorful space includes a full bar, a small market, and a painting of Italian comedian and actor Totò wearing Dolce & Gabbana. 399 Morse St. NE, DC; www.stellinapizzeria.com

Hot Lola’s the sandwich

Almost all of the design elements – walls, tables, floors, ceilings – were handmade in India, from the massive tile mosaics and the brass screens to 12,000 pounds of carved sandstone and semiprecious stones laid in marble like at the Taj Mahal. Everything had to be disassembled, carefully packed and shipped, and then reassembled upon arrival. After nearly two years of construction, the restaurant now invites guests into the opulent space for fine dining. The menu showcases the heritage of Punjabi cuisine while also experimenting with modern and global interpretations. You’ll find familiar dishes like palak paneer and chicken makhani alongside more unusual selections like jackfruit biryani and chana masala hummus. There’s also the even-more-luxurious Maharaja Menu fit for royalty, with a Punjabi version of Peking duck and a caviar service with tandoori naan. Take it one step further and book the private dining room – the Sheesh Mahal – where nearly every surface is covered in mirrors and food is served on Hermés dishware. 427 11th St. NW, DC; www.punjabgrilldc.com

Photo: Courtesy of Hot Lola’s

Stellina fritto misto

La Betty

Photo: Lani Furbank

Photo: Meaghan Webster www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2019 | ON TAP

FROM

MOSH PIT TO PEAK FOODIE OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUES STEP UP THE GOURMET GOODNESS

By Jean Schindler

Photo: Courtesy of Merriweather Post Pavilion

Here’s a game: free associate “summer music festival.” Sunscreen, superstars, mud, Insta, #squadgoals... Have you gotten to “gourmet mosh pit” yet? Didn’t think so. But that’s changing fast, and summer 2019 is set to be peak foodie season. The days of cardboard pizza are fading. Concertgoers are walking in with elevated expectations, and music venues are responding with thoughtful

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

menus that range from creatively healthy to Instagrammable decadence. “The words extraordinary and unexpected should describe everything, including the food,” says Audrey Fix Schaefer, communications director of I.M.P., the legendary DC-based group that owns 9:30 Club and has operated Merriweather Post Pavilion since 2004. “We would rather err on the side of ambition.”

And ambition is absolutely the defining word for festival menus this year. Sean Kenyon, a globally acclaimed bartender and cocktail master, has been refining his processes for large-scale cocktail batching and is ready to debut his libations at Jiffy Lube Live. “Well-executed cocktails are the result of well-executed systems,” Kenyon observes. To make it happen, he constructed a system where the event bartenders are simply executing the final step: blending a spirit and a fresh mix. “I look at it like we are opening a new cocktail bar every night in terms of experience expectations for bartenders, prep and visible instructions,” he says. With a few spirits – tequila, gin, vodka – and a few mixer options that are all interchangeable, the guest gets to personalize the glass. “We can change the ingredients within the system to maximize the guest experience without disrupting the overall operation,” Kenyon adds. “We are not just creating a cocktail menu. We are creating a system that lets us be nimble.” Systems are also front-of-mind at Merriweather. I.M.P. ditched the previous corporate foodservice distributor – which according to Schaefer tasted like airline food because it was made by the same folks – and hired local caterers. “We wanted the tastes of a neighborhood restaurant with an ambitious menu,” she says. “We want people to arrive hungry.” In 2017, Wolf Trap overhauled its own menus and also broke away from corporate foodservice distributors; the venue now independently runs its own concessions. “We took a major leap and selected a small, family-owned business that focuses on local sourcing,” says T.J. Pluck, director of food and beverage at Wolf Trap. But well-executed systems still require a fresh feed of great ideas to execute. “I’m a guy who likes change,” Pluck says. “We spruce up the menu every year.” This season’s inspiration comes from a range of sources including social media, according to Pluck. “Concertgoers love Instagrammable edibles that make people say, ‘Wow.’” And people have a lot more exposure to strong flavors now, Schaefer adds, which means that spicier and funkier flavors are in play. Dietary restrictions can complicate menu planning but Pluck notes that “we always work hard to be sensitive and incorporate those into a concession stand environment.” Nearly all concert venues in the DC area now offer gluten-free and vegan options – something almost unheard of a decade ago at all but the most granola of festivals.

Photo: Courtesy of Wolf Trap

“I never thought that people would eat salad at a concert,” Pluck says. So what can fans expect on their plates this summer? “This year, we’re focusing on funky, fun, fair food that’s spiced up with flavors like raspberry and chipotle and funnel cake sandwiches,” is how Pluck describes the new menu at Wolf Trap. Pluck is tapping into happy memories of growing up in the Midwest and enjoying Ohio State Fair food like elephant ears: funnel cakes, rolled, pulled, and topped with cinnamon and sugar. “We’re always asking, ‘How can we do this better?’ and ‘What sets us apart?’ We’re always looking to raise the bar [at Wolf Trap]. For example, we’ll always serve hamburgers – but ours are made with prime beef and served on a top-of-the-line French brioche bun with arugula, aged cheddar and chipotle aioli.” Over at Merriweather, Cathal Armstrong (of the legendary Restaurant Eve, and now The Wharf’s Kaliwa) has come on board as Merriweather’s food advisor. “Cathal lives and breathes food creativity,” Schaefer says admiringly. “People will be coming as much for the food as for the performance.” Guests will get to explore a menu that includes everything from freshly roasted, husk-on corn topped with Cotija cheese to a housemade jumbo lump crab cake on fresh brioche. “They’re honestly better than in some fine dining places,” Schaefer says of Merriweather’s crab cake (her personal favorite). Over at Jiffy Lube Live, in addition to fresh craft cocktails, fans can enjoy the buzzy Impossible Burger: a plant-based patty that bleeds and sizzles when it cooks. “We have partnered with some great brands including Art Smith’s Art Bird, Questlove’s Impossible Cheesesteak, Guy Fieri’s burgers and new hot dog concept Dog Haus,” says Matt Rogers, Jiffy Lube’s GM and SVP for music. “My personal favorite is the Art Bird Fried Chicken,” he says. “It is off-the-charts good.” The folks who are overhauling menus and updating concert dining experiences are riffing off their own memories and tastes to create the perfect concert experience. Pluck is a musician and self-described band geek who says his dream job is working at Wolf Trap; he channels epic memories of concerts with Genesis (the 1992 reunion tour at Cleveland Stadium), The Police and Muse. Rogers finds the most fulfilling part of the job to be a providing people with an escape for two hours. Kenyon is also a musician; he pursued band life before committing himself to becoming one of the greatest bartenders in America, and his ideal festival night inspires his Jiffy Lube menu. “It’s right at dusk, your favorite band is just coming on, the day is fading, your drink is complex and you’re surrounded by friends. Perfection.”

Dog Haus offerings

Photo: Courtesy of Jiffy Lube Live

Learn more about the elevated fare and summer lineups at these three venues below. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA www.livenation.com/venues/14407/jiffy-lube-live Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

Join us f0r brunch every Sat & Sun from 11am to 3pm We have all your favorites from Traditional Irish Breakfast to Eggs Benedict & Pancakes. Check us out at sineirishpub.com for the full brunch and regular menus. Come enjoy our brunch inside when you want to watch your favorite sporting event on our flat screen HD TVs, or outside on the patio in the beautiful weather.

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DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

Photo: Ernie Tacsik // Haute Phototure

2 019 A

Festival

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s the clouds dissipate from the sky and make way for the sun to illuminate the world, tents and stages begin to roll out for perhaps the most vibrant time of the year: festival season. From big to small, festivals represent inviting areas for people to mingle in areas meant to incite enthusiasm and joy. Luckily for us, residents of the DMV live in one of the most fertile grounds for these events in the country, whether you’re looking to chow down on fare at the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle or want to dance to pure exhaustion at Funk Parade and DC101’s Kerfuffle. Over the next few pages, we’ve collected an extensive list of some of the very best the region has to offer with details on what to expect from each, plus interviews with local festival makers and some of our top picks.

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

DC FESTIVAL THURSDAY, MAY 2 SUNDAY, MAY 12 Pow! Wow! DC Since 2016, artists from the DC region and around the globe - a different mix each year, lead by DC’s very own Kelly Towles - have come to NoMa for 10 days in May to create larger-than-life murals that enliven buildings and streetscapes. The 10-day celebration of art features a kickoff event at Wunder Garten, mural walking tours and more. Various dates, times and locations; www.nomabid.org/pow-wow-dc

FRIDAY, MAY 3 SUNDAY, MAY 5 M3 Rock Festival Now in its 11th year, M3 Rock Festival has grown from up-and-comer to a definitive way to party like it’s 1989. Start with the annual Kix-Off Party on Friday, and head into the festival on Saturday and Sunday. M3 features enough hard rock and hair metal bands to make your head spin. Lineup includes Dokken, Whitesnake, Autograph and Vince Neil. Various times. Tickets are $80$255. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com

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Sleepy Creek Spring Dig Returning for its sixth year, this annual campout offers a stellar line up of local roots music and national superstars. Other attractions include playgrounds, parades, face painting, food, arts and crafts, late night bonfires and open jam circles. Sleepy Creek events remain dedicated to providing fun for all ages and creating memories that last a lifetime. Early arrival party with Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers starts at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. Sunday open mic party. Exit by 5 p.m. Tickets are $60$100. Free admission for kids 15 and under. Sleepy Creek on the Potomac: Joshua Lane in Berkeley Springs, WV; www.sleepycreekpresents.com

Waterfront: 804 National Harbor Blvd. National Harbor, MD; www.wineandfoodnh.com

SATURDAY, MAY 4

FRIDAY, MAY 10 SUNDAY, MAY 12

Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival Join DC’s signature folk festival in its 10th year with headliners Dustbowl Revival, The Ballroom Thieves and Hackensaw Boys, along with a host of other featured artists. Celebrate spring at this Best of DC 2018 award-winning festival with amazing local talent, tremendous local merchants and the natural beauty of the nation’s capital. 12-8 p.m. Tickets are $35$100. Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival: 575 Oklahoma Ave. NE, DC; www.kingmanislandbluegrass.info National Wine & Food Festival A world class, waterfront culinary event! Join in the excitement of the 10th annual Wine and Food Festival at National Harbor; bringing together world-renowned chefs, artisanal craftsmen and culinary pioneers with thousands of Metro DC’s foodies. 12-6 p.m. Tickets begin at $40. National Harbor

SUNDAY, MAY 5 Fiesta Asia Silver Spring Fiesta Asia Silver Spring brings together diverse Asian cultures on one street, where participants can experience the richness of the arts and tradition the region has to offer. Happenings include live performances, open market exhibitors, interactive displays, dance, music and much more. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free to attend. Fiesta Asia Silver Spring: 916 Ellsworth Dr. Silver Spring, MD; www.fiestaasia.org

Preakness Balloon Festival The Howard County Fairgrounds will brighten the skies this year as the centerpiece venue for the long-running balloon festival. Spectators will enjoy the wonder of hot air balloons, specialty crafts, entertainment and good food during this family-friendly festival. Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday Mother’s Day Morning Balloon Flight 6:15-7:45 a.m. Balloon ride tickets are $250. Howard County Fairgrounds: 2210 Fairgrounds Rd. West Friendship, MD; www.preaknessballoonfestival.com

SATURDAY, MAY 11 Maryland Craft Beer Festival Celebrate your favorite Maryland breweries at the Maryland Craft Beer Festival. More

GUIDE 2019 than 40 local breweries will present nearly 200 unique, finely crafted ales and lagers. There will be live music, delicious food and fun craft vendors. 12-5 p.m. Tickets are $40, with $15 designated driver tickets available. Carroll Creek Linear Park: 44 South Market St. Frederick, MD; www.mdcraftbeerfestival.com Of Ale and History Beer Fest Find more than 50 beers available for tasting including European imports, American craft brews, hard ciders and specialty beers at the longest running beer festival in Virginia. Enjoy live music all day from Mojo Mothership and The Robbie Limon Band. Admission includes a souvenir glass, eight tastings and access to all vendors. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. At the gate, tasting tickets will be $30. Designated drivers or guests under 21 may purchase admission tickets for $10, including two non-alcoholic beverages. Belle Grove Plantation: 336 Belle Grove Rd. Middletown, VA; www.bellegrove.org

SATURDAY, MAY 11 - SUNDAY, JUNE 9 Virginia Renaissance Faire Find music and dancing, shops filled with the finest crafts, and a variety of foods and beverages at the Virginia Renaissance Faire. Join the militia in pike drills or present a case in the Court of Common Pleas. Entertainment and vendors to be announced. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are $12. Free admission for kids 6 and under. Lake Anna Winery: 5621 Courthouse Rd. Spotsylvania, VA; www.varf.org

THURSDAY, MAY 16 SATURDAY, MAY 18 Domefest Head to the lineup page to view all of the bands playing at Domefest 2019 alongside Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Aqueous, Magic Beans, Litz, Mungion, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Fritz and more. Stay tuned to social media for fun updates including themes, late night acts and workshop information. Gates open Thursday at 1 p.m. and close Sunday 2 p.m. Tickets are $135. Marvin’s Mountaintop: Masontown, WV; www.domefestival.com

FRIDAY, MAY 17 SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience A must-attend for craft beer aficionados and foodies alike, SAVOR offers a memorable craft beer and food experience to a limited number of guests in a truly unique atmosphere. At SAVOR, 90 small and independent craft breweries from around the country showcase 181 beers, each one thoughtfully paired with a small plate that will dazzle your palate. 7:30-11 p.m. Tickets $135. National Building Museum: 401 F St. NW, DC; www.savorcraftbeer.com

in the Family Art Park, featuring free face painting and balloon animals. Expect to get a festival guide with more than $100 worth of coupons. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free to attend. Reston Town Center: 11900 Market St. Reston, VA; www.restonarts.org/ fineartsfestival Riverrock From music to mud pits, bikes to beer, SUPs to pups, and climbing to kayaks – it’s uniquely Richmond! Rock the day and night away, watch professional athletes thrill the crowd, and maybe even get a little dirty yourself. Friday 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. 9:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Historic Tredegar: 500 Tredegar St. Richmond, VA; www.riverrockva.com Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour Celebrate the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the mansion and cellars, more than 20 Virginia wineries, and live music overlooking views of the estate and the Potomac River. 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $42-$48. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy. Mt. Vernon, VA; www.mountvernon.org

SATURDAY, MAY 18 FRIDAY, MAY 17 SUNDAY, MAY 19 Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival Festival attendees will enjoy viewing inspiring and innovative art in a wide variety of media and styles, interacting directly with artists from around the country, and exploring their own creativity

Adventure Brewing Company 5th Anniversary Festival This brewery birthday party features live music and local vendors. Event is petfriendly. Check the website for daily updates on festival details. 12-10 p.m. Free to attend. Adventure Brewing Company: 33 Perchwood Dr. Fredericksburg, VA; www.adventurebrewing.com www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2019 | ON TAP

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

A Day

Life in the

SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR SABRINA LYNN MOTLEY

By Trent Johnson

efore pursuing roles as vice president of Vesper Society and senior director at Asia Society Texas Center, Sabrina Lynn Motley was a little girl often wandering the halls of various Los Angeles museums. “Museums made sense to me because they were a place of learning,” she says. “But [they’re] also a place where you can hide out while your imagination soars.” A professional life behind the scenes, tucked in offices within vast buildings housing art and artifacts, always made sense to Motley. After successful positions in programming and exhibition planning, the Smithsonian tapped her in 2013 as the new director of its famed Folklife Festival. Delivering a cultural smorgasbord on the National Mall since 1967, the event focuses on global cultural heritage and connects people to hidden gems of society. This year’s theme is The Social Power of Music, and though the programming has been shortened from 10 days to only two because of the government shutdown, it’s sure to once again evoke emotions and conversations. To learn more about the festival and Motley, we met in her tucked-away museum office and discussed her early enthusiasm for culture, the shortened festival and the responsibility she feels to engage minds.

On Tap: Did you always want to be in the museum industry growing up? Sabrina Lynn Motley: Yeah, I was one of those kids. I loved me some museums. I was one of those kids who didn’t like the circus [or] going to parades. My mother would say that I was one of those weird kids who you’d stick in a gallery and I’d be as happy as can be. My mother knew I was weird. OT: Everybody’s weird to some extent. SLM: Yeah, but let’s be real. I’m an African-American woman of a certain age and I’m sure my mother was like, “I have this little black kid who’s into museums and into this world.” And to her credit, she let me go and explore it. I thank my mother daily for allowing me to be odd and curious. Not every kid gets that, no matter what color they are.

