Drink. Dine. Do. 09.16
ALABAMA SHAKES
SHAKING UP BLUES & SOUL
PRESS PLAY
THEATRE IN THE CITY
THE BOURBON BOOM BARS DISTILLERIES FUN FACTS
OKTOBERFEST BREWS & BITES
YES KIRK,
+
WE LIKE THAT! DC’S GRIDIRON HEATS UP
SOFAR SOUNDS LITTLE SALON BANNED BOOKS WEEK
WASHINGTON REDSKINS QUARTERBACK KIRK COUSINS
Table of Contents September 2016: Vol 18 No 11
on our
who is on tap
We Featured: Washington Redskins Quarterback Kirk Cousins Photo: Courtesy of The Washington Redskins Design: Alanna Sheppard
cover
Yes kirk, we like that! Drink. Dine. Do. 09.16
ALABAMA SHAKES
SHAKING UP BLUES & SOUL
PRESS PLAY
THEATRE IN THE CITY
THE BOURBON BOOM BARS DISTILLERIES FUN FACTS
OKTOBERFEST BREWS & BITES
YES KIRK,
+
WE LIKE THAT! DC’S GRIDIRON HEATS UP
SOFAR SOUNDS LITTLE SALON BANNED BOOKS WEEK
WASHINGTON REDSKINS QUARTERBACK KIRK COUSINS
September marks the return of football, with the Washington Redskins heating up DC’s gridiron. Check out our cover story on quarterback Kirk Cousins, quotes from key players about their fave things to do off the field and our list of places to watch college and professional football around the city. We’re also celebrating Oktoberfest and Bourbon Heritage Month, with a roundup of pieces on Oktoberfest events, libations and fare, and the inside scoop on DC’s bourbon boom. Plus, read about Little Salon and Banned Books Week, our top picks for the next year of theatre around the DMV, and locally-owned Belle Vodka. And our music section is chock-full this month, with interviews with Alabama Shakes, Allah-Las and DJ Trayze, and a look at Sofar Sounds in the District.
In this Issue n Stage & Screen Stage & Screen Events........................... 4 Press Play on DC Theatre. . ..................... 6
n september Roundup
6
20
Press Play
Oktoberfest Eats
Theatre in the City
Schnitzel, Pretzels and Sausage
Banned Books Week............................. 10 Little Salon, Big Community.. ............. 16 Bourbon Fun Facts. . .............................. 18 Drink, Dine, Do...................................... 19 Oktoberfest Events. . ............................. 26
n Dining Oktoberfest Eats.. .................................. 30 New, Notable, No Longer.................... 40
n Drinks
58
60
Bourbon Boom
We Like That!
Top Bourbon Distilleries in the DMV
Kirk Cousins Takes the Field
Bierdo...................................................... 32 German Wine......................................... 38 Belle Vodka. . ........................................... 48 District Distilling................................... 54 Bourbon Distilleries.. ............................ 58
n Sports Kirk Cousins. . .......................................... 60 Redskins Off the Field. . ........................ 64 Football Watching Guide.................... 66
n Music
72
78
Sofar Sounds
Alabama Shakes
DC’s Intimate Live Music Experience
Shaking Up Blues & Soul
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On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Sofar Sounds. . ........................................ 72 DJ Trayze................................................. 76 Alabama Shakes.................................... 78 Allah-Las................................................. 80 Music Picks............................................. 82
Founder James Currie Publisher Jennifer Currie
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Managing Editor Monica Alford
monica@ontaponline.com
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Trent Johnson trent@ontaponline.com
Digital EDITOR Adrianne Morris
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Events & promotions manager Theresa Converse theresa@ontaponline.com
Events & Promotions Assistant Shannon Darling shannon@ontaponline.com
Print & Digital Design Alanna Sheppard alanna@ontaponline.com
Nick Caracciolo KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth tom@ontaponline.com
Contributing Writers
Tess Ankeny, Alex Benedetto, Michael Coleman, Marcus K. Dowling, Jake Emen, Nick Hardt, Dory Jackson, Jon Kaplan, Vanessa Mallory Kotz
Contributing Photographers
Alex Benedetto, Shelly Coates, Michael Coleman, Tracy Conoboy, Adrianne Depew, Jake Emen, Lindsay Galatro, Michelle Goldchain, Joey Machak, Cristina O’Connell, Alanna Sheppard, Katherine Wolff On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2016 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. Log on to www. ontaponline.com for more information.
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Stage & Screen Events By Trent Johnson
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Come from Away The events of 9/11 were more than traumatic for the United States. Across the country, people turned on televisions to see the horrible chaos. Come from Away focuses on different perspectives from that terrible day, highlighting a small Canadian town charged with caring for more than 6,000 stranded airline passengers. The musical shows the interactions between the community and strangers as they share food, spaces and, eventually, friendship. While it’ll be hard to look at 9/11 through any lens other than sadness, this production hopes to put a spotlight on kindness during a time of despair. Tickets start at $18. Ford’s Theatre: 511 10th St. NW, DC; www.fords.org
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 MONDAY, OCTOBER 31
A Dream Within a Dream: Madness Edgar Allen Poe is one of the most famous poets of all time. He’s also probably one of the moodiest creatures to ever exist, as his works have made people cry, shutter and shriek for more than 100 years. Through the 4th Wall was commissioned by the Torpedo Factory’s Artists’ Association to stage their play A Dream Within a Dream: Madness, and while this may sound like an Inception knock off, it’s actually a look at – you guessed it – Mr. Moody himself. With a seamless blend of theatre, film, music, dance, art and lighting, people will finally understand the “twisted psyche” of Poe. Prepare your sad emojis folks, it’s about to get crazy. $30-$40. Torpedo Factory: 105 N. Union St. Alexandria, VA; www.torpedofactory.org
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Collective Rage: A Play in Five Boops What more can you say about Betty Boop? The cartoon has been a staple in the cultural zeitgeist for almost 100 years, and her image is seen on copious pieces of merchandise. Betty was meant to be a caricature of a 1930s flapper, but her image has also been used for motivation and inspiration. Woolly Mammoth’s upcoming Collective Rage: A Play in Five Boops is an example. Apart from using her namesake in the title, the performance will follow five different Betties dealing with unique experiences in an expansive look at different tropes of the “female identity.” Tickets start at $20. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company: 641 D St. NW, DC; www.woollymammoth.net
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Dave Attell Dave Attell has been doing the damn thing since the early 80s, and the stand-up comedian has enjoyed a productive career including movie appearances, television shows and writing gigs. Despite success in other mediums, stand-up comedy has always been the staple of Attell’s celebrity, with his rapid delivery and down-to-earth brand of jokes. Though his name carries clout in the community, the New York native has never strayed far from the traditional-style comedy clubs where he got his start. $35. DC Improv: 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.dcimprov.com
DC Shorts Film Festival & Screenplay Competition Whether you’re a major cinephile or an artist hungry for competition, you’ve probably heard of the ever-popular DC Shorts Film Festival and Screenplay Competition. This year, organizers received more than 1,300 entries and have whittled the number of films down to 131. Along with viewing new films, the fest offers workshops ranging from tips on how to fundraise to how to write an interesting review. “I think the thing that makes DC Shorts and the screenplay competition unique is that we highlight more than just the films,” says Joe Bilancio, director of programming. “We have parties that allow you to meet filmmakers, and we have seminars about the films. We put the ‘fest’ in ‘festival,’ because it really is using films to make a broader leap within the community in an attempt to try and bring people together under the guise of film to educate, inform and entertain.” If you can’t physically attend, the festival also offers the option to watch the entries on the DC Shorts website for $30. Times and prices for workshops, screenings and panels vary. DC Shorts: Various locations in DC; www.dcshorts.com
