Drink. Dine. Do. 08.17
Music
Parties
Movies
Classes
Comedy
Tastings
Theatre
Festivals
Free Things To Do
Kings of
Storytelling
in The
Dc’s Rum
Scene
Jeffrey Everett’s Concert Posters
District
Come One - Come all
VA Breweries
You Should Know
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Big Fish at Keegan Theatre Squirrel Nut Zippers 19th Street band
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photos: Gevar Bonham & Mark Van Bergh
Pentagon Row’s 15th annual Rock at the Row summer concert series features a different band, restaurant and brewery each week. The VIP lounge offers samples of Virginia craft brews and fare from Sine, Bonefish Grill, Champps and Nando’s Peri-Peri. Proceeds benefit SCAN.
Experience Gaylord National’s VIP Das Best OktoberFest Package and Enjoy Traditional German Music, Food and Beer. Experience the Das Best OktoberFest in National Harbor, Maryland with this exclusive VIP Package. Enjoy live music, VIP access, a one-night stay at Gaylord National Resort and more! Gaylord National Resort’s exclusive VIP Das Best OktoberFest Package includes: • 1-Night Room Accommodations on September 30
• Souvenir Tasting Glass
• 2 One-Day Das Best OktoberFest VIP tickets for Saturday, September 30
• Unlimited All You Care to Taste Beer, Wine and Schnapps Sampling
• Specialty VIP Beer Samplings
• VIP Access from 11am – 5pm
GaylordNational.com or call 301.965.4000 ( refer to code YQ7 ) **Valid September 30 2017. Limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Applicable tax, resort fee and parking additional. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Limit (1) one resort credit per stay. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations required. Other restrictions apply. Rates are per room, per night, double occupancy and based on availability at time of reservation.
17-GN-2407GN On Tap Oktoberfest 2017 Print Ad.indd 1
6/28/17 3:28 PM
Table of Contents who is on tap
August 2017: Vol 19 No 10 free in the dmv We’re entering the dog days of summer, and with them come a creeping sense of restlessness. For those of you stuck in the city this month, we put together a comprehensive list of fun things to do in the DMV for free. In addition to extreme heat, August marks Virginia Craft Beer Month and National Rum Day on the 16th, so we followed suit with features on NoVA breweries with unique stories and kings of the city’s rum scene. We also caught up with Rockville’s 19th Street Band and revival swing band Squirrel Nut Zippers, previewed Big Fish at Keegan Theatre, gave a rundown on some of the best creative outlets for local storytellers, and got the inside scoop on refreshing drinks (frozen, slushie, you name it!) at area bars and restaurants. We’d also like to give a special thank you to concert poster designer Jeffrey Everett of Rockets are Red (www.rockets-are-red.com) for our awesome cover. Read about Everett in this month’s A Day in the Life column, and check out his retrospective at The Gallery at Lost Origin Productions in Mount Pleasant starting August 15. Cover illustration/design: Jeffrey Everett
Founder James Currie Publisher Jennifer Currie
jennifer@ontaponline.com
Managing Editor Monica Alford
monica@ontaponline.com
Assistant Editor Trent Johnson trent@ontaponline.com
Print & Digital Design Alanna Sheppard alanna@ontaponline.com
Nick Caracciolo KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth tomroth@ontaponline.com
Digital & Advertising coordinator Kayla Marsh
In this Issue
kayla@ontaponline.com
n Stage & Screen Stage & Screen Events........................... 4 Big Fish at Keegan Theatre................... 6
n August Roundup
36
8 Storytelling in the City How we share our stories
Northern Virginia Breweries Come in all shapes and sizes
Storytelling in the City.......................... 8 CFF’s Breathe Easy Bash.. ..................... 12 Drink, Dine, Do...................................... 14 50 Free Things to Do in the DMV...... 46
n Dining New, Notable, No Longer.................... 28
n Drinks
42
46
Kings of DC’s Rum Scene
50 Free Things To Do
Lukas B. Smith and Todd Thrasher
in the DMV
Events & promotions manager Shannon Darling shannon@ontaponline.com
Events & promotions ASSISTANT Elizabeth Elder elizabeth@ontaponline.com
OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kelcie Glass kelcie@ontaponline.com
Contributing Writers
Michael Coleman, Lani Furbank, Jamie McCrary, Kaitlyn McQuin, Reem Nadeem, Nicolas Rodrigo, Alex Thompson
Contributing Photographers
What’s On Tap?...................................... 32 Did You Know? Virginia Craft Beer.... 34 Northern Virginia Breweries............... 36
Kyle Alexander, Gevar Bonham, Michelle Goldchain, Tatiana Herrera, Ryan Hill, Kayla Marsh, Reem Nadeem, Drü Thomas, Mark Van Bergh
Behind the Bar....................................... 40 Kings of DC’s Rum Scene. . ................... 42
On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year.
n Music A Day in the Life with Jeffrey Everett....56 19th Street Band..........................................60 Squirrel Nut Zippers...................................62 Music Picks....................................................64
©2017 by Five O’Clock Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Use or reproduction of any materials contained herein is strictly prohibited without express prior written consent. www.ontaponline.com for more information.
Office
25 Dove St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703-465-0500 Fax: 703-465-0400 www.ontaponline.com Calendar Submissions www.ontaponline.com/calendar Due by 15th of the month for print issue
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62
A Day in the Life with
Squirrel Nut Zippers
Designer Jeffrey Everett
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Leaders of the swing band revival
On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
BELVOIR SQUARE NOW LEASING
We are proud to welcome you to Belvoir Square. Our spacious apartment homes have all that you demand in five-star living – granite, plank floors, stainless ENERGY STAR appliances, full-size washer/dryer and plenty of closets. FX Fitness will oversee wellness, including neverbefore-offered fitness equipment in our Fitness Yard. There’s no better place to kick back than our Resident’s Club, unless it’s our courtyard with grill stations, fire pit and hammock garden.
We look forward to serving you! 9142 Richmond Highway, Fort Belvoir, VA. 22060 www.belvoirsquareapts.com • (844) 913-6986
Stage & Screen Events By Reem Nadeem
RUNS THROUGH SUNDAY, AUGUST 20
friendly opera. Show times and dates vary. Tickets cost $32-$88. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8
Thurgood This one is for American history buffs and fans of justice. Starring Brian Anthony Wilson as Thurgood Marshall, this one-man show is part biography, part legal drama. Think documentary in the first person, except instead of just entertainment, you’re getting an intimate look at one of the most important legal cases in American history: Brown v. Board of Education. Various show times and dates. Tickets start at $55. Olney Theatre Center: 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD; www.olneytheatre.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
A Little Night Music If love triangles are too simple to entertain you and you prefer romantic plots that more closely resemble a tangled pair of earphones, don’t miss the chance to see this classic musical. Set in Sweden in 1900, several characters – including a married virgin, a formerly glamorous actress and a sexually repressed student –attempt to navigate their complex relationships. Featuring famous scores like “Send in the Clowns,” this beloved show runs through October 8. Show times and dates vary. Tickets cost $40-$89. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; www.sigtheatre.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19
Homeward by Ari Shapiro You may be used to hearing him on NPR’s All Things Considered, but you’ve never heard him like this. As a journalist, Ari Shapiro is no stranger to reporting facts about foreign places in turbulent times. Hear songs that tell stories at Shapiro’s cabaret show. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the first show and 9 p.m. for the second. Tickets cost $30-$50. AMP by Strathmore: 11810 Grand Park Ave. Bethesda, MD; www.ampbystrathmore.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
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The Juniper Tree and Bastianello If you think dramatizing story time with voices and accents is essential, this event is for you. These renditions of the fairytale “The Juniper Tree” and Bastianello, a collection of old Italian stories, turn beloved stories into family On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
David Sedaris The author behind Santaland Diaries brings his brilliant storytelling and hilarious observations to the DC area this summer. Whether you’re a huge Sedaris fan, or just love a good story but have no time to read, you don’t want to miss hearing his intimate and often hysterical narratives in person. Elf costume optional. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25-$55. Filene Center at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
on the scene
FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THESE AND OTHER EVENTS, VISIT THE ONLINE GALLERY AT WWW.ONTAPONLINE.COM.
The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith If you’ve ever wished you lived through the roaring 20s, here’s your chance to travel back for an evening. Pay your dues to the Empress of the Blues at this musical celebration of the iconic Bessie Smith. If her music isn’t reason enough to attend, her dramatic and larger-thanlife story certainly is. Devil’s Music reimagines the night Bessie and her band were turned away from performing at a whites-only venue. Show times and dates vary. Check www.atlasarts.org for ticket prices. Atlas Performing Arts Center: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
Global Impact Film Festival Calling all film lovers, activists and advocates alike. This one-ofa-kind festival brings days of documentaries and narratives that promise to inspire social change. This year’s films deal with a range of issues like immigration, violence, beauty and the environment. The festival also includes open panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities for filmmakers. Renaissance Marriott: 999 9th St. NW, DC; www.globalimpactfilmfest.org
Merriweather Movie Nights: School of Rock Bring blankets and lawn chairs, and come ready to watch some classic Jack Black hilarity without breaking the bank. Food is available at the venue. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Free admission. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com
Photos: Michelle Goldchain
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30
Nat Geo Nights: Sharks featured talks by marine conservationist Jess Cramp, oceanographer Camrin Brain and National Geographic Pristine Seas International Policy Manager Dan Myers.
www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2017 | ON TAP
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By Kaitlyn McQuin
H
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ave you ever been told a tall tale that had you questioning the sanity of the relative who was telling the story? Perhaps the main character in the story was a giant stomping about or a witch cackling in the forest…or, funnily enough, your dad? For those who visit home during the holidays, we get a taste of this annually. For Will Bloom, his eccentric and extroverted father Edward’s tall tales were all he knew, and thanks to Keegan Theatre, his largerthan-life stories of magic are coming to the District on August 5. Big Fish tells the story of Edward, a traveling salesman, who lives life by way of his imagination. His son Will is determined to find the truth behind his father’s tales, and as we watch him grow into a man of his own with a child on the way, he discovers that the extraordinary stories he once dismissed might contain the truth of their relationship – and a secret that Edward never shared. “It’s a father and son fantasy,” explains Dan Van Why, who plays Edward. “Will wished he had more of a connection with his father, aside from just the tales he told.” In the midst of growing older (fatherhood, family struggles and other pivotal milestones), Will finally came to understand his father in a way he never knew as a child – that he lives by his imagination and only wants the same for his son. “His father just wanted [Will] to have a big life,” Van Why says. Edward takes his family on grand adventures, with the moral of the stories always coming back to not being afraid to explore your mind. Codirector and Helen Hayes Award winner Colin Smith adds that the musical is “heartwarming, fun, energetic and a beautiful show surrounded by magic.” “I love the heart of it,” Smith says. If the budding relationship of father and son isn’t enough to grab you, maybe the score will. With the opening number “Be the Hero,” and pieces that will tug on your heartstrings like “Stranger,” Big Fish delivers in the musical department, which proved to be the attraction to the show for Van Why. He says the score drew him to the production, as did “working with a terrific company comprised of amazing, hardworking and nurturing people.” On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Artwork: Courtesy of Keegan Theatre
The actor also mentions his connection to his character, saying that he sees himself in Edward when it comes to life throwing things your way and just having to deal – not necessarily seeking adventure, but being sought out by adventure itself. Smith also feels a connection to one of the characters – Will. “My father passed away when I was in my early 20s, so the idea of a son coming to grips with his father who’s dying is something that’s very personal to me,” he says. I’m from the South, so I feel like I know the [characters] in the show – people who are big, but not cocky. And growing up in a generation without TV and Internet, we used our imaginations. We [still] try to keep what Edward has – imaginative storytelling. It’s a beautiful part of human nature.” Previous productions of Big Fish have been staged with grand set pieces, elaborate costumes and explosive lighting design, but Keegan Theatre is staying true to the script and keeping the set minimal. “The set is pretty adaptable – a blank space or abstract if we need it,” Smith says. “We want the audience to come in with a sense of wonder that I think we can often lose [as we age]. We see Edward have it and Will regain it, so we want the atmosphere to have a sense of wonder.” Van Why encourages local theatergoers to see the play because “we live in a world that’s getting smaller and smaller by the minute, and any opportunity we can take to dream big and look outward, we need.” Keegan Theatre’s production of Big Fish is sure to reel you in from the opening sequence. With tales of wonder, magic and genuine human connection running rampant throughout the musical, your emotions – and your imagination – will be ignited. Big Fish runs from August 5 to September 2 at Keegan Theatre. Tickets start at $45. Go to www.keegantheatre.com for more information.
Keegan Theatre: 1742 Church St. NW, DC; 202-265-3767 www.keegantheatre.com
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How Washingtonians Share Their Stories By Reem Nadeem
Story District’s Artistic Executive Director Amy Saidman
Photo: Courtesy of Story District
t’s something you do all the time, in lots of different places. You do it on social media when it’s your friend’s birthday, with a perfect candid and a heartfelt caption. You do it over the phone with parents who ask about every detail. You do it at happy hour or over coffee with friends you don’t see often enough. Storytelling is part of our everyday lives. It can express affection, build empathy, bear witness to injustice or make somebody laugh. In DC, it takes countless forms, and it’s not always recognized as storytelling. It can take shape as a spoken word poem practiced for rhyme and cadence, a standup routine with a perfectly timed punch line, a personal essay with plans to be published, a poem scribbled onto the back of a napkin or a story with no purpose other than to be told to an audience. Regardless of how the story sounds, Washingtonians need outlets for their narratives, and countless organizations are delivering.
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When it comes to open mics, poetry and literature are not the only options. Standup comedy is one of the most mainstream forms of oral storytelling, even if we don’t usually think of it that way. Antoine Griffin produces DC Improv’s monthly open mic nights, which he brought back after years of being discontinued. He says he revived them to give DC comics a place to test out new material, and budding comics a chance to make people laugh. DC Improv’s open mic nights aren’t completely open, however, as potential comics need to submit a tape for approval from Griffin before taking the stage. The tradeoff, though, is that newer comics who still have some experience get to entertain the crowds that Griffin says are native to DC. “A lot of the time at the club, I do hear people saying that comics are like the last philosophers,” Griffin said. “[Comedy is] the last place where people can go and hear the truth, and accept it in the form of laughter. It’s almost a safe space for truth, and I think that’s what you get out of the story in comedy.” A lot of people might not take comedy seriously. It’s supposed to make you laugh, so how serious can it be? But the act of hearing live storytelling – whether it’s a personal narrative or a take on politics – is a seriously intimate one. “We have close to 300 people in one pretty tight-fitting area,” On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Griffin said. “And once the light goes out, it becomes a very intimate experience between the comic and the crowd, where the feeling and the laughter all come together in one great ball of fun where everyone is experiencing it together.” DC Improv’s next open mic night is on August 24. RSVP or submit a tape at www.dcimprov.com.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my first post-graduation internship and introduction to DC’s literary community. The Inner Loop hosts monthly events, providing an opportunity for writers to share their work in three genres: fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Cofounded by Rachel Coonce and On Tap writer Courtney Sexton, the Inner Loop also hosts a podcast as well as regular events. Writers vary from those who have been published multiple times to those who have just begun their journeys as storytellers. Like Sunday Kind of Love, the subject matter is just as diverse as the city it’s read in. While DC’s population continues to change, it’s important not to forget that those who are native to the area have just as much of an impact on the stories we hear. “All of these different people come together to hear and be influenced by one another, because other people’s stories inform our
In-House | 4C | 8.5˝w X 11˝h
summer FREE
where DC meets this
Join Summer Sounds Waterfront Workouts Join us this August July forfor Summer Sounds andand Waterfront Workouts at Gangplank Gangplank Marina at Marina Park, 600 Water Water Street SW—and SW — andcelebrate Celebrate The Wharf’s Wharf’s grand grand opening opening year. The year
Summer Sounds and Waterfront Beer & Wine Garden VE EV E RY TH U RS DAY, 6 : 3 0 – 8 : 3 0 PM
Thursday, 6: Tom Thursday,July August 3: 7Lagana Deadlies
Enjoy refreshing drinks in our Beer & Wine Garden while you listen to some of the area’s best live music.
Thursday, 13: Uncle Jesse Thursday,July August 10: Jeff From Accounting
consume alcohol. Must be 21 or older to consumer alcohol.
Thursday, 27: Monster Band Thursday,July August 24: Eastern Standard Time
Thursday, 20: Moose JawTrawick & The Common Good Thursday,July August 17: Justin
Waterfront Workouts E V E RY SATU R DAY, 8 : 0 0 –11: 0 0AM
August 5,12,19: July 8, 15, 22, 29:
Greet the morning beside the water with our energizing workout program every Saturday.
8:00am: with DC DC Dragon Dragon Boat Boat Club Club 8:00am: Dragon Dragon Boat Boat Training Training with 9:00am: Laurent Amzallag Amzallag 9:00am: Yala Yala Fitness Fitness with Laurent 10:00am: 10:00am: Outdoor Outdoor Yoga with M Street Yoga August 26: Mid-Atlantic Dragon Boat Racing Spectacular
Summer Sounds is produced by On Tap Magazine. All summer activities and waterfront workouts are FREE and managed by Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, developers of The Wharf—a new world-class waterfront neighborhood now under construction. Phase I of The Wharf will open in October 2017. When complete, The Wharf will feature approximately three million square feet of new residential, office, hotel, retail, cultural, and public uses including waterfront parks, promenades, piers, and docks. More information is online at www.wharfdc.com. General information is available at 202.688.3590. The Wharf is within four blocks of the L’Enfant Plaza and Waterfront Metrorail stops.