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OT: How did you get into festival planning from a sociological perspective? SLM: That is a question I get asked all the time that I have no way to answer. I’m a cultural anthropologist by training and disposition, and I’ve done work in museums for most of my professional life. Before this, I largely focused on an intimate scale, so having this opportunity to do what I’ve done for many years with people who are so committed to this kind of work at a larger scale on the National Mall, which has such historic significance to this country, was a challenge that I wanted to take. Even on my worst days, there’s still something in the back of my head that says this work in this way at this place is really a gift, and I’m really fortunate to be able to do it.

Photo: Trent Johnson

with

OT: Was there a particular reason you gravitated toward programming? Was it a function of necessity or did you choose to go that route? SLM: No, I chose to do it because I really like the way that culture brings people together and not always in a loving, peaceful way – because sometimes it’s hard. Culture has the power to connect and disrupt and make change – I wanted to be in a place where I could facilitate that [by] coming to the Smithsonian where there’s research and community engagement components, and a real sense that cultural heritage is valuable.

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

OT: Switching gears to this year’s Folklife Festival, it’s shrinking to only two days. What kind of adjustment period did you go through upon returning from the government shutdown? SLM: It was not an easy call to make. Certainly, we know there are people that have been coming to this festival since it started in 1967, and their kids and grandkids come. No one wants to disappoint our visitors. I think in this case, we decided to put those relationships with our partners, our artists and the public ahead of just pushing something out onto the Mall.

FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL MUST-HAVES

OT: Was that always the plan to have the Social Power of Music and Year of Music coincide? SLM: Yeah. Huib Schippers, who runs the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and to a large degree acted as the champion of the Year of Music initiative, has said publicly and privately that an inspiration for the Year of Music was the Folklife Festival as well as the Social Power of Music. It was a nice coming together of a lot of factors. OT: With this year’s focus on music and the shortened calendar, do you feel any pressure to differentiate it from other area music festivals? SLM: Probably no more than yes. We have a commitment to do the Folklife Festival and what that means is engaging community, being researched-based and stoking larger conversations. In that way, we have a commitment and the pressure to do what we do, even if it’s two days. People should leave knowing that they had a festival moment. OT: I feel like all music can carry social context, but what specifically were you focused on when piecing together this year’s programming? SLM: It wasn’t about genres or songs; it was really about the way music and sound functions. How does music create community? It’s a natural environment, it’s a social environment, it’s all of those things. What I was hoping was to have the festival break open those ideas and surprise people. How are people actively using music and sound to create community and to connect with community? How do musicians make change where they think change is needed and lessen tensions when they think that’s needed? Our job as festival makers is to explore all of that with our visitors. OT: What were some of the best parts about planning this particular festival despite the timeline? SLM: The theme has resonated with a lot of people and in some way, we knew it would be meaningful. But the response we’ve gotten both from the artists and the public has been positive. It’s allowed us to link to all sorts of people in community. Honestly, working as a staff, we’ve had to manage our own internal disappointment and frustration over the shutdown. But the fact that we’ve been able to focus on these two days, it’s reminded us of our mission and the opportunity we have to do this wonderful work.

A HEARTY LAUGH WITH MY MOM MEALS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY IRISH BREAKFAST TEA GOOD MOVIES AND BETTER BOOKS MUSIC, MUSIC AND MORE MUSIC

CURIOSITY ABOUT THE WORK OF FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS AND STAFF QUALITY TIME AT OUR MARKETPLACE AND FOOD VENDORS A GOOD HAT, SUNSCREEN AND WATER A QUIET MOMENT IN ONE OF THE SMITHSONIAN’S MUSEUMS MUSIC, MUSIC AND MORE MUSIC OT: How do you go about identifying themes you want to hit on? SLM: One of the common denominators is trying to be relevant because of the way people think of folk and traditional arts as something old, dead, gone. There are a lot of ways those connect us to a shared humanity, and I don’t mean in a hyperbolic way. I really do think the interweaving of history, knowledge, skills and practice is something that’s very integral to what it means to be human. For us, our notion of folk is broad. OT: Would you say that the battle for relevance is one of the tougher challenges? SLM: Mhmm. And money. [laughs] On a serious note, you’ve got to fight for attention. Say [there’s] this person weaving this beautiful grass basket from the Georgia Sea Islands or a singer delivering a devastating hip-hop song from a suburb of Paris; if they’re all in the same creative continuum, we want you to stand here and be present with us on the Mall. OT: These festivals are great because they take a piece of the museum and put it in a more palatable platform. Do you feel a responsibility to spark interest in and push more people toward the more traditional settings? SLM: We try to make the festival very participatory so they can have a conversation or get their hands dirty and make a clay pot. We focus on the reflection of our own culture too; it’s not just you go to the Mall and have a good time [and] then you leave. Can we set up these environments where people carry things away from them that speak to their own lives? It’s a feedback loop we’re trying to facilitate. We take a lot of responsibility and we think about it all the time. Some of it is you just throw the seeds out there and they’ll bloom five or 10 years from now, and we may never know it. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30. Features of this year’s The Social Power of Music-themed festival include Smithsonian Folkways Recordings musicians, Grammynominated rapper GoldLink, producer Ruby Ibarra and others. National Mall in DC; 202-633-6440; www.festival.si.edu www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2019 | ON TAP

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

Fiesta Asia Street Fair The 13th annual National Asian Heritage Festival’s signature event, the Fiesta Asia Street Fair, features more than 1,000 performers on five stages representing more than 20 cultures. Enjoy outdoor craft exhibits, live performances, food and open market vendors, interactive displays, martial arts demonstrations, talent shows, cooking demos and many more. 11 a.m. 7 p.m. Free to attend. Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th Streets, NW, DC; www.fiestaasia.org

SATURDAY, MAY 18 Pearl Street Preakness Party Join Pearl Street for an official Preakness party, infield style. Party to live music from Lovely Rita, enter our hat contest, then catch the race on the big screen. The bars will be open and they’ll have plenty of Stella Artois and Black Eyed Susans. Must be 21 and over to consume alcohol. 4-7 p.m. Free to attend. Pearl Street in SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com

InfieldFest InfieldFest is a full-day music festival that takes place amid one of the most anticipated and attended annual sporting events, the Preakness Stakes. The 2019 lineup features Norwegian DJ Kygo, Maryland’s own Logic, Diplo, Juice WRLD, Fisher and Frank Walker. 8 p.m. Tickets are $79-$199. Pimlico Race Course: 5201 Park Heights Ave. Baltimore, MD; www.infieldfest.com Sour Mania! Sour Beer Festival Pucker up and join the 2nd Annual Sour Beer Festival. Sample special and limited edition sour ales from around the region and across the country at this indoor event. Enjoy live music and fantastic food while sipping some truly tart ales. Starts at 11 a.m. Admission is free, samplers and snacks available to purchase. Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 W Broad St. Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com Virginia Wine & Craft Festival Grab a drink and hit the caves. Relax and enjoy shopping for handmade crafts from over 100 vendors, artists and crafters

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from all over the East Coast, listen to live music, play games and try wine from 20 different wineries. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free to attend, $25-$30 for wine tasting. Historic Downtown Front Royal: 106 Chester St. Front Royal, VA; www.wineandcraftfestival.com

SUNDAY, MAY 19 DC Polo Society Are you on the list? www.dcpolo.com

SATURDAY, MAY 18 SUNDAY, MAY 19

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 AND FRIDAY, MAY 31

Wine in the Woods The 27th Annual Wine in the Woods is the largest wine festival in Maryland and continues to rank among the best festivals in Howard County. Sample a variety of Maryland’s finest wineries from a souvenir glass, purchase food from an abundance of high quality restaurants and caterers, attend wine education seminars, purchase art and specialty crafts, and revel in continuous live entertainment from the Unified Jazz Ensemble, Bad Influence and I&I Riddim. Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $25-$44. Symphony Woods Park: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.wineinthewoods.com

Shakespeare Theatre Company Young Prose Nights: The Oresteia Join Shakespeare Theatre Company for Young Prose Night on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m. Your ticket includes the live performance of The Oresteia, and a special post-show reception including a free drink from STC’s wine sponsor or guest brewery. Various times. Tickets are $25. STC’s Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org

SUNDAY, MAY 19 Porchfest DC - Southeast Edition Porchfest is a festival of mini-concerts held on front porches. The Southeast Porchfest embodies the life and soul of DC, spotlighting the region’s top emerging talent and is an outing for the entire family! With well-manicured lawns, tree-lined streets and super friendly residents, Hillcrest is the perfect choice for the 2019 Southeast Porchfest. This year’s line-up includes spoken word performances and bands representing all music genres, including: jazz, folk, rock, hip-hop and go-go. There will also be food trucks, vendors and more! Please bring a lawn chair, walking shoes and cash to tip the performers. For updates, follow @ porchfestdc on Instagram. The map of the final performance route will be published the second week of May. 12-6 p.m. Free to attend. The Hillcrest community in SE DC; www.porchfestdc.com

THURSDAY, MAY 23 SUNDAY, MAY 26 DelFest With acts like The Del McCoury Band and The Travelin McCourys, this family-friendly music festival is pure bluegrass bliss. You’ll find incredible music all day long on multiple stage, intimate artist playshops, late night shows, a fun-filled kidzone, a quality art and craft faire, delicious food and drinks, plentiful camping space and RV hookups, and much more. Various times and performances each day. Various ticket packages available. Allegany County Fairgrounds: 11400 Moss Ave. Cumberland, MD; www.delfest.com

SATURDAY, MAY 25 - SUNDAY, MAY 26 Caribbean Wine, Music and Food Festival Listen to steel drums and reggae beats while enjoying arts and crafts, great food and the island vibes of this wine festival. Open your palate to unique Linganore wines and take home a souvenir wine glass. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Linganore Wine Cellars: 13601 Glissans Mill Rd. Mt. Airy, MD; www.linganore-wine.com

FRIDAY, MAY 24 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 SummerFest at Gaylord National The Capital Region’s premier waterfront resort, Gaylord National, comes alive with Summer FUN! Overnight guests can enjoy resort entertainment and activities as part of their annual SummerFest. From outdoor events and great music to campfire stories, scavenger hunts, seasonal cocktails and more, there is something for everyone. Whether you are visiting the DC area to sightsee, a family looking for a getaway or a great night out with friends, you will find everything you need to make your summer getaway memorable. Various times. Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center: 201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; www.marriott.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29 SATURDAY, JUNE 2 Focus on the Story Festival Focus on the Story is an independent, nonpartisan, non-profit organization based in DC, founded on the driving principle that photography can spark meaningful conversations at the intersection of policy, civic engagement and visual storytelling. Join in the nation’s capital as they celebrate the art of photography and the stories behind the images with talks, workshops, portfolio reviews, exhibits, contests and photo walks about everything from Brutalist architecture to the White House. Various times and locations. Registration is $225$245. Student rates available. www.focusonthestory.org

THURSDAY, MAY 30 SATURDAY, JUNE 2 Mountain Music Festival Mountain Music Festival is an annual celebration of the best outdoor adventures West Virginia has to offer, with live music to match. Situated on a 1,500-acre outdoor adventure resort in the New River Gorge, Mountain Music Festival brings the spirit of Appalachia to life through its two greatest exports: music and wilderness. This year, Mountain Music Fest welcomes Tyler Childers, The Floozies, Big Something and many more to the stage atop Wonderland Mountain. Tickets are $79-$329. ACE Adventure Resort: 1 Concho Rd. Minden, WV; www.mountainmusicfestwv.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival Great Grapes! has grown to be Baltimore’s premier casual Maryland wine festival with live music, fun festival eats, arts and crafts, and a free kids’ area. Grab a souvenir glass and stroll from tent to tent, sipping and savoring selections from more than 150 different international and local wines, beers and spirits at Oregon Ridge Park. 1-8 p.m. Tickets are $40-$75. Oregon Ridge Park: 13401 Beaver Dam Rd. Cockeysville, MD; www.uncorkthefun.com Takoma Trukgarten Don’t miss Takoma Trukgarten featuring local beer, food trucks and live music. This one-day beer festival features local breweries pouring over 20 different craft beers plus cider and a new wine tent. There will be local restaurants and food trucks plus live music all day! 12-5 p.m. Tickets are $25-$45. City Parking Lot: 201 Ethan Allen Ave. Takoma Park, MD; www.mainstreettakoma.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 SUNDAY, JUNE 2 FSGW Washington Folk Festival The 39th Annual Washington Folk Festival showcases the diversity of traditional music in the DC area. All musicians, storytellers, dancer and craftspeople live in the greater DMV metropolitan area and volunteer their talents to put on a first-class festival of national renown. 12-7 p.m. both days. Free to attend. Glen Echo Park: 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD; www.fsgw.org

Vintage Virginia Since 1982, Vintage Virginia has offered an opportunity to taste from nearly half of Virginia’s homegrown wineries, from the most renowned to the new and exciting. Saturday 12-6 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets cost $40-$65. Bull Run Special Events Center: 7700 Bull Run Dr. Centreville, VA; www.vintagevirginia.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 2 Taste of Peru DC Taste of Peru celebrates the cultural influences and the creativity of Peruvian chefs all over the United States. The event promotes the unique culinary perspectives of local and international chefs. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets are $15-$40. University of the District of Columbia: 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.tasteofperudc.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 SUNDAY, JUNE 9 Capital Jazz Fest Come see Gladys Knight, Babyface, Gregory Porter, India.Arie, Marsha Ambrosius and more jazz and soul musicians at Merriweather Post Pavilion’s Capital Jazz Fest. Enjoy fine arts and crafts at the festival marketplace and culinary treats from the food court, plus artist workshops, plus meet and greets. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Doors open at 10 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $59.50-$129.50. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 SUNDAY, JUNE 16 DC JazzFest The DC JazzFest invites you to explore the exceptional array of renowned masters and emerging artists from across the jazz spectrum and beyond. Find your favorite artists and various performances located throughout the District, including The Wharf and even in your own neighborhood through the Jazz in the ’Hoods concert series. Various showtimes, ticket prices and venues. Various locations in DC; www.dcjazzfest.org

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INSIDE DC’S From the Latin American Film Festival to the European Union Film Showcase, AFI in Silver Spring is known for highlighting the work of filmmakers from many different cultural backgrounds. Read our interview with AFI’s director of programming about upcoming fests on page 42.

Feeling nostalgic? Tons of 80s and 90s music icons like Sheryl Crow will stop through the DMV this summer. For more on where to catch your fave artists of yesteryear, turn to page 66.

Caboose Brewery produces Wolf Trap’s Summer Ale, only available at the park. To get the inside scoop on this collaboration, go to page 16.

Tucked into Symphony Woods behind Merriweather Post Pavilion is a bright green structure comprised of 4,000 pieces of aluminum, dubbed the Chrysalis after the shell that butterflies emerge from. For more on Merriweather’s summer offerings, turn to page 30.

Adams Morgan Day holds the title of longest running neighborhood festival, marking 41 years on September 8. For more on this community celebration and others throughout the DMV, turn to page 60.

Looking for a community festival with a retro twist? The streets of Old Town will be taken over with vintage cars and nostalgia-inducing pop-up events on May 19. For more neighborhood fests, go to page 60.

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Focus on the Story (May 29 - June 2) allows you to hone your own skills with classes like street photography and finding the beauty in DC’s Brutalist architecture. Check out our full festival guide starting on page 32.

FESTIVAL FEVER Despite the government shutdown, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is producing a twoday celebration on the Social Power of Music with lively and engaging programming on June 29-30. Turn to page 36 for our interview with festival director Sabrina Lynn Motley.

Any home can become the spot for hearing the best new music in the District thanks to PorchFest on May 19. For more on DC’s summer music festivals, read our fest guide on page 32.

Local venues are stepping up their food game to bring you excellent cuisine along with music. To learn more about elevated food options at the best outdoor venues in the DMV, visit page 30.