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 An Evening with Adam Green Now that MTV is more recognizable as a beacon for silly reality shows, music videos are sort of a dying art form. Rarely will my friends and I clamor about the radical direction of a poorly acted portrayal of a story dubbed by music. However, Adam Green’s videos supersede his songs, and that’s saying something, because the tunes are enticing and entertaining. They verge on audacious, but when you add them to his visual storytelling, you’ll see an even more ridiculous vision of what was conjured up in his brain. With his Black Cat visit, he’ll be debuting his new film Adam Green’s Aladdin, which features some of New York’s most notable talents. Following the screening will be a performance of his original soundtrack. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $15. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
“The best musical I’ve seen all year and possibly ever.” –Broadway World
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 Dante’s Inferno If I were to write a trueto-form preview of the Synetic Theatre’s Dante’s Inferno, this would be a blank plot of white space. The wordless play aims to render the epic poem with overwhelming physicality and haunting music. An old adage says “pictures are worth 1,000 words,” and to live up to the words from Dante Alighieri’s poem Divine Comedy, which is forever etched in the fabric of pop culture, this play’s visuals will have to provide a tantamount of beauty in order to reach the standard. Those stakes make this performance a must-see. $15-$60. Synetic Theater: 1800 S. Bell St. Arlington, VA; www.synetictheater.org
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Dance Metro DC Presents Katie Sopoci Drake Space is a place with limitless opportunities for dancers. Think of all the twirls, flips and leaps one could perform without the shackles of gravity repeatedly bringing you down in science’s ultimate buzzkill. Though Dance Metro DC’s four Spacetime Suite vignettes won’t actually take place, say, on the moon, the piece will “explore the connections between astrophysical phenomena and human relationships.” The four pieces are Event Horizon, Clever Hominini, Gravity and Spacetime, with each tackling a different metaphor revolving around the deep reaches of space and the way we interact with one another on Earth. Shows at 7:30 p.m. $18-$25. Dance Loft on 14: 4618 14th St. NW, DC; www.danceloft14.org
book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein music supervision by Ian Eisendrath choreographed by Kelly Devine directed by Christopher Ashley
Performances Start Sept. 2! Under 35 Night! Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Get $20 Tickets with Code UNDER35 | Bitly.com/Under35Night Stay Late and Enjoy a Complimentary Drink after the Show Event Media Partner:
| Beverage Partner:
www.fords.org Tickets: (888) 616-0270 www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | On Tap
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By Trent Johnson
It’s easy to press play nowadays. We sit back on our couches, put our feet up – perhaps snuggled with our significant other – and press the button. Some of these “play” buttons are on our phones, console controllers, the space bar or, if you’re old-fashioned, a remote. While there’s no shame in sitting in front of a screen, there’s still something magical about seeing actions in front of your face. The experience goes beyond HD, no matter how large your screen. So while you’re contemplating whether to use Hulu, Netflix or Amazon Prime, think beyond the living room and venture out to one of your local theaters. Don’t know what to see? Here are some of On Tap’s top picks for the 2016-2017 season.
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
The Little Foxes Greed is one of the many roots of all evil, a motivation which makes seemingly good people take drastic measures to better themselves through money or power. The Little Foxes is all about greed, as it focuses on three siblings battling for control of their local cotton mill. Family members plotting against family members in an all-out conquest for resources, the performance will give audiences an opportunity to watch up-close representation of calculating efforts to backstab and other various devious schemes. The show stars two-time Emmy Award winner Marg Helgenberger, famous for her work in CSI as Regina Giddens. Edward Gero will act opposite of the television notable, and believes the classic play is relevant for the audiences of today: “It’s a great American melodrama with a backstabbing family, and it feels very contemporary. It’s instructive about the way in which we live.” The show runs from September 23 to October 30, and tickets start at $55. Check the website for first-come, first-served Pay Your Age tickets for the 30 and under crowd. Post-show discussions will be held on October 11, 12, 18, 26 and 27. Arena Stage: 1101 6th St. SW, DC; www.arenastage.org
The Long Way Around As an integral part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival, The Long Way Around is a tale about the “free-spirited” Addie, who is faced with making a tough decision on whether to move to the big city of Chicago, where she can live freely as a lesbian, or to remain shackled to her parents’ zip code coupled with a dishonest relationship with her husband Nathan. When faced with any move, people typically build a pros and cons list, but this play is meant to evoke the very difficult questions faced by members of the LGBTQ community when faced with life-altering decisions, with any finality undoubtedly leaving someone unhappy. The play is the spawn of Julia Starr, a senior at Stanford University, where she serves as executive producer of Ram’s Head Theatrical Society. She has gathered a number of accolades in her young career, including awards from Columbia College Chicago and Scholastic. The show runs from October 9 to 25; tickets are $25. The Highwood Theatre: 914 Silver Spring Ave. #102, Silver Spring, MD; www.thehighwoodtheatre.org
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On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
PRESS PLAY ON DC THEATRE NOVEMBER
JANUARY
A View from the Bridge The title A View from the Bridge sounds ominous. Perhaps that was intended, as this play directed by internationally celebrated Ivo Van Hove is a passionate tale of family, love and duplicity, set in 1950s America. The narrative follows Eddie Carbone, a man infatuated with his 17-year old niece Catherine. When she develops a relationship with another man outside of their family, Carbone becomes unhinged in a dangerous manner. Kennedy Center is presenting this play in association with the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, and Douglas Baker, the group’s producing director, expects people to get goosebumps: “Thrills and chills. This production will leave you gasping for breath.” The show runs from November 18 to December 3. Ticket prices range from $45-$119. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org
Hooded: Or Being Black for Dummies Art is often a representation and reflection of the time from which it was spawned. Whether it be a critique or an accurate depiction through different mediums, any particular piece can offer some information – either subtly or overtly – about the society its creator was dealing with. Terrance Arvelle Chisholm’s Hooded carries this same weight, as it follows the stories of Marquis and Tru, two different people who come in contact while being detained in a holding cell. The production is described as a dark comedy about growing up black in America, discussions of the Trayvon Martin case and being black on a privileged college campus. According to his bio, Chisholm uses theater as a filter in how he sees the world, and his interests revolve around exploring the African American experience. The Mosaic Theatre show runs from January 25 to February 19. Tickets cost $30-$60, and $20 for theatergoers 30 and under. Atlas Performing Arts Center: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org