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , F O L L O W U S ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND VISIT WHARFDC.COM.
own and enrich our experience of the world,” Coonce said. The Inner Loop hosts events once a month on either Tuesdays or Thursdays. Stay up-to-date on events and submit your work via www.theinnerlooplit.com.
When it comes to community-driven organizations, you’d be hard pressed to find any organization more driven by the people who attend its events than Spit Dat. As a spoken word open mic, Spit Dat separates itself from the competition because it’s a collective born of genuine friendship. Spit Dat cohosts Dwayne Lawson-Brown and Drew Anderson have imbued their organization with inside jokes and traditions that their regular audience members are often in on. They explain their Spit Dat traditions before every open mic, bringing Spit Dat itself to life with storytelling each week. Despite Spit Dat’s rich and often funny history, its story is easily outdone by the local talent. According to Lawson-Brown, spoken word poetry is just storytelling with passion. “Folks expect a certain level of energy or bravado, but a lot of my favorite spoken word pieces are more withdrawn [and] quiet,” LawsonBrown said. “They bring you in to the person. Spoken word is poetry shared with a passion, and that passion can look many different ways.” Although all storytelling contains an element of performance, spoken word can seem daunting because of the rhythm it requires. But with the supportive crowds at Spit Dat’s weekly events, there’s no better place to try it out. And the storytelling aspect is as therapeutic at Spit Dat as it is everywhere else. “People come in here and share things that they wouldn’t share with the people in their lives who the poem is about,” Anderson said. “They feel comfortable enough. It’s [like] community and church in the different ways that people describe it.” Spit Dat holds an open mic every Thursday. Follow Spit Dat’s journey at www.spitdat.wix.com/dc.
To outsiders, DC looks like a strictly government town. But our stories sound how our city looks: diverse. Some organizations make it their raison d'être to provide a space for unheard stories to be told. For Split This Rock's Sarah Browning, traditionally unheard voices are some of the most important. Split This Rock is a poetry reading series with a focus on provoking social change, hosting monthly events called Sunday Kind of Love with two featured readers followed by an open mic. Seasoned writers and amateur poets alike are welcome. "A huge amount of what is exciting and dynamic in American poetry right now is being written by people of color, and queer poets and trans poets, and people with disabilities, and anybody who's not reading that work is missing the boat," Browning said. "They're missing what's exciting in American poetry." The kinds of stories told at Sunday Kind of Love are the ones we know are out there but don't hear often enough. Browning says she frequently listens to poetry dealing with the effects of gentrification, violence and racism. Although the poems can get heavy, the environment at Sunday Kind of Love events is always conducive to healing and community. “It can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable, but it's a great honor to hear it, to be given the gift of just listening,” Browning said. “A lot is said about healing, and who knows how much it's healing? That's not for us to say as audience. It's the poet or storyteller who
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On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Speaker at a Sunday Kind of Love event
Photo: Courtesy of Split This Rock
feels compelled to tell, and so we listen. That's what we can give, right? We listen.” Sunday Kind of Love takes place the third Sunday of every month. Catch the next one on August 20, and learn more about Split This Rock at www.splitthisrock.org.
When it comes to oral storytelling, Story District might just fit the bill as the most straightforward. Formerly called Speak Easy, Story District has become an award-winning DC staple. At Story District, storytellers – many of them first-timers – are coached through a process where they get advice and feedback. They then take the stage at Story District’s monthly events and deliver a personal, nonfiction narrative. According to Story District’s Artistic Executive Director Amy Saidman, DC’s rich storytelling culture is in part due to its history of spoken word. “It’s a city full of intellectuals, wordsmiths and curious people,” Saidman said. Although it’s gone by different names, Story District has been around since the 90s. While listening to a story live may not be everyone’s idea of evening entertainment, the environment that live storytelling provides is one of the reasons DC has allowed its storytellers to thrive. “You’ll hear it over and over again,” Saidman says. “Our audiences are some of the warmest [and] most welcoming and open audiences you’ll find.” In addition to themed monthly events, Story District hosts educational workshops. Get details on upcoming events and their themes, and submit your pitch at www.storydistrict.org.
DC Improv 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.dcimprov.com Inner Loop Various locations around NW, DC (most commonly at Colony Club at 3118 Georgia Ave. NW, DC); www.theinnerlooplit.com Spit Dat The Emergence Community Arts Collective at 733 Euclid St. NW, DC www.spitdat.wix.com/dc Split This Rock 1301 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC (and various Busboys & Poets locations) www.splitthisrock.org Story District 3329 Georgia Ave. NW, DC (and various locations around the DC area) www.storydistrict.org
Look for ice cold Corona & Corona Light this summer at the following locations! AGUA 301 ALERO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE BUFFALO BILLARDS CANTINA MARINA DIRTY MARTINI BAR EL TIO FRONT PAGE RESTAURANT & GRILL GUAPOS MEXICAN CUISINE & CANTINA H STREET COUNTRY CLUB LAURIOL PLAZA RESTAURANT
LOST SOCIETY NICK’S RIVERSIDE GRILL ORANGE ANCHOR THE PROSPECT TONY & JOE’S SEAFOOD PLACE CACTUS CANTINA 801 RESTAURANT LOCAL 16 FLASH POLICY
Photo: Courtesy of CFF
CFF’s 2017 Finest Members
By On Tap staff
The event is the culmination of a 16-week program called Finest, teaching local professionals fundraising and networking skills. After raising money for CFF, learning valuable business skills and expanding their business contacts, Finest participants get classy and celebrate. According to Finest committee chair and former member Nuria Padro Diallo, the event is an incredible way to wrap up 16 productive weeks. “It’s always on a rooftop, there’s a silent auction, they have a celebrity guest emcee [and] they celebrate your accomplishments to-date in terms of what you’ve done in the community and your achievements,” Padro Diallo says. Finest members not only get a chance to relax and show off how much they’ve raised for a good cause, but the silent auction also gives them one last chance to raise funds for people affected by cystic fibrosis. “It’s just a really feel-good event, and it makes people really proud of their accomplishments in terms of how much they raised,” Padro Diallo says. Tickets are sold online and at the door, but Finest members get to invite family and friends to the event as well. The bash also gives Finest
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On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
members who have built friendships throughout the program some more time to bond in a more relaxed atmosphere, Finest mentor and former participant Korey Paff says. “Everybody’s friends and family came out to honor the person who raised the most money or brought in the biggest commitment from a vendor or sponsor,” he says. “We received really nice trophies, and [it was] just a really cool last get together. It was really cool just to celebrate together.” But more than anything, the bash gives Finest members a chance to look back on obstacles surpassed and lessons learned. One of Padro Diallo’s mentees excelled in his profession, but lacked fundraising experience. With her guidance and encouragement, as well as the support of his Finest peers, he excelled far more than he thought he would. “To me, that was what the Finest program was all about,” Padro Diallo said. “He came in very hesitant because he didn’t think he could achieve it, and not only did he achieve it, he raised more than his own goal. It was very meaningful for him and now he’s a champion for the cystic fibrosis community.” The 2017 Breathe Easy Bash will be held at K&L Gates on Thursday, September 14 at 6 p.m. To donate or learn more about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://metrodc.finestcff.org, or contact Beatrice Santacroce at bstancroce@cff.org.
Breathe Easy Bash at K&L Gates: Ninth floor terrace of 1601 K St. NW, DC; 301-657-8444; https://metrodc.finestcff.org
Three Concerts, Three Countries, One Cause* See the show, buy a special edition chalice and provide clean water to a woman in need.
July 20
White Ford Bronco (Brazil)
August 3
Pebble to Pearl (Cambodia)
August 17
19th Street Band (Uganda)
1
Limited Edition Chalice
5
Years Clean Water
NO COVER - doors 4pm, concerts 6pm. 201 Bar 201 Massachusetts Ave., NE www.201bar.com
www.ontaponline.com for show info
No cover, must be 21+ with valid ID. Always Enjoy Responsibly. Š 2017 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A., Stella ArtoisŽ Beer, Imported by Import Brands Alliance, St. Louis, MO. $6.25 provides clean drinking water to 1 person for 5 years. Stella Artois will donate to water.org $6.25 for every chalice sold in the U.S. in 2017, up to 250,000 Chalices.
Be Legacy
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
All Drink, Dine, Do event listings are provided by the venues hosting them.
Photos: Kyle Alexander
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1 AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
Zydeco and roots rock band The Crawdaddies played an upbeat, eclectic and good-time spirit set at Rockville Town Square for Friday Night Live.
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On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Rosslyn Public Art Walking Tour Join one of Arlington County's public artists-in-residence, Graham Coreil-Allen, for a free Rosslyn Public Art Walking Tour to learn about Rosslyn's celebrated public art collection. During these 90-minute tours, participants will discover the history, design and purpose of Rosslyn's works of public art. Throughout the tours, CoreilAllen will create opportunities for playful interaction and inclusive discussion. August 1 from 8-9 a.m., August 12 from 2-3:30 p.m. Free admission. Central Place Plaza: 1800 N Lynn St. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 3 Capital Harvest on the Plaza Farmers Market Capital Harvest on the Plaza (CHoP) offers a wide range of locally grown fruits and vegetables, flowers, specialty foods, and baked goods from 32 vendors. CHoP offers downtown DC market-goers interested in healthy eating and cooking with fresh ingredients the opportunity to connect with local farmers and artisans selling fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, meats, gourmet coffee beans, teas, juices, and much more. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.capitalharvestdc.com
THURSDAY, AUGUST 3 Buy a Lady a Drink Summer Concert Series: Pebble to Pearl Buy a lady a drink, and we’ll buy you one. Clean drinking water is essential to life, but 663 million people worldwide live without sufficient access. Each year, Stella Artois and water.org join forces to help make a difference, and now you can too. 201 Bar on Capitol Hill is hosting two concerts in August featuring DC bands with incredible female lead singers – Pebble to Pearl and 19th Street Band – to support the Buy a Lady a Drink campaign. On August 3 from 6-9 p.m., Pebble to Pearl brings their unique blend of funk, rock and powerful blues fused with soulful grooves and incomparable vocals to 201. Must be 21+. The show is free, but make a $20 donation and you will provide clean drinking water for five years to a person in need, plus you get an exclusive Stella Artois chalice and a beer. Each show supports a different country and has a unique glass. Light fare and drink specials will be offered. And don’t forget to check out 19th Street Band on August 17. 201 Bar: 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC; https://tickets.ontaponline.com
Pancakes & Booze Art Show DC's largest underground art show features 100+ emerging artists, live body painting, live DJ sets, live art and a free pancake bar. 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets start at $10. Penn Social: 801 E St. NW, DC; www.pancakesandbooze.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 Union Market Monthly DriveIn Series: Chef Union Market, northeast DC’s vibrant culinary and retail district, will continue its monthly drive-in movie series with the feature presentation Chef. The special screening is held in the parking lot and projected onto the market's wall. Movie lovers and retro fanatics alike can munch on theater-quality delectables while the DC Rollergirls will be on hand delivering snacks and drinks on wheels. 7-10 p.m. $10 per car. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 Annual Dog Days Sidewalk Festival The Annual Dog Days Sidewalk Festival promises two days of relaxed urban wandering. Nearly 100 businesses spill onto the sidewalks of the MidCity neighborhood's vibrant U Street Corridor, stretching from 7th to 17th Streets, and offering interactive specials, sales and merriment. Dog Days is the largest sidewalk sale in the city, covering 25 blocks in the heart of DC, and attracting more than 15,000 people. Starts at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Dog Days Sidewalk Festival: Various locations on U Street in NW, DC; www.dogdaysdc.com
Now through September 1
www.ontaponline.com | August 2017 | On Tap
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photos: Kayla Marsh
As the Nationals warmed up to face the Braves at home, Jeff From Accounting rocked the Budweiser Terrace for the lively DC crowd while they pregamed with Bud Light and Budweiser.
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On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
CATCH GREAT LIVE MUSIC Before Every Friday Home Game!
2017
BUDWEISER MUSIC SERIES 8/11 Uncle Jesse 8/25 Monster Band 9/8 For The Win
9/15 9/29
Lloyd Dobler Effect Sly 45 Music @ 5:00 | Game @ 7:05 OFFICIAL BEER
AN
PRODUCTION
© 2017 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® Beer, St. Louis, MO Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit MLB.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
august 18th
party yacht • open bar • great cause get your tickets and learn more about The Luv u Project at www.theluvuproject.org/luau The Luv u Project, Inc.