Capital Fringe provides budding actors, playwrights and musicians the chance to showcase their work for DC’s creative communities. Check out seven venues, 13 stages and 94 productions on July 9-28. Read our full guide on pages 32-62 for a full rundown of creative fests coming to the city.

By the People brings the arts to everyone in the District by turning the city into an interactive cultural hub on June 15. This year, they’ll add a can’tmiss floating art installation based in Southeast DC among other onsite activations. Read our interview with one of the creative minds behind the fest on page 42.

Mainstream festivals are fun, sure, but sometimes you just need to indulge in something a little off-the-cuff. For the best of niche fests –think sea glass, math and psychics – turn to page 56.

Funk Parade collaborated with Aslin Beer Company on the limited release Keepin The Funk Alive sour ale for the May 11 event. Aslin is donating a portion of the proceeds to support The MusicianShip, the new stewards of the festival. Read our interview with The MusicianShip’s executive director and the festival organizer on page 42.

Photos courtesy of the following: Caboose Brewery: Courtesy of Wolf Trap AFI: Mark F. Jones Nostalgia Tours // Sheryl Crow: Kevin Burkett Chrysalis: Richie Downs Adams Morgan Day: Courtesy of Adams Morgan Day Vintage car: www.pixabay.com Focus on the Story: www.focusonthestory.org PorchFest: www.fb.com/adamsmorganporchfest Sabrina Lynn Motley: Courtesy of Smithsonian Folklife Festival Chesepeake Seaglass Fest: www.eventbrite.com Capital Fringe: Capital Fringe’s Instagram Elevated food: Courtesy of Jiffy Lube Live By the People: Courtesy of By the People Funk Parade: www.funkparade.com

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Photo: Courtesy of Adams Morgan Day

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

Festival Makers

The Creative Minds Behind DC’s Iconic Events By Trent Johnson

Festivals can often be sensory overload for attendees. With food, drinks, art and whatever else you can think of all interlinking to create a vibrant atmosphere for those who participate, it’s no doubt that putting all these moving pieces in place takes a ton of work. Who are the masterminds behind are favorite local events? We caught up with a few of the creatives behind the scenes at some of the most iconic DC festivities.

Funk Parade

David Ross, Festival Organizer Jeffery Tribble Jr., The MusicianShip Executive Director On Tap: Why did the MusicianShip decide to start running Funk Parade? Jeffery Tribble Jr.: I’ve been a volunteer for a couple years so I was already promoting it and knew how effective it was. With our organization being all about creating musical experiences to benefit young people in underserved communities, it seemed like another great way to bring exposure to our cause. David Ross: I was legacy. I was with Funk Parade last year. I was the third person. I was the first official hire. [Founders] Justin [Rood] and Chris [Naoum] had done it so long. When they wanted to take a step back, the MusicianShip seemed like an amazing opportunity to continue the tradition. OT: What new things did you all want to implement and what was the festival already doing well that are you looking to accentuate? JT: As an educational organization, our emphasis is more on education this year. We’ll have a conference and an extension on the academy of funk, and we’re also going to have a marching band exhibition. We don’t only want to entertain and have a good time; we

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want to educate and for people to be better than they were when they first came. There have been some talks of Funk Parade East [at entertainment and sports arena St. Elizabeths East], but it’s more likely to be a 2020 effort if it happens based on conversations we’ve had with other interested parties and sponsors. DR: There’s some interesting activations we haven’t done before. I’m most proud in the way we’ve creatively used U Street. We’re not using the big theatre settings for our showcase. We’re using the environment. We’ve adjusted because we’re using smaller venues like SXSW. OT: How did the collaboration beer with Aslin Beer Company

People don’t know about the rich culture we have here. People really want to celebrate the city they live in. come to be? JT: We brainstormed different ideas to raise the profile of the festival and by extension, raise the profile of Aslin. Because we are attached to so many venues, it made a lot of sense to offer the Funk Parade beer in said venues, and we are also using it as a fundraiser.

OT: Is this year more about sustaining the momentum of festivals past as opposed to putting a new stamp on Funk Parade? JT: You hit the nail on the head. This year is about sustainability and [maintaining] what has been done historically. After we do it successfully, then we can look at how to grow it. To be honest, I don’t have substantial thoughts on what we might do differently in the future. We’re so focused on making this Funk Parade [that] given the ecosystem of the parade and all of the [participating] venues both big and small, it fosters opportunities for growth. DR: From having worked on it last year, the MusicianShip asked the right questions immediately. Any hiccups that came along the way, we were able to adjust them. This year, what I’ve seen is stronger preparedness and because of that, you’re allowed to grow. OT: Why do you think the Funk Parade is so impactful for the local community? JT: Music changes lives and is a powerful platform, drawing young people to achieve in all areas in life. Music is a way to advance conversations about social justice and any other movement across time. It also doesn’t hurt that it facilitates a good time. We bring a lot of the city’s and the nation’s best musical acts to perform on this day. When people come out and experience it, it’s always new and friendly and the spirit of it is all about unification – which we need, especially now. DR: I think this is a festival where DC allows itself to let loose. So often as a city, our identity is tied to what happens at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. People don’t know about the rich culture we have here. People really want to celebrate the city they live in, and this is a great place to do so – maybe more than any other event we have. The sixth annual Funk Parade takes place on Saturday, May 11. The festival is free to attend and features music from 1-7 p.m., a parade from 5-6 p.m. and a featured showcase at 8 p.m. Various locations on U Street in NW, DC; www.funkparade.com

By the People

Photo: Courtesy of By the People

AFI Film Festivals Todd Hitchcock, AFI Director of Programming

On Tap: How does the AFI balance so many festivals? What goes into planning each? Todd Hitchcock: We’re mindful of what we’re going to do throughout the year. [They’re] what we call curated festivals. [Our staff ] attends major festivals throughout the year beginning with Sundance, Berlin, Cannes and Toronto; at least two of us are attending and seeing as many films as we can, which is typically 50-plus. In all of these cases, you have to whittle it down and make a decision on what we’re going to include. OT: How important is the balance of countries included to the authenticity of the festivals, particularly the Latin American Film Festival and the European Union Film Showcase? TH: When you embrace that identity and focus, that means that films from smaller countries are going to have an opportunity for inclusion and to get screened. It’s wonderful when you find a film from say the Baltic countries or in Eastern Europe; for instance, we’ve had a lot of success with Hungarian films. In Latin America, you could say that the region as a whole doesn’t get enough representation in the film world. We’re going to push to include Ecuador and Paraguay. We’ve had some terrific films from those countries. OT: How do you approach the festivals in fresh ways? TH: I think our audience has a strong association with these festivals. If you graph it out, there’s been a growth spurt. These are new films from these countries, and in many cases, this is the only chance [the audience will] have to see them. The DC area has people from all these countries living here because of its diversity; it works out for everyone.

Funk Parade

Photo: Mark Caicedo

AFI European Union Film Showcase

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DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

OT: Why do you think film is a medium that lends itself well to a festival setting? TH: I would say year in and year out, we find exciting films. There’s more than enough to be excited about as far as quality and exciting, innovative films. It’s an opportunity to see something that they might not otherwise see. The newness factor: that’s the huge reality of the film business. It’s exciting. Upcoming festivals for the AFI include the DC Caribbean FilmFest from June 6-12, the Latin American Film Festival from September 12 to October 2 and the European Union Film Showcase from December 4-22. For more information on these and other festivals screened at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, visit www.afi.com/silver. 8633 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.afi.com/silver

By the People Festival Nicole Dowd, Program Director of the Halcyon Arts Lab

On Tap: There are a lot of moving parts with the By the People Festival. How do you select a curator and then work with them on the theme? Nicole Dowd: We identify a curator a year in advance of the festival. We ended up with Jessica Stafford Davis [this year] because her focus hasn’t really been present in the art world over the last decade. I think that we definitely knew that we wanted to work with her in some capacity and some of the qualities other than her own amazingness are finding people with a strong vision.

Some people go to Adams Morgan for dancing and a jumbo slice but may not know of the great bookstores and the most delicious churros in town. It’s important for these local businesses to have an outlet that spotlights them. OT: How far out do you plan? ND: We move pretty quickly. We’re quite nimble in the way we produce programs and events. In two to three months, we were pretty set on who we wanted to showcase. For myself, coming from the art and museum world, it’s a very quick timeline. Artists are very excited to be part of it and we work heavily with them to make something impactful in a relatively short amount of time. OT: How do you balance the mediums of the work presented? ND: A lot of it is dictated by the specific site. There are two roads working together. One is thinking about what would be most appropriate for the site: is it going to be performative or a painting? And then we think about who is going to look at the artwork: what’s most accessible and impactful? OT: Tell us a little bit about this year’s new gallery feature.

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ND: People asked us last year where they could buy the art, so we’re trying to create an environment for artists who identify with the DMV to exhibit and sell their work to new [or local] collectors. That will take place at a location in Georgetown, and it’ll be open from June 8-23. It extends the festival and makes it more inclusive for some of the artists in the location. OT: Why do you think a festival is such an effective way to deliver art, and what has the response been from attendees? ND: There are so many people [who view museums as] a barrier to appreciating art. So for us to meet people where they’re at – whether they’re in a public square or on the river or in their neighborhood – it’s a good way to get people engaged with art. The 2019 By the People Festival takes place in various locations around DC from June 15-23. For information about the participating artists and locations, visit www.bythepeople.org.

Adams Morgan Day A. Tianna Scozzaro, Festival Organizer

On Tap: When you took the reins of the festival four years ago, did you think it would be where it is now? A. Tianna Scozzaro: I knew that the festival and the community were too strong for it to die. I’m so proud of what’s grown out of that really desperate place. We had two years where it was on the sidewalks and it was pretty lean, but last year was our 40th anniversary and this year, we have committees ready to go for September. OT: Why did you feel so strongly about Adams Morgan Day continuing, and what are some of your favorite aspects? ATS: I think it’s eclectic and diverse in a way that is [true] to its identity. It was one of the [first] few neighborhood festivals in DC. In the past few years, we’ve seen the demographics of the city change [and] a lot of other great festivals have risen up. There’s a history of Adams Morgan Day that’s really special. OT: What is surprising to people that may not know AdMo very well? Why is it important to introduce it to people who may be less familiar? ATS: I think the number of locally owned businesses that have been around for decades. Some people go to Adams Morgan for dancing and a jumbo slice but may not know of the great bookstores and the most delicious churros in town. It’s important for these local businesses to have an outlet that spotlights them. The funkiness as a whole is great: there’s been graffiti arts and hula hoop contests and [other] interactive, creative opportunities for people to participate in. We always need more of those activities in DC. OT: Where do you think it’s going in the future? How do you see the festival evolving? ATS: The festival started as a park potluck [and] grew to its heyday in the 80s. That’s when DC was less safe, but this provided an opportunity for people to get out, celebrate and listen to go-go music. My desire would be to see the festival become sustainable with sponsors that support the festival as an intrinsic part of the neighborhood business and community cohesion. Adams Morgan Day takes place Sunday, September 8. 18th Street in NW, DC; www.admoday.com

CATCH GREAT LIVE MUSIC Before Every Friday Home Game!

2019

BUDWEISER MUSIC SERIES 5/17 Lovely Rita 5/24 Uncle Jesse 6/14 Practically Einstein 6/21 Dr. FU

PRODUCTION

7/5 7 Deadlies 7/26 Justin Trawick & The Common Good 8/16 As If

8/30 Hand Painted Swinger 9/13 Driven to Clarity 9/27 Turtle Recall Music @ 5:00 Game @ 7:05

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 Breaux Vineyards Cajun Festival Come join your Cajun cousins at Breaux Vineyards the 22nd Annual Cajun Festival. Enjoy wine tastings, craft vendors, Cajun fare for sale, and more at this annual celebration. Starting off the day, the festival will feature live music with the Voodoo Blues followed by The Dixie Power Trio for the rest of the afternoon. Kid-friendly activities will be available. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln. Purcellville, VA; www.breauxvineyards.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 Summerfest DC Get your own tasting glass and enjoy more than 80 carefully selected craft beers in a single afternoon. Enjoy live music, unlimited wine and cider tastings and amazing food selections. Then get active with outdoor games, arts and activities. This is a 21 and over only event. Various times and ticket prices. The Bullpen: 1201 Half St. SE, DC; www.summerfestdc.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 9 Capital Pride Festival Join the LGBTQ+ community, on America’s Mainstreet for the 2019 Capital Pride Festival presented by Live! Casino & Hotel. Enjoy a full day of entertainment, music, food, drink, education and celebration. The Pride Festival includes three stages of national and local talent, and will host 300 exhibitors including local community groups and businesses, food vendors, and organizations looking to promote their products and services to our community. 12-10 p.m. Free to attend, VIP packages are available for purchase. Pennsylvania Avenue & 3rd Street in NW, DC; www.capitalpride.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 5th Annual Baltimore Wine Fest Join b Scene Events for the 5th Annual Baltimore Wine Fest at the picturesque Canton Waterfront Park. Experience 160+ wines from around the world, gourmet

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eats provided by local eateries, live music, chef cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, craft beers and spirits, unique shopping and a family zone. 12-7 p.m. Tickets are $15-$89. Canton Waterfront Park: 3001 Boston St. Baltimore, MD; www.baltimorewinefest.com

pursuit of happiness. The Smithsonian will have extended evening hours on June 23, and augmented reality art at each of the festival sites. Various times. Free to attend. Various locations in DC; www.halcyonhouse.org/by-the-people

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Enjoy beer, bourbon, music, cigars and barbecue. Admission buys you a souvenir glass, so you can enjoy an all-you-careto-taste sampling of the 60 beers and 40 bourbons on tap. The amazing barbecue selection includes the Shrine of Swine, featuring pulled pork right from the source. There’s also live rock and blues music all day. Additionally, the event comes to Leesburg in October. Tickets are $75-$119. 12-6 p.m. on Saturday. The Plateau at National Harbor: 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; www.beerandbourbon.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 SUNDAY, JUNE 23

FreeState Beer, Wine and Seafood Festival Find the area’s best seafood, Maryland craft brewers, Linganore wines, awesome live music, and a special appearance by Justin Schlegel of Justin, Scott and Spiegel on 98 Rock at the Freestate Beer, Wine and Seafood Festival. Purchase a VIP ticket and receive a larger souvenir glass and access to an exclusive private area that includes indoor bathrooms. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets are $35-$50. Linganore Winecellars: 13601 Glissans Mill Rd. Mt. Airy, MD; www.linganorewines.com

AFI DOCS AFI DOCS is the nation’s documentary film festival known for showcasing the best in documentary filmmaking from the US and around the world. AFI DOCS is also the only film festival in the United States that offers the unique opportunity to connect film audiences with national opinion leaders, filmmakers and intriguing film subjects. With conversations and experiences you won’t experience at any other film festival, AFI DOCS harnesses the power of this important art form and its potential to inspire change. Screenings during this annual five-day event take place in landmark venues in DC and the world-class AFI Silver Theatre, the independent film hub of the metropolitan region. Tickets are $50-$275. Various locations and times; www.afi.com/afidocs

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 MONDAY, JUNE 24

Silver Spring Blues Festival Enjoy this all-day blues block party with two stages, a fountain to cool off in and plenty of places to eat and shop at the music-filled celebration in downtown Silver Spring. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Free to attend. 921 Wayne Ave. Silver Spring, MD; www.silverspringbluesfest.yolasite.com

Capital Congress Capital Congress is the largest Salsa Festival in the DC area. Since 2005, thousands have come to DC to dance Salsa and other Latin styles in this familyfriendly environment. Instructors from around the world teach daily dance workshops to all levels. All ages welcome. Various times. Tickets $110-$350. The Hilton Mark Center: 5000 Seminary Rd. Alexandria, VA; www.capitalcongress.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 SUNDAY, JUNE 23

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 SUNDAY, JUNE 23

By the People By the People is a new, inclusive, international arts and innovation festival that facilitates connection and celebrates creativity. Enjoy fun and free arts installations, performances, talks and programs about life, liberty, and the

Firefly Music Festival Your favorite summer weekend is just around the corner. Three days, several stages and countless bands. Artists include Panic! At The Disco, Tyler, The Creator, Courtney Barnett, Travis Scott, Passion Pit, Post Malone and many more.