DECEMBER
FEBRUARY
Titanic: The Musical James Cameron’s 1997 film has been dissected and discussed at length since Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s gut-wrenching performances as Jack and Rose, respectively. With almost 20 years of retrospective takes, the film has been replayed on TV, re-released and adapted. One of the latter is the Tony Awardwinning best musical, Titanic: The Musical, which comes to the DMV in December. If you ever watched the film and thought, “Why doesn’t Leo sing more?” then this is essentially your chance to have those waning ideas become a vivid reality, minus DiCaprio, as he’s likely hurting his body in some inconceivable manner in an attempt to pick up another acting accolade. Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer plans to plop audiences in the middle of this unyielding love story, while giving attendees a 180-degree taste of the most famous cruise ship in history. Performances run from December 13 to January 29; check website for ticket details and information about $22 and $40 ticket opportunities. Discussion nights on January 4 and 10. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; www.sigtheatre.org
King Charles III Old English is a tough style to tread through, no matter how good the material. Even when plunging into classics such as Romeo and Juliet, it can be a real pain to sift through the words to get to the heart of the subject matter. However, there exists a gleaming charm in the language, as it represents a time before our own, and makes us rethink the way we structure prose and conversation. Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) is undertaking the task of creating a contemporary work with the Shakespearean blank verse, creating a marriage of our buzzing modern world and the methodical syntax of the legendary playwright with Charles III. Set in the present, the queen has suddenly died and Prince Charles takes the throne with no idea how to rule. The play is an exploration of British democracy, and another tale of its most famous household. The show runs from February 7 to March 12. Tickets start at $44, and discounts are available for the under 35 crowd. Young Prose Night (YPN) tickets (complete with libation and post-performance party) are available for $25, and YPNs for this performance are on March 1 and 10. STC’s Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org
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Press Play On DC Theatre MARCH
MAY
Ragtime Before jazz, there was a ragtime: a sound with various rhythms that was easy to dance to. The genre has been incorporated and kept alive by numerous jazz musicians, and in the TonyAward winning musical of the same name. Ragtime, based on E.L. Doctorow’s novel, follows three families reaching for the American dream at the birth of the 20th century. While the show is a beacon of optimism, it also tackles the struggles people face when leaping over hurdles on the track toward the pursuit of happiness. “I hope our production stimulates conversation and incites action,” Director Peter Flynn says. “If audience members from both sides of the aisle come away saying, ‘That reminds me of…’ or ‘I need to talk to…’ then we’ve done our job.” Along the way, attendees will be serenaded by music pulsating with pure energy and melodic vocals. Ragtime runs from March 10 to May 20; check website for ticket details, and for information about the Under 35 discount. Ford’s Theatre: 511 10th St. NW, DC; www.fords.org
The Arabian Nights Originally titled One Thousand and One Nights, the collection of Middle Eastern folk tales has experienced an abundance of success with countless adaptations of what is affectionately known as The Arabian Nights. What began as a collection of stories from various authors has transformed into a revamped stage performance coming to the Constellation Theatre. “The Arabian Nights Photo: C. Stanley Photography is a great night out with something for everyone, from bawdy humor to steamy drama, [and] breathtaking visual design, dancing and live music,” says Allison Arkell Stockman, the show’s director. This is a callback performance for the company, as 10 years ago this show put them on the map, so come and enjoy the litany of stories originally penned centuries ago. The show runs from May 4 to June 4. Tickets cost $20-$45; check website for pay-what-you-can ticket information. Constellation Theatre Company: 1835 14th St. NW, DC; www.constellationtheatre.org
APRIL
JUNE
Pike St. Natural catastrophes are largely unavoidable; the crushing winds or enormous waves crashing down on unsuspecting, illprepared cities or towns is a terrible phenomenon. Whether it be hurricanes on the coast or tornadoes in the Southwest, people all over the country – and world – face battles with mother nature from time to time. Though these are largely disastrous, sometimes these encounters force people to band together and battle the elements. “[Hurricane Sandy] made me think about what neighbors do for neighbors in situations like these,” says playwright Nilaja Sun of her upcoming piece Pike St. “[The play] was born, and it’s an actual street there, so it’s a love letter to the Lower East Side and a love letter for those who band together in neighborhoods that might be forgotten.” The narrative centers around a mother working to keep her daughter’s respirator alive with a looming hurricane threatening to pull the plug, as well as a host of other neighbors. The show runs from March 27 to April 23; tickets start at $20. Check website for details on 30 and under tickets. Woolly Mammoth Theater: 641 D St. NW, DC; www.woollymammoth.net
Rent This rock musical took the theater community by storm with its first Broadway production in 1996, with melodic strums and an accurate depiction of the tough lives artists lead while attempting to follow their dreams. In 1997, the show came to the National Theatre, and now it’s back in town for the 20th anniversary tour. “For the past 20 years, Rent has touched the lives of audiences around the world, from Broadway Photo: Amy Guip to regional productions to high school auditoriums,” says producer Stephen Gabriel. “We’re thrilled to introduce a new generation to this timeless story of love, friendship and community.” While the “starving artist” motif is perhaps a bit trite at this point, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning show strives to prove that people can overcome fear to maintain hope in the spirit of creativity. The show runs from June 20 to 25. Check the website for ticket information and details about Broadway at the National performances through the $25 ticket lottery. National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.thenationaldc.org
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On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
PRESS PLAY ON DC THEATRE JULY Carmen Undoubtedly one of the most well-known operas, Carmen was first performed in Paris in 1875. To say the opera has enjoyed a long shelf life is an understatement, as the narrative is still passed around worldwide and represented in various mediums. The story of an ill-fated love triangle and the dangers of love are relatable, as most people experience some level of melancholy in dealing with the occasionally unpredictable aspects of love. With that said, it’s no surprise that Synetic Theater is taking a stab at the attractive subject matter, as the theater usually produces interesting takes on timeless classics. If you’re into watching how feelings can turn into scenarios with high stakes, this is definitely an adaptation worth catching. The show runs from July 19 to August 13. Regular tickets are $35 and up; check the website for more information. Synetic Theater: 1800 S. Bell St. Arlington, VA; www.synetictheater.org
IGNORE YOUR EMAILS, TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE AND LEAVE YOUR ID BADGE AT THE OFFICE
IT’S TIME TO TAKE A NIGHT OFF!