@theluvuproject
@theluvuproject
The Arts of War A night where visual and performing arts meet. This Guy Cook presents "The Arts of War" a three-room social interactive event with the release of Cook's EP Too Weak Notice. Silent art auction with participants from Dreams for Kids DC. All donations raised at event will go to Dreams for Kids DC. 8-9 p.m. Free admission. Hillyer Art Space: 9 Hillyer Ct. NW, DC; www.hillyerartspace.org SAFE AT HOME Kickball Tournament DC Fray is proud to be a part of the 12th annual SAFE AT HOME Kickball Tournament, a benefit to support Bridges to Independence, an organization that leads families and individuals out of homelessness and into stable, independent futures. The tournament will take place at Long Bridge Park in Crystal City, and will feature music, food, lawn games, and all-day kickball. Meet up, have fun, and do good. Team captain registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $825 per team. Long Bridge Park: 475 Long Bridge Dr. Arlington, VA; www.bridges2.org
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 COCHON555 Cochon555 is a culinary competition for a cause in support of safe, honest foodways and family farms producing heritage breed pigs. At the center of Cochon555 is a cook-off featuring five chefs preparing five whole, heritage breed pigs with innovative techniques and bold flavor profiles. Communal feasting is an integral part of the Cochon555 culinary fabric. Beyond the 30 chef-competitor dishes, guests can sample beef tartare with the wines of Antica Napa Valley, farmhouse cheeses, a pop-up bakery featuring La
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ON TAP | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Brea, a Reserve Salami Snack Bar, a ramen noodle soup bar, organic pate offerings, a Luxury Butter Bar truffle butter, foie gras and an innovative take on classic pastry. 4-7:30 p.m. $125$400. The Watergate Hotel: 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, DC; www.cochon555.com
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8 Georgetown Sunset Cinema: ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Head to Georgetown Waterfront Park on Tuesday nights at sunset for Georgetown's third annual free outdoor movie series. Georgetown restaurants will be on-site or offer delivery/ to-go before the movies. Movie starts at sunset, between 8:40-8:50 p.m. This summer's lineup honors Women in Film by featuring iconic movies with strong female leads and story lines, from comedies to inspirational dramas. Grab a blanket, bring a picnic and head to the beautiful Georgetown Waterfront Park (at the intersection of W/Water Street and Cecil Pl. NW) to view films with the panoramic backdrop of the sunset, Potomac River and Key Bridge. Blankets only (no chairs, please). Georgetown Waterfront Park is a national park and prohibits the use of alcohol. 7- 11:00 p.m. Free admission. Georgetown Waterfront: Water Street NW, DC; www.georgetowndc.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 Fermentation for Beginners In this two-hour, hands-on class, you'll learn all about the basics of vegetable fermentation so that you can create delicious pickles and relishes from local summer vegetables. Topics covered will include fermentation basics and benefits, vegetable selection, salting, brining, troubleshooting and more. Attendees will leave with their own jar of pickles
to ferment at home, as well as an information packet so they can make lots more fermented goodies on their own. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Tickets $35. Red Wiggler Community Farm: 23400 Ridge Rd. Germantown, MD; www.redwiggler.org DC Mojito March Enjoy six specialty editions of the classic rum cocktail - all included in your ticket - as you explore six of Dupont Circle's best bars during this all-day mojito adventure. 12-10 p.m. Tickets $55. DC Mojito March: Various Locations in Dupont Circle NW, DC; www.eventbrite.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 War of the Roses Episode I: Henry VI Part Brunch Shakespeare in the Pub is a group of rowdy DC actors reading Shakespeare in bars. Performers may not be 100 percent sober and they're going
to do four plays in a week, because they're crazy people. It starts with Henry VI Part 1, in brunch form. Get yourself a Bloody Mary and strap in. The performance is directed by Angela Kay Pirko. Why? Because it's fun. When? When they feel like it. How much? Just tip your bartenders, man. 12-3 p.m. Free to attend. The Pinch: 3548 14th St. NW, DC; www.shakespeareinthe.pub Meet The Author: Kimberley W. Eley Eley asks the questions many people ask themselves: Why can't I have fun at work? If you love what you do, will you never work another day in your life? Are people who are passionate about what they do really different from everyone else? Tickers takes the reader on a journey across America, talking with many different people who share one thing in common: They do what they love to do. As a writing coach and publisher,
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 Facing the Music: 13 Years of Concert Posters The Gallery of Lost Origin Productions presents a 13-year retrospective of concert posters by Jeffrey Everett of Rockets are Red. The exhibit will have over 75 posters including rare prints and original sketches for sale. Everett also has had the pleasure of designing and illustrating for a wide variety of entertainment, corporate, and non-profit clients. Everett has created designs for such bands as Jason Mraz, Social Distortion, Foo Fighters, The Decemberists, Flight of the Conchords, Gaslight Anthem, Lou Reed, The Bouncing Souls and A Day to Remember. He is the recipient of gold and silver awards from the Art Directors Club and “best-in-categories� from the AdClub (Addys). Opens at 6 p.m., gallery runs through September 5. Free to attend. Learn more about Everett and Rockets are Red at www.rockets-are-red.com, and check out our interview with him on page 56. Gallery at Lost Origin Productions: 3110 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, DC; www.lostorigins.gallery
8.23.17 | 9.20.17
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Eley is passionate about helping others become their best selves - to find a career they love, to pursue what makes them "tick," and to look forward to getting out of bed every morning (yes, even on Mondays) Her client Shirley T. Burke, who is publishing her first book this year, joins her. 4 p.m. Event is free, but reservations required. The O Street Museum in The Mansion on O: 2020 O St. NW, DC; www.omuseum.org
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 Arlington County Fair Opening Day The Arlington County Fair is one of the largest free events on the East Coast and has been providing quality entertainment for almost 40 years. In recent years, attendance has reached 74,000 as people come from
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Arlington and Northern Virginia to enjoy competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, racing piglets and more. Each year the Thomas Jefferson Community Center is transformed into a special place with something for everyone to see. 5-10 p.m. Admission is free. Thomas Jefferson Community Center: 3501 Second St. S, Arlington, VA; www.arlingtoncountyfair.us Glow Yoga on the Mall Join DC Fray and other district Yogis for our epic Summer Glow Yoga on the Mall series. All levels welcome. Meet them on the mall (between 3rd Street NW and 4th Street NW, next to Madison Drive NW) as their favorite instructor from Balance Gym, Andrea, leads them through an hour-long Vinyasa flow. And they're inclined to
On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
think it'll be hot Vinyasa flow thanks to Mother Nature. Bring your own mat, and they'll bring the glow sticks and body paint. You'll glow against the skyline and have one of the best views during the day's golden hour. 8-9 p.m. Admission is free. National Mall: between 3rd Street NW and 4th Street NW, next to Madison Drive NW; www.dcfray.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival All your favorite craft beers and some great wines will be served to highlight the summer afternoon on-hand. Enjoy all the crabs you can handle during the four hours of the show. The crabs vary in size and will be offered at six crabs at a time, per person. There will
be other great food options as well available for purchase. There are no vegetarian options available. Unless outlined – all food is sold a la carte. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Tickets $45-$95. National Harbor: 300 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; www.mdcrabfest.com River Floatilla The sweet, long summer days are finally here. Grab your cooler, favorite brews, swimsuit, floaties and water gun action. Meet at the Dunkin’ Donuts in Arlington near the Ballston Metro stop between 7-7:30 a.m. for check-in, and leave promptly at 8 a.m. to Front Royal Canoe. It's roughly a two-hour drive, but don't worry, you'll enjoy a cozy charter bus and can take turns DJing and lip syncing. After a 10 a.m. arrival, your event coordinator will quickly
EVERY CLIMB DESERVES A REFRESHING FINISH
©2016 COORS BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18
Football is starting & we are THE home of the PITTSBURGH STEELERS! Catch your favorite NCAA team here or ask us to cater your next gamewatch! 567 23rd St S, Arlington, VA 22202 | (703) 979-1872 info@tortoiseandharebar.com
Happy Hour Monday - Friday: 3-6 pm
Drink Specials $ 5 Select Appetizers Flatbreads Deviled Eggs Chips & Queso Spin Dip Potato Skins Chicken Tenders
52 TVS + 27 DRAFTS = EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT SEASON
Boomerang Party Yacht Dance the night away while you cruise under the stars on DC’s Potomac River. Each $75 ticket includes entry onto the private party yacht, open bar, appetizers, music and more. Join us for Happy Hour at the Orange Anchor before we set sail from the Georgetown Waterfront. All proceeds from the event will go to The Luv u Project to fund the 2017 Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Excellence in Mental Health Reporting. This award elevates the conversation and visibility of this important social issue. Luvu Luau: Departs from 3100 K St. NW, DC; www.theluvuproject.com check the groups in, while you ready the coolers, and then jump on the shuttle buses for a short mile ride down to the river. Total time on the river can be anywhere from two to four hours depending on water levels. After the epic float, gather back on the buses around 2 p.m., and arrive back at the Dunkin Donuts around 4 p.m. 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Early bird registration is only $69. Front Royal Canoe: 8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. Front Royal, VA; www.dcfray.com Rooftop Yoga Concerts: Piano with Cynthia Marie Join East Side Yoga for an amazing rooftop experience of yoga, live music, scrumptious desserts and the company of your fellow yogis. The evening begins with a relaxed flow rooftop yoga class led by owner Alia Khan. But instead of flowing to one of her famous playlists,
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On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
you'll be grooving to a custom set list performed live by a local musician. Afterwards, enjoy the company of fellow yogis over yummy desserts on the rooftop deck. 8-10 p.m. $35. East Side Yoga: 5 10th St. NE, DC; www.eastsideyogadc.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 Pedals 'N' Pints: August Short Ride Come gather at 10:45 a.m. for coffee and donuts, and depart at 11 a.m. for a 10-mile ride. Work up a thirst and return to plenty of brews and a food truck. Mountain, cyclocross or hybrid bikes are perfect for this ride. All participants will need to sign a waiver beforehand. Helmet wearing is mandatory. Free to attend. Port City Brewing Company: 3950 Wheeler Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.portcitybrewing.com
Biggest Fight of the Year! August 26
See it on DC’s largest 20ft HD projection screen
mayweather mcgregor
Presale VIP Packages No Line • Great seats Execllent Service!
1214 18th st nw washington dc
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
NYC Comedy Invades DC Jordan and Bret Raybould present a night of standup comedy from some of their best and funniest friends from the NYC comedy scene for one night only in the showroom of the Town Tavern. This monthly showcase features professional comedians from Comedy Central, MTV and Netflix, and will undoubtedly be a night to remember. Stick around after the show for a DJ-led dance party. 8:30-11 p.m. $15-$20. Town Tavern: 2323 18th St. NW, DC; www.towntaverndc.com
Friday, August 25 Brews & Baseball DCBW Edition Join Port City at Nationals Park for a division show down. Your ticket includes a ticket for the game as well as an all-inclusive experience from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Home Plate Tailgate inside Nationals Park. Your purchase of the Home Plate Tailgate ticket includes:
Port City Beer (including some limited releases), Burger Bar (Hot Dogs, Salad, Watermelon, Potato Chips). 5:30-7 p.m. $75-$100. Nationals Park: 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC; www.portcitybrewing.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 Dog Days of Summer This fundraiser for Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-Being (MCPAW) includes live music, a food truck and of course, some great beer. Learn more about the organization and have the chance to meet one of the shelter dogs. 7 Locks Brewing will be donating $1 from each pint to MCPAW, so come drink for the dogs. 3-7 p.m. Free admission. 7 Locks Brewing: 12227 Wilkins Ave. Rockville, MD; www.7locksbrewing.com
Photos: Kayla Marsh
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
Locals gathered at Crafthouse in Fairfax Corner to sample beers from craft breweries Blue Mountain Brewery, Bold Rock, Apocalypse Ale Works, Troegs and Brothers Craft Brewing.
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On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Night Out at the Nats Come cheer for the Nats as they take on the Mets. All tickets get you pregame drink specials from Due South when you pick up your tickets, plus $3 Bud Lights. Seats are in the Scoreboard Pavilion, Sec. 240-243, a prime location to the field and the beer. Don’t delay or your FOMO will grow to epic proportions. Ticket sales will close one week prior to the day of the game for all games. 5:30-7 p.m. $25. Nationals Park: 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC; www.groupmatics.event/dcbeerweek
GET READY!
DC Beer Week 2017 August 20 - 27
From Conception to Consumption Celebrating All Things Beer in the District! www.dcbeerweek.net www.ontaponline.com/dcbeer A D.C. Brewer’s Guild Production. Please enjoy responsibly.
Look fo
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OFFICI ʼs AL GUIDE
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Can’t Wait Until the
BURGER BATTLE?
Swing in For Great Beer & Burger Specials, Prizes & Your Chance to Win DC Burger Battle Tickets! Thursday, July 27 ................. Bullfeathers 5-7 pm Thursday, August 3 ............... Stoney’s on L 5-7pm Friday, August 4........ Hill Country Barbecue 5-7pm Tuesday, August 8 ......burgers.beer.bourbon 4-6pm Thursday, August 10........... Hard Rock Café 5-7pm Tuesday, August 15 ................... Rebellion 5-7pm Photos: Ryan Hill
Thursday, August 17.................. 10 Tavern 5-7pm Tuesday, August 22 ...................Blackfinn 6-8pm
For more info and to get DC Burger Battle tickets, visit
www.dcburgerbattle.com 26
On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Tacos, Beer, and Tequila – what more could you want? Taste USA hosted the first-ever Taco, Beer, Tequila Festival featuring craft beer samples, tequilas tastings and 16 different taco trucks.
DC BURGER
BATTLE
Eat Burgers. Battle Hunger. YOU tell us who makes DC’s best burger! Proceeds benefit SOME (So Others Might Eat)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 | 6-9PM Hill Country Backyard Barbecue 401 F St. NW at the National Building Museum
$25 Includes burger samples & all-you-care-to-enjoy Budweiser, Bud Light, Goose Island IPA & wine.
www.dcburgerbattle.com
PLUS LIVE MUSIC FROM
TRAILER GRASS ORCHESTRA
JUSTIN TRAWICK & THE COMMON GOOD Must be 21+ please enjoy responsibly.
On the grill at Porrón by ANXO
By Lani Furbank On Tap keeps locals in the know about the hottest new food and drink spots around town, the top culinary news of the month and recent closings. Read on to get the inside scoop on what’s new, notable and no longer in the DC area.
Photo: Courtesy of Chicken + Whiskey
NEW
Pollo a la brasa at Chicken + Whiskey
Chicken + Whiskey Open: June 20 Location: 14th Street Lowdown: The name of this hybrid concept from Star Restaurant Group says it all: a fastcasual Peruvian chicken joint meets a craft whiskey bar. Upon entering the restaurant,
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there’s a counter where you can order pollo a la brasa and a host of sides, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Chef Enrique Limardo, recruited from critically acclaimed Alma Cocina Latina in Baltimore, brines and then slow roasts the locally sourced whole chickens in Peruvian charcoal ovens. I devoured a platter of juicy dark meat, crispy yucca fries, seasoned black beans and bright guasacaca. Walk past the kitchen and you’ll see a silver refrigerator door that leads to the bar, which boasts more than 60 whiskies, including bottles from lesser-known American distilleries and underrepresented international destinations like India and Australia. Opt for a dram or a classic cocktail made with the spirit of your choice. Partners Kris Carr, Charles Koch, Desmond Reilly and Stuart Damon wanted the bar to feel like a true neighborhood spot with affordable prices and quality alcohol. Koch, an international DJ, has lent his personal vinyl collection to the bar and frequently invites DJ friends to man the booth. 1738 14th St. NW, DC; www.chickenandwhiskey.com
ChiKo Open: July 7 Location: Barracks Row Lowdown: Chefs Scott Drewno (formerly of The Source) and Danny Lee (of Mandu)
Photo: Courtesy of Leading DC
Photo: Farrah Skeiky
ChiKo dish
have combined their areas of culinary expertise – Chinese and Korean cuisines, respectively – to create a fast-casual concept that’s serving some of the most innovative and delicious food in the city right now, but at a surprisingly affordable price tag. The pair, along with their third partner, Drew Kim (of Matchbox Food Group), wanted ChiKo to be a place where they could let their creative fantasies run free, and the result is dishes like chilled acorn noodles with kimchi, gochujang and egg, as well as Wagshal’s chopped brisket with a soy-brined egg, furikake butter and rice. They’ve also taken the idea of orange chicken into their own hands and created “orange-ish chicken,” crispy fried meat accompanied by a sauce that’s actually made with the namesake fruit. No reservations are needed to order a la
carte, but I opted to sit at the chef’s counter, where Drewno and Lee serve nearly the entire menu for just $50. Drink choices are beer, soju, wines, build-your-own cocktails, and non-alcoholic sodas, teas and juices. 423 8th St. SE, DC; www.chikodc.com
NOW OPEN Across the Pond 1732 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC www.acrosstheponddc.com
Open: June 26 Location: Shaw Lowdown: One of DC’s favorite sommeliers has struck out on his own with a wine bar unlike any other in the city. Brent Kroll Maxwell Park dish recruited two young somm friends, Daniel Runnerstrom and Niki Lang, to be his partners in Maxwell, which is named after a park in Detroit that Kroll frequented during his childhood. The 1,050-squarefoot spot has a playful vibe, with a chalkboard bar so guests can doodle or write notes about their wine. The wine list, however, is taken very seriously. The three somms all have equal say in making the 50 by-the-glass selections, which are divided into two categories: a monthly theme and a rotating list of the partners’ favorites. The intent of each theme is to help guests explore a certain category of wine. August’s is “How Big Is My Bubble?” and it’s all about non-champagne sparkling wines – perfect for the oppressive summer heat. On the menu itself, there’s one unexpected number alongside the prices. The bar’s refrigeration system has five distinct temperature zones to chill the wines, and the proper serving temperature is listed next to each glass. Kroll and his team are eager to please, so guests can always ask for a custom flight based on their preferences. In the future, winos can look forward to guided tasting classes by the Maxwell team. As for food, Maxwell will host different local chefs, like Lonnie Zoeller and Tony Conte, to create small plates for the menu. 1336 9th St. NW, DC; www.maxwelldcwine.com
Photo: Courtesy of Maxwell Park
Maxwell Park
BGR in Mosaic 3129 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA www.bgrtheburgerjoint.com
Pizzeria Paradiso 4800 Rhode Island Ave. Hyattsville, MD www.eatyourpizza.com
Blue Bottle 1046 Potomac St. NW, DC www.bluebottlecoffee.com
Qualia Coffee 151 Q St. NE, DC www.qualiacoffee.com
Continental Beer Garden 1911 North Fort Myer Dr. Arlington, VA www.continentalpoollounge. com/continental-beer-garden
Roti 1251 First St. SE, DC www.roti.com
Dolcezza pop-up at Hirshhorn 7th and Independence Ave. SW, DC www.dolcezzagelato.com/ locations/hirshhorn Falls Church Distillers 442 S Washington St. Falls Church, VA www.fcdistillers.com Photo: Duane Heaton
Library Tavern 5420 3rd St. NW, DC www.librarytaverndc.com Lilise Pizzeria 1824 Columbia Rd. NW, DC www.lilisepizzeria.com
Bibibop Asian Grill 710 7th St. NW, DC www.bibibop.com
Crimson Diner 627 H St. NW, DC www.thepodhotel.com/pod-dc
Sushi Gakyu Open: June 27 Location: Downtown Lowdown: The crown jewel of Chef Yoshihisa Ota’s latest sushi spot is the omakase tasting menu, where Appetizer platter at Sushi Gakyu diners let the chef steer the ship for the evening. The experience incorporates the familiar nigiri as well as more unusual styles of sushi. For a la carte dining, Ota encourages guests to order off the menu. During the grand opening celebration, I was in heaven as I made my way through Ota’s custom platters laden with dozens and dozens of rolls. Ota’s primary focus is sushi, since he has been practicing the art for over 30 years, but he is also a kikisakeshi, which translates to master of sake. This means there’s a top-notch selection of sake available. Guests may already be familiar with Ota’s sushi skills from his Bethesda restaurant, Yuzu Japanese Dining. 1420 New York Ave. NW, DC; www.gakyudc.com
BBQ Bus 5830 Georgia Ave. NW, DC www.bbqbusdc.com
Jenkins Capital BBQ 3365 14th St. NW, DC
Santa Rosa Taqueria 313 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC www.santarosataqueria.com Tortas y Tacos La Chiquita 2911 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA Thaiverse 101 S Madison St. Middleburg, VA www.thaiverse.com ThinkFoodLab 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC www.thinkfoodlab.com Vitality Bowls 1515 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA www.vitalitybowls.com
Imm Thai 1414 Ninth St. NW, DC www.immthai.com
No longer Bar Civita at Woodley Park
One Block West in Winchester
Boundary Stone on H Street
RFD on 7th Street
Conbini Café at Florida Avenue
Rumba Café in Adams Morgan
Grapeseed in Bethesda
Straw Stick & Brick Delicatessen in Petworth
GTown Bites in Georgetown Halal Guys on H Street L’Enfant Café in Adams Morgan
The Tomato Palace in Columbia zpizza in Silver Spring
L’Hommage Bistro on K Street www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2017 | On Tap
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Photo: Courtesy of Hill Country
NOTABLE
Hill Country’s backyard barbecue offerings
Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue
Gordon Biersch + SJ Enterprises Presents
SKI JOHNSON LIVE Beer & Jazz Date Night Tour August 10th at 6pm Gordon Biersch DC 900 F Street NW, Washington, DC 202.594.6720
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On Tap | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: Farrah Skeiky
Hours: Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. Location: National Building Museum Lowdown: Hill Country has brought back their popular Backyard Barbecue pop-up, serving up Central Texas-style barbecue, beer, frozen drinks and live music. New menu offerings include a Texas cheesesteak, which is loaded with shredded brisket, serrano peppers and caramelized onions. There’s also pulled pork sandwiches, hot links and classic sides like coleslaw and baked beans. The lawn is adorned with lounge chairs, tents and yard games, and it’s all dog and family-friendly. 401 F St. NW, DC; www.hillcountry.com/dc
Porrón by ANXO dishes
Porrón by ANXO Hours: Thursday 7-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 p.m. - 1 a.m., and Friday through Sunday breakfast 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location: Barracks Row Lowdown: DC’s only cidery is continuing to expand their empire with a summer pop-up featuring the most entertaining way to drink cider: out of a porrón hoisted high above your head. The glass vessels are filled with shandy-style drinks, and there will also be house ciders available, including the newest ANXO collaboration made with Snowdrift Cider Co. The food menu is all about the grill, with wood-fired meats and vegetables from Executive Chef Alex Vallcorba, plus rotating pop-ups from local chefs. The menu from the Kennedy Street Cidery is also available, along with breakfast from Timber Pizza Co. and Lost Sock Roasters. The space emulates the outdoors, with turf flooring and blue skies covering the ceiling and walls. 525 8th St. SE, DC; www.anxodc.com/porron
MORE TASTE, FEWER CALORIES AND HALF THE CARBS OF BUD LIGHT.