Various show times and ticket prices ranging from single-day camping passes to weekend passes. The Woodlands in Dover, DE; www.fireflyfestival.com

communities to strengthen and preserve their cultures and share them with you on the National Mall. Festival hours and events TBD. Free to attend. The National Mall: www.festival.si.edu

the world. Enjoy a day sampling delicious wines and listening to live bands. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Linganore Winecellars: 13601 Glissans Mill Rd. Mt. Airy, MD; www.linganorewines.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 SUNDAY, JUNE 23

TUESDAY, JULY 9 SUNDAY, JULY 28

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 SUNDAY, JULY 28

27th Annual Giant National Capital BBQ Battle Kick off summer at America’s barbecue party, the 27th annual Giant Barbecue Battle. Pennsylvania Avenue will be smokin’ with rock, reggae, jazz and blues from 30 bands on three stages. Cookbook authors and celebrity chefs like Myron Mixon, Moe Cason and Tuffy Stone of Destination America’s popular “BBQ Pitmasters” will entertain and educate with cooking demonstrations on the popular Giant Demonstration Stage. Enjoy free barbecue and grilled food samples in the Taste of Giant sampling pavilion while witnessing America’s best eaters onstage at Nathan’s famous hot dog-eating contest. Other activities include Anheuser-Busch beer gardens, and Giant Corks to Caps Microbrew and Wine Tasting tent. This year’s Capital BBQ Battle will raise funds for USO of Metropolitan Washington with the Capital Area Food Bank. Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tickets are $12-$155. Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets in NW, DC; www.bbqindc.com

Capital Fringe Festival Capital Fringe will showcase seven venues with 13 stages, all within walking distance of each other in Southwest DC, presenting more than 94 highly-ambitious productions with 60 percent of the participating artists residing in the DC Metro area. With countless performing groups, there’s bound to be something for everybody from theatre to dance, including risky art and nontraditional acts. Tickets are $72-$500 and go on sale June 17. The Logan Fringe Arts Space: 1358 Florida Ave. NE, DC; www.capitalfringe.org

FloydFest FloydFest 19: Voyage Home is five days of music, magic and mountains in the picturesque paradise at Milepost 170.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, VA. The festival features outdoor adventure, vibrant and varied vendors, quality brews and chews, healing arts, workshops and whimsy, children’s activities and a lineup featuring more than 100 artists on eight stages. Various times for each day. Single, multi and camping passes available for various prices. 894 Rock Castle Gorge Rd. Floyd, VA; www.floydfest.com

SUNDAY, JULY 14

SATURDAY, JULY 27

Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Summer Fair Check out the Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Fair this summer, featuring arts and crafts, food and beverage vendors, a cultural dance show with performances from different countries around the world and many fun family activities. 2-8 p.m. Free to attend. Silver Spring Veterans Plaza: 1 Veterans Pl. Silver Spring, MD; www.chiceventsdc.com

Trifecta Food Truck Festival More than 35 of Maryland’s best food trucks will transform the racetrack into a festive playground with live bands, local craft beer tents, mechanical bull rides, a dunk tank, a pie-eating contest, a kids’ play land, moon bounces, a local artist village and more. 12-11 p.m. Tickets $15. Maryland State Fairgrounds: 2200 York Rd. LuthervilleTimonium, MD; www.mt.cm/trifecta-food-truck-festival

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 SUNDAY, JUNE 30 Smithsonian Folklife Festival This festival honors contemporary living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. Produced annually by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the festival has featured participants from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. This year’s festival will focus on the social power of music. Experience living traditions from around the world, as the festival works with

FRIDAY, JULY 19 SUNDAY, JULY 21 ARTSCAPE 2019 Check out fashion designers, outdoor sculpture, photography and art cars at America’s largest free arts festival. Experience the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and other incredible live music on outdoor stages. Expect to see a delicious international menu of food and beverages available throughout the festival. Times TBD. Free to attend. Various locations in Baltimore, MD; www.artscape.org

SATURDAY, JULY 20 SUNDAY, JULY 21 Summer Reggae Wine Festival Shop the open-air market with handcrafted and imported goods from around

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 Moonrise Festival Since its debut in 2014, Moonrise Festival has grown into one of the most anticipated East Coast festivals of the summer, touching all corners of the dance floor with styles spanning from heavy-hitting bass to hip hop, live electronic acts to house music, and everything in between. The event also features art installations, a sprawling vendor village, amazing food and beverages, stylish VIP lounges and more. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. both days. Tickets are $149.50-$239.50. Pimlico Race Course: 5201 Park Heights Ave. Baltimore, MD; www.moonrisefestival.com

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DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

Taste of Linganore Presented by Linganore Winecellars & Red Shedman Farm Brewery, this event will showcase some of the area’s favorite restaurateurs and caterers, featuring samplings of small plates made with Linganore Wines. Stroll the grounds to shop unique local vendors while enjoying this foodie paradise, paired with great wines and craft beers. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15. Linganore Winecellars: 13601 Glissans Mill Rd. Mt. Airy, MD; www.linganorewines.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 LOCKN’ Festival Jam band fans: it may not get better than this. Two nights and four sets of Dead & Company, and three nights of awesome music from Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Revivalists, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Old Crow Medicine Show, Gary Clark Jr. and so much more. The stellar lineup is only matched by the beautiful setting in the mountains of Virginia. Various times. Tickets are $229-$289. Infinity Downs Farm: 1510 Diggs Mountain Rd. Arrington, VA; www.locknfestival.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

Around the World Cultural Food Festival Around the World Cultural Food Festival brings together diverse, authentic, living traditions from different countries around the world. Their mission is to preserve and strengthen the culture of each country by giving all participants a chance to learn from one another and understand their cultural differences. Expect to see one restaurant for each country. Saturday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Free to attend; VIP tickets are available for $25$35. Freedom Plaza: 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.aroundtheworldfestival.com Hot August Festival The exciting music lineup this year includes Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Turkuaz, Billy Strings, Dirty Grass Players and more. Gates open at 11 a.m. Tickets are $58-$199. Oregon Ridge Park: 13401 Beaver Dam Rd. Cockeysville, MD; www.hotaugustfestival.com Kegs and Corks Festival Head to the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds for the 8th Annual Kegs and Corks Festival, a beer and wine festival featuring 16 craft breweries and 16 Maryland wineries along with great music, good food and a variety of arts and crafts vendors. Unlimited samplings, live music and souvenir glass included. 12-7 p.m. Tickets are $25-$120. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds: 1450 Generals Hwy. Crownsville, MD; www.kegsandcorksfest.com

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival This annual festival is an all-you-can-taste extravaganza complete with over 30,000 crabs, lots of beer, arts and crafts, live music, family fun and more. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. for session one, 5-9 p.m. for session two. Tickets are $40-$125. The Waterfront at SouthPointe National Harbor: 804 National Harbor Blvd. National Harbor, MD; www.mdcrabfest.com Cigar, Bourbon and Beer Festival Join for an amazing day of cigars, bourbon and craft beer. Hogshead Cigar Lounge will be showcasing all kinds of different cigars from their lounge. Explore a showcase of bourbons from all across the country and some from right there in Virginia. Check out some of their fine spirits they offer like Jack Daniel’s, Wild Turkey and Old Forester, plus craft beers from local Fredericksburg breweries sampling some of their awardwinning beers. 4-9 p.m. Tickets are $10$50. Fredericksburg Fairgrounds: 2400 Airport Ave. Fredericksburg, VA; www.cigarbourbonbeer.com World Heritage Festival & Festival of Kites Taste delicious ethnic food, get refreshed with a scoop of ice cream or shaved ice or even a fresh smoothie while enjoying a cultural show on the main stage. You will have an array of vendors to choose from with more than 60 artists displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts and every creative item in between. Other vendors include area nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs and local businesses. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Free to attend. Ida Lee Park Recreation Center: 60 Ida Lee Dr. Leesburg, VA; www.chiceventsdc.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Virginia Scottish Games You can wear a kilt and bring your dog! The Scottish Games are one of the few places inside the Commonwealth where you can experience authentic Scottish culture and traditions, including spectacular highland dancers, bagpipes, adorable Scottish dogs, cool British cars and sheep herding. Gates open at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $20$30. Great Meadow: 5089 Old Tavern Rd. The Plains, VA; www.vascottishgames.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 6th Annual Baltimore Seafood Fest Baltimore loves its seafood, but Charm City also loves all the wonderful local restaurants that truly make Baltimore one of the best places for foodies to visit. Baltimoreans are so proud of their crab cakes, crab soup, shrimp salad, local oysters and of course, Maryland blue crabs. It seems fitting to host a waterfront festival showcasing some of Baltimore’s favorite restaurants serving their signature seafood dishes. 12-7 p.m. Tickets are $15-$95. Canton Waterfront Park: 3001 Boston St. Baltimore, MD; www.baltimoreseafoodfest.com DC Wine Fest Specially curated wineries serve patrons tastings over a multi-session, all-day, all-night vino experience. You’ll have the chance to sample premium wine to your heart’s content, while live entertainment keep the party lively during this one of a kind experience. 12-10 p.m. Tickets are $35-$60. National Union Building: 918 F St. NW, DC; www.dcwinefest.com Virginia Cider Festival At the Virginia Cider Festival, you and your friends will be surrounded by hard ciders from all across the country. The event will also feature even more Virginia Cider this year from cideries like Cobbler Mountain, Potter’s, Winchester CiderWorks and Bold

PRESENTS

SPONSORS

YEAR

The Community Bank of the Nation’s Capital

DC Area’s Best FREE Outdoor Concert Series! Live Bands Every Friday 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm Downtown Herndon – 777 Lynn Street (behind the Herndon Municipal Center)

2019 Music Schedule May

3 10 17 24 31

Garden State Radio Here’s to the Night The Stormin’ Norman Band + 8 Track Jones More More More Herndon Festival (No Friday Night Live!)

June

7 14 21 28

Kristen and the Noise JunkFood keeton Love Seed Mama Jump

July

5 12 19 26

Phillip Parsons Band + Scott Kurt & Memphis 59 Boat House Row + Big Al’s Truck Screaming Monkeys + All Star Band Herr Metal + Dr FU Food, Beer

August

2 9 16 23

The Reflex LauraLea & Tripp Fabulous Social Call Under the Covers

Gold Sponsors

@herndonrocks

D Banzon Design Investin/Tim Nachazel MainStreet Bank Mile 20 at the Breeze Mindy Thunman (RE/MAX Allegiance) Party DC Events Peraton Queenb Creative Rudiarius MC

Silver Sponsors 123JUNK Arts Herndon Egan, Berger & Weiner, LLC Fierro & Kori, Attorneys at Law Griffin-Owens Insurance Group Richey Property Management Winmar Construction Bronze Sponsors Adams-Green Funeral Home All American Landscaping Allwyn Corporation Apple Federal Credit Union Brush Strokes Salon

& Wine Available

Dr. Finley’s Family Eyecare EldenStreet Financial Flynn Realty Associates Fulton Bank Herndon Dairy Queen Linda Sells Herndon (Pearson Smith Realty) Meadows Farms Nurseries Mid-Atlantic Power MW Architects, LLC Northwood Construction PM Pediatrics of Herndon Select Wines Stitely & Karstetter, CPAs Tri-Tek Engineering

For more information, visit www.HerndonRocks.com

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

Rock. There will be a list of more than 25 Cider producers who will be pouring over 50 ciders. Check out the local live music on the Safford of Fredericksburg stage for your listening pleasure. Be sure to check the weather for what to wear. The event will take place rain or shine. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are $10-$30. Fredericksburg Fairgrounds: 2400 Airport Ave. Fredericksburg, VA; www.vaciderfest.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Arts & Ales: Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival Enjoy more than 100 exhibiting artists and artisans, Maryland breweries, food trucks and vendors and live entertainment block by block in Downtown Hyattsville. 12-6 p.m. Free to attend. Farragut Street, Gallatin Street and Church Alley in Hyattsville, MD; www.hyattsvilleartsfestival.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Devils Backbone Hoopla Festival Devils Backbone Brewing Company’s Hoopla Festival features live music, award-winning beer, camping and fun for the whole family. The weekend includes pop-up beer tastings, outdoor adventures, property tours, crafts, great eats and tons of incredible live music. Come check out the award-winning beer and bands, including Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, Kat Wright and the Jon Stickley Trio. Tickets $50$340. Basecamp Brewpub and Meadows: 200 Mosbys Run, Roseland, VA; www.dbbrewingcompany.com

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 Hops & Harvest Festival A beer festival on the Columbia, MD lakefront with unlimited tastings of more than 50 beers from Maryland brewers. The festival also features cideries, artisans and live music. Tickets are $15-$40. Columbia Lakefront: 10275 Wincopin Cir. Columbia, MD; www.hopsandhavest.com

SUMMER SHOWS AT WOLF TRAP From rock to hip-hop, there may be no venue in the DMV that encompasses more genres than the famed Wolf Trap. This summer is as loaded as ever with performances from The Avett Brothers, Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow, Diana Ross, Sting, Jennifer Hudson and National Symphony Orchestra and more. No matter your musical preference, Wolf Trap is sure to offer a satisfying sonic experience, and the ability to enjoy the outdoors is something not many other venues can match. Step out of the enclosed, dark club toward the sun-soaked stage in Vienna. For showtimes and tickets, visit www.wolftrap.org/tickets. 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

CONCERT SERIES WEDNESDAY Wednesdays at the Wharf Concert Series June 5 - August 21 Head to The Wharf each Wednesday evening this summer to listen to live music on Transit Pier. Don’t miss DC favorites such as Collective Dellusion, Jarreau Williams Xperience, Brent & Co. and more playing on the floating stage. From indie

rock to Latin fusion, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy ice cold beers and food from Cantina Bambina and take a midweek break. 6-8 p.m. Free to attend. The Wharf: 700 Water St. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com

THURSDAYS Bethesda Summer Concert Series May 16- June 13 Bask in the sweet melodies and the summer air as you catch the music in Veterans Park. Featuring local favorites like Brent & Co., Moxie Blues Band, 19th St. Band and more. 6-8 p.m. Free to attend. Veterans Park: 7898 Woodmont Ave. Bethesda, MD; www.bethesda.org

THURSDAYS Rosslyn Rocks June 6-27 Grab your friends and head to Central Place Plaza on Thursdays in June to listen to live music. Each week will be a new cover band, featuring Party Like It’s, White Ford Bronco, The Jarreau Williams Xperience and Driven to Clarity. Enjoy the concerts while sipping on a glass of wine or having a beer in downtown Rosslyn’s outdoor space. Must be 21+ (no outside alcohol). 6-8 p.m. Free to attend. Central Place Plaza: 1800 N Lynn St. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES 2019

7-9pm at Yards Park | 355 Water Street SE Right on the Boardwalk! New

Tingey Street N Street

Nationals Park

Americana Country/Bluegrass Rock Reggae Americana R&B/Pop/Soul Rock Soul/Funk Reggae Latin/Celtic Pop Bluegress

Water Street

Yards Park

Anacostia River

ve cA

o Pot

Beer & Wine Available Onsite (must be 21+, no outside alcohol)

yardspark.org | capitolriverfront.org | @YardsParkDC

4th Street

y Ave

3rd Street

Jerse

Pop/R&B Country Rock/Funk/Pop

1st Street

6/28 7/5 7/12 7/19 7/26 8/2 8/9 8/16 8/23 8/30

Pebble to Pearl Shane Gamble Band Driven To Clarity Justin Trawick and the Common Good US Navy Country Current Practically Einstein Jah Works The 19 St Band The Jarreau Williams Band 7 Deadlies Aztec Sun Brent & Co La Unica Trailer Grass Orchestra

Half Street

6/7 6/14 6/21 6/28

Navy Yard

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

FRIDAYS

FRIDAYS Budweiser Terrace Pregame Concerts at Nationals Park Select Fridays May to September Every Friday home game, the best place to pregame is at the Budweiser Terrace inside the ballpark. Enjoy cold Bud and Bud Light and great tunes from local bands like Lovely Rita, Uncle Jesse and Hand Painted Swinger. Concerts run from 5-6:50 p.m. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Nationals Park Bud Light Terrace: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, DC; www.nationals.com