$25 GETS YOU A LIVE PERFORMANCE, AN INVITE TO A
YOUNG PROSE
AND A FREE GLASS OF WINE OR BEER AUGUST Big Fish We’ve all overexaggerated when reciting our conquests. The act isn’t exactly lying, rather a simple inflation or two to enhance the tale for our listeners. We likely learn this type of self-editing from our families, as most have heard unique stories from an elder family member. This idea of deciphering the absolute truth and the artificially inflated is a major plot point in Big Fish. The play follows Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman, who captures the imagination of his audiences with captivating retellings of his life – but his son isn’t so sure about the authenticity behind his father’s words. The play is chock-full of heart and humor, and serves as a reminder of how important our family is to us. The show runs from August 5 to September 2. Tickets cost $45-$55. Keegan Theatre: 1742 Church St. NW, DC; www.keegantheatre.com
Next YPN’S will be held for ROMEO & JULIET
Wednesday, September 21 Friday, October 14
Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th St. NW)
202.547.1122
ShakespeareTheatre.org/Under35 Patrons must be 21 years or older. Valid ID required. Some restrictions apply. Subject to avalibility and connot be combined with other offers or previously purchased tickets.
www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ON TAP
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By Vanessa Mallory Kotz Every year, the DC Public Library joins forces with hundreds of libraries and bookstores around the country to celebrate freedom of expression during Banned Books Week. This year’s festival runs from September 26 to October 1 in the District, and brings together the entire book community in a shared endeavor to embrace literature – even if it is unpopular or controversial. By focusing on efforts throughout the U.S. to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week has drawn national attention to the harms of censorship since 1982. Events range from a sing-along and reading of In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak, to a Harry Potter film screening and new book release, to book club meetings and a spectacular party at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library at the end of the month. Get a head start during the month-long series of films adapted from banned books at Francis A. Gregory Library in Southeast, beginning September 6.
“Conflict of Man” by Adrienne Gaithers
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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: GoKateShoot
Richard Reyes-Gavilan, executive director of the DC Public Library, stresses the importance of working with local artists during the annual festival. “Part of our mission is to serve the underserved, and this includes the creative community,” he says. “And Now the World Knows” is an exhibition created by DC-based artist Adrienne Gaither. Her giant banner for the exterior of the MLK Library, posters for its windows and display in the lobby focus on published books banned in the last century. Of the brightly colored pieces, Gaither says, “Despite censorship, banned books have impacted our global culture, and many of the lessons embedded throughout these books are as relevant today as they were during the 20th century.” Gaither juxtaposes excerpts from such books as Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God and George Orwell’s 1984 with TV color test screens and iconic archival images. The resulting collages analyze sources of information and question their subjectivity while contemplating the imaginative freedom of literature. Gaither is especially excited “to work with these incredible archival images,” she
PRESENTS THE :
Saturday, September 24th 12-4 PM
at Park Potomac Place: 12505 Park Potomac Ave. (Montrose Rd & I-270)
FREE on-site Parking
(2 underground garages and surface parking)
SAMPLES FROM:
FALL FESTIVAL
FREE FUN FOR ENTIRE FAMILY! Live music from the Darcy Dawn Bring the kids for Squeals on Wheels petting zoo, face painting + balloon twisting Donate $5 to Courage for Kids and receive a small pumpkin to decorate!
SPONSORS/PARTNERS:
WINE/BEER:
FOODTRUCKS:
Captain Cookie Carmen’s Italian Ice Stella’s Popkern Brooklyn’s Deli
MAGAZINE
ALL PROCEEDS FROM SILENT AUCTION AND PUMPKINS SALES BENEFIT:
INFO: Lisa Wood
LWood@foulgerpratt.com
on the scene
For more photos From these And other events, visit the online gAllery At www.ontaponline.com.
Photo: GoKateShoot
says, “and think about how [these books] have had an impact on me.” On Friday, September 30, from 7 to 10 p.m., MLK Library is hosting a fundraising party for the DC Public Library Foundation. The evening includes live music from Ethiopian jazz masters Feedel Band and DJ Ayes Cold, as well as crafts, live screen-printing of library swag and a popup shop. “The decor will be a surprise,” teases organizer Linnea Hegarty, but she does reveal that Kim Burke, artist and former event Photo: GoKateShoot director at Proof, is in on it. DC Brau is serving beer during the event and Brookland’s Mess Hall is providing snacks. Mixologists from throughout the area, including Chantal Tseng, are creating special lit-themed cocktails. Tseng has made a splash designing literary cocktails at Petworth Citizen. Duane Sylvestre also joins the party. Last year, he created the unforgettable Shug Avery based on the character from Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. Violet in color (resulting from mixing hibiscus with pineapple juice) and crowned with a floating flower, flavors unfolded slowly with sweet, spicy, tart, bold and delicate notes, capturing the essence of the character beautifully. As a representative of Papa’s Pilar Rum – Ernest Hemingway’s own label – Philip Greene, author of the cocktail recipe book To Have and Have Another: A Hemingway Cocktail Companion, knows his literature and his spirits. His dark and decadent creation will have you craving deep leather club chairs and a Cuban cigar. To purchase tickets for the cocktail fundraiser at MLK Library or to donate to the library, visit www.dcplfoundation.org. People gathered in the luxury apartment complex The Acadia to enjoy tours of the facility, live music and catered delicacies, not to mention an appearance by DJ Stacks. PhotoS: trent JohnSon
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On Tap | SEPTEMBER June 2016 | www.ontaponline.com On 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
For more information about Banned Books Week programming throughout the DC Public Library system, visit www.dclibrary.org/bannedbooks.