©2017 MILLER BREWING CO., MILWAUKEE, WI Av. analysis (12 fl. oz.): 96 cals, 3.2g carbs, <1g protein, 0g fat. Per 12 fl. oz., Bud Light has 110 cals, 6.6g carbs. Taste testing performed by Institute for Perception, May 2015.
ML_More_Taste_Bud_8_25x10_75__210643JC.indd 1
3/24/17 12:03 PM
All What’s On Tap listings are provided by the venues hosting them.
By Nicolas Rodrigo
Greetings, beer nerds! As you likely know, there are a number of fantastic establishments in the DMV where you can grab a pint, and their menus are always evolving and adapting to your tastes. If you’d rather avoid the guessing game, check out some of what’s coming up at a few of these fine establishments.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 3 SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 Craft Beer Cellar Anniversary Weekend Join Craft Beer Cellar for an epic weekend of out-of-market beers to celebrate the coming Craft Brewers Conference. The celebration features brews from Lone Pint Brewery, 14th Star Brewery, Grimm, Fantome, Allagash and more. There will also be a raffle and other giveaways featuring rare bottles of Westvleteren XII and other swag. Thursday and Friday from 4:30-7 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. No entry fee. Craft Beer Cellar: 301 H St. NE, DC; www.craftbeercellar.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 International Beer Day at Heritage Brewing Co. There’s no better place to celebrate International Beer Day than Heritage Brewing Co., tapping a firkin (organic tangerine hoppy wheat beer), pouring an exclusive experimental brew, and offering special pricing on packaged beer and flagship flights. 11 a.m. - midnight. Free to attend. Heritage Brewing Co. Market Common Brewpub & Roastery: 1300-1398 N Fillmore St. Arlington, VA; www.hbcmarketcommon.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 The Great North American Naughtical Beer Mile The Great North American Naughtical Beer Mile represents an opportunity for beer drinkers to come gain glory, while running purists are brought to their knees. Folks who finish will be granted a medal
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beer opener. So come crack a few, and while you’re at it, bring your friends to drink this race off your beer bucket list. Individual and team relay (less running for each person!) categories with elite and “I have no idea what I’m doing” heats available. Event starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40-$60. The Yards: 355 Water St. SE, DC; www.runpacers.com
MONDAY, AUGUST 7 The Near & Far Beer Dinner Series: Beers of Scandinavia Rustico Alexandria will host a five-course dinner pairing hard-to-find Scandinavian brews with Chef de Cuisine Aaron Wright’s special Scandinavian-inspired menu. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some deliciously rare treats like Mikkeller Black Hole, Brekeriet Ribes and Evil Twin XXX. 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $55. Rustico Alexandria: 827 Slaters Ln. Alexandria, VA; www.rusticorestaurant.com
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9 The Sovereign’s Summer of Sours The Sovereign is thrilled to host fantastic beers from Logsdon Farmhouse Ales, including rare kegs of Peche ‘n Brett and Cerasus. 5-11 p.m. There is no admission fee for this event. All Logsdon beers will be priced individually in by the glass and in 4 oz. tasting pours. The Sovereign: 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.thesovereigndc.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 3 Stars Brewing Company Five-Year Anniversary It’s been five years since 3 Stars opened their doors in DC, and to commemorate
the momentous occasion, the brewery is throwing a monster bash. There will be a curated lineup of beers from some of their best friends in the business to showcase the greatness of the craft brewing community. There will also be a live performance from the School of Rock, and DJs Keenan Orr and Smudge. Tickets are limited. 1-7 p.m. Tickets are $20-$50. 3 Stars Brewing Company: 6400 Chillum Pl. NW, DC; www.3starsbrewing.com Cider, Sangria and Craft Brew Head to Tysons Biergarten for a first taste of fall with more than 50 local ciders and craft brews, as well as summertime sangrias from local wineries. 1-6 p.m. Tickets cost $20-$30. Tysons Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA; www.tysonsbiergarten.com Twinpanzee Brewing Company’s Grand Opening Celebration Enjoy primate-brewed beer, food trucks and…more beer. Bring friends and your appetite, and most importantly, bring your thirst for delicious craft beer. 12-10 p.m. Free to attend. Twinpanzee Brewing Company: 101-D Executive Dr. Sterling, VA; www.twinpanzee.com Workhouse Brewfest Workhouse Brewfest brings together the best local and regional breweries for a festive day of sampling and musical entertainment at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Enjoy live music, food vendors, exhibitors, lawn games, workshops, artists’ studios and much more. 1-8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$85. Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Rd. Lorton, VA; www.workhousearts.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 Food in the Garden: Fermentation Nation Head to the National Museum of American History’s newest garden space on the second floor East Terrace for food, drinks and dynamic conversations. From beer and wine to pickling and preserving, learn how Americans have used this chemical reaction to a delicious advantage throughout history. The evening will feature a panel of discussion with experts and historians, and an interactive reception. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40. National Museum of American History: 14th Street and Constitution Avenue in NW, DC; www.americanhistory.si.edu
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 First Annual Capital Chili Cookoff and DMV Beer Festival Nothing is better than chili, local craft beer and music. Enjoy unlimited beer samples from the best local breweries in the DMV, plus free chili samples from the best chili cooks in the region with the opportunity to vote for the winner in the “People’s Choice” category. There will also be live music from some of the best DC area cover bands that will keep the party going. 2-5 p.m. Tickets cost $45$65. The Bullpen: 1299 Half St. SE, DC; www. capitalchilicookoff.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 DC Beer Week 2017 The DC Brewers’ Guild proudly presents the ninth annual DC Beer Week, an eight-day festival celebrating the DC area’s craft beer community. Throughout, local breweries, restaurants, bars and community partners will bring you the area’s best craft beer tastings, educational seminars and events. DC Beer Week: Various locations around the DC area; www.dcbeerweek.net
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 DC Brau Genuine Sixth Annual Crabfest Monumental Extravaganza For the sixth year, DC Brau and Quarterdeck are teaming up for their epic annual crabcrackin’ get down. This is going to be the event of the summer. Help DC Brau celebrate indigenous beer with all-you-can-eat crabs. 5-10 p.m. This event features $1 drafts and $5 pitchers. $50 for all-you-can-eat. Quarterdeck: 1200 North Fort Myer Dr. Arlington, VA; www.quarterdeckarlington.com
Crooked Run team (Jake Endres on the far left)
Photo: Courtesy of Crooked Run Brewery
JAKE
ENDRES
Head Brewer, Crooked Run Brewery
On Tap: How did you come up with the name Crooked Run? James Endres: It’s a small stream that runs by my house. OT: Any new beers in the works? Any new summer releases? JE: We’re going to have a Berliner Weisse with blackberries, milk, sugar and vanilla beans. Then we’re going to have a double IPA with guava and a New Zealand pilsner called Cruise Control. OT: What made tacos your go-to food to have onsite at the Sterling location? JE: The taco place was already an established restaurant, and they joined up with us to do this location. It’s called Senor Ramon Taqueria. We started working with them last summer back when we only had one brewery, and only a little beer. We actually did some distribution over at their place. OT: Has bottle and canning distribution begun? JE: Yes, we’ve been doing a can release about once every month, and we’ve done one bottle release so far. Our bottle releases tend to be our higher ABV beers. We are in the middle of purchasing a new canning line, and we should have cans a lot more frequently in about three months. We plan to do cans mostly of our double and triple IPAs.
Crooked Run Brewery: 22455 Davis Dr. #120, Sterling, VA and 205 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg, VA; www.crookedrunbrewing.com www.ontaponline.com | August 2017 | On Tap
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1. The Virginia beer industry contributes more than $9 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.
By Kayla Marsh
3. The first and largest hops-processing facility in the MidAtlantic lives in Leesburg at Black Hops Farm.
4. Richmond has the most craft breweries and wineries per capita in the whole country (10.44 craft breweries per 100,000 residents).
7. Virginia craft breweries weren’t allowed to sell full glasses of beer to customers until Senate Bill 604 was passed in 2012. 6. There are 164 craft breweries in Virginia, which ranks 13th among the other states.
8. Virginia’s oldest craft brewery is Legend Brewing Company in Richmond.
9. The original Portner Brewing Company in Alexandria grew to become the largest pre-Prohibition brewery in the Southeastern U.S., and the city’s largest employer. The brewery was recently resurrected and is now run by Robert Portner’s great-granddaughters.
2. Devils Backbone has won more awards than any other brewery in Virginia, and it’s the state’s largest brewery.
5. BadWolf Brewing Company in Manassas only makes unfiltered and unpasteurized beers, and provides farmers with spent grains.
10. This year, 356 beers in 24 categories were entered in the Virginia Craft Beer Cup Awards.
Fun facts courtesy of the following articles: #1: www.wtvr.com/2017/06/16/virginia-has-more-breweries-than-n-c-industry-employs-28000/ #2: www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/amid-deal-with-anheuser-busch-craft-brewery-gets-kicked-out-of-its-own-festival/2016/08/12/ afcfcc84-5fec-11e6-8e45-477372e89d78_story.html #3: www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/18/virginia-hops-growers-boost-craft-beer-industry/ #4: www.styleweekly.com/ShortOrderBlog/archives/2016/10/11/richmond-is-no-1-in-craft-breweries-per-capita #5: www.badwolfbrewingcompany.com #6: www.brewersassociation.org/statistics/by-state/ #7: www.richmond.com/business/new-va-law-allows-breweries-to-serve-beer-by-the/article_cc4d365a-ae0b-5acf-b12d-0e79912b4a18.html #8: www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/the-oldest-brewery-in-every-state-in-america #9: www.portnerbrewhouse.com #10: www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2017/06/06/area-breweries-win-virginia-craft-beer-cup-awards/373295001/
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ON TAP | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
September 16, 2017, 12pm-6pm
For tickets and info visit www.msbrewing.com Benefits K-9 for Warriors and VAVETS.
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By Trent Johnson
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Vanish Farmwoods Brewery
n June, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced that the state was home to 206 licensed breweries, moving ahead of neighboring North Carolina. According to the governor’s office, the impact of the state’s beer industry is an annual economic contribution of more than $9.3 billion. “The beer industry is a significant economic driver that spans several sectors including manufacturing, agriculture and tourism,” McAuliffe said in a recent statement. “I commend our Virginia breweries for their hard work in making world-class beer, and for playing a key role in building the new Virginia economy.” Not only does the state house a tremendous amount of breweries, the diversity between each only heightens the vast array of selections for consumers like you and me – folks who enjoy a brew birthed from passion. For Virginia Craft Beer Month, we wanted to find spots in Northern Virginia with interesting stories to share regarding the opening and operating of their breweries. We landed on three vastly different locations: Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, Aslin Beer Co. and BadWolf Brewing Company.
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Photos: Trent Johnson
Aslin Beer Company
Andrew Kelley and Kai Leszkowicz, the two operators of Aslin Beer Co., are actually brothersin-law. The pair first crossed paths at a family outing, when Kelley was dating Leszkowicz’s sister-in-law. “The first time I met him was at Thanksgiving, and we made him sit next to the matriarch of the family,” Leszkowicz says. “He dealt really well with that, and we sort of pumped him full of drinks to make it really awkward.” The idea for a brewery hit the two when their significant others gifted them beer kits at the same time. When Leszkowicz’s wife was relocated to the DC area, the two connected and decided to scrape their money together, opening Aslin Beer Co. in September 2015. Their wives’ maiden name hangs above the door. “We just brewed a lot, and read a ton of books,” Leszkowicz says. “We reached out to the American Brewers Guild and talked to them about what we should do.”
ON TAP | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Most breweries start with a 10-barrel production system, but due to limited resources, Aslin had to start even smaller. Instead, the tiny company began with a two-barrel system, double batching to keep up with the demand. “It was selling in the taproom faster than we could make it,” Leszkowicz says. “We kept investing money into it and growing the business.” Even though Aslin has remained at the same location in Herndon, it hasn’t been an easy road to popularity. The beer is undeniably tasty, and creates demand, but their taproom is no longer functional, as they have chosen to avoid future conflicts with neighbors and closed it, filling it with equipment for churning out more product instead. “All our stuff has been changing this past year,” Leszkowicz says. “I loved interfacing with customers, and once you get beyond the superficial, you start to hear interesting stories and learn about their families. We had so much fun meeting these different people, and now I have to read about my brewery through social media.” Despite issues with the local bureaucracy, people are interested in Aslin Beer Co. People still wait in line to fill up their growlers or grab a six pack of the now famed New England-style IPAs the brewery is known for. “We’re trying to make Aslin Beer Co. an anchor business for the town of Herndon,” Leszkowicz continues. “Drew and I are dedicated to being in a small community. We’ve fought to stay here, and we’re going to continue to do that.”
BadWolf Brewing Company Vanish Farmwoods Brewery
The website for Vanish Farmwoods Brewery is eerie, almost like a promotion for the next ridiculous slasher flick featuring a gnarled killer and unsuspecting teenagers. But once you drive on the dirt roads and arrive at the location, it’s not like that at all – instead, it encompasses the feel of an outdoor lodge. There are barn-like structures, barbecue pits, outdoor picnic tables and of course, the brewhouse. “We keep [the name] a little vague intentionally,” says Tommy Skelly, director of marketing, sales and taproom operations. “The stuff I hate the most is, ‘Oh, this beer is going to vanish,’ because it’s so corny. But at the root of the name is the fact that if Jonathan Staples didn’t buy this farm, it would have vanished and become a neighborhood.” Staples, who owns James River Distillery in Richmond, happened upon the 53-acre space when he was looking for land to cultivate hops. Wanting to get fresh local hops for some of his spirits, Black Hops Farms was founded in 2014. After cultivating some plant life and a hops processing facility for local farms to use, Vanish Brewery was established on the farm in December 2015. “I started here when it was just a shell of a building,” Skelly says. “It’s a great weird, because when I first came out here, this place was nothing. I talked to Jonathan for two hours, and he said he wanted to turn this place into the Disney World of beers. It’s been crazy.” Though it’s a bit of a trek to get there, Skelly says he and his team still feel very much included in the Virginia brewing community. “[It’s] overly welcoming, [and] such a great community,” Skelly says. “In Loudoun County alone, there’s like 25 breweries. The Loudoun County Brewers Association actually meets every month and goes over how we can lobby the local government, what to focus on and what things we should be aware of; it’s fantastic.” Skelly mentions how the competitors are generally nice and willing to help you succeed, whether it be by offering advice or even raw materials in a pinch. The same sentiments were echoed by Aslin Beer Co. And like Aslin, Vanish doesn’t distribute much, as most of the beer brewed is consumed or purchased onsite. “Even when it’s 100 degrees out, people sit out here,” Skelly says. “Our goal is that no matter who walks in the door, we have something for them. We have 20 taps, and we always have fruit beers, sour beers and of course, multiple IPAs.”