Fridays at Fort Totten June 7 - Aug 23 The Fridays at Fort Totten Summer Concert Series is every Friday through August 23. Come out and enjoy delicious bites from a featured food truck each week, and amazing live music from Of Tomorrow, Sol Roots, Cecily, Oh He Dead and so many more. There’s a new band and tasty food truck each Friday. We hope to see you there. In partnership with The Modern at Art Place. 6-8 p.m. The Modern: Corner of South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street, NE, DC; www.fridaysforttotten.com

FRIDAYS Farragut Fridays May 31 - September 27 Farragut Fridays are a full day of getting outside in the Golden Triangle. Starting at 9 a.m., drop in for an outdoor “office” that includes free Wi-Fi, tables and chairs, and games to get your creative juices flowing. At noon, the picnic in the park begins. Grab a bite to eat, play lawn games (cornhole, foosball and table tennis), hang out with puppies and listen to live music. Then, head back after work for the Golden Cinema movie series. Pre-show fun starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend. Farragut Park: Connecticut Avenue and K Street in NW, DC; www.goldentriangledc.com Herndon Friday Night Live! May 3 - August 23 Enjoy another year of Herndon Rock’s cold beer, hot tunes and fantastic food during the summer. Featuring party favorites Garden State Radio, Here’s to the Night, The Stormin’ Norman Band and more, Herndon takes you through the summer with the best local and regional talent from the East Coast. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Free to attend. Town Green: 777 Lynn St. Herndon, VA; www.herndonrocks.com

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

FRIDAYS Friday Night Concerts in Yards Park June 7 - August 30 Spend your Friday night relaxing in the Capitol Riverfront, voted one of DC’s best places for live music! Spread a blanket, grab a cold one and get down with some great local music. Enjoy bands like the Shane Gamble Band, 7 Deadlies, Brent & Co., Aztec Sun and more on the boardwalk stage. The featured artists are fun for the whole family, and ice cold Corona beers and wine will be available on-site at the outdoor tented bar. 7-9 p.m. Free to attend. Yards Park: 355 Water St. SE, DC; www.capitolriverfront.org

Lubber Run Amphitheater Summer Concert Series June 14 - August 11 This year’s 50th anniversary summer concert series features a diverse lineup of internationally renowned musicians and regional favorites. Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m., and Sunday shows at 11 a.m. Free to attend. Lubber Run Amphitheater: North Columbus and 2nd Streets, Arlington, VA; www.arlingtonarts.org Rio Concert Series May 25 - September 28 Every Saturday night, the party is lakeside at the Rio Center boardwalk. Just outside the Union Jack’s and near the paddle boards, enjoy live music from Handpainted Swinger, Soctt Kurt & Memphis 59, City Groove and more. 6-9 p.m. Free to attend. Rio Washingtonian Center: 209 Boardwalk Pl. Gaithersburg, MD; www.riowashingtonian.com Rock the Block May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27 and October 25 Rock the Block at Old Town Square in Fairfax is back this summer. Each fourth Friday of the month from June through October, walk, run, ride your bike or drive because you don’t want to miss out on The Rockets, JunkFood, The Reflex and more. Food and drink vendors will be onsite. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on, and kids can wear swimsuits and bring towels for the splash pad. No pets allowed except service animals. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Old Town Square: 10415 North St. Fairfax, VA; www. fairfaxva.gov/government/parksrecreation/rock-the-block

MAY 17–19

Ezra Siegel, Song of Love, 2018, plaster, graphite powder, and acrylic washes on canvas, 48 x 60 inches

Friday–Sunday, May 17–19, 10am–5pm at Reston Town Center 200 artists Free art-making activities for the whole family Vounteer opportunities Adopt-an-Artist to receive complimentary tickets to the Festival Party Free garage parking

RE STONARTS.ORG

Enriching Lives. Building Community.©

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

FRIDAYS

SATURDAYS

Tarara Winery Summer Concert Series May 25 - October 5 Named the Best Music Festival by Northern Virginia Magazine, the Tarara Summer Concert Series celebrates 20 years in 2019 as one of the most eagerly anticipated outdoor events of the season in Loudoun. Dance under the stars on Saturday nights this summer to the sounds of your favorite cover bands, such as The Reflex, Gonzo’s Nose, The Legwarmers, Bruce in the USA, Crack the Sky, Three Sheets to the Wind and more. Tarara Winery: 13648 Tarara Ln. Leesburg, VA; www.tarara.com

MOVIE NIGHTS

WEDNESDAYS NoMa Summer Screen June 5 - August 21 This season marks the 12 of NoMa’s Summer Screen series, one of the longest-running free public events in the neighborhood. This year features a fun lineup of sports-related films including The Karate Kid, Bend It Like Beckham, Remember the Titans and Bring It On. Each film begins at approximately 8:30 p.m. Free to attend. 1150 First St. NE, DC; www.nomabid.org

FRIDAYS THURSDAYS

Canal Park Movies June 13 - August 22 From classics to the latest Academy Award winners, the people spoke and the movies will be shown! Join the Riverfront community for free movies at Canal Park on Thursday evenings. Films this year include: Crazy Rich Asians, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Goonies and more. Movies begin at sundown. Free to attend. Canal Park: 200 M St. SE, DC; www.capitolriverfront.org

TUESDAYS Adams Morgan Movie Nights May 21 - June 18 The Adams Morgan BID is excited to announce this year’s Adams Morgan Movie Nights lineup as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing by collaborating with the National Air and Space Museum to bring you five great space-themed titles, including Armageddon and Spaceballs, and a few surprises along the way. Each movie starts at 8 p.m. Free to attend. Marie Reed Soccer Field: 18th and California Streets, NW, DC; www.admodc.org/movies

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Rosslyn Cinema with Pub in the Park June 7 - July 12 Every Friday this summer in Gateway Park, bring a blanket or low chairs and a group of friends to enjoy a night under the stars with your favorite movies. Movies start at dusk, but the fun starts at 5 p.m. with games and the Pub in the Park. Movies this year include Spider Man: into the Spider-Verse, Crazy Rich Asians and more. This event is kid- and dog-friendly. 5 p.m. Free to attend. Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org

THURSDAYS Tunes in the Triangle May 30, June 6, June 20, August 6, September 5 Stop by Milian Park on select Thursdays this summer with your friends, family and/or pets for free live concerts from great local bands. 499 Massachusetts Ave NW, DC; www.mvtcid.org

Burgeoning Crystal City Bid Crystal City has been in the news a lot lately, and there’s definitely plenty to talk about. Just minutes from downtown DC, the greater Crystal City area (consisting of the Crystal City, Pentagon City and Potomac Yard-Arlington neighborhoods) is the largest walkable downtown in Virginia, with 12-million square feet of office, 15,000 residents, 5,900 hotel rooms, and almost 500 restaurants and retailers. In addition to experiential retail like Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Bowlero opening in the near future, Crystal City has more than 250 events each year. From weekly live music outside at the Crystal City Water Park to the Twilighter 5K, there’s always fun to be had in Crystal City. For more information on events and happenings, visit www.crystalcity.org.

BETTER THAN EZRA • SMASH MOUTH

HERR METAL • HIS DREAM OF LIONS IMBUED • THAT 80’S BAND • JACK HESS SEVEN TEN OIL • WILD PLANES • VICE YEARS SKYWARD STORY • BOBBY THOMPSON TRIO DIVIDING FACE • BEST NOT BROKEN

LOVELY RITA • PRACTICALLY EINSTEIN PLACE CALLED HOME • THE FRONTIER • RECESS EBB & NOVA • JUNE DIVIDED • MARY-EL BAND STRONG WATER • HYPNOTIC WILLIE • AUTOMATIC BETTER HOMES • SCHREINER • FOREPLAY THE PRACTICE SQUAD • DREADNOT • STONE DRIVER TURNCOAT SYNDICATE • THE SIDLEYS • BAREFOOT MODERN CATCHIN’ TOADS • TOMMY MCGEE BAND • PLEASURE TRAIN CAZ GARDINER • KATIE AND KELLY MUSIC • JON SPEAR BAND SHANE GAMBLE • SCOTT KURT • CHRIS CASSADAY • DAN BARRY CAROLINE AYERS • JULIET LLOYD • CAROLINE FERRANTE SEPH CUSTER • MADISON WARNER • LUKE JAMES SHAFFER KEVIN OLSON • DJ MINT • DJ BOUNCE • DJ ZBREEZY

AND MORE: BRAD MATCHETT COMEDY HYPNOTIST, FAIRFAX CORNER COMMUNITY STAGE PERFORMANCES AND PERFORMANCES ON THE F.H. FURR FAMILY STAGE.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

CelebrateFair fax.com

Fairfax County Government Center: 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

FRIDAYS Union Market Drive-In May 3 - October 4 The drive-in at Union Market is back for a new season! The first Friday of every month will feature classics like Con-Air and Jaws, and recent films like Coco. There’s a film for everyone. The lot opens at 6 p.m., and films will start at 7:30 p.m. $15 parking fee; free walk-ups. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com

OFF THE BEATEN PATH EVENTS No matter where your interests lie, you can bet there’s a festival catering to the more specific interests of DMV denizens. Our list below points you in the direction of the cool, the quirky and the oddly specific for prime opportunities to celebrate with fellow whatever-your-thing-is enthusiasts.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

THURSDAY, MAY 30 Altaire Grand Opening Celebration Join the Altaire in Arlington as it celebrates its Grand Opening with specialty cocktails, beer, wine and complimentary bites from local restaurants. Don’t stop there, as there will be several tours of apartment unit models and various points of live music. 7-9 p.m. Free to attend, but must RSVP at www.altairersvp.com. Altaire: 400 Army Navy Dr. Arlington, VA; www.livealtaire.com

Unicorn Festival at Hogback Mountain Pony Rides This festival has been voted Most Loved Place to Go by Leesburg-Ashburn Hulafrog for 2018 and 2019. It includes Pony rides, unicorn photos by Chris Weber Studios, face painting with Painted Sunshine, vendors and so much more.11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets begin at $20. Hogback Mountain Pony Rides: 19732 Hogback Mountain Rd. Leesburg, VA; www.hogbackmountainponyrides.com National Math Festival Don’t miss the 2019 National Math Festival. This all-ages event brings today’s most fascinating mathematicians together for a variety of presentations, performances, short creative films, and hands-on puzzles, games, art-making, mathletic competitions and more. See how math connects to what you love. Film animation, pro football, magic, music, dating, dance, art, cryptography, planet earth....whatever your interest, they’ve got the math for that. Free to attend. 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Walter E. Washington Convention Center: 801 Mount Vernon Pl. NW, DC; www.msri.org

SATURDAY, MAY 11 Baltimore Hot Sauce Festival Sample 30+ of the region’s tastiest hot sauces. This event also features spicy Maryland indie and alternative rock on stage, with performances by Outcalls,

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Thunder Club, Sgt Gusto and more. Don’t miss delectable food, themed drinks and saucy games. 12-8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$45, and there is a $5 surcharge at the door for guests under 21 years old. All guests will be carded upon entry, so don’t forget your IDs. Power Plant Live!: 34 Market Pl. Baltimore, MD; www.powerplantlive.com Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival The Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival is a familyand kid-friendly fun event, open to all. The festival will be held at the Rockville Town Square. In addition to providing a variety of name-sake bubble teas, the festival will have education and outreach opportunities that strengthen social connections in the community. The festival will display rich Asian culture through live performances, crafts, arts and delicious traditional cuisines. This year, six different bubble tea vendors will be coming from the DMV area including Bubble & Tea, Sharetea, Bobapop, GongCha, Tea-Do and Momo’s Cafe. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Free with registration, and tasting cards are available to purchase on-site for $5, cash only. Rockville Town Square: 30 Maryland Ave. Rockville, MD; www.rockvillemd.gov

SATURDAY, MAY 18 Smile Herb Festival Join Smile Herb Shop celebrating 45 years of herbs, gardens and herbalism education this May. Enjoy plants in our garden center, live music, food, garden tours, plant walks, lectures, natural product vendors and more. 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Free to attend. Smile Herb Shop: 4908 Berwyn Rd. College Park, MD; www.smileherbschool.com Chesapeake Sea Glass Festival With over 30 sea glass artisans from all over the area, this event is a fun-filled day of lectures and shard identifications. It will be a great way to see what people collect from each area and to have your shards identified and listen to lectures. Chesapeake College: 1000 College Cir. Wye Mills, MD; www.visitmaryland.org

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

SUNDAY, MAY 19 Maryland Psychic Fair Many of the best psychics, mediums, healers and readers of all types, along with related arts and crafts vendors from Maryland and the surrounding areas, will come together for the Maryland Psychic Festival. For both those who are serious or for those who are just curious, this event can be anything from a life-changing experience to just a fun time. Three out of four tables offer some type of readings, one of the four tables offer related arts, crafts, books, oils, crystals, information and more. Snacks and soft drinks will be available to purchase. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets $5-$10 at the door, cash only. Bowie Elks Lodge No 2309: 1506 Defense Hwy. Gambrills, MD; www.fb.com/EventPsychics4u

THURSDAY, MAY 23 - SUNDAY, MAY 26 Maryland Deathfest 2019 A celebration of the best of death metal in the region. Performances take place across all major Maryland venues like Rams Head Live! and Baltimore Soundstage. Don’t miss the pre-festival party on Wednesday at Ottobar, featuring artists like Church of Misery, Yellow Eyes, Cro-Mags and more. Tickets $23$249. Various times and locations; www.deathfests.com

FRIDAY, MAY 24 - SUNDAY, MAY 26

Photos: Julia Goldberg & Trent Johnson

Museum of Science Fiction Gallery Opening at Escape Velocity 2019 The Museum of Science Fiction and NASA are partnering to bring Escape Velocity 2019 to Washington, DC. The event is a futuristic world’s fair to promote informal STEAM educational activities within the context of science fiction using the fun of comic cons and fascination of science and engineering festivals. Escape Velocity 2019 seeks to make a measurable positive impact to boost informal learning on the more conceptually challenging academic areas. Escape Velocity’s mission is to attract young people to science, technology, engineering, art, and math by producing and presenting the most compelling, exciting, educational, and entertaining science festival in the United States using science fiction as its primary engine. 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Free to attend. Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center: 201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; www.escapevelocity.events

Shakespeare Theatre’s Young Prose Nights for Vanity Fair and Richard The Third included a post-show reception with a complimentary wine or beer from Heineken and Ballast Point.

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

SATURDAY, MAY 25 - MONDAY, MAY 27 The FantasyWood Festival The FantasyWood Festival hosted by ManneqArt and Circus Siren Pod is a magical three-day experience over Memorial Day Weekend. Join for a walk in the woods with surprises around each corner. Meet mermaids, fairies, watch live knights duel and even see a live unicorn. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m each day. Tickets $5-$20. The Chrysalis Theatre, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods: 10431 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.visithowardcounty.com

Photos: Mark Raker

As the Washington Nationals warmed up to play the New York Mets at Nationals Park on opening day, fans enjoyed a pregame show with the talented band Lloyd Dobler Effect and beer on the Budweiser Terrace. Stop by before every Friday night home game for live music and ice-cold beer.

www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2019 | ON TAP www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2019 | ON TAP

59 59

Photo: www.restontaste.com

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

Your guide to dc’s neighborhood festivals

The diverse neighborhoods of DC, Maryland and Virginia are ready to showcase all they have to offer now through the fall. Food, drink, art, dance and music abound in every corner of the DC area, giving you an excuse to check out a new pocket of your extended neighborhood every weekend. Read on to get the inside scoop on some of our staff picks for the 2019 festival season.

SATURDAY, MAY 11 Funk Parade Funk Parade celebrates DC’s vibrant music and arts, the history of Black Broadway, and the spirit of funk that brings DC together. From the first year in 2014 to now, hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians from all corners of the District have come together for Funk Parade. This year’s event features countless acts such as the Chuck Brown Band, Michelle Blackwell, Reesa Renee and more. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. Free to attend. Along U Street in NW, DC; www.funkparade.com

SATURDAY, MAY 11 - SUNDAY, MAY 12 Bethesda Fine Arts Festival This year’s Bethesda Fine Arts festival features 130 artists in various genres including live rock, jazz and reggae music. Walk through the festival and peruse unique jewelry, clothing and furniture on display.