You Are Invited
Cocktails & Canvas Wednesday, October 5, 6-9pm A Grand Opening Celebration Featuring
Top Mixologists Paired with Emerging Artists Light Fare & Rooftop DJ Tours of 5333 Connecticut Apartments
RSVP at www.5333RSVP.com 5333 Connecticut Ave. NW |www.5333Conn.com |202-688-3409
DC’s Finest Young Professionals
Support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) honors Metro DC’s Finest, a group of the city’s most accomplished men and women who show exemplary leadership, are active in their communities and excel in their professions. Each honoree has committed to participate in a 16-week awareness and fundraising campaign for the CFF. Read on to learn more about the 17 nominees who comprise the 2016 class of Metro DC’s Finest, and meet them in person on October 5 at the Breathe Easy Bash on K Street. Visit www.finest.cff.org to learn more about the upcoming event. Compiled by On Tap staff David Azer David Azer is a senior systems analyst at Geico, supporting the IT development of renter’s insurance. He has approximately 10 years of IT management consulting experience, with a bachelor’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a master’s from Johns Hopkins. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer on Capitol Hill with his coed team, running long-distance and supporting his local church. He is participating in DC’s Finest because it provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about a genetic disease while financially supporting the foundation’s mission.
James Brosnan James Brosnan works as an IT project manager at Booz Allen Hamilton. He graduated from Emory University with a major in political science, and enjoys participating in different social sports around DC including dodgeball, soccer, kickball and softball, and playing with his dogs. He got involved with the DC’s Finest program after he was inspired by coworkers who participate yearly in the Xtreme Hike to benefit the CFF.
Robb Dooling Robb Dooling moved to DC from Nebraska in 2014 to work as a software engineer at Geico. After visiting all 91 Metro
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stops and 385+ Capital Bikeshare stations, he still loves exploring the city, absorbing its history and volunteering for causes such as the CFF. Dooling was born profoundly deaf and is fluent in both American sign language (ASL) and English. He also writes questions for ASL Trivia DC, and would enjoy hearing your favorite trivia facts on any topic.
Ryan Fox Ryan Fox is a system engineer with Raytheon. He recently left active-duty Air Force and is now in the Air Force Reserves. He loves backpacking and is currently section hiking the Appalachian Trail with a fellow Eagle Scout. He is enrolling in George Washington’s masters of engineering program for cybersecurity next fall. Fox is participating in DC’s Finest to expand his methods of helping the cause, and because of his family ties to cystic fibrosis.
Ileana Alamo Garay Ileana Alamo Garay is an integrated media manager for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. She studied public relations and business administration, and completed her certification in project management. She is considering pursuing a master’s degree at Georgetown University, and is heavily involved with professional nonprofit organization Prospanica, managing their events, social media and marketing communications.
On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Johnny Garcia Johnny Garcia is the regional advisor to the vice president of the south region for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), where he advises the vice president and oversees the implementation of the company’s enterprise strategies across nine states. As a leader in the community, he has been selected by the DC mayor to serve as a commissioner for the Office on Latino Affairs’ Latino Community Development Commission. A Washington native, Garcia earned a bachelor of arts in communications from the University of the District of Columbia and a master’s in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College. During his spare time, he likes to travel to learn and experience new cultures and their people, as well as spend quality time with family and friends.
Melanie Goff Melanie Goff is a senior advisor for the National Journal Membership. She graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor of arts in political science and a minor in political communication in 2012. She is a native of Columbia, Md. and currently lives in Crystal City, Va.
Spencer Howard Spencer Howard is a grassroots and PAC manager for the U.S. Travel Association.
He graduated with a degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame, and moved to the nation’s capital to work on political campaigns. He’s a native of Kentucky who has wanted to get involved with the CFF for some time, as he grew up with a close family friend who had cystic fibrosis.
Lisa-Marie Kelly Lisa-Marie Kelly earned her bachelor’s in psychology from Salisbury University. She currently works as a relationship manager for The Meltzer Group, a prominent insurance brokerage specializing in strategic insurance placement. Her role encompasses her passion for helping others by assisting business owners in selecting the best benefit options to minimize risk, retain employees and increase productivity. Kelly is highly active in the community through programs including Big Brothers Big Sisters, N Street Village and the Rotary Club. Her father was a warrior and sufferer of cystic fibrosis, and after his death in 2014, she has been increasingly committed to promoting awareness. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, hiking and exploring all DC has to offer.
Sergio Leon Sergio Leon is a 2009 graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a dual degree in finance and economics. Upon graduation, he joined Deloitte & Touche and later, Volkswagen Group of America. In
his current role as a manager in the statistical modeling group, Leon provides expert knowledge in statistical modeling techniques to business unit leaders throughout the company. He enjoys golfing and traveling the world with his wife. In addition, over the past few years, he has developed an affinity for mountain biking. On most weekends, you can find him riding his fat-tire mountain bike on several of Northern Virginia’s single-track trails.
Christian Mullins Christian Mullins was born and raised in King of Prussia, Pa., just outside of Philadelphia. He currently resides in Bethesda, Md. and is a senior sales executive for Marriott International. He is grateful to be recognized as a 2016 DC’s Finest honoree. His younger sister has cystic fibrosis, so this disease has had a big impact on his family for the last 23 years. Mullins grew up watching his parents be actively involved in the CFF’s Delaware Valley chapter, and it has inspired him to follow suit when he recently moved to the DC area. He would like to say “thank you” to his friends and family who have continued to support his fundraising efforts to one day make “CF” stand for “cure found.”
Amanda Murphy Amanda Murphy has over 10 years of experience in communications consulting. She has successfully managed communications and change management teams, and crafted communications strategies to manage stakeholder expectations. Following her graduation from Boston College, Murphy worked on the production of a major network television pilot and as an assistant to an awardwinning movie producer. She also served as deputy field director on a presidential campaign in the Virginia-coordinated campaign office. Additionally, she serves on the planning committee of the annual Cystic Fibrosis Celebrity Tennis Gala.
Korey Paff
Matthew Shannon
Jenny Vince
Korey Paff graduated from Rider University in 2007. Over his 10-year career at Walgreens, he has worked in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, DC and now currently in Rockville, Md. As a newlywed, Paff enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, golfing, watching any Philadelphia sports team, and grilling.
Matthew Shannon is a research analyst for CEB, a best practice insight and technology company based in Rosslyn, Va., where he focuses on management best practices in corporate finance. A District resident since 2014, Shannon has been an active part of the community through his involvement with local volunteer and nonprofit organizations, including For Love of Children, City Blossoms and DC Central Kitchen. As an avid runner, he knows the vital importance of the respiratory system for living an active lifestyle. He first started raising money and awareness for cystic fibrosis in 2005 by participating in Bishop O’Connell High School’s Superdance, and is continuing that effort this year in memory of a college friend who had cystic fibrosis.