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On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
The last of our stops on this NoVA brewery tour is BadWolf Brewing, cofounded by husband-and-wife team Jeremy and Sarah Meyers. Both Skelly and Leszkowicz gushed about the beers this Manassas-based outfit has produced since June 2013. “It’s been a rousing success since day one,” Jeremy says. “I actually had to quit my day job in retail three days in.” He says his love for beer began during a study abroad trip to Germany when he was in high school. Back in Virginia, instead of waiting outside convenient stores for a passersby to supply a 24-pack of cheap cans, the future brewmaster was more interested in the craft variety. He even had his own homebrew kit before he was of age to frequent bars. “There wasn’t a lot of beer in this area to choose from,” Jeremy continues. “I had a homebrew kit, and it was awful for a long time. I would bring all my bad beer to my friends’ houses and they were thrilled, because they didn’t have to wait around at a gas station for three hours. Eventually, they started to taste pretty good.” During an entrepreneurial class at George Mason University, Sarah hatched a business model for a brewery. After Sarah got an A+ in the class, the duo called the ABC to see what they could do to actually open a brewery in 2012. “They told us the law was changing,” she says. “We were going to wait for retirement to open a brewery, but then we dusted off the plan and we did it. It felt like – in our own minds at least – we were trailblazing a bit.” At the time, there weren’t a ton of breweries in the area, so they didn’t have many resources to pull from. Now after four years of operation, and the opening of a second space just down the road from their first, BadWolf is a mainstay of the local brewery scene. Jeremy says, “We’re not that old or experienced, but a lot of people come to us and say, ‘Hey, we’re getting ready to start a brewery. Can we talk to you?’ We’re not experts; we’re still learning as we go. I don’t have any formal brewing education at all. Sarah has formal business education, but beyond that, all we have is what we’ve gone through at this point. We give the best advice we can.” He says the brewery doesn’t really have a specialty, which is something a lot of breweries say upon first ask, but eventually he relents and says that right now, sour beers are a focal point for them. “I don’t think it’s going to stay that way for a long time though,” he says. “It’s all about what our customers think and want. As far as specialty goes, we like to experiment with a ton of different stuff. We’ll try anything once, and if it goes miserably, we might try it again.” After spending time with the creative minds behind BadWolf, as well as the other two spots, the Virginia craft brewery scene really does seem like a family. Sure, they compete for patrons and awards, but the camaraderie is there, as is the respect for someone on a similar journey as you. “We know owners and we know brewers, and it’s truly a community,” Sarah says. “When sh-t hits the fan, there’s always someone you can count on to help you out.” For more information about releases and events, visit the breweries’ respective websites. Aslin Beer Company: 257 Sunset Park Dr. Herndon, VA; www.aslinbeer.com BadWolf Brewing Company: 9776 Center St. and 8420 Kao Cir. Manassas, VA; www.badwolfbrewingcompany.com Vanish Farmwoods Brewery: 42245 Black Hops Ln. Leesburg, VA; www.vanishbeer.com
AT BASECAMP BREWPUB & MEADOWS RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE • LANGHORNE SLIM THE HIP ABDUCTION • BLITZEN TRAPPER L A R R Y K E E L X 2 ( E LECTRIC & A COUSTIC S ETS! ) SUSTO • TYLER CHILDERS • PAUL CAUTHEN • COLTER WALL MUDDY MAGNOLIAS • THE WAY DOWN WANDERERS LINDSAY LOU & THE FLATBELLYS
FEATURING VIRGINIA BANDS FE '
C H A M O M I L E & W H I S K E Y • L O R D N E L S O N • D I S C O R I S QU E WILL OVERMAN BAND • BRYAN ELIJAH SMITH & THE WILD HEARTS GOLD TOP COUNTY RAMBLERS • DHARMA BOMBS
AND REINTRODUCING THE CVILLE ALLSTARS TUCKER ROGERS, JOHNNY STUBBLEFIELD, BUTCH TAYLOR, STEWART MYERS with special guests including John D’earth, Gina Sobel, Erin Lunsford, Travis Elliott, Gary Green, Rob Bedford
Info & Tickets devilsbackbonehoopla.com Lineup Subject to Change
#DBHoopla
BEHIND THE BAR
By Trent Johnson, Reem Nadeem and Nicolas Rodrigo
Whether it’s a humid day under the clouds or a blindingly bright one beneath the sun, the heat has been seemingly inescapable this summer. We went behind the bar at three local spots to cool off with slushies, frappes, frozen cocktails and other refreshing treats.
Adam Bernbach Bar Director, 2 Birds 1 Stone and Estadio
Photos: Trent Johnson
Drew Hairston General Manager, Bar Pilar
On Tap: Which is your most popular slushie at the moment? Drew Hairston: During brunch, it’s definitely going to be the Dunkin’ with O’Doyle because it’s the coffee slushie, which has really cool ingredients. It’s made with Glendalough Irish whiskey and house-made coffee liqueur. OT: When is the best time to indulge in a slushie? DH: I’d say brunch. The slushie’s cold, so you’re not going to chug it, and it does have a little bit of weight on it, so it’s boozy enough. When you go to brunch, you’re hanging out with friends on a relaxing Sunday. You don’t have to worry about the mimosa hangover. OT: How do you come up with the names for cocktails? DH: The drinks always start out as a concept. Like for brunch, we might have a cocktail called Yoga Pants because it’s something that we see all the time. It can also depend on the spirit. The Dunkin’ with O’Doyle gets its inspiration from Dunkin’ Donuts as they’re known for their coffee, and O’Doyle was from Billy Madison. We frequently play Adam Sandler movies at the bar. A couple of inside jokes can translate over to the cocktails. OT: Are there any new cocktails on the horizon? DH: For the next round of slushies, we have the Orange Crush slushie, which has pisco and tang powder. We also have a Purple Stuff slushie, which will be made with cordial, concord grapes and Kool-Aid powder.
OT: Do you still have staple drinks that people associate with 2 Birds 1 Stone? AB: It’s really all over the board. We always have a ginger beer drink and a house-made soda. Alternately, we feel comfortable changing them as long as the staple is the ginger beer itself. We also have classics that we enjoy on the back side of the menu. For the frappes, we have a different one per day. The piña colada, frosé and frozen Aperol spritz are ones that come to mind. They’re an exciting variation on something recognizable. OT: How does your approach as bar director differ between 2 Birds 1 Stone and Estadio? AB: Estadio is a Spanish restaurant, so we tend to make drinks that use Spanish ingredients, reference Spanish flavors or that are culturally Spanish. At 2 Birds 1 Stone, there’s no limits. It’s about what we’re interested in organically, and what has been successful. There’s a culture between the coworkers, and things grow out of that. OT: What frozen drinks are offered at Estadio? AB: Slushitos, and they’ve been a part of the restaurant since it opened. We look at what’s available as far as seasonal produce. We try to do one light spirit and one dark spirit, and then go from there.
Drew’s Pick
Adam’s Pick
Glendalough Single Barrel House-made coffee liqueur Homebrew coffee Vanilla coconut milk Water Oreo crumbles
Sparkling wine Vodka Orange juice
DUNKIN’ WITH O’DOYLE
Bar Pilar: 1833 14th St. NW, DC www.barpilar.com
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Photos: Courtesy of 2 Birds 1 Stone
On Tap: 2 Birds 1 Stone’s menu changes regularly. How do you decide what gets put on the menus and when? Adam Bernbach: The punch and frappe drinks change every day, but the rest of them rotate. Even if some things are doing well, at a certain point, we’ll take them out if they begin to overstay their welcome; four weeks is generally the longest.
On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
ORANGE ZEST-INFUSED APEROL (at 2 Birds 1 Stone)
2 Birds 1 Stone: 1800 14th St. NW, DC; www.2birds1stonedc.com Estadio: 1520 14th St NW, Washington, DC; www.estadio-dc.com
Crafthouse Photos: Reem Nadeem
Megan Coyle Bar Manager, Hazel
On Tap: What’s the vibe like at Hazel? Megan Coyle: The whole neighborhood has a fun, youthful, creative vibe to it, which is nice. OT: What’s the environment on the patio like? MC: It’s pretty bustling. It never ceases to amaze me even though [it’s] really hot. We have couches that surround communal tables, so lots of groups hang out. We get people before shows at 9:30 Club. It’s definitely conducive to large groups. OT: How do you organize your beers? MC: It’s all done by flavor profile, which I think is helpful, because we have so many rare items and it helps to clarify what to expect. A lot of people approaching our beer list might be a little intimidated just because there’s so many things that are foreign to people, so it helps to alleviate some of that stress.
it’s AlwAys VirginiA crAFt Beer month At crAFthouse eAt. Drink. support locAl. Arlington - FAirFAx - reston crAFthouseusA.com
OT: What’s one of your most creative cocktails? MC: The one I personally enjoy the most is That Jawn. We use black lime-infused vermouth, quinquina and bourbon. When I put the three ingredients together, because it’s such a simple drink, I was actually really surprised at how complex it is. And I think it’s really perfect for summer, especially for someone who wants a summer bourbon cocktail. OT: What other summery drinks do you offer? MC: We have three [patio pitchers]. They are really bright, juicy drinks. One is essentially a lavender lemonade with the addition of gin. One has spicy tequila, like a house-infused jalapeno tequila. The other is sort of a vodka cherry punch kind of drink; it’s fruit juice-heavy for sure. We’re trying to keep it bright and thirst-quenching.
Megan’s Pick
FRANKIE AVALON Vodka Orange juice Lemon juice Birch-flavored simple syrup Cherry juice
Hazel: 808 V St. NW, DC www.hazelrestaurant.com
www.ontaponline.com | August 2017 | On Tap
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Photo: Farrah Skeiky
Smith says. “Our rum doesn’t have any sugar in it at all, but it still has a distinctive fruitiness that say a vodka will almost never have.” Cotton & Reed rums have also been specifically designed with cocktails in mind. “It holds more flavor and aroma, so it can stand up in cocktails in ways that a lot of vodkas would have a hard time doing,” he says. Rum’s partner in crime is often citrus, so many classic rum cocktails, like the daiquiri, feature lime juice. At Cotton & Reed’s bar, the bright and refreshing Gin Rummy and White Lion are ideal antidotes to the summer heat. The Gin Rummy is white rum infused with gin botanicals, house lime, dill cordial and limón de jerez.
By Lani Furbank
Redbeard at Cotton & Reed
ast year marked the arrival of DC’s first rum distillery, Cotton & Reed, and there’s another one on the way this winter from rum enthusiast Todd Thrasher. As drinkers continue to welcome the tiki craze with open mouths, and with National Rum Day approaching on August 16, many are wondering, “Is rum having a moment?” “I feel like rum is at the beginning of its moment,” says Lukas B. Smith, the herbalist and cocktail specialist at Cotton & Reed. “Everything has its day. We’ve been doing whiskey, [and] obviously that’s totally changed the drinking landscape in the last 10 years. But mezcal is kind of riding on the back of that. It makes sense for rum to follow suit.” Thrasher sees a rum revolution in the making, which he hopes will disrupt the spirits hierarchy as he opens his three rum-focused projects in The Wharf: Potomac Distilling Company, Thrasher’s Rum and Tiki TNT. He’s drawn to
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the sugarcane spirit because of its versatility. “For me, whiskey tastes like whiskey,” he says. “Rum can taste like so many different things. Rum can taste like whiskey, rum can taste like scotch, rum can taste like mezcal – but it’s still, at the heart, rum.” Rum was the first spirit that Thrasher ever tried, but his understanding of it has developed considerably since Captain Morgan and RC Cola in college. “It was like a gateway drug,” he says. Now, he travels the tropics exploring various styles of rums, each made differently depending on the island of origin. Sugarcane is thought to have been cultivated in New Guinea as early as 6000 B.C. There were also varieties of the plant in China and India. By the 15th century, Europeans got a hold of it and began spreading sugarcane via spice trading routes, from the Canary Islands and West Africa to the Caribbean. When harvested, the juice extracted from sugarcane can easily be
ON TAP | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
fermented into rum with the addition of water and yeast. In the United States, most rum is made from molasses or other sugarcane byproducts, rather than raw sugarcane juice. For Smith and the Cotton & Reed team, their bar and distillery act as educational opportunities for discerning drinkers. “People know more about what they’re drinking than they ever have before,” Smith explains. But that isn’t necessarily true for rum, which isn’t as wellrepresented as whiskey or gin on the craft distilling scene, and is often given a bad name by sugary, artificial brands with tropical flavorings and over-thetop spices. “We can be somebody’s first good experience with rum,” he says. “They’ll probably never forget it.” The three products currently available at Cotton & Reed – white rum, dry spiced rum and allspice dram – are each meticulously formulated to deliver the right flavors and aromas when sipped. “Rum is cool because it’s got a natural complexity of aroma to it,”
1 1/2 oz. white rum 1/2 oz. allspice dram 1/2 oz. simple syrup 3/4 oz. lime juice Shake well with ice. Serve up in a chilled glass.
Eight strawberries (or a handful of any type of fruit or herb) 2 oz. rum 1 oz. simple syrup 1 oz. lime juice 1 cup ice (depending on the size of your ice cubes, this may need adjusting) Blend. Taste and adjust if needed.
1 1/2 oz. white rum 3/4 oz. lime 3/4 oz. simple syrup Shake with ice. Serve neat.
LK_Refreshment_Has_New_look_8_25x10_75__210643JC.indd 1
3/24/17 3:14 PM
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com. 1 1/2 oz. El Dorado 3 Year 1 oz. Thasher’s Tonic Base (available at www.societyfair.net) 3 oz. soda water Build in a highball glass. Stir. Add ice and stir again. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Photos: Mark Van Bergh
Wet Money at PX
The spotlight was on everyone’s favorite summer wine at 5333 Connecticut for Rooftop Rosé, featuring seven different kinds of rosé.
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On Tap | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: Courtesy of PX
The White Lion, an off-menu special that’s always available upon request, is white rum, allspice dram, simple syrup and lime juice. In addition, Smith is always experimenting with different summer fruits in rum slushies. Thrasher is known for shaking up rum-forward cocktails at his family of restaurants and bars, and two summer favorites include Wet Money at PX and Dreaming of Crystal Clear Blue Waters at Restaurant Eve. Wet Money has passion fruit juice, white rum, tequila, blue curacao, lime juice and salt water. Dreaming of Crystal Clear Blue Waters has grapefruit juice, falernum, house grapefruit bitters and white rum. Thrasher is also embracing the frozen drink craze, and the piña colada slushie has been particularly popular at Hummingbird. When he opens his distillery this winter, he’ll start by making four types of Thrasher’s Rum: white rum, gold rum, traditional spiced rum and Green Garden Rum, which he describes as a rum for people who like gin, since it’s made in the style of gin with herbs from Restaurant Eve’s garden. Tiki TNT will also make its debut this winter, with three bars and large garage doors that open to the waterfront. But don’t expect the island kitsch found in most tiki bars – instead, Thrasher’s take is inspired by the Polynesian bars he frequents on his travels. As for the drinks, there
2 oz. El Dorado 5 Year 1 oz. Carpano Antica Three drops Angostura bitters Build in a mixing glass. Stir with ice. Strain into a martini glass and top with a Luxardo cherry. will be traditional tiki cocktails as well as the team’s own twists on the classics. He also plans to give guests plenty of opportunities to delve into the world of rum. “I’m going to have every rum I can possibly get my hands on,” he says. Both rum evangelists will be marking this month’s National Rum Day with specials at their bars on August 16. PX will serve almost exclusively rum cocktails for the day, and Cotton & Reed plans to serve daiquiris three ways showcasing different rum styles from around the globe. Cotton & Reed: 1330 5th St. NE, DC www.cottonandreed.com Hummingbird: 220 South Union St. Alexandria, VA www.hummingbirdva.net PX: 728 King St. Alexandria, VA www.barpx.com Restaurant Eve: 110 South Pitt St. Alexandria, VA www.restauranteve.com Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company: coming to The Wharf
2017 Schedule
August 3 The Rockets
August 10
Kristen and The Noise
August 17
Crazy in Stereo
Design: Jeffrey Everett
By Alex Benedetto and Jamie McCrary Summer is almost over, marking everyone’s scramble to get in a final getaway or staycation. If you’re in the latter camp, why not explore the DMV’s free options? Most local events making headlines these days involve tickets, but not everything worth experiencing comes with a receipt. There are actually tons of activities in the DC area that only require you to show up. From open houses at art institutions to international pizza samples, your calendar could be completely packed without ever having to pay for entry. You might have to pay for a drink or two, but they say nothing is entirely free. Well, except for these events. Enjoy!