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Then stop by local restaurants to enjoy pizza, barbecue, sandwiches and ice cream. Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free to attend. Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle: Along Norfolk, Auburn and Del Ray Avenues in Bethesda, MD; www.bethesda.org

SATURDAY, MAY 18 - SUNDAY, MAY 19 Quarterfest Enjoy a food, beer and wine festival showcasing the diversity of Arlington’s food scene as Taste of Arlington becomes Quarterfest. This festival transforms Wilson Boulevard into a vibrant dining, shopping and family-fun festival for all ages. Experience a restaurant crawl showcasing eateries of the neighborhood and an extended two-day outdoor concert and pop-up street pub. 12-6 p.m. Free to attend, but tickets ($46.35-$123.60) are required for food and drinks. Wilson Boulevard between N. Taylor and N. Quincy Streets; www.quarterfestballston.org

Fridays at the Fountain FRIDAYS • MAY THROUGH OCTOBER 5:00 PM TO 9:00 PM • 1601 CRYSTAL DRIVE

LIVE MUSIC • BEER GARDEN • LOCAL FOOD

AND MORE!

CRYSTALCITY.ORG • #CRYSTALCITY

DC FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

SUNDAY, MAY 19

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

Old Town Festival of Speed and Style The lower three blocks of King Street will be blocked off and vintage cars from the 50s, 60s, 70s and select luxury race cars will be there. Join special fashion events and pop-ups around Old Town that make the event great for everyone. All proceeds will benefit charity partner ACT for Alexandria, a community foundation focused on increasing charitable investment and community engagement. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. Free to attend. 200 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.festivalspeedstylealex.com

17th Street Festival Since 2010, the 17th Street Festival has been celebrating 17th Street and its diversity of restaurants and retailers. There are 100 vendors with more than 60 artists and makers displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts, and every creative item in-between. Other vendors include area nonprofit organizations, politicians, entrepreneurs and local businesses. The kids’ zone has activities for children including a large slide, soccer, snow cones, face painting and games throughout the day. All-day event. Free to attend. 17th Street from P Street to R Street in NW, DC; www.17thstreetfestival.org

SATURDAY, MAY 25 - MONDAY, MAY 27 Rockville Hometown Holidays Enjoy several dozen live performances on four different stages featuring rock, reggae, country and Americana artists. There will be marching bands, floats and more. The Memorial Day Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. Various times. Free to attend. Rockville Town Square: 30 Maryland Ave. Rockville, MD; www.rockvillemd.gov

THURSDAY, MAY 30 - SUNDAY, JUNE 2 Herndon Festival The Herndon Festival takes place in historic downtown Herndon and attracts an average of 80,000 people each year. This outdoor festival provides a fun-filled experience by combining the joy of an outdoor concert with the thrill of a summertime carnival. There’s something for everyone. Thursday 6-10 p.m. Friday 5-11 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free. www.herndonfestival.net

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 - SUNDAY, JUNE 9 Celebrate Fairfax! This annual festival features concerts on eight different stages with headliners like Better Than Ezra, Smash Mouth and more. The festival features an abundance of other attractions like a petting zoo, carnival rides and a karaoke championship along with nightly fireworks and plenty of great food. Friday 6 p.m. - midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. - midnight and Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Various ticket packages and admission prices available. Fairfax County Government Center: 12000 Government Center Pkwy. Fairfax, VA; www.celebratefairfax.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 14 - SATURDAY, JUNE 15 Taste of Reston Taste of Reston, produced by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, is the largest outdoor food festival in the area and was voted Northern Virginia’s Best Food Festival multiple times in recent years by Virginia Living. Reston Town Center will host the event’s restaurants and community vendors, plus live entertainment on three stages. Friday from 4-11 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Reston Town Center: 11900 Market St. Reston, VA; www.restontaste.com

SUNDAY, JULY 14 Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Summer Fair Check out the Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Fair this summer featuring arts & crafts, food and beverage vendors, and many fun family activities. 2-8 p.m. Free to attend. Silver Spring Veterans Plaza: 1 Veterans Pl. Silver Spring, MD; www.silverspringdowntown.com

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Adams Morgan Day As DC’s longest-running neighborhood festival, Adams Morgan Day celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. The event is a family-friendly celebration with music, art and activities for all ages. Adams Morgan welcomes residents and visitors alike to meet neighborhood businesses, artists and service organizations. Attendance and entertainment are free, and local businesses and restaurants offered deals for the day. 18th Street to Kalorama and Columbia Roads in NW, DC; www.admoday.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Clarendon Day At this year’s Clarendon Day, there will be tons of arts and crafts vendors featuring everything from apparel to jewelry to art and photography and more. There will also be a number of food purveyors including many of Clarendon’s favorites. With local in mind, there also be several local nonprofits in attendance to make it easy for the community to connect with its service providers. Times TBA. Free to attend. www.clarendon.org

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 Takoma Park Street Festival The 38th annual Takoma Park Street Festival will once again host a talented mix of local artists offering paintings, photographs, pottery, silk-screening, bath and body care, stained glass, jewelry, woodworking, textiles, ceramics, kids’ items, and much more. Nonprofits, local companies and a variety of food vendors will also participate. In addition, Takoma’s indie businesses will be open and welcoming visitors. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Along Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, MD and Carroll Street in NW, DC; www.mainstreettakoma.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 H Street Festival H Street Festival is one of the most anticipated and highly attended single-day festivals in DC. The festival is 11 blocks long and has 14 staging areas that are diversely themed and programmed to target the different segments of audiences. The staging areas feature music of different genres, dance, youth-based performances, interactive children’s program, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and much more. Along H Street in NE, DC; www.hstreetfestival.org

May 4: Opening Day Kickoff at Wunder Garten, 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

May 8: Secret Walls Event at The Line DC, 9:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.

Local Artists Jasjyot Singh Hans / Baltimore / @jasjyotjasjyot Marni Manning / DC / @marnimanning Mixed Scene / DC / @mixedscenedc Nick Zimbro / DC / @mr.zimbro Red Swan / Baltimore / @redswanwalls Rodrigo Pradel / Virginia / @rodrigopradel Sarah Jamison / DC / @sarahjanejamison Tracie Ching / DC / @tracieching

Visiting Artists Eamon Gillen / Worcester, MA / @eamontron Hanna Soderholm / Bristol, UK / @peachy.hanna Niki Zarrabi / Atlanta / @nikizarrabi Noségo / Philadelphia / @nosego Priscilla Yu / Vancouver / @priscillayuart Rever / Paris / @rever_odv Stom500 / Strasbourg, France / @stom500 Trav / Los Angeles / @travmsk

Sponsors The Line DC • ’47 • Monster Energy • Kind Bars • Montana Cans • Holy Bones • Maketto • Social Supply DC • Stumptown Coffee • Black Wing • Rain or Shine • District Derp • 100K Apartments • Altus Realty • Citizen M Hotels • Skanska • JBG Smith • Union Place • WMATA learn more + RSVP for events and mural walking tours

powwowdc.com nomabid.org

@powwowdc @noma.bid

Photos: Trent Johnson

SHAED

RISE TO THE TOP TOGETHER By M.K. Koszycki The path to making it in music has never been linear. In the social media age, it’s become a bit cleaner – blog support, streaming and ravenous music fans on the Internet rallying behind you can quickly take an artist out of local obscurity and into the national spotlight. For DC’s SHAED, an electro-pop trio formed in 2016, a combination of almost every success marker in music of the past 20 years brought them to where they are now. In the literal sense, they’ve joined On Tap outside the LINE Hotel in Adams Morgan on a sunny spring day. The trio of vocalist Chelsea Lee and twin brothers and multi-instrumentalists Max and Spencer Ernst arrived with all their gear in tow, and after our interview were straight off to New York. While radio play, streaming support and a strong fanbase all tangibly factored into their meteoric rise to success with only EPs and singles released, it’s their sheer hustle and willpower to make it in an industry constantly changing and challenging them that’s perhaps the key factor in their ascension. “The last six months, we’ve been on a headlining tour,” Lee says. “We did a lot of radio promo, we’re working on an album and we’ve been writing a ton. It’s been really, really great. Obviously, the Apple commercial lifted off a bunch of things for us.”

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

The Apple commercial in question wasn’t even just an Apple commercial. When the new MacBook Air debuted at the end of 2018 at the annual Apple summit, SHAED’s song “Trampoline” soundtracked CEO Tim Cook’s unveiling. An artist’s song appearing as a sync in these iconic commercials is a badge of honor after the brand established itself as a musical tastemaker in the early 2000s. With this kind of exposure, doors begin to open – and quickly. But the band didn’t even know when to expect the change. “Like nine months ago, Apple reached out to us because they were interested in using ‘Trampoline,’” Max explains. “We got them all the files, but then didn’t really hear anything for months. Two weeks before the commercial actually aired, they reached out and said, ‘We’re going to use your song.’ They didn’t tell us what it was for, and they didn’t tell us until that day. So the day everyone else saw the commercial was they day we saw it, too.” “Tim Cook did the announcement in Brooklyn and I was like, ‘Let’s just livestream this and we’ll see what’s going on,” Lee adds. “Spencer and I were in the car driving, Max was at home and I just put it on. And Tim Cook goes, ‘Aaaaand the MacBook Air!’ I said to Spencer, ‘Wouldn’t it be so funny if our song came on?’ and it did. Spencer and I had to pull over and scream.”

“Trampoline” is a perfect introduction to the band’s polished, haunting pop sound. Its lyrics could even serve as an ethos to another thing that’s made the band so successful – their connection to one another. Friends for many years while pursuing other musical endeavors – Lee as a solo artist and twin brothers Max and Spencer as alt-folk band The Walking Sticks – their relationships eventually blossomed into the band as it exists today. Lee and Spencer are married, and the three live together and have a palpable bond evident in person and in their music. The chorus in “Trampoline” is the somewhat wistful, “When I dream of dying // I never felt so loved.” Spencer says it’s all about embracing your worst fears and finding joy in what terrifies you. To be able to write a lyric this heavy, the people around you must love you very much. It’s clear this is the case for each member of the band. Their incredibly deep bond goes beyond allowing them to make great music; it allows them to embrace the unknown in all aspects of their lives, no matter how frightening. The trio works on music from a studio in their shared home. They’re the first to admit that spending so much time together, even outside of recording or touring, would be less than ideal for many musicians. But from the outside, it’s clear it’s given them an edge. “Our routine is to get up in the morning, eat breakfast and go right into the studio,” Lee says. “Over the years, we’ve gotten more comfortable with each other. We’ve been able to work through problems. Getting to know each other is such a complex thing and then on top of that, living together and spending so much time together…” “It’s a unique dynamic, for sure,” Max says, finishing Lee’s thought. “I’m sure it wouldn’t work for a lot of people. But we just love making music together. Financially, too, it’s great.” Spencer notes that, “There are times, clearly, when you spend so much time together you get on each other’s nerves.” “But we give each other our space,” Lee continues. “It works out great for us. We’re traveling all the time now. We definitely get on each other’s nerves. But we also definitely know how to handle it and work smoothly through things.” In addition to the support they provide each other, their native DC is also essential to SHAED’s success. They credit local outlets, venues and fans for their early successes, and for still following closely as they enjoy their newfound mainstream notoriety.

“It’s not a huge scene, but it’s very tightknit,” Max says of their experiences at home. “If you’re making cool music here, there’s ways to be seen and there’s an audience for it. People still come out to shows – even if you’re not on a huge headlining run around the country – people still come out and support local artists.” This summer sees the band off to a whole host of amazing new endeavors including sets at festivals like Japan’s Fuji Rock, BottleRock in Napa Valley and Lollapalooza. With tons of material in their arsenal, the trio is in the process of putting together a new album and aiming for a fall release and subsequent tour. All of these events will surely invite new fans into their intimate sonic world, but in the meantime, they’re leaning on each other as things continue to evolve. “Being a musician and being in this world is so hard,” Lee says as she puts one arm around each Ernst brother, and they lean into her. “To have this constant support – these people that you can rely on and trust and feel at home with – is huge for us. These two are the kindest people in the whole world. It’s really nice to have that family vibe.” SHAED play DC101 Kerfuffle on Sunday, May 19 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Tickets start at $55. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the show begins at 4:30 p.m. For more on the event, visit www.dc101.iheart.com. For more on SHAED, visit www.shaedband.com.

It’s a unique dynamic. I’m sure it wouldn’t work for a lot of people, but we just love making music together.

Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD 410-715-5550; www.merriweathermusic.com

www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2019 | ON TAP

s r u o t a i g nthroowsbatckashlows all summer long

Am I getting older or are the bands of playlists past just touring more often? It’s probably some combination of both – ah, the passing of time. No complaints though, because it means there are more chances to catch your faves of yesteryear throughout the summer.

By M.K. Koszycki

Noel Gallagher

The New Kids on the Block

TLC

sta pickff

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Old School Hip-Hop Showdown Eric B. & Rakim, Whodini, MC Lyte, Kool Moe Dee, DJ Kool and Dana Dane will all take the stage at Constitution Hall to make all your 90s hip-hop dreams come true in one convenient place. Tickets start at $44. DAR Constitution Hall: 1776 D St. NW, DC; www.dar.org

NAS + NSO Illmatic 25th Anniversary Instead of merely touring around his iconic album Illmatic, NAS is incorporating a whole new spin on the record thanks to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). This performance featuring conductor Steven Reineke gives a whole new spin on what’s still considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Tickets start at $30. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 25 New Kids on the Block Mixtape Tour with Salt-N-Pepa and Naughty by Nature Apparently, New Kids on the Block had so much fun celebrating the 30th anniversary of their album Hangin’ Tough that they decided to embark on an extensive tour. They’ll come to Capital One with all their hits and lots of friends on this tour – R&B icons Salt-N-Pepa, rappers Naughty by Nature and more guests will join the group. Tickets start at $39.95. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena.viewlift.com Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Melissa Etheridge and Liz Phair The power couple of Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo bring their hits to Wolf Trap alongside two of the best modern singer-songwriters: Melissa Etheridge and Liz Phair. This lineup pretty much consists of musicians you probably rolled your eyes at as a kid but now totally love. Tickets start at $35. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

FRIDAY, JULY 12 Backstreet Boys Backstreet’s back! Your favorite boyband is sweeping the nation once again with their DNA World Tour. Grab your tickets and be transported back to a simpler time, when your biggest problem in life was you and your BFF having a crush on the same band member. Tickets start at $189. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena.viewlift.com

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 Jennifer Lopez I would like to cordially invite you to a birthday celebration in honor of Jenny from the Block taking place this summer at an arena near you. While I obviously had no hand in planning this soiree, I still feel confident in saying I am sure it will be a ball. Tickets start at $59.95. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena.viewlift.com

THURSDAY, JULY 18 Sheryl Crow Soak up the sun with one of the most iconic pop country artists of all time at Wolf Trap. Don’t miss the Grammy winner as she tours for the release of her final album to be released later this year. Tickets start at $45. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

THE AVETT BROTHERS

3 NIGHTS – 3 DIFFERENT SHOWS!

MAY 23: RODNEY CROWELL MAY 24: THAO & THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN MAY 25: THE FELICE BROTHERS

SAMMY HAGAR'S FULL CIRCLE JAM TOUR NIGHT RANGER

ROCK OF AGES

BUDDY GUY KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND

TENTH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

JUN 18 + 19

SAMANTHA FISH

JUN 23

S.o.S

MAY 31

Photo: Gene Schiavone

PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO MELISSA ETHERIDGE LIZ PHAIR

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE SWAN LAKE JUL 11–13

SHERYL CROW

LIONEL RICHIE

JUL 18

ALL THE HITS

JUL 15

JUN 25

LIVE FROM HERE WITH CHRIS THILE JUN 1

LAKE STREET DIVE THE WOOD BROTHERS JUN 8

CARACALLA DANCE THEATRE

ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS JUN 12

DIANA ROSS JUN 27

RAIN

A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES JUN 28

DISPATCH

ANDERSON EAST JUN 29

BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS TOAD THE WET SPROCKET THE POSIES JUN 30

BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS AMOS LEE JUL 24

REBA McENTIRE

STRAY CATS

40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR AUG 13

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS AUG 16

STING

AUG 26–28

JUL 28

UB40

HERBIE HANCOCK AND KAMASI WASHINGTON

SHAGGY

JUL 30

LYLE LOVETT & HIS LARGE BAND

WITH SPECIAL GUEST MAVIS STAPLES AUG 1

ABBA THE CONCERT AUG 4

FEATURING ALI CAMPBELL & ASTRO SEP 1

JENNIFER HUDSON

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SEP 5

FRIDAY, JULY 19

sta pickff

Third Eye Blind and Jimmy Eat World This lineup makes me want to grow out my bangs and sweep them to the side, reactivate my MySpace account, and tell my parents they don’t understand me. In all seriousness, both of these bands’ catalogs have stood the test of time, especially in the era of Midwestern emo revival. And if hearing “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World doesn’t immediately hype you up, you’re a liar, so come hear it live. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 Train and Goo Goo Dolls While Train’s more recent releases have been interesting to say the least, older songs like “Meet Virginia” and “Drops of Jupiter” still hold up as eternal bops. Paired with the similarly sensitive Goo Goo Dolls, get ready to feel all the throwback feels. Tickets start at $29.50. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

stafkf pic

Dave Matthews Band I’m willing to bet you’ll be able to find everyone in the DMV who went to UVA at this show clad in basketball jerseys. Oh, and maybe some fans of the South African-born, Charlottesville-bred crooner will be there, too. Tickets start at $49.50. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www.livenation.com/venues/14407/jiffy-lube-live

Smashing Pumpkins, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and AFI Two of the most curmudgeonly names in music team up for a summer tour that’s sure to be chock full of weird asides from Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan and sibling hatred – or maybe just general hatred – from the more, um, outspoken of the Gallagher brothers. Oh, and AFI will be there to play that one song from Guitar Hero. Tickets start at $35. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com

SATURDAY, JULY 27

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22

311 and Dirty Heads Stoners and chill people of the world, rejoice! Good vibes abound at Merriweather as 311 and Dirty Heads take the stage for a relaxing evening. Tickets start at $46. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com

Beck On the heels of his 14th album (yeah, you read that right), Beck will bring two turntables and a microphone to Merriweather to help you round out your summer concert season. He’s joined by the absolutely stacked lineup of Cage the Elephant, Sunflower Bean, and the equally prolific and nostalgic Spoon (their debut album Telefono is 23 years old this year, you guys). Tickets start at $29.50. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pwky. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Hootie and the Blowfish and Barenaked Ladies Dubbed the Group Therapy Tour, this collaboration between two classic 90s bands is the perfect place to hang out on the lawn and jam to songs that made up your younger years, which seems like its own special form of group therapy in a way. Tickets start at $35. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www.livenation.com/venues/14407/jiffy-lube-live

TUESDAY, JULY 30

sta pickff

Nelly, TLC and Flo Rida Upon reading this lineup, I was instantly transported back to teacher-supervised school dances, as I’m pretty sure some combination of all three artists soundtracked every sweaty, awkward preteen event throughout America. You should attend this concert solely to celebrate that the days of braces and leaving room for Jesus between you and your dance partner are long gone. Tickets start at $25. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www.livenation.com/venues/14407/jiffy-lube-live

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 KoRn and Alice in Chains If you feel like a freak on a leash (I still don’t know what that song is about and at this point I am afraid to ask), this is the show for you. A coheadlining show for twice the angsty rock. It’s not a phase, Mom! Tickets start at $36. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www.livenation.com/venues/14407/jiffy-lube-live

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

staff pick

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 UB40 and Shaggy Legendary reggae group UB40 will be joined onstage by Shaggy for a lively evening of music from two of the genre’s best-known voices. Tickets start at $40. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org Knotfest (Slipknot) If you’ve been itching to break out your Hot Topic T-shirts, chain wallet and guyliner, this is the festival for you. This angst-filled festival features Slipknot, Volbeat, Gojira and Behemoth. Get ready to mosh! Tickets start at $35.50. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www.livenation.com/venues/14407/jiffy-lube-live

Photo: Nicholas Moore

Brutally Honest

The Drums’ Jonny Pierce

Talks New Record, Importance of Vulnerability By M.K. Koszycki The Drums are now two albums into the band’s genesis as the solo project of frontman Jonny Pierce. As the indie-pop outfit’s cast dwindled from four to one during their decade-long career, Pierce saw himself doing everything from letting remaining bandmates have more creative freedom to totally leaning into his own voice and vision. That brings us to the April release of Brutalism: the sensitive, honest and enlightening look into Pierce’s life that you’ll probably relate to even more than you might guess. As Pierce embarked on a journey through vulnerability via his latest album, he decided to bare all in his music as a way to encourage a more empathetic and open world. Pierce talks us through his use of architectural imagery, the importance of sharing the good and the bad in the age of social media, and how letting outsiders into his creative process led to one of the most affecting pop albums in recent memory. On Tap: I want to start by asking about the title track. Is this a reference to Brutalist architecture? Jonny Pierce: When I was writing this record, I was in a relationship that wasn’t so good for me. There was a lot of passion and some version of something close to love happening. It was something where I loved deeply but didn’t get that kind of love back. All of those things that Brutalist architecture talks about – heavy and hard and practical without a lot of light getting in – made it feel like an appropriate title. OT: What lead you to compare love to that style? What are your thoughts on it? JP: At the time, I was living in Belgium and in Brussels, there’s a bunch of Brutalist architecture. When I would get really upset or needed to take a walk, I was always greeted by all these different beautiful buildings. It really reflected how I was feeling and the nature of the relationship [I was in], and that relationship was going on during much of the writing and recording process of Brutalism. OT: Lyrically, you seem to be more vulnerable than before. What lead to this openness? JP: I want to live in a world where people make themselves more vulnerable on a daily basis. It doesn’t mean we have to be vomiting our emotions out all over the floor at all times, but I just feel that privacy is overrated and people are so guarded. And with new things

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

like Instagram, we’re showing more and more of our happy days and our good times and people don’t talk much about when they’re feeling sad or lonely or depressed. There’s this unspoken new code where we are really starting to only show the good sides. I feel all sides that make up who we are are good sides, even if it’s sadness or loneliness or feeling angry. It’s all good stuff because it’s natural and normal and part of the human experience. OT: How did you come to this realization, and why incorporate it into this record? JP: Rather than complaining about how people aren’t more vulnerable, I wanted to try to lead by example. What really has happened is that I know my music is connecting more to people. To make work that feels meaningful and affecting is such a different animal than writing a song about surfing and being kind of silly and fun. By expressing how we feel, even if that’s being sad or confused or lost, that’s where we pull together and the magic happens. That’s where good art comes from. It’s not a doom-and-gloom situation. It’s a real search for joy. OT: Vulnerability can be really scary at times. Was moving in this direction hard for you? JP: It’s not so scary because it still feels better than not speaking my truth. Some journalists have tried to capitalize on this in a way that feels insensitive to me. They’re digging in and trying to get as much

Why am I holding back?

Let’s just do it.

vulnerability as possible instead of just letting me give that – just for the sake of having a juicy story. It’s one of those things I didn’t intend [for] but have to be careful of. OT: I found myself connecting to some aspect of every song on this album, even though they’re very much about your specific truths and life experiences. Have you found a lot of other people reacting in that way to Brutalism? JP: The Drums have become a band, a group, a project of music for sensitive people. It connects with the people who live their lives with greater sensitivity – who are used to looking at life from a few different angles [and] figuring out how to be creative, exist in this life and not hate themselves. I think this level of vulnerability scares some people because they’re not ready to really connect. They’re not ready to really go there. OT: It’s almost like the music is holding a mirror to the listener and they’re not ready to see themselves reflected in it. JP: Definitely. It’s like how a lot of – I’ll speak to my own experience – a lot of straight guys pretty much refuse to get into female-fronted music. I think it’s literally because if they enjoy it or connect with it, they think it emasculates them. I think in the same way, some people aren’t ready to connect with me speaking my truth because it means they’re attached to that truth. It’s just something I’ve observed. The moral of the story is we’re all just a little bit more advanced than straight men. You can print that, I don’t care! [laughs]

OT: We’ve talked a lot about lyrical inspiration, but how about musical inspiration? What were you listening to as you worked on Brutalism, and how was the recording process for this album different? JP: The inspiration [for the band’s sound] came from this idea of girl groups from the 60s meets Joy Division. Kind of an unlikely combo, but it became the character of the band. I wanted to protect that because I thought by not letting outside influences in, I could really preserve the band as best as possible. With Brutalism, I decided I had done enough of that. Through working with my therapist and just taking better care of myself, I was able to come to the conclusion that having such tight control over everything and shutting the world out was a greater risk than it was to open up. I decided to start working with other people. There were different ideas and opinions coming in. OT: Any specific influences for this new direction you have taken with Brutalism? JP: A lot of the specific inspiration came from a band called Whale. They’re from Sweden in the 90s and they did these druggy trip-hop sounds and their record went nowhere but I think [it’s] incredible. I was listening to a lot of them and some electronic stuff. I’ve always been a big fan of drum and bass, techno and house music. We tried to infuse a little more of that. I just tried to be more honest in the words but also in the sounds that I love. Why am I holding back? Let’s just do it. The Drums play the Black Cat on Saturday, May 11 with Tanukichan. Tickets start at $20. Doors are at 8 p.m. For more on The Drums, visit www.thedrums.com. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

JUNE 6, 13, 20 & 27 | 6-8 PM | CENTRAL PLACE PLAZA

ROSSLYN ROCKS! SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

ROSSLYNVA.ORG www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2019 | ON TAP

Photo: Zach Lewis

NICK

Waterhouse Squares Up and Makes It

By Valeria Villarroel

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Who exactly is Nick Waterhouse? His music is imbued with the landscape of the San Francisco nightclubs where he began as a DJ, playing 45s of old-school rhythm and blues. His live shows have the energy of bootleg punk show recordings you’d find in a YouTube hole, but with the smoothness and instrumentation of seasoned big band conductor. Essentially, Waterhouse makes party music. His tracks wouldn’t be out of place at a vinyl-only night at neighborhood dives like U Street’s Velvet Lounge or Showtime in Bloomingdale on the weekends. Fans and casual listeners know this already. But behind the jazzy horn breaks, the female-sung catchy hooks, the driving percussion, the guitar licks and the sweaty dance party vibes is a sardonic wit, which I witnessed firsthand on a recent call with the artist from his L.A. home. Waterhouse was fresh off the heels of the European leg of his tour and gearing up for his U.S. dates when we chatted, which includes a stop at Rock & Roll Hotel on May 17 with his seven-piece band. But before international tours were the norm, the musician was recording his first single with a ragtag group of players and some of his own savings. The limited-run 45s of 2010’s “Some Place” sold for $7 a pop and were passed around among DJs, eventually becoming a dance party success. One 45 turned into a bunch of 45s, which turned into his debut album Time’s All Gone. His current tour is in promotion of his self-titled fourth album, released in March. “The first three records sound more like a trilogy,” he tells me on the call. “I know they seem spread out to listeners, but they were all like one long thread of a period of time that started in December 2010 and just didn’t really stop. I didn’t get a chance to get my footing, I guess.” He says Nick Waterhouse felt like a reintroduction to listeners. “I’d be fine if somebody had never heard of me and picked up this record and this was their introduction. This is the first record where I felt like I could really square up and make it.” Waterhouse’s latest album doesn’t stray far from the vintage R&B sound he’s known for. But, more on display this time around is his perspective as an individual. He says he doesn’t like

being a public person or talking about himself, but this new album highlights the concepts and ideas that he grapples with as a musician working in an industry that he doesn’t feel entirely comfortable navigating. Behind the glasses and his iconic midcentury aesthetic is a guy that’s perhaps finally comfortable making music the way he wants. It helps that Waterhouse has either worked with – or become friends with – many of the musicians and artists he grew up listening to and admiring. His song “Wreck the Rod” off the new album was inspired by a personal conversation with Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans. He also covered his friend Jo Armstead’s 1967 single “I Feel an Urge Coming On,” and toured with and produced music for the soul legend (a former Ikette and background singer for icons James Brown and B.B. King). “I got really emotional recently because we were on tour and in a big jam-packed bar in Athens, the DJ put on my song ‘Katchi.’ Ralph Carney plays the tenor sax solo on that. He died last year in an accident. And Ralph was somebody that came to the session blind. He was like, ‘Man, I really dig your sh-t. You got a f--king cool thing going on.’” Carney was a prolific multi-instrumentalist that worked with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, The B-52s and The Black Keys. “He was giving me a vote of confidence. It’s like he came through time and dropped in like he belonged in my band for two days. It was like when I was young and fell in love with rock ‘n’ roll and jazz and playing music. That’s what the magic thing is.” Catch Waterhouse and his band on Friday, May 17 at Rock & Roll Hotel. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17.50 in advance, $20 day of. Learn more about him at www.nickwaterhouse.com.

Photo: Andrew Mishko

Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC 202-388-7625; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

LIVE MUSIC | BOURBON | BURGERS

MAY WE 1 SATSANG w/ CONOR & THE WILD HUNT TH 2

VIRGINIA COALITION (VACO)

FR 3

VIRGINIA COALITION (VACO)

SA 4 THE YAWPERS w/ IN THE WHALE SU 5 ALL GOOD PRESENTS ETANA MO 6 THE EMPTY POCKETS TU 7

ELVANA: ELVIS FRONTED TRIBUTE TO NIRANA

WE 8 RUBY BOOTS, INDIANOLA TH 9

DRIFTWOOD w/ KENTUCKY AVENUE (DUO)

FR 10 ALL GOOD PRESENTS MARCO BENEVENTO SA 11 FUNK PARADE SHOWCASE FEATURING AARON ABERNATHY SU 12 WASHINGTON JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL FEATURING GILI YALO TU 14 CHUCK PROPHET (SOLO) WE 15 BLAC RABBIT – INTERSTELLA US TOUR 2019 TH 16 THAD w/ DANIEL HEFFINGTON FR 17 MOLLY TUTTLE w/ DEE WHITE SA 18 STONE DRIVER w/ THE SPLIT SECONDS, BLACK DOG PROWL SU 19 NOW I PLAY ALONG TOO: IN-THE-ROUND TOUR FEATURING BRADLEY RHODES, STEVE EVERETT, BRENT SHUTTLEWORTH, DAVID BORNE TU 21 HAPPY HOUR WITH MAYA DE VITRY (FORMERLY OF THE STRAY BIRDS) WE 22 TRAPPER SCHOEPP TH 23 WIL GRAVATT BAND w/ CHRIS LAWRENCE AND THE LONESOME TRUCKERS FR 24 MARTY O’REILLY & THE OLD SOUL ORCHESTRA SA 25 CUBAN NIGHT FEATURING YUNIEL JIMENEZ SU 26 SOUTHWEST SOUL SESSION w/ ELIJAH BALBED & ISABELLE DE LEON TH 30 70’s PSYCH NIGHT FEATURING BLUE FOOTED BOOBIES (DC DEBUT!) + TBA FR 31 THE SURREAL MCCOYS w/ THE GLENMONT POPES

pearlstreetwarehouse.com

Chromatics

By Trent Johnson and Leah Seyoum

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 The Bright Light Social Hour The president is a drag queen – well, at least in the new music video for “Lie to Me” by The Bright Light Social Hour. Inspired by the 2016 election, the psychedelic rock band’s single from their newest album Jude Vol. 1 compares Trump supporters to infatuated lovers blinded by devotion. After playing at SXSW, The Bright Light Social Hour immediately embarked on a tour. It’s only fitting they bring their conscious rock to DC. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475-2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

SATURDAY, MAY 4 Delta Rae Hailing from North Carolina, Delta Rae’s six-member, country-folk band Foals performs regularly at music festivals around the country. They’ve taken the stage at Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Firefly, Summerfest, Lollapalooza, Hangout Fest and more. Delta Rae released their second album After It All in 2015. Two years later, they released an EP, A Long and Happy Life, and are currently touring to support their latest work. Doors at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

MONDAY, MAY 6 Santigold Few musicians seem like they are having as much fun as Santigold, an artist who seems to have an endless amount of energy. With soothing vocals, wise lyrics and often thumping electric backdrops, Santigold has been a pop mainstay since 2008; and because of her longevity, she’s celebrating 10 years of success since her debut self-titled album. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40. Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