Jenny Vince currently works for global public relations firm H+K Strategies, providing strategic communications counsel and media relations for clients in technology, energy, healthcare and retail. As a native Washingtonian, Jenny was drawn back to the city after graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an Italian studies minor from a semester abroad in Rome. She has a passion for animals, yoga and all things travel. Whether it’s paddle boarding on the Chesapeake with her Yorkshire pup Remington, jumping off cliffs in Capri, scuba diving in the Caymans or skydiving anywhere, Jenny lives by the motto, “Work hard, play hard.”
Allison Primack Allison Primack, a cystic fibrosis sister, moved to DC five years ago from California to obtain her master’s in public policy at George Washington University. She currently works at M Powered Strategies, a change management consulting firm where she has helped federal clients in six federal agencies communicate and manage projects more effectively, while also managing the company’s sales operations. Primack has participated in CFF’s Great Strides walk regularly since her sister, Robyn, was born, and has led her own teams with Robyn in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento and DC since 2009. In her free time, she likes to travel to new places both domestically and internationally, as well as explore new places in DC – especially restaurants.
To donate or learn more about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.finest.cff.org or contact Beatrice Santacroce at bsantacroce@cff.org.
Heidi Schiesser Heidi Schiesser graduated cum laude from Rowan University, with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and minors in advertising and psychology. After graduation, she interned with the CFF’s DC chapter, and then went on to work for their national headquarters. She currently works in the foundation’s fundraising operations department as a fundraising operations supervisor. In her free time, she likes to travel, cook and run with her golden retriever, Tuck.
CELEBRATING THE 2016 FINEST HONOREES
Benefiting THE the Cystic Foundation CELEBRATING 2016Fibrosis FINEST HONOREES Hosted by When K&L GATES LLP Benefiting the5,Cystic Fibrosis Foundation OCTOBER 2016 6:00 - 10:00PM When
OCTOBER 5, 2016 6:00 - 10:00PM
1601Hosted K ST NW by
K&L GATES LLP 1601 K ST NW
This Event is Cocktail Attire https://finest.cff.org/activity/metrodc
This Event is Cocktail Attire https://finest.cff.org/activity/metrodc www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | On Tap
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By Trent Johnson Chris Maier
Chris Maier is typically tucked in a cramped office, nestled in Shaw’s Wonder Bread Factory, surrounded by countless start-ups and even more creative minds in one of WeWork’s collaborative DC offices. Made by Little’s space is more like a closet, with two desks stuffed within, and two bodies working toward innovation in storytelling through their creative agency. Once a month, Made by Little’s creative director, along with other art lovers, are cramped somewhere else. Normally, Maier and his peers are in a house or apartment, but sometimes they’re in a studio or a large office space. Each event enlists five artists of any medium, from electric violinists to spokenword poets, to stand in front of the audience, usually aligned shoulder to shoulder. These brave performers are eye level, not elevated on a stage, and are a mere five to 10 feet away from the community built over the past two years – Little Salon. “In 2014, we wanted to get a little apartment and put together a fun event with a writer, poet and a quartet from the National
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On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: Trent Johnson
Symphony Orchestra,” Maier says. “We put it on Twitter and we just waited to see who would show up. About 65 people came, we put beer in the bathtub and people enjoyed it.” Maier, who has an MFA in creative writing, experimented with this sort of event when he was a grad student at the University of Illinois. As part of his work with the university’s literary magazine, Ninth Letter, he hosted get-togethers in restaurants and bars to bring literature to people outside of the bubble. “We wanted to break down the barriers to get more readers,” Maier says. “I moved here, got into work at a creative agency, and I felt I lost touch with the creative world. This was at a fever pitch when I read a couple readings and no one came out except my friends. That’s what led me to try and get a larger audience for artists and their works. We try to combine the big and small.” If you trek to a Little Salon, you’d be amazed to know nearly all of the groundwork is laid by Maier alone. He seeks spaces, reaches out to artists and promotes the events on social
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A recent Little Salon event
1221 Mass. Ave. NW 202-628-7979
For information about upcoming Little Salon events, visit www.littlesalondc.com.
703 D St. NW 202-628-1288 L’Enfant Plaza, SW Promenade #325 202-628-2177
Photo: Courtesy of Little Salon
media. Not to mention, he can be easily spotted with a camera taking shots throughout the respective events, even if that means squeezing between the jammed patrons to secure a respectable photo. This summer, he had a little help from volunteers, but he’s not sure if that will carry over to the fall. “I still find contacts, and enlist artists [and] performers to participate and curate the event,” Maier says. “The complication with Little Salon is it’s a lot of work to get a stranger to open up to a lot of people. I would love to have more people in the mix here, but it’s such a specific process. Part of it is I’ve lived here for a long time, and I know a lot of the people in the scene.” Immediately after each event, Maier goes home, uploads his photos to Facebook, builds an email blast and begins sifting through prospective hosts for the next month. This month, Little Salon is partnering with “What’s Going On? Voices of Shaw,” a celebration of art in numerous shared spaces in Shaw from September 24 to October 2. Little Salon will host on September 27, but the venue hasn’t been decided yet. “[What’s Going On?] wanted Little Salon to be a partner, so we’ll be helping to cross-promote that,” Maier says. “They’re not trying to program Little Salon or anything. I think it’ll be cool. The fact that someone came to us proves that we’re doing something right.” Next month, Little Salon will hit Congress Heights just east of the Anacostia River with a lightly Halloween-themed show on October 18. “The biggest thing that I hope people take away is a sense of the rich creative life that surrounds them,” Maier says. “I want people to be more involved and more appreciative of the creative scene in DC. I want them to have a willingness to dive into different areas of art that they might not [normally] dive into. Maybe you arrived to see poetry, but you sort of dug the paintings. That’s why we have the performances in short doses.” In the meantime, Maier will be in his tiny office producing work for Made by Little clients. As you can imagine, like most of his physical world, he is often cramped for time, but he’s more than willing to pay that price to continue cultivating a cohesive arts community.
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Brunch Saturday and Sunday until 2pm featuring Bottomless mimosas and bloody marys We are the premier location for European sports Open early for most EPL games
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808 7TH ST | DC | 202.789.0066 | GALLERY PLACE METRO Please drink responsibly.
www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | On Tap
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13. Bourbon barrels can only be used once.
1. Kentucky is home to more bourbon barrels than people.
12. During World War II, many bourbon distilleries were converted to produce penicillin.
11. Bourbon is the only product in the world you can’t legally add color or flavor additives to.
2. Bourbon is America’s only native spirit.
DID YOU KNOW?