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Acoustic Open Mic in The Den Offered every Wednesday, this open mic night is a great opportunity for local musicians to get onstage. You’ll find all musical styles take part, with the room typically packed with area musicians, and the environment is very welcoming to newcomers. Starts 8 p.m. downstairs. The Den at Politics and Prose: 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.politics-prose.com
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Art on 8th by Dance Place Thursday nights at the Monroe Street Market are funky and full of soul. The Arts Plaza hosts free outdoor concerts, featuring a mix of jazz vocalists, Latin artists and soul bands. Pack some food, grab a friend and settle in for a breezy musical evening. Starts 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 3 and Thursday, August 10, and 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 17 and Thursday, September 21. Monroe Street Market: 716 Monroe St. NE, DC; www.monroestreetmarket.com
ON TAP | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
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Arts N Beats Every first Wednesday of the month, take in live performances and art installations from local talent while enjoying delicious food and beverages at Arts N Beats. Doors open at 6 p.m. and each week offers a range of entertainment including DJs, singers and producers. Smith Public Trust: 3514 12th St. NE, DC; www.smithpublictrustdc.com
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Birds of a Feather Art Show Opening Four local artists use birds as a source of inspiration for an eclectic and exciting art exhibit set to open on Friday, August 4. Come enjoy the opening reception at 7 p.m. and view the different styles and media each artist uses. The exhibit will show through Friday, September 1. Cuba Cuba Gallery Café: #2309 18th St. NW, DC; @cubacubagallerycafe
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Books & Bars Books and beer: two of our favorite things. Join DC Public Library for their Books & Bars series at Gordon Biersch. Mingle with other book lovers over a brew or two as DCPL librarians lead discussions on some of today’s favorite literature. Wednesday, August 16 from 7-10 p.m. Gordon Biersch: 900 F St. NW, DC; www.gordonbiersch.com
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DC VegFest Save the date for September 2. DC VegFest features free vegan food samples, cooking demonstrations, a beer garden, live music and more than 130 veg-friendly vendors. It’s a tasty paradise for vegans and meat-eating foodies alike. Saturday, September 2. Yards Park: 355 Water St. SE, DC; www.dcvegfest.com
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Capitol Riverfront Movie Series Grab your blanket and bring a picnic to Canal Park on Thursday nights for their outdoor movie series featuring recent box office hits like La La Land (Thursday, August 3) and Beauty and the Beast (Thursday, August 17). You can arrive as early as 7 p.m., with movies starting at sundown. Runs through August. Canal Park: 200 M St. SE, DC; www.capitolriverfront.org
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Farragut Fridays Every Friday during the summer, Farragut Square holds a variety of activities throughout the day, including an all-day outdoor office complete with Wi-Fi, and a picnic-in-the-park lunch with weekly pop-up events. At sunset, enjoy a movie under the stars with Golden Cinema, including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on Friday, August 4. Farragut Square Park: 17th Street in NW, DC; www.goldentriangledc.com
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Chinatown Park Movie Nights Head to Chinatown Park for a free screening of the feel-good, Oscar-nominated film Lion. The biographical flick is a comingof-age story about young Saroo, who is in search of lost family and friends from childhood. Popcorn and popsicles included! Wednesday, August 16 from 8-10 p.m. Chinatown Park: I Street in NW, DC; www.apia.dc.gov
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Comcast Xfinity Outdoor Film Festival Head out to the lawn at Strathmore for three nights of free outdoor films benefiting the National Institutes of Health’s charities. Movies start at dusk, but get there at 7:30 p.m. to enjoy preshow activities and stake out a spot. Thursday, August 24 to Saturday, August 26. Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda, MD; www.strathmore.org
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FestAfrica! Mark your calendars for FestAfrica!, the fifteenth annual free African festival in Silver Spring, Maryland. Enjoy over 50 musical performances from African bands and artists, cultural dances and fashion shows, African cuisine, arts and craft exhibits, and much more. All events are held outside. Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, 13 from 1-8 p.m. Veterans Place Plaza: 1 Veterans Pl. Silver Spring, MD; www.festafricausa.com
First Friday: Gallery Underground’s Fifth Anniversary Come celebrate with the Arlington Artists Alliance during the culmination of its first five years. Gallery Underground’s free monthly opening receptions are part of Crystal City’s Art Underground “First Friday” events, where you can also jam at ArtJamz Underground, take a stroll along the Fotowalk, see what’s happening at TechShop and catch Synetic Theater’s scheduled shows. Friday, August 4 from 5-8 p.m. Gallery Underground at Crystal City Shops: 2100 Crystal Dr. Suite 2120-A, Arlington, VA; www.galleryunderground.org
www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2017 | ON TAP
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Free Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts Art museum junkie? The National Museum of Women in the Arts is hosting a free community day the first Sunday of the month. Peruse the museum’s current exhibitions and newly reinstalled collection, featuring women artists’ sculpture, photography and video works. Sunday, August 6 at 12 p.m. National Museum of Women in the Arts: 1250 New York Ave. NW, DC; www.nmwa.org
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Humanitini: Video Games & Storytelling Think and drink with some of DC’s movers and shakers. Humanitini DC is a happy hour series exploring topics central to Washington’s culture. What’s the connection between video games and storytelling? Register for free and find out on Thursday, August 3 from 6:308:30 p.m. Ten Tigers Parlour: 3813 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.tentigersdc.com
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Free Intelligent Conversation If you’re into deep discussions and meeting new people, check this month’s Free Intelligent Conversation event. The conversation will convene at the Lincoln Memorial, then break out into individual discussions on a topic of your choice. Engage, challenge and question – it’s what it’s all about. Saturday, August 26 from 4-6 p.m. Lincoln Memorial: 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW, DC; www.freeic.org
Improv Night Want to mix things up on your Saturday night? Check out the Little Theatre of Alexandria for some interactive improv comedy! Your input crafts the show’s theme, putting you in the center of the action. Snacks and drinks provided. Saturday, August 19 from 8-9:30 p.m. The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St. Alexandria, VA; www.thelittletheatre.com
ON TAP | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
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Friday Night Concert Series at Yards Park Head to the Yards Park boardwalk for some amazing live music with a gorgeous river backdrop. A variety of bands are scheduled to perform this month including Party Like It’s (Friday, August 4) and Sam Grow (Friday, August 11), with music going from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday nights. Yards Park: 355 Water St. SE, DC; www.capitolriverfront.org
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Jazz in the Garden Jazz in the Garden is the perfect way to celebrate a summer evening. Sip sangria in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden and enjoy some live jazz tunes. Bluesy and eclectic groups including Incendio, Zili and Black Masala are lined up to perform. Fridays through August 25 from 5-8:30 p.m. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: Between 3rd and 9th Streets and Constitution Avenue in NW, DC; www.nga.gov
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Guided Parkrun Local parkrun volunteers host a weekly 5K walk/jog/run every Saturday at 9 a.m. on Theodore Roosevelt Island. Run for free at any parkrun event across the U.S. by registering once online at www.parkrun.us. Theodore Roosevelt Island: George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington, VA; www.parkrun.us
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Joy of Motion Swing Class Dance it out with an outdoor Joy of Motion swing class. Lead by Megan Morrison, one of the Center’s premier dance instructors, this class will teach you the fundamentals of swing and the art of moving with finesse. Wednesday, August 9 at 5:30 p.m. The Shops at Wisconsin Place: 5310 Western Ave. NW, Chevy Chase, MD; www.joyofmotion.org
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Late Night Music at The Hamilton Enjoy a variety of scheduled acts on select Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in August and throughout the rest of the year at the Loft at The Hamilton. Located in the loft bar of the restaurant, the space provides amazing acoustics for live music, with the full-service bar and menu at your fingertips. The Loft at The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.live. thehamiltondc.com
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Lincoln Assassination Tour Journey back in time with the DC by Foot staff as they take you through the intrigue and conspiracy surrounding the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Walk the streets on this guided tour to various DC landmarks as you dig deeper into the timeline of events. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Lafayette Square: Andrew Jackson Statue, north front of the White House in Washington, DC; www.freetoursbyfoot.com
FREE Outdoor Concert Series Sponsors
Live Bands Every Friday!
Old Town Herndon, 777 Lynn Street (behind the Herndon Municipal Center)
6:30 - 10:30 pm The Community Bank of the Nation’s Capit Capital
Food, Beer & Wine Available
August 23
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Sam Grow Band + Phillip Parsons Band
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Love Seed Mama Jump
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Social Call + 7 Deadlies
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LOC Summer Movies on the Lawn Head out to Capitol Hill for the Library of Congress’ Summer Movies on the Lawn. This August they’re screening old-school favorites, including Back to the Future, Top Gun and Ghostbusters. Not a bad way to spend a Summer evening at all. August 2, 10 and 17 from 8-10:30 p.m. Library of Congress: 10 First St. SE, DC; www.loc.gov
Gold Sponsors Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield MainStreet Bank MetroStar Systems Tim Nachazel/Investin Zoomph D Banzon Design Party DC Events Pipe Hitters Union Queenb Creative The Breeze of Herndon (Restaurant & Sports Bar)
Silver Sponsors Arts Herndon Egan, Berger & Weiner, LLC Erie Insurance – Pugh Agency Healthy Hound Playground HRI Associates Mindy Thunman (RE/MAX Living)
Bronze Sponsors Adams-Green Funeral Home All-American Landscaping Canine Carousel Circle Glass Dr. Finley’s Family Eyecare Flynn Realty Associates Fulton Bank Griffin-Owens Insurance Group Herndon Dairy Queen Linda Sells Herndon (Pearson Smith Realty) Meadows Farms Nurseries Mid-Atlantic Power Northwood Construction Select Wines Stitely & Karstetter, CPAs Tri-Tek Engineering Zentek Consulting
For more information, visit @herndonrocks
www.HerndonRocks.com www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2017 | ON TAP
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Lubber Run Summer Concerts Arlington’s got an outdoor space perfect for worldclass music. Lubber Run Amphitheater’s free summer concert series hosts groups like Dupont Brass and Rico Amero, and features a cabaret by Signature Theatre. Pack a picnic and head out for an unforgettable evening. Friday, August 4 - Sunday, August 6; Friday, August 11 - Sunday, August 13; Sunday, August 27; and Sunday, September 10 and Sunday, September 17. Lubber Run Amphitheater: 200 N Columbus St. Arlington, VA; www.arlingtonarts.org
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National Book Festival Bookworms, unite! The 2017 National Book Festival is Saturday, September 2, and features readings, discussions and (of course) books by some of the nation’s top authors. The festival celebrates everything from science fiction to poetry, giving you a taste for all things literature. Mount Vernon Place: 801 Mount Vernon Pl. NW, DC; www.loc.gov
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Mayor’s Cup Amateur Boxing Tournament Check out the future world and pro regional champions at the Mayor’s Cup Amateur Boxing Tournament. This historic three-day event showcases the most talented male and female amateur boxers in a variety of age categories, with many participants going on to claim professional titles. Friday, August 18 - Sunday, August 20 at various times. Raymond Recreation Center: 3725 10th St. NW, DC; www.dpr.dc.gov
National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert Head to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for this annual tradition, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra, and guitarist and songwriter Aoife O’Donovan. The America-inspired musical program includes folk, marches and classics. Sunday, September 3 at 8 p.m. National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC; www.kennedy-center.org
ON TAP | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
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Meeting Bowls This public art initiative is a way to foster conversation and explore the interaction between civic space and civic life. Stop by and sit with friends, or meet new ones in one of these urban furniture installations. In November, the exhibit moves to Miami Beach’s famed Art Basel. Courthouse Neighborhood: 1310 N Courthouse Rd. Arlington, VA; www.publicart.arlingtonva.us
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NoMA Summer Screen NoMA Summer Screen offers music, giveaways and amazing films every Wednesday evening. This year’s theme is Power, Politics & Popcorn, including Legally Blonde: Red, White & Blonde (Wednesday, August 9) and Lee Daniels’ The Butler (Wednesday, August 16). Bring chairs and a picnic. If you bike, they have a two-wheel valet to park and watch your bikes! Runs through August. Doors open at 7 p.m. Storey Park: 1005 First St. NE, DC; www.nomadbid.org
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Millennium Stage Performances The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage offers free performances every day at 6 p.m., featuring a range of artists and performers. No tickets are required, and guests can show up and enjoy everything from rock and jazz to comedy and dance. Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org
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Othello at Shakespeare Theatre Company Thanks to generous sponsors, enjoy free performances of Othello on select evenings in August during Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual Free For All. You can win tickets for a select performance via an online lottery, or get tickets in line the day of the show. Tuesday, August 15 - Sunday, August 27. Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org
on the scene
FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THESE AND OTHER EVENTS, VISIT THE ONLINE GALLERY AT WWW.ONTAPONLINE.COM.
People & Stories Enjoy a good story? Join People & Stories, Shaw Library’s reading and discussion group. Each session, a short story is read aloud, followed by group conversation and analysis. Held on Fridays, August 4-18 at 3 p.m. Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Library: 1630 7th St. NW, DC; www.dclibrary.org/watha
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Pizza Fest DC Clarendon’s first annual Pizza Fest is serious business. The event offers dozens of free pizza samples, from hearty Chicago-style pies to thin and crispy Italian-inspired bakes. Pair your samples with a frosty glass of beer, and you’re in for a delicious afternoon. Saturday, August 5 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Clarendon Central Park: 3140 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.clarendon.org
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Picnic in the Park Join DC Metro Circle of Friends for their fourth annual Picnic in the Park. You’ll help build unity within the DMV’s LGBTQ community with food, drinks and fellowship. The purple balloons mark the spot – keep a look out in the picnic area. Saturday, August 19 from 12-7 p.m. Rock Creek Park: Picnic area #6 on West Beach Dr. NW, DC; www.nps.gov/rocr
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RowVigor Bootcamp Start your Sunday off with a bang with RowVigor Bootcamp. This free outdoor class consists of intervals on the erg, strength exercises and dynamic moves that will keep your heart pumping. Grab a friend and some water, and come ready to move. Sunday, August 6 from 9-10 a.m. Canal Park: 200 M St. SE, DC; www.capitolriverfront.org
Photos: Kayla MArsh
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The July edition of Mount Vernon Triangle’s Tunes in the Triangle featured an amazing performance from Phil Kominski of the Lloyd Dobler Effect.
www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2017 | ON TAP
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Rosslyn Cinema + Pub in the Park Every Friday evening, enjoy movies at dusk in Rosslyn’s Gateway Park, with their Pub in the Park offering beer, wine and seasonal sangria, and different local food trucks each week. Bring blankets and chairs, and arrive early for tunes from the DJ and yard games. Movies include When Harry Met Sally (Friday, August 4) and The Avengers (Friday, August 18). Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org
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Sour Beer Samplings If you’re a beer lover with a taste for tangy brews, you’ve got to visit the Sovereign in Georgetown. This Belgianinspired bistro and bar serves up a slew of sour beers every Wednesday, free for sampling. Happy hour, anyone? Wednesdays, August 2-16 at 5 p.m. The Sovereign: 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.thesovereigndc.com
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SAAM Arcade Enter video game heaven at this annual event featuring 150 independent developers submitting their games to be shown at the SAAM Arcade, and loads of additional arcade cabinets and consoles provided by sponsors. There will also be a full schedule of gamebuilding workshops, music and more. Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6 from 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Smithsonian American Art Museum: 8th and F Streets in NW, DC; www.americanart.si.edu
Summer Sounds: 7 Deadlies On Thursday nights, relax along the Southwest Waterfront promenade as you listen to live music. Each week offers something different, with everything from powerhouse jam to roots rock and jump blues. On Thursday, August 3, enjoy the 80s, 90s and top hit musical talents of 7 Deadlies. 6:30-8:30 p.m. District Wharf: 690 Water St. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com
ON TAP | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
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Signature Theatre’s Open House Get a taste for Signature Theatre’s stellar upcoming season at its annual open house. The event features free performances every 15 minutes, special ticket offers, raffles and a grand finale concert. This jam-packed day is a theatre celebration you won’t want to miss. Sunday, August 6 from 12-8:30 p.m. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; www.sigtheatre.org
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Sunset Fitness in the Park Enjoy a variety of free outdoor yoga, Pilates and barre classes hosted by Georgetown area studios. Classes begin at 6 p.m. and take place at the picturesque Georgetown Waterfront, with registration recommended (classes are capped at 100 participants). Bring a yoga mat, and they’ll provide water and snacks. Georgetown Waterfront: 34th Street in NW, DC; www.georgetowndc.com
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Skywatching: Solar Eclipse Party Got plans for this month’s solar eclipse? Camp out for the day in Gaithersburg’s Latitude Observatory and enjoy the eclipse at 80 percent totality. The event includes solar-related activities and observations with safe solar viewers. Monday, August 21 from 1-4 p.m. Observatory Park: 100 DeSellum Ave. Gaithersburg, MD; www.gaithersburgmd.gov
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Take 5! Live Jazz Every third Thursday at 5 p.m., enjoy live jazz music in the gorgeous glass-enclosed Kogod Courtyard, located in the same building as the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum. Grab refreshments from the Courtyard Café and sit with your friends as you unwind after the work day. Kogod Courtyard: 8th and F Streets NW, DC; www.americanart.si.edu
ROCKIN’ 45
A Taste of Northern Spain Wine Tasting Whether you are a novice wine drinker or well-traveled connoisseur, come take part in a tasting of the wines from Northern Spain at Cork & Fork. Saturday, August 5 from 3-6 p.m. Be sure to reserve your tickets online. Cork & Fork: 1522 14th St. NW, DC; www.corkandfork.co
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Tasting at Ten Need a coffee break? Counter Culture Coffee hosts a tasty sampling session Fridays at 10 a.m. Try a delicious line-up of their global coffees, guided by the company’s bean brewing experts. A perfect mid-morning break and pick-me-up. Fridays, August 4-25 at 10 a.m. Counter Culture Coffee Training Center: 3504 13th St. NW, DC; www.counterculturecoffee.com
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THE BLOCK 2017
Live Music & Local Fare Canal Park - 200 M Street SE 6:30-8:30 p.m.
8/2 Mike McHenry Trio
9/6 Zach Cutler
capitolriverfront.org/canalpark
Tunes in in Tunes The Triangle The Triangle
NE corner of 5th & K Street 6:30 pm–8:30 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM pm
• Thursday, July 21: The Oxymorons
Aug. 1: Zach Cutler 7:family Perfectionists SpecialSept. concert and activities for National Night Out at 5th & K Parking Lot New Date! Sept 20: Pebble to Pearl • Thursday , august 18: Justin Trawick at Milian Park (Mass Ave & 5th St.)