TUESDAY, MAY 7 Nana Grizol This Athens, Georgia outfit is described as an indie folk band, however they play with a breakneck pace unlike most folk bands I’ve heard. The lo-fi approach to their instrumentation combined with their harmonic chants on songs like “Many Places 2 Call Home” and “New

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Years Wish,” both off of their 2018 release Theo Zumm, is infectious. Another interesting aspect of this band is the length of their songs, as most are reminiscent of old punk anthems lasting anywhere from 45 seconds to two minutes. Despite this brevity, the group touches on everything from growing up to American hypocrisy. Show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12. Comet Ping Pong: 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.cometpingpong.com

SATURDAY, MAY 11 Ben Platt Ben Platt is familiar with the proverbial spotlight. In fact, it’s been on him all his life. From the age of nine, Platt has appeared on the big stage many times, most notably in Dear Evan Hansen for which he won the 2017 Tony Award for Best Lead Actor in a Musical. His powerhouse vocals, emotive performances and acting chops even landed him a role in the hit comedy film Pitch Perfect. As if that wasn’t enough, Platt, who is signed to Atlantic Records, released his debut album Sing to Me Instead just last month. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com Mr Twin Sister With weightless, ethereal melodies and the angelic vocals of lead singer Andrea Estella, Mr Twin Sister possess the ability to send listeners into a dreamy trance. But don’t be fooled – they can also get down with the funkiest of basslines. Nonetheless, their sounds set the perfect mood for spring. Mr Twin Sister is best known for “Meet the Frownies,” which was sampled by Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

SUNDAY, MAY 12 Judas Priest Talk about longevity! Legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest has been disrupting the scene for 50 years. They achieved great mainstream success early on, selling millions of albums and solidifying their position as one of the best heavy metal bands of all time. But time and success haven’t slowed their ambitions. Firepower, released last year, is the group’s 18th album. Rumor has it the next one is already in the works. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $75. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com

Mr Twin Sister

Santigold

Lee DeWyze Remember the autotune craze? It feels like 10 years ago you couldn’t put together a playlist without half of the songs being aided by electric vocals. From Daft Punk to Bon Iver to T-Pain, the tool was a large part of the pop culture zeitgeist. And while some did it better than others, a ton of musicians gave it a shot. Some of the best music from this fad included the moments exceptionally talented vocalists used the sonic tool for layering. One of the men capable of this feat is Lee DeWyze, and though autotune is less frequent these days, when this artist decides to do so, it focuses his singing talent. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

MONDAY, MAY 13 Kate Toupin A former Houndmouth keyboardist and vocalist, Kate Toupin is further proving she might be more interesting in a solo setting. Her music is energetic and honest, and her debut EP Moroccan Ballroom was entirely live, providing a transparent sound less talented musicians might avoid in their first release. The only thing better than hearing a live studio session on a streaming platform is to witness it firsthand, and now’s your chance. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13$15. DC9 Nightclub: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dc9.club

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 Johnnyswim The husband and wife musical duo of Johnnyswim are unreasonably charming. Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez have been making heartfelt music together since 2005. It’s unclear whether love or music came first, but who cares? It works. In their latest album Moonlight, the band joined forces with Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Malay. Invigorated by a fresh perspective, Johnnyswim is back and better than ever. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40. Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; www.thelincolndc.com

FRIDAY, MAY 17 Jessica Pratt A descriptor you’ll see for Jessica Pratt pretty much everywhere is that she’s not loud. Her music is quiet, creating a sense of intimacy and secrecy. Though Pratt has a talent for using her voice, she chooses to

almost whisper into the mic, allowing the guitar chords to stand out in their own right. All her songs are soft and gentle but each cause pause, making you think and focus all at once. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Miracle Theatre: 535 8th St. SE, DC; www.themiracletheatre.com Juice WRLD Juice WRLD is to hip-hop what Nirvana was to rock. That’s to say, their music speaks to the pains of growing up, teenage angst and young heartbreak. This kind of self-consciousness is a phenomenon in rap music, generally known for its braggadocious and confident lyrics, though reflective in other ways. But Juice WRLD is at the forefront of new age rap. His latest album Death Race for Love debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com

FRIDAY, MAY 17 Molly Tuttle There are few better at playing an acoustic guitar than Molly Tuttle. Her bluegrass songs serve as a showcase for her biting lyrics, guitar skills and vibrant, twangy vocals. The artist has mastered the genre, ranging from quick-paced anthems to stinging ballads. She’s versatile, she’s exceptionally talented and she’s a tremendous songwriter. No frills, no B.S. – just unmistakable bluegrass. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $18. Pearl Street Warehouse: 33 Pearl St. SW, DC; www.pearlstreetwarehouse.com

SUNDAY, MAY 19 Olden Yolk This band describes its music as dystopian, which is an epic way to summarize this duo’s penchant for one-off creations. Made up of songwriting duo Shane Butler and Caity Schaffer, their interlaced vocals ebb and flow beautifully over their synchronized instrumentation, often featuring guitar strums and a steady drum beat. There’s nothing flashy about the two, kind of like how there’s nothing flashy about egg yolks – is that what they’re going for? Sure, probably. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $12. DC9 Nightclub: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dc9.club

www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2019 | ON TAP

Tacocat While the words taco and cat are SEO dynamos in their own right, putting the two words together is a brilliant marketing strategy for targeting millennials. While I know I’m overthinking this name thing, the band Tacocat doesn’t even need a silly name to get people interested. Their music is more than capable of holding attention. The band lives in a world ruled by surf rock and indie chill, providing ample opportunity for dancing, toking or whatever else you’re in the mood for. Show at 7 p.m. Tickets $18. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

TUESDAY, MAY 21 TV Girl I think TV Girl describes their music better than I ever could: “You can sing along to, but wouldn’t sing around your parents, unless your parents are avant-garde film fans who smoke pot while fantasizing about aliens in outer space.” Okay, okay, I added everything after parents, but the point still stands: this indie band makes easily digestible music with some pretty deep subject matter. I mean, their last album was titled Death of a Party Girl, which could also be the title of a faux biography of a fictional scream queen. Either way, this sometimes X-rated music is super chill and extremely smooth. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 Chromatics Chromatics have yet to release their long-awaited fifth studio album. In the meantime, fans will have to feast on the electronic band’s latest single “Time Rider,” an updated 80s synth-pop gem. Performing for the first time in years, the electronic band announced a six-week tour, Double Exposure, making a stop at DC’s iconic 9:30 Club. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $31. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

THURSDAY, MAY 23

TUNES INin Tunes The Triangle THE TRIANGLE

6:30 pm–8:30 pm & 5th St.) at Milian Park (Mass Ave • Thursday, July 21: The Oxymorons Thursdays from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Milian Park (Mass Ave & 5th St.)

• Tuesday, august 2: Alison Carney Special and family for 6, 2019concert DATES: Mayactivities 30, June National Night Out at 5th & K Parking Lot June 20, August 6, September 5 • Thursday, august 18: Justin Trawick at Milian Park

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American Football The sport of American football is rough and tumble. If you look up NFL highlights, you’ll probably hear hip-hop or metal because of the breakneck pace. The band American Football is a much more subdued soft rock band with slow starts and dramatic choruses. Their self-titled third LP is increasingly steady, which is perfect for what the band is going for. If you’re more into subtle emo sways, this band is probably for you. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com Disclosure Best known for their brilliant collaborations with Sam Smith, Disclosure is at the top of their game. The four-time Grammynominated electronic duo will be touring in the U.S. for the first time in three years. Last year, Disclosure released EP Moonlight, intended to proceed the band’s third studio album expected this summer. Doors at 9 p.m. Tickets are $30-$40. Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, DC; www.echostage.com MONO Tokyo-based instrumental rock band MONO rejects the traditional standards of rock music, embracing genre-mixing methods and never conforming to musical norms. They often blend orchestral arrangements with heavily distorted, guitar-based instrumentals. After dropping their tenth studio album Nowhere Now Here, MONO has been touring the world quite extensively. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com

The past does not forget us.

STAGE & SCREEN EVENTS By Leah Seyoum

John Cusack

THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 19

Ellen McLaughlin’s

THE

ORESTEIA Freely Adapted from Aeschylus Directed by

Michael Kahn

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The Great Commedia Hotel Murder Mystery The Great Commedia Hotel Murder Mystery promises to give you “Zanni bellhops, femme fatales, hidden clues, mustachioed detectives and more!” In the tradition of classic mysteries from Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes and Clue, this entertaining whodunnit ends Faction of Fools Theatre Company’s monumental 10th anniversary season. Various dates and times. Tickets $22. Faction of Fools Theatre Company: 800 Florida Ave. NE, DC; www.factionoffools.org

THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 26 The White Snake Inspired by an ancient Chinese fable, The White Snake tells the story of animal spirit White Snake, who transforms into a beautiful woman to experience the human world. When White Snake falls in love with a pharmacist’s assistant, their illicit romance draws the ire of a villainous monk who sets out to destroy their relationship. Various dates and times. Tickets $19-$45. Constellation Theatre Company: 1835 14th St. NW, DC; www.constellationtheatre.org

THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 2 The Oresteia Adapted from the Greek tragedy trilogy, Ellen McLaughlin’s The Oresteia is coming to the Shakespeare Theatre Company. On the surface, it’s an epic story about love, betrayal, murder and revenge. But at its core, The Oresteia is a critique of human civilization. McLaughlin condenses the trilogy into one dynamic show with expert finesse. Various dates and times. Tickets $44-$118. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org

THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 9 Love’s Labor’s Lost In this early Shakespeare comedy, a young king and his three companions swear off women in order to focus on their studies and fasting. However, when a princess and her female companions arrive, the young men find it increasingly difficult to deny their lustful desires. Directed by Vivienne Benesch, Love’s Labor’s Lost is a delightfully witty, amusing and timeless tale. Various dates and times. Tickets $42-$79. Folger Theatre: 201 E. Capitol St. SE, DC; www.folger.edu

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 - SUNDAY, JUNE 2 The Children The protagonists of The Children, a couple of retired physicists, live in a remote cottage on the British coast. They live a simple, modest

The Chibok Girls

life in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster, carefully conserving their resources to get by. But a surprise visit from a former colleague upends the couple’s lives, revealing old secrets with catastrophic consequences. The Children is loosely based on the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011. Various dates and times. Tickets $52-$65. Studio Theatre: 1501 14th St. NW, DC; www.studiotheatre.org

SATURDAY, MAY 4 - SATURDAY, MAY 25 God of Carnage The 2009 Tony Award-winning play God of Carnage was originally a French tale but has been translated due to popular demand. The play centers around a feuding set of parents who meet after their children clash in a playground altercation. What begins as a civil conversation devolves into a jarring confrontation between the parents and ultimately their own partners. Various dates and times. Tickets $50. Keegan Theatre: 1742 Church St. NW, DC; www.keegantheatre.com

TUESDAY, MAY 7 - THURSDAY, MAY 9 The Chibok Girls: Our Story Few girls have captured the world’s attention like the Chibok Girls. In 2014, 273 Nigerian girls were kidnapped from a school in the town of Chibok, stirring international outrage and widespread protests in Nigeria. In a predictable fashion, the world seemed to forget about the kidnapped girls just as quickly as they’d learned about their disappearance. Renegade Theatre’s The Chibok Girls: Our Story is a reminder in the form of testimonial theatre. The event also features Nobel Prize-winning playwright and author Wole Soyinka and is part of CrossCurrents, a “citywide biennial festival that highlights innovative artists from around the world who are harnessing the power of performance to humanize global politics.” Begins at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $20. Davis Performing Arts Center: 37th and O Streets NW, DC; www.georgetown.edu

THURSDAY, MAY 16 John Cusack, Plus a Screening of High Infidelity John Cusack is recognizable from a ton of movie roles, but perhaps none are as iconic and memorable as Rob Gordon, a music connoisseur and record shop owner searching for love in the classic rom-com High Fidelity. Throughout the film, Gordon muses on his past relationships and the sobering realities of love and companionship. Cusack himself will discuss the film in person and take questions from the audience following the screening at the Warner Theatre. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7:30. Tickets $49-$150. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, DC; www.warnertheatredc.com

Now Playing! Through May 22 music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; book by James Lapine; choreographed by Michael Bobbitt; directed by Peter Flynn

Generation Abe Night! May 4 at 7:30 p.m. For Ages 21-35 | Get $20 tickets with code* UNDER3519 Join us for a complimentary drink after the show. Event Media Partner: *Discount code good for Friday evening performances throughout run.

www.fords.org

Tickets: (888) 616-0270 Photo of Jade Jones and Christopher Mueller by Carol Rosegg.

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Photo: Margot Schulman

Grand Hotel By Monica Alford

Grand Hotel isn’t like any other show. This is what artistic director Eric Schaeffer tells me on a phone call the morning after I catch his new production at Signature Theatre, and I can say with full certainty that he’s quite right. He relishes the fact he selected a Tony Award-winning play that’s complex, layered and challenging – adjectives he uses to describe the frenetic musical during our conversation, all of which just so happened to pop up multiple times in my post-show notes. And it’s no coincidence: the 1929 novel turned 1932 MGM film turned 1989 Broadway hit wasn’t easy for me to connect with night of, but I was still thinking about it for days, even weeks, later. But art is meant to push us out of our comfort zones and expose us to new ways of thinking about and experiencing life, and Schaeffer’s known for taking those risks at Signature every season. Whether it’s debuting daring new pieces or embracing notoriously difficult classics, the director doesn’t shy away from works that might make his audience fidget or his actors balk. And now through May 19, Schaeffer encourages theatregoers to sit in the lobby of a 1928 Berlin hotel as an extremely eclectic cast of characters weaves on the periphery of one another’s lives. “The show just keeps layering on itself, which is interesting,” he tells me. “It’s not just like, here it is and here’s the story. It’s kind of like a painting that just keeps on taking off layers and layers and layers, which is the really neat thing about the show. I love that it challenges the audience, it challenges the actors. It just becomes this experience.” His 16-person cast – full of Signature regulars and DC up-andcomers, plus a truly dazzling performance from the magnetic Nkrumah Gatling (Broadway’s Miss Saigon) – was whittled down from the original production’s 28. The method to his madness? He wanted to give the audience a fighting chance at following all of the show’s storylines through the lens of a sticky-fingered baron, aging ballerina, dying bookkeeper and desperate typist, to name a few. “It was a hard puzzle to figure out, but it was fun once I did,” he says of casting the play. “There’s all these snapshots that are put together, and you keep getting slices of all these different lives and how they’re interconnected – or not – they all just happen to be passing in and out of the hotel lobby.”

ON TAP | MAY 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Grand Hotel set design

The Many Complexities of

Schaeffer selected his talent well, whipping the audience into a sometimes delightful (in numbers like the cheeky “Maybe My Baby Loves Me”), often uncomfortable (grappling with the heaviness of mortality or a successful man’s implied power over a naïve woman) frenzy. In just under two hours with no intermission, the impressive cast sings several dozen songs and swings the mood pendulum from light to dark at only a moment’s notice. It’s hard to keep up with – visually, sonically and emotionally. The highly stylized, momentum-driven production isn’t just a lot for the audience to handle – the director says that everyone from the ensemble to the leads had an “Oh my god, this is so challenging” reaction. “Which is great,” he says, “because they’re not doing the same old thing. It makes them grow as artists, which I think is really important.” His level of commitment to the production extended beyond nudging his cast gingerly out of the nest and into uncharted – or at least less traveled – territory to a set design that married opulence of a building both old and grand with an ambiance that felt modern, contemporary and relatable. “I really wanted the audience to feel like they’re sitting in the lobby of a hotel just eavesdropping on all of these conversations that are happening.” And he did just that by collaborating with set designer Paul Tate dePoo III to create a dynamic set that transforms from a decadent hotel room to the black void of a haunting train station within seconds. “It was a balance,” dePoo says. “It was a constant conversation. We didn’t get too far away from the contemporary world.” And like Schaeffer, he takes his craft incredibly seriously, aiming to capture the spirit of the chaotic play and its varied cast through the design. “Hopefully, it tells the story in a way that we don’t feel like we’re disconnected from these people and we appreciate the era they are currently telling the story within.” Peel back the layers of this theatrical onion through Sunday, May 19 at Signature Theatre. Tickets start at $40 and are available at www.sigtheatre.org. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA 703- 820-9771; www.sigtheatre.org

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