BOURBON
10. Bourbon receives its color from the barrel it’s aged within.
HERITAGE
9. For a spirit to be called “bourbon,” it must be made in the U.S.
8. Bourbon distillers in Kentucky pay over $14 million in property taxes annually to store aging barrels.
MONTH By Dory Jackson
ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
4. It’s illegal to make bourbon in the comfort of your own home, but not to age it.
5. By law, bourbon must be aged in barrels for at least two years.
7. “White dog” refers to bourbon that has not yet been aged.
Fun facts courtesy of the following articles: #1: http://chilledmagazine.com/cool_products-detail/10-fun-fact-about-bourbon #2: http://kybourbon.com/bourbon_culture-2/key_bourbon_facts/ #3, #10: www.smartertravel.com/2015/10/19/9-fun-facts-youll-learn-on-kentuckys-bourbon-trail/
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3. During Prohibition, patients could legally purchase a pint of bourbon every 10 days if prescribed by a doctor.
6. All bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon.
#4, #8, #11, #12: www.bromygod.com/2015/07/15/fun-facts-about-bourbon-and-its-american-history/ #5, #6, #9: www.cnbc.com/2013/09/24/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-kentucky-bourbon.html #7: www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/15-things-you-didn-t-know-about-bourbon #13: www.bonappetit.com/recipes/article/15-very-important-things-you-should-know-about-bourbon
All Drink, Dine, Do event listings are provided by the venues hosting them.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Labor Day Crabfest City Tap is holding its Crabfest on Labor Day, with a half-dozen crabs available for $25 and a dozen available for $45. A limited brunch menu will also be available, as well as sides of hush puppies, corn on the cob and Old Bay fries. Pair the meal with select $5 Flying Dog drafts or $4 Narragansett tall boys. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. City Tap House: 901 9th St. NW, DC; www.dc.citytap.com
Bottled-in-Bond: Whiskey Tasting & Seminar This seminar is set to evaluate the history of the Bottled-inBond Act of 1897, the great distillers that pushed for its passing, and how distilleries like Heaven Hill are still producing amazing products. Tastings of Bottled-in-Bond products from Heaven Hill Distillery will include Mellow Corn Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye, Henry McKenna Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald Bourbon and Sacred Bond Brandy. There will also be special food pairing including biscuits, buffalo wings, chicken nuggets and waffles. These foods will help accentuate the whiskies and demonstrate the range of flavors. Event begins at 7 p.m. $60. Bourbon: 2321 18th St. NW, DC; www.whiskeylibrarydc.com
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cantinamarina.com
600 Water St. SW | 202-554-8396 www.ontaponline.com | September 2016 | On Tap
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DRINK | DINE | DO
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Permacounterculture Punk Show The Hamiltonian Gallery’s latest exhibit Permacounterculture takes its notion from “Permaculture,” which is a self-sufficient, ethical agricultural system. The exhibit, running since August 13, strives to create an “ecosystem revolving around the U Street community, DC’s punk scene and urban farming.” The gallery has been transformed into a music venue, in which a series of punk shows are played in a garage, doubling as a greenhouse for wheatgrass. According to the website, the sound from the music coupled with the exhalation of carbon dioxide circulates the air around the plant, encouraging growth, and will be converted into nutritious wheatgrass shots to be offered to the public on a weekly basis. “It’s a very unique experience, and a totally novel mashup of an idea: punk music helps grow wheatgrass plants, audience imbibes the raw punk energy when wheatgrass shots are consumed,” says Gallery Director Amanda JirónMurphy. “The best part is that it’s giving some fantastic bands a chance to play in an art gallery.” The last show will be on September 9 and features Video Pricks, Iron Cages and Sedative. The exhibit ends on September 10. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Suggested donations for bands is $5$10. Hamiltonian: 1353 U St. NW, DC; www.hamiltoniangallery.com
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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
BYT Presents Freaks & Greeks! A Nat Geo After Hours Party Don’t miss this special cult-classic, allaccess, party-time, National Geographic HQ takeover with exclusive access to the new Nat Geo Museum exhibition. Enjoy a fun blend of live performances and long gazes at ancient artifacts. The lively present meets the restored past in this one-of-a-kind museum spectacle. 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. $25-$30. National Geographic Museum: 1600 M St. NW, DC; www.bytnatgeo2016.eventbrite.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Wine 101: An Introduction to Wine So you like wine but don’t know much about it? Expand your palate and develop foundational wine knowledge through this small group introductory class. Learn about different types of grapes and classic styles of wine, and begin to understand the major wine regions of the world. Six wines will be tasted with artisanal cheeses. This is a seated class, so space is limited. 8 p.m. $35. DCanter: 545 8th St. SE, DC; www.dcanterwines.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Sonic Circuits Festival Sonic Circuits seeks to expose audiences to cutting-edge contemporary music that defies genres, and offer artists new platforms to present their music and opportunities to network and collaborate with artists from around the world. In addition to organizing an annual festival since 2001, Sonic Circuits programs are held year-round. Don’t miss their festival at Logan Fringe Arts Space this month. Various times; check website for details. $20 for each day’s performances. Logan Fringe Arts Space: 1358 Florida Ave. NE, DC; www.dc-soniccircuits.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Devils Backbone Brewery 2 Brewery Bike Ride Devils Backbone Brewing Company will host Brewery 2 Brewery, a 75-mile bike ride from the Outpost Brewery & Tap Room in Lexington, Va. to the Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows in Roseland, Va. This challenging ride will take place on paved, maintained roads, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, with jerseys for men and women available. This ride will benefit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $65. Devils Backbone Brewing Company: Mosbys Run in Roseland, VA; www.dbbrewingcompany.com
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Guests enjoyed a fabulous evening of DC fashion and fireworks on the rooftop of The Arris. The event featured an over-the-pool runway and celebrity guests including 95.5’s Guy Lambert and DJ Will Eastman. Photos: Adrianne Depew, Lindsay Galatro & Joey Machak
www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | On Tap
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DRINK | DINE | DO SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Arts & Ales Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival This juried festival will feature over 100 exhibiting artists and artisans, Maryland craft breweries, food vendors, and a variety of performances, including music and dance. Arts & Ales is expected to attract 4,500 visitors. Noon to 6 p.m. The event is free to attend and family-friendly, and tasting passes are available for $30. Gateway Arts District: 3901 Rhode Island Ave. Brentwood, MD; www.hyattsvilleartsfestival.com