• Tuesday, august 2: Alison Carney
Thirsty Thursday Beer Tasting Expand your knowledge of craft beers every Thursday night from 5-7 p.m., at Crystal City Wine Shop with their free beer tasting. Mingle with fellow beer lovers as you enjoy free samples and learn from the beer savvy staff on the next great brew. Crystal City Wine Shop: 220 20th St. South, Arlington, VA; www.crystalcitywineshop.com
Underground Comedy Check out DC’s best standup comics every Sunday night at Wonderland Ballroom. This Columbia Heights dive hosts the group Underground Comedy, dubbed “Washington’s Laugh Leader” by the Washington Post. What better way to start your week? 8-9:30 p.m. Wonderland Ball Room: 1101 Kenyon St. NW, DC; www.undergroundcomedydc.com
at Milian Park
Stop by with your friendS,
Stop by with your friendS, family, and petS for family, and petS for free Summer free Summer concertS concertS
mvtcid.org @MVTCiD
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Vigilante Coffee Tasting Every third Saturday of the month, enjoy a free vigilante coffee cupping at Pitango Gelato Capitol Hill. Taste the latest offerings from Vigilante as you learn more about the bean-roasting process and how Pitango serves up expertly crafted coffee. Saturday, August 19. Pitango Gelato Capitol Hill: 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC; www.pitangogelato.com
Yoga in the Park Find your zen at Meridian Hill Park with Yoga in the Park. Bring your mat and find a grassy spot for a 90-minute class on Sunday afternoons. Classes are taught by a variety of DC’s best yoga teachers. Sundays, August 6-27 from 5-6:30 p.m. Meridian Hill Park: 2400 15th St. NW, DC; www.hotspotdupont.com
on the scene
FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THESE AND OTHER EVENTS, VISIT THE ONLINE GALLERY AT WWW.ONTAPONLINE.COM.
Photos: Drü Thomas & Nathan Payne
Attendees enjoyed their Friday evenings at the Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront, taking in the view and listening to the sounds of the Bachelor Boys Band and The Reagan Years.
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ON TAP | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Rockets Are Red’s
JEFFREY EVERETT
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By Monica Alford Photo: Courtesy of Jeffrey Everett
f you’re into music, Jeffrey Everett is a guy you want to know. The talented artist and owner of Rockville-based design agency Rockets are Red has designed hundreds of concert posters for bands like Foo Fighters, Social Distortion, The Decemberists and Wilco, not to mention comedians like Marc Maron, Nick Offerman and David Cross. In the past 13 years, he’s worked with some of DC’s best music venues – 9:30 Club, Fillmore Silver Spring, Rock & Roll Hotel and Black Cat chief among them – and built a fanbase reaching far beyond the DMV. This month, his retrospective “Facing The Music - Thirteen Years of Concert Posters” comes to the Gallery at Lost Origins Productions in Mount Pleasant. We caught up with the designer about his upcoming show, some of his favorite client moments, what inspires him, and life with his wife Kelly and their boys Max and Alex.
On Tap: Tell me about one of the most interesting posters you’ve designed. Jeffrey Everett: Getting to work with Lou Reed was pretty interesting. He was doing this tour, and he wanted his poster [of a man and woman on a motorcycle driving down the road] to say, “F--k the Pope,” and he wanted it really big. I’m like, “Mr. Reed, I’m a little squeamish about that” but I did a little [“F--k the Pope”] tattoo on the guy’s arm. I submitted it for final approval and within 30 seconds, his tour manager called me up and was like, “Take this off right now. He’s doing a tour in Italy and we will get killed.” It was an interesting poster because it was this idea of not only having to deal with [Lou], but also having to deal with what the audience would say and seeing how big and in-depth a tour can be. It’s amazing how large a musical entity can be, especially behind the scenes. It was a real eye-opener for me.
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ON TAP | AUGUST 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
OT: What about album covers? JE: I did a cover for the Horrible Crowes’ Elsie record. I loved that one because I got to work with a photographer named Danny Clinch. I think his taste in photography and my composition just really worked well together and made things perfect. It’s one of my favorite album covers. OT: Do you have any favorite clients to work with? JE: I’ve loved working with Laura Jane Grace from Against Me! She is just somebody I really look up to, and I’ve followed her personal transitions [she’s transgender] and the growth of the band. She’s just so incredibly smart and articulate. I’ve been a fan for such a long time that getting to do work with her and for her is really just an honor. I get to geek out a little bit.
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT My patient and supportive family Tattoos of my children’s drawings Starbucks Iced Espresso Cubano Henry F--king Rollins Deadlifts OT: Most memorable client story? JE: I did work for [wrestler] Tommy Wiseau when he did a play version of his movie The Room. I worked with his manager on a deal where we would give Tommy [a set number of ] posters, and then we would have extra posters that he would sign and I would get to take and sell them to basically get paid for my work. A week after the
OT: Where do you draw your inspiration from? JE: I read a lot of books, I go to a lot of movies, I try to go to museums. I try to really get ideas from the world around me. I really love Raymond Pettibon. His posters really influenced me growing up. He was a person who was taking punk music and making it artistic on a very high level. When you saw his work, you knew what the music was going to be like. I’ve always loved him. The guy who did all the covers for Joy Division, Peter Saville, is the same way. I draw a lot of inspiration from him. And Edward Gorey. I admire [a lot of people] more for how they approached their design rather than how they did their design. I approach posters as a world unto themselves so when you have them hung up, it’s like you’re telling a story.
(preferably by Jo Nesbo and based in Norway)
OT: What inspired your “Facing the Music” retrospective? JE: I was working with Jason [Hamacher] on a piece for a [hardcore punk] band called Battery, and he was like, “You should do a show at my gallery,” and I was like, “Okay.” And then it turned into, “Oh wow, I’ve been doing this for 13 years. I should do a collection of 13 years of posters because 13 is a really cool number.” A lot of times, things just fall into place. And when they do, you just kind of go along with the ride.
show, I get this email from a guy named Johnny and he claimed to be representing Tommy. The email is like, “I don’t know why you’re selling these posters. I wonder why you’re being a bad boy and not doing what Tommy the great director has asked you to do. I feel like you are being wrong.” And it’s signed, “Johnny, the lawyer of Tommy.” [Note: The abbreviated version of the story is that it turns out Johnny, the lawyer of Tommy, is actually the wrestler himself, and when Tommy’s manager calls him out on it, they get in a huge email fight that Everett is cc’ed on.] The entertainment industry is completely bizarre. I got to watch it happen in front of my eyes.
OT: How did you choose what posters to include? JE: Honestly, it’s turned into what am I not embarrassed by. I read this quote by the lead singer of The National, and he says something like, “Bob Dylan has written more bad songs than he has good songs, but the good songs are what will stick with you.” That’s kind of how I feel about my work. I’ve done about 250 concert posters; that’s an astronomically large amount of posters in 13 years. At least 70 percent are just f--king horrible and 20 percent are okay. Nine percent are pretty good. One percent are really good; [they’re the ones] I’m not repulsed by. I’m going to hang that 30 percent.
OT: How would you describe your style? JE: I’m no longer trying to do a single idea. I’m trying to capture more of a story, or a longer-lasting theme. If you watch a really good movie, you should be able to take any scene from that movie and make it into a poster. That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to get a slice of a larger story. Stylistically, I do a real pop art style – really thick chunky lines, halftone dots, something [Roy] Lichtenstein or a 1950s comic book illustrator would do.
OT: Tell me more about the 30 percent making it into the show. JE: I still really love the first five or six posters that I did. And my work for The Raveonettes, Gaslight Anthem, Against Me! and Frank Turner. In the last four or five years, I’ve figured out how to do this, and that’s speaking more as an artist who designs rather than as a designer who is trying to be an artist. There’s a lot of really bad posters that I’ve done, and I’ll probably throw a few of those in. [Note: When asked for an example,
Posters: Jeffrey Everett
Must-Have Items Twin Peaks A mermaid Massive quantities of caffeine Judgmental cats who ignore me Books with actual paper
Everett describes a poster with a couple making out, but he forgot to give the guy any legs.] Once you see [the poster with no-legs guy], you can’t unsee it. OT: Why should folks check out your show? JE: I think the show is interesting because it does reflect changes in music. It shows a lot of bands who I’ve worked with for years and how they’ve evolved. I think if anything, it’s just a nice slice of capturing times and places in DC, and how DC has been viewed and how it has changed.
Rockets Are Red Essentials Wrestling and podcasts about wrestling Music that inspires and clenches fists A comfortable pencil and a damn good eraser People who give a f--k and aren’t crazy Wrist-saving Wacom Tablet OT: What’s your favorite place to catch a show? JE: I love going to Rock & Roll Hotel. Steve Lambert, who runs the place, is just a cool guy. It has a very different vibe, and all different types of shows. And of course, 9:30 Club, Fillmore, Black Cat – all of them treat me really well, and all have their place in the area. www.ontaponline.com | August 2017 | On Tap
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
OT: Go-to spot for a bite to eat? JE: Right by Rock & Roll Hotel, there’s a place called Pow Pow that is wonderful. I’m very excited because in the next few months, the people who started Vedge in Philadelphia are also opening a restaurant right by Rock & Roll Hotel. The vegan in me is really excited to eat enormous amounts of delicious vegan food. OT: Where in the DMV do you explore? JE: I always love going to Baltimore – walking around Hampden and going to places like the American Visionary Art Museum. I have kids so…I’ve become really old and domesticated.
Photos: Tatiana Herrera
OT: Where do you like to take your kids? JE: We love going to new cities. Every year, we try to go on a big road trip. My kids are just really inquisitive and talkative, and they’re kind of up for anything. It’s kind of cool having these little creatures that you’re showing the world to, and they’re totally taking it in and becoming these people you want to hang out with. But they have crappy taste in music, so I’m still working on that.
The first free show of the Buy a Lady a Drink concert series at 201 Bar on Capitol Hill featured one of DC’s favorite 90s cover bands, White Ford Bronco, and special edition Stella Artois chalices.
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Learn more about Everett and Rockets are Red at www.rockets-are-red.com, and catch “Facing The Music - Thirteen Years of Concert Posters” at the Gallery at Lost Origin Productions from Tuesday, August 15 to Tuesday, September 5. Join On Tap for the opening reception from 6-9 p.m. on the 15th. The Gallery at Lost Origin Productions: 3110 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, DC 202-409-6211; www.lostorigins.gallery
By Trent Johnson Photo: Trent Johnson
aolaidhe and Meghan Davis are the quintessential happy married couple, constantly touching one another on the shoulders and hands. They can’t go five minutes without one side-eyeing the other a glance of endearment. Our table is near the stage at the Lahinch Tavern and Grill in Potomac, Maryland, a platform they have shared countless times as members and founders of the 19th Street Band. As we break bread, the two tell me about their fan base – a raucous following built through constant playing. “230 times a year,” Caolaidhe tells me, enthusiastically nodding his head. One admirer even flew them to Key West, and showed up at the multiple shows they booked down there for networking. Here in DC, they’ve played at venues including the 9:30 Club, and countless other spots of various shapes and sizes. They perform with bassist Brian White, drummer Patty Dougherty and banjo player Tom Verratti. “It’s been a full-time thing ever since Meghan quit teaching about three years ago,” Caolaidhe says. “We’ve been to the Dakotas and Canada, and I have a homecoming at the beginning of August in Northern Ireland.”
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He recalls a 2 a.m. conversation with Meghan when she told him she didn’t really want to teach anymore, and then she asked him to write a song for her. “We’re dreamers. We’re glass half full people. I pushed record on my iPhone and played three chords over and over and over. About 20 seconds into it, the melody came to me, and after that, the song came to me all at once. I was singing about Meghan. It’s called ‘The Things That Matter,’ and it’s the title track to our album.” The 19th Street Band started with cover songs, and eventually branched out to original pieces. When Caolaidhe tells me he was influenced heavily by country and Bob Dylan, it makes sense. His melodic vocals sound an octave lower than when he speaks. Meghan, who says she never sang much growing up, helps harmonize the choruses and provides the high-pitched strings. Each song contains mantras of living your life doing what you want, dreaming big and of course, love. Both Caolaidhe and Meghan picked up instruments young. Caolaidhe’s father put a guitar in his lap when he was 11 back home in Northern Ireland. The first song he learned was Elvis’ “Love Me Tender.” “I’ve always known I wanted to do this,” Caolaidhe says. “I could never see myself
doing anything else. I’m not a good reader or writer; I’ve always been more interested in artistic creativity. My dad was a documentary filmmaker, and so my brother and I always gravitated toward the arts.” Meghan, a Baltimore native, bugged her parents for a violin when she was six. They waved it off because the attention span of a child is notoriously short, but for an entire year she pressed on and eventually got what her heart desired, along with classical lessons. She continued playing through her days at Catholic University, where she studied music education. “I liked listening to popular music with fiddle in it,” Meghan says. “I did some Irish fiddle lessons in high school, but I never imagined myself in a band or onstage.” The two met in 2007, two years after Caolaidhe received a visa to work in DC. When he was looking for a fiddle player, Meghan auditioned. She asked innocently where the sheet of music was, and he simply told her there wasn’t one, and to just play. When they tell this story, the two can’t help but smile at one another, most appreciative that they encountered each other at all. Caolaidhe says all of this was eerily close to never happening. “I didn’t know where I was going to be,” he says. “I just wanted to be in America.
happy hour Monday - Friday, 4-7pm $5 Select Draft $7 Select Wines
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The first application I applied for was in York, Pennsylvania, and the immigration office actually disqualified me because I had too much experience. I don’t really know what that means, but luckily it fell through.” Instead he ended up in the nation’s capital, where he met the woman he would eventually marry, and formed a band with whom they plan to record many albums. He even stayed in the country illegally after his visa expired because he felt he was finally building a life for himself, one he couldn’t have back home. “My dad poisoned me with American music,” he says. “When my visa expired, I stayed illegally for about four years. It was a big risk coming over. I missed weddings, funerals and birthdays, but everyone knew I had a good thing going on over here.” Yes, the dreamers have accomplished their dreams. But the funny thing about dreamers is that they’re always looking for new clouds to leap toward – constantly seeking new challenges and more opportunities to create. “We need to remove ourselves and go off in a log cabin,” Meghan says, looking at Caolaidhe and then back to me. “We have to get lost in our imaginations. We have to make time in order to make that possible. Maybe we’ll get lucky with a long weekend here and there.” She tells me this won’t be for awhile as she looks through her calendar. Nearly every box is filled with gigs taking them throughout the DMV and beyond. One show they’re particularly excited about is on August 17, part of the Buy a Lady a Drink summer concert series at 201 Bar in Capitol Hill. The performance will help raise funds to provide clean drinking water to people in need. “We’re super excited to play for such a great cause,” Meghan says. “Anytime you get a chance to perform at an event like that, it’s fun, and it’s all for the greater good. We’re not just playing for money. We’re playing to help people.” For more information on the band, visit www.19thstreetband.com. And catch them at 201 Bar on August 17.
201 Bar: 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC; 202-544-5201 https://tickets.ontaponline.com
www.fadoirishpub.com/washington fadoirishpub.com 808 7th Street NW, DC | 202-789-0066 | pleaSe DriNk reSpoNSibly
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703-276-WOWE (9693) Clarendon Metro Stop (Orange Line) www.ontaponline.com | August 2017 | On Tap
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Artwork: Courtesy of the Squirrel Nut Zippers
By Michael Coleman It’s been two decades since Jimbo Mathus first assembled the Squirrel Nut Zippers, perhaps the finest single group of musicians to emerge from the 1990s swing band revival. The Zippers’ potent blend of oldtimey musical styles, retro-cool aesthetics and punk rock edge blazed a path for musical traditionalism that persists today, reflected in the popularity of throwback performers like Pokey LaFarge, JD McPherson and Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. Squirrel Nut Zippers broke up in 2000, victims of the artistic differences and internal squabbles that plague many bands. But Mathus persisted on the same fiercely organic musical path. The Mississippi native began spending time in New Orleans, digging deeper into early American musicology, while working as both a solo recording artist and producer. He even spent five years playing guitar in Buddy Guy’s band, helping the Chicago blues legend win a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2004. But despite Mathus’ success as a solo artist, sideman and producer, he found himself driven to reinvigorate the music that launched his career. So, as the twentieth
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But now, I have 20 years’ more experience and a cast that’s just astounding. The vision they have is the same as mine. anniversary of the Squirrel Nut Zippers’ masterpiece Hot approached in 2016, he began scouring New Orleans’ fertile music scene for players and singers who were up to the formidable musical task of recreating that experience. In a recent interview with On Tap in advance of the band’s September 2 show at the Birchmere in Alexandria,
Mathus said he’s convinced this entirely new incarnation of the band is better than ever. “I not only reached out to top musicians, but musicians who also had backgrounds in theater, burlesque and dance,” Mathus explained. “I wanted to keep the energy, but bring some more skill and savvy to the concoction. I said, ‘This is going to be a wild shot, but I’ll see if I can make it happen.’ And it happened!” Mathus, whose stage persona has been described as a cross between comedic legend Bob Hope and the fictitious mad scientist Dr. Moreau, said the new Squirrel Nut Zippers show is more than just a concert. “The theatrical element of it is extremely important to me. When we started, we tried to bring back old-fashioned entertainment, but with an edge, of course. We still bring the corny jokes, and I borrow from all the greats – Dean Martin and Elvis and the ones who knew how to handle an audience and make it fun and lighthearted, but also extremely moving. There’s that up and down the whole show.” He added with audible glee, “But now, I have 20 years’ more experience and a cast that’s just astounding. The vision they have is the same as mine.”
People talk about the 90s and how the swing thing came about and how unusual that was, which I agree, but there are some lasting things from it. I think our music is among that. It’s something that’s kind of timeless.
Friday, August 4
Howard Theatre While the band’s sound initially appealed primarily to musical sophisticates and those with an adventurous ear, the music’s timeless feel manages to get people of all ages and backgrounds moving in a live setting. “Early on, we had people in their early 20s who were really flipping out [about] what we were doing; some of them met at our concerts and even conceived their children afterward,” Mathus said, chuckling. “Now they are coming back and bringing their kids the same way they did 20 years ago when they’d bring their parents. And Grandma and Grandpa are going to like this, too!” He said that multi-generational appeal was “the best incarnation of the original act, and is still the best part of the revival.” When asked about the Squirrel Nut Zippers’ role in the retro musical revival that continues today, Mathus conveys an obvious sense of pride. “People talk about the 90s and how the swing thing came about and how unusual that was, which I agree, but there are some lasting things from it. I think our music is among that. It’s something that’s kind of timeless. Everybody that is still into old time music who heard us growing up took something from that, which I’m very proud of.” While the upcoming Birchmere show is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Hot, Mathus stressed that this isn’t a one-off tour. He plans to get Squirrel Nut Zippers going full-time, with an album of all new material scheduled for release early next year. “Since I saw how the cast was coming together and the way the show was evolving and the strengths we had, I’ve been on a big writing kick,” he said. “We’ve got a new record recorded and it is incredible, bringing all the talent of the new cast to the forefront.” Mathus said the band’s having a huge creative spark, and he’s not willing to let go right now. “So, look for it early next year: all original stuff in the Squirrel Nut Zippers’ vein, but like a train on fire.” Catch Mathus and his band at the Birchmere on September 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45. Learn more about the Squirrel Nut Zippers at www.snzippers.com.
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500 www.birchmere.com
620 T St NW, Washington DC
Doors 6pm, Show 8pm Purchase tickets at TheHowardTheatre.com & Ticketmaster.com
Put on your best ‘80s attire! It’s Flashback Friday! Ft. Scott Benford on saxophone
The East Coast’s ORIGINAL ‘80s tribute band (established in 1996) The Reagan Years recreates the sounds of the 1980s; five talented musicians with five diverse vocal abilities enables this group to replicate uncanny versions of the Pop, Rock, New Wave and Heavy Metal hits of the M-TV Era. Bon Jovi , Madonna, Devo, Joan Jett, Def Leppard, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Journey, Modern English, Guns ‘N Roses, A-Ha and ZZ-Top, and with the sax; Hall & Oates, Men At Work, INXS and Quarterflash, the band covers all the mega-artists! You will sing along to every song! Since 1996, The Reagan Years has been delighting sold out audiences throughout the East Coast and entertaining corporate events as far away as Hawaii and foreign countries such as Spain, Germany and Panama. This band pioneered the 80’s multi-band tribute concept and like any great idea, many have imitated it however none have replicated the magic of The Reagan Years.
www.thereaganyears.com Follow us! @thereaganyearsband www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2017 | ON TAP
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By Trent Johnson and Nicolas Rodrigo
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6
The Iris Bell The first time I heard The Iris Bell, they were featured on a compilation titled the Ancestors of Rap, which is sort of a misleading title because it makes you think you’re going to hear folk versions of old rap songs about drug deals gone awry, but it’s more like folk renditions of old soul tracks. Anyway, the sound of The Iris Bell is intoxicating because of the dynamic between the male and female vocalists; the two harmonize in a rare fashion, and the band incorporates a great number of instruments to complement and contrast the melodies of its singers. While you won’t hear rap music of any kind at their show, know you’ll be melted by their voices. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10-$12. Songbyrd Music House: 2475-2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com
NAH. This female-fronted DC area band walks a fine line between psychedelic and alt rock. Founded in 2015 by singersongwriter Brendan Ra Tyler, NAH. has honed their music to reflect a lasting message with the help of poet/lyricist/singer Emma Bleker. With debut EP Social Meteor slated for this month, expect to hear a lot more from these guys in the near future. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8
William Wild Hailing from Knoxville, William Wild is bringing his indie folk to
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Northern Virginia. Garrett Sale is his real name, but he got his stage name from a conversation with a homeless man allegedly named William Wild. Though he goes by a different name, one cannot deny the serenity his soft-spoken voice brings to his music. Expect a lot of singalong worthy tunes, and all-around good vibes. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12-$20. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
Carolyn Wonderland With a super Southern twang and the propensity to absolutely wreck a blues guitar riff, Carolyn Wonderland is a dynamic musician. You can hear the soul in her voice as she mixes and matches it with her various solos on instruments ranging from trumpet to accordion. Also, her look and sound remind me of something the camera would focus on in a scene directed by Quentin Tarantino; not the main part, but something that
introduces the look and feel of what you’re about to get into. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15-$30. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
Dashboard Confessional One of the best examples of a wildly successful emo band from the early days of the genre, Dashboard Confessional has been around since 2000, and their sound is a testament to that. A popular staple of Vans Warped Tour and radio stations alike, chances are that you’ve heard “Hands Down” or “Vindicated” on the radio. You can catch them touring with AllAmerican Rejects this summer. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30-$55. Filene Center at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
Gordi Australia has recently harbored great artists such as Tame Impala and Gold Fields, with Gordi being one of the newest additions. Hailing from Sydney, 24-year-old Sophie Payten brings indie pop full circle with her high emphasis on lyrics and a sound that makes you feel like you are frolicking. With her debut album Reservoir hitting the shelves this month, she is someone to keep a close eye on. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10-$12. Songbyrd Music House & Record Cafe: 2475-2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com
Lady Antebellum If you’ve ever needed a country song that encompasses your situation or how you feel, chances are that Lady Antebellum has the song for you. Hailing from the country music capital of the world (Nashville), they have become the embodiment of the evolution of American pop country. Turn on any country radio station and it’s a guarantee that you will hear “Need You Now” or “You Look Good.” Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $56.75. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com
OPEN MIC EVERY TUESDAY IN OUR VINYL LOUNGE
SATURDAY, JULY 29
WATKINS GLEN REUNION SHOW FT. STEAL YOUR PEACH & THE ALLMAN OTHERS BAND WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2
JOHN KADLECIK & THE DC MYSTERY CATS THURSDAY, AUGUST 3
FEELFREE RESIDENCY WITH NESTA AND OF GOOD NATURE FRIDAY, AUGUST 4
BETTER OFF DEAD WITH THE DIRTY GRASS PLAYERS SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
WHITE FORD BRONCO WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9
ADAM TORRES AND WYLDER FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
HOEDOWN SHOWDOWN FT. GIRLS, GUNS, AND GLORY WITH THE HIGHBALLERS AND RUN COME SEE
MAYWEATHER VS MCGREGOR
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
THE BELIEVERS WITH THE VEGABONDS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW! at ticketweb.com
at Union Jack’s Rio & UJ Annapolis & Tapp’d Bethesda
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16
BY & BY AND SENECA THURSDAY, AUGUST 17
MOONRISE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 18
VALLEY QUEEN, SARAH SHOOK & THE DISARMERS, AND THE WAR & TREATY SATURDAY, AUGUST 19
Juan De Marcos and The Afro-Cuban All Stars The Afro-Cuban All Stars are an unusual orchestra in the sense that their main focus is on illustrating the deep history of Cuban music. With the blending and mixing of multiple genres, this orchestra is less formulaic and more exploratory with how they approach the sounds of an entire culture, making for one adventure of a show. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$35. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
The Roots MGM National Harbor’s venue continues to deliver with acts of old and new, and this month, one of the most legendary hiphop groups comes to Maryland. The Roots are known for a jazzy approach to the genre, featuring a live band, including drums by the legendary Questlove, but have remained relevant since 1987 with their unique take on the genre. Many hip-hop artists have tried to incorporate live instruments during performances, but none can achieve the magic produced by The Roots, probably because they’ve been mastering the style for 30 years. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $63. MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Ave. Oxon Hill, MD; www.mgmnationalharbor.com
FOOTWERK ALBUM RELEASE PARTY TUESDAY, AUGUST 22
WADE BOWEN
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24
STEAL YOUR PEACH & REVELATOR HILL PERFORM TRAFFIC FT. VERY SPECIAL GUEST RON HOLLOWAY
MICHAEL ALLMAN
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
Son of Gregg Allman w/Mile High Club Band
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
at Union Jack’s Annapolis
EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF STEELY DAN’S AJA FT. TECHNICOLOR MOTOR HOME THURSDAY, AUGUST 31
FEELFREE RESIDENCY WITH SIGNAL FIRE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ANIMALS FT. EAT YER MEAT (PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
FUNKY DAWGZ BRASS BAND
CANAAN SMITH “Love You Like This” & “Hole In A Bottle” at Union Jack’s Annapolis
www.ontaponline.com | August 2017 | On Tap
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Music Picks p.m. Tickets cost $15. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
Social Distortion Talk about a punk band that’s been around a long time, Social Distortion has been kicking up dust since 1978. Whether you’ve heard their music or seen their band T-shirts, the impact they’ve had on the punk scene is undeniable. This band has gone through 16 different members since their formation, and continues to truck on. If you’ve never heard them before and are a fan of the raw sound of The Ramones, then you might want to check them out. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $41. Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15
Santana The man, the myth, the legend that is Carlos Santana is listed as number 20 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. His technical skill on the guitar is quite mesmerizing. Your parents may know him and his band from Woodstock, but most millennials will know him from his song “Smooth,” featuring Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty. Do not miss the opportunity to catch this living legend in action. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $55.50. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17
I guess when you have soulful lyrics, sometimes you need to lay them over an acoustic sound. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
SahBabii The melodic rapper hailing from Atlanta by way of Chicago is making a stop in DC at U Street Music Hall. Rap is the kind of music where you’ll probably want to dance, chant, and jump up and down, but at bigger venues like the Verizon Center or even Echostage, the place is cramped with tons of people squishing each other in an ill-fated attempt to reach the front of the stage. We’ve all been there, inching ourselves forward one big toe at a time. Scrap that though, because this show will be right in your face, and SahBabii is an up-andcomer who will likely be hitting those larger spaces in no time. Enjoy the intimacy while it lasts. Shows at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com
Dru Hill Folks, prepare to be serenaded. Easily one of the most impactful R&B groups of the past 25 years, the Baltimore-based Dru Hill is likely responsible for a good number of millennials being born. All jokes aside, this group has produced countless hits about love, relationships and the perils and peaks of both. It’s a very good show for a date, in our humble opinion. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $39.50-$80. The Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC; www.thehowardtheatre.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18
In the Valley Below In the Valley Below is apparently a place where you drink champagne. I’m not making this up – it’s in their song “Pink Chateau.” Like all of their other tunes, the married couple, made up of Angela and Jacob Gall, continue to turn heads on their latest release, Elephant. Since relocating from Los Angeles to Grand Rapids, Michigan, the duo sings about their changing lives, and how their relationship continues to evolve and transform. The indie duo features dual perspectives as both contribute vocally to the elegantly written songs, and sonically appealing sound. Doors at 8:30 p.m., show at 9
6
Moonrise Nation Moonrise Nation is an allfemale, indie-folk trio that’s not afraid to embrace classical string instruments. Harmonizing vocals and a little twang make these girls from Chi-Town a band worth seeking out. With their debut album Glamour recently released in July, it seems like the sky is the limit for Moonrise Nation. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
The Districts “I’m just a narcissist,” The Districts’ Rob Grote belts out in their newest single “If Before I Wake.” The song is a shining of example of the fragility of an ego after the end of something long-term, and proof of the heartfelt lyrics you’ll get from this garage rock-sounding band. The guitars sound raw and unfettered, but the group also strums up a folk song, like “Funeral Beds,” every now and then to throw you off just a tad.
Brick + Mortar New Jersey duo Brandon Asraf and John Tacon form the pop outfit Brick + Mortar. The two have made waves with their penchant for combining pulsating rhythms with honest lyrics. Though the band definitely incorporates large doses of electronic sounds, the vocals seem to belong at the forefront of a more traditional rock band. That’s why the combination works so well – there aren’t heavy synthesized melodies from the lead singer, just his raw abilities. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
Footwerk These DC natives are bringing their indie pop and electro R&B sound to Gypsy Sally’s. With band members from varied backgrounds, their music is not without a touch of social commentary too. Come ready to dance, bounce and sway to their diverse discography. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
rock magically with her project Waxahatchee. Whether the sound is as slow as a stroll in a largely empty field, or as lively and enjoyable as a road trip with friends through the small towns littering the Southeast region of the U.S., her indie rock sound captures the experiences of a person growing up in these tiny places – far away from the bright, urban lights. Her latest project, Out in the Storm, represents her most personal narratives yet, and her vocal performance is dynamic within its genre. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
SEP 2
SEP 17
BRYSON TILLER
DADDY YANKEE
SET IT OFF TOUR
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS H.E.R. & METRO BOOMIN CMT’S NASHVILLE
DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL
IN CONCERT FEATURING
The Beach Boys The name says it all. Whether you’ve been to Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, Key Largo or Montego, chances are The Beach Boys will take you to a place called Kokomo. Be transported to a time where surfers were kings of the beach and good vibrations were felt all throughout. With so many hits that it would be futile to list them, I would recommend asking your parents. Show starts at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $35-$85. Filene Center at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
Sheer Mag Sheer Mag sounds like how a skater dude would quantify the amazingness of his best kickflip. However, they’re actually a kickass punk band. They playfully accept that most don’t identify them as punk, and they do sound like a groovy rock band, but what even is punk? The Ramones? Sex Pistols? Why do we even have a classification for punk music? Isn’t the whole point to go against what people submit and conform to? I see what you’re doing Sheer Mag, and I think it’s pretty punk. Here’s to the grooviest punk band around. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
CLARE BOWEN, CHRIS CARMACK, CHARLES ESTEN, AND JONATHAN JACKSON
AUG 1
THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS THE MAINE
AUG 10
LIFEHOUSE
AMERICAN ACOUSTIC WITH
PUNCH BROTHERS
SWITCHFOOT
I’M WITH HER
AUG 2
(SARA WATKINS, SARAH JAROSZ, AOIFE O’DONOVAN) AND JULIAN LAGE
BRYNN ELLIOTT LOOKING FOR SUMMER TOUR
AUG 13
BLONDIE & GARBAGE
DAVID SEDARIS
THE RAGE AND RAPTURE TOUR
DEAP VALLY
AUG 3
AUG 19 I LOVE THE 90’S
LA LA LAND IN CONCERT
THE PARTY CONTINUES TOUR FEATURING
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA EMIL DE COU, CONDUCTOR
AUG 4
SEP 3
TLC, KID N PLAY, MONTELL JORDAN, ROB BASE, C&C MUSIC FACTORY, SNAP
JURASSIC PARK™ - IN CONCERT © UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
2CELLOS
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA EMIL DE COU, CONDUCTOR
AUG 5
SEP 12
GIPSY KINGS FEATURING NICOLAS REYES AND TONINO BALIARDO
GOO GOO DOLLS LONG WAY HOME SUMMER TOUR
WITH PHILLIP PHILLIPS
AUG 8
SEP 16
BRING YOUR OWN BREWS AND PICNIC TO ENJOY AT THE SHOW! Waxahatchee Katie Crutchfield captures the sound of Southern Americana www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2017 | ON TAP
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Music Picks TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
John Mayer What is there to really say about John Mayer? You know him for his soulful songs about daughters, sons and lovers. We know him for his celebrity relationships and breakups. Through all of that, the most overlooked thing about the guy is his world-class guitar skills, used in both a Dave Chappelle skit and a beautiful solo on Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange. He’s also a noted fashion icon. Yeah, dude has talent, and he has a show at Jiffy Lube Live. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $27. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www.livenation.com
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Lil Yachty As controversial as he may sometimes be, Lil Yachty’s success is a testament to all the haters. Blurring the lines between rap, trap music and mumbling, he can’t have a tour without stopping in the DMV. Hailing from Atlanta, Yachty ventured into a career in music when he moved to New York and built up his repertoire with online street fashion designers (and even modeled for Urban Outfitters). Expect a lot of high energy and spunk out of this young artist’s performance. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $36.25. Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, DC; www.echostage.com
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On Tap | August 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
The Doubleclicks Nerd folk. That’s the genre Wikipedia puts these two sisters (Angela Webber and Aubrey Webber) into. While they do sound similar to duos like Simon & Garfunkel and Hall & Oates, they are even more awesome, as they tackle subject matter like Dungeons & Dragons, dating losers and Colin Firth. While you probably won’t dance to this music, you’ll laugh, cry and ask, “What is she talking about?” probably more than once. We think that’s worth something, and their songs are extremely witty and smart. Doors at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com
PJ Morton Best known for touring with the band Maroon 5, PJ Morton has ventured into the solo act scene and is focused on refining his R&B and jazz-influenced project. This comes as no surprise as he resides in the birthplace of jazz: New Orleans. Expect silkysmooth piano keys, R&B sounds and bodily vocals from this keyboardist. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20-$30. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
FRIDAY CONCERT SERIES 2017
Friday Night Series 6:30-8:30pm at Yards Park | 355 Water Street SE New
Back on the Boardwalk! 4th Street
3rd Street
y Ave
Jerse
1st Street
Half Street
Presented by
Tingey Street N Street
Nationals Park
8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1
Party Like Its Pop Cover Sam Grow Country Pebble to Pearl R&B 19th Street Band Americana Burnt Sienna Top Hits & Classics
Water Street
Yards Park
Beer & Wine Available Onsite (must be 21+, no outside alcohol)
yardspark.org | capitolriverfront.org | @yardspark
ve cA
ma
o Pot
Anacostia River
Navy Yard
Beechwood aged to perfection meets grilled to perfection.
© 2017 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® Beer, St. Louis, MO
Job/Order #: 294984
Closing Date: 5/16/17
Trim: 8.25" x 10.75"
PR
Brand: Bud N Burgers