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Inaugural Barley and Music Fest The Barley and Music Fest in Alexandria is a signature event that transforms the Carlyle District into a lively festival featuring diverse music and beers. Beers to sample include beverages from Starr Hill Brewery, Mad Fox Brewing Company and Bold Rock Hard Cider, plus more. Check the website for entertainment details. Noon to 6 p.m. Free to attend; drink tickets for sale on website. Barley and Music Fest: 300 John Carlyle St. Alexandria, VA; www.barleymusicfest.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 H Street Festival Organized by H Street Main Street, this annual event highlights the spirit of the H Street NE corridor and has been named as the best community festival by Washington City Paper for the last six years. The crowds often exceed 125,000 attendees, and the festival provides a full on blitz of activities. This year’s attractions include a karaoke stage, DC Comic’s superheroes, a fashion stage, Pokemon Go zones, a Modelo Zone and a chess academy. There will also be local and regional artists performing go-go, rap, R&B, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, gospel and more. It doesn’t stop at activities, as the festival features a smorgasbord of food staples including barbecue, fried chicken and even unusual dishes with an international flavor. Noon to 7 p.m. Free to attend. H Street Festival: H Street from 4th to 14th Streets, NE, DC; www.hstreet.org
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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Snallygaster Snallygaster is a one-day, outdoor epic beer festival featuring no fewer than 350 craft beers from across the globe, including a bunch of DC debuts, autumn seasonals, a huge collection of cask ales, assorted barrel-aged brews, craft cans and more. To compliment the very best beer, you need the best bites. We enlist DC’s most popular and tasty food trucks and food artisans to provide a menu ranging from lobster rolls and BBQ to wood-fire pizza and hot dogs. 1-6 p.m. $35-$60. The Yards: 355 Water St. SE, DC; www.capitolriverfront.org
Wine Helps! Charity Wine Tasting and Coat Drive Turn a sip or two of wine into a warm coat for an Arlington child this winter by joining the Arlington Rotary for the inaugural Wine Helps! Drink a LittleHelp a Lot event. Twenty wines and an assortment of cheeses are being selected by the renowned Doug Rosen of Arrowine & Cheese. There also will be hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, and a fabulous drawing for a tasting dinner for eight with wine pairings at Proof Restaurant. Proceeds from the event will go to providing warm coats to children supported by Homestretch, a local program that empowers homeless families to rebuild their lives. 6-8:30 p.m. Tickets for Wine Helps! are $75 per person and are for sale on Eventbrite. Tickets for the dinner drawing are $10 each. Parking is free under the building and the Ballston Metro is just steps away. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Building: Ballston Conference Center, 4301 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.arlingtonrotaryclub.org
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 DC Fashion Week A partnership between independent fashion designers, producers and models, DC Fashion Week was created to increase economic development in the area of fashion design, clothing merchandising and modeling, and to enhance the visibility of the nation’s capital as a center of international fashion. Various events and fashion shows will be held throughout DC. Check the website for details. DC Fashion Week: Various locations around DC; www. dcfashionweek.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Rock the Block with The Hackens Boys Rock the Block at Old Town Square in Fairfax is back again. Each fourth Friday of the month through October, walk, run, ride your bike or drive to Old Town Square because you don’t want to miss out on fantastic live music. This week, check out country rock band The Hackens Boys. Food is available for sale. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on. No pets allowed except service animals. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free to attend. Old Town Square: 10415 N. St. Fairfax, VA; www.fairfaxva.gov
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Das Best Oktoberfest Enjoy more than 150 international, domestic and local Maryland beers. Authentic oompah and polka bands will help you move along and dance to some of the best regional bands. There will also be German foods such as bratwurst, knockwurst, potato pancakes and more, plus a group costume competition. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $25-$49. Das Best Oktoberfest: The Plateau, 300 Waterfront St. Oxon Hill, MD; www.dasbestoktoberfest.com/ washington-dc/
Fifth Annual Wiener 500 Come celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 24 with On Tap. This silly event is family and dog-friendly! Meet us at Yards Park on the waterfront to listen to live music, drink beer, eat delicious food and watch 96 Dachshunds race to help raise funds for Washington Humane Society. First prize is $150, second place is $100 and third place is $50. This event is free to attend, but you must be 21+ to consume alcohol. If you have a dachshund and want to sign your dog up to race, visit http://tickets.ontaponline.com. There are only 96 spots, so be sure to register today. Don’t have a dachshund? Your furry friend can take part in the best trick and best dressed contests. Sign up on the day of the event at the registration table. 1-5 p.m. $25 to enter dog in race. Yards Park: 355 Water St. SE, DC; http://tickets. ontaponline.com
sept 16 ultrabar 8-11pm the dial-ups
Live music, open bar, and a great cause 90s attire encouraged! Get your tickets at www.theluvuproject.org/ulead
ULEAD OUT OF LUV
uLead is a young professionals organization dedicated to advancing the mission of The Luv u Project: To set a quantifiable agenda and take responsible actions that advance the understanding of, and treatments for, mental health issues. All proceeds from I Luv the 90s will support the 2017 Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Excellence in Mental Health Reporting. This award elevates the conversation and visibility of this important social issue.
The Luv u Project, Inc. @theluvuproject @theluvuproject
If you would like more information about The Luv u Project, Inc., please write to P.O. Box 60248, Potomac, MD 20859, or call (240) 614-7766. Documents and information are available upon request and through the Maryland Secretary of State.
www.ontaponline.com | September 2016 | On Tap
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DRINK | DINE | DO SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 DC Beer Week Started in 2008, DC Beer Week is a celebration of good beer located smack dab in the nation’s capital. From conception to consumption, these beers are forever tethered to the District, and represent the very best brews to emerge from the area. DC Beer Week aims to educate all on good beer through various events and seminars throughout the week. Whether it be a festival, dinner or community event, this week offers beer as the drink of choice for a tremendous amounts of activities. So go out and trek through the city in search of the best beers of the town, because you’ll likely be astonished at the volume and explosive flavor offered throughout. Various times and prices for events. DC Beer Week: Various locations around the District; www.dcbeerweek.net
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 DC VegFest With free admission, free food samples and more than 130 vendors, this is the perfect opportunity for a veggie lover or a curious eater to try some new foods. The first 1,000 attendees receive a free tote bag full of samples and coupons. There will also be live music, a beer garden, cooking demonstrations and presentations by authors and celebrities. Dogs are welcome. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. Yards Park: 1st and N Streets in SE, DC; http://dcvegfest.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Old Ebbitt Grill’s 4th Annual Craft BrewHaHa Kicking off DC Beer Week, BrewHaHa features 10 local breweries and 10 local chefs showcasing some of DC’s best food and craft beer. Guests will enjoy unlimited tastings of 20 craft beers from local breweries alongside 20 terrific tastes from top restaurants. Held in Old Ebbitt Grill’s expansive atrium, the cocktail-style party will feature live music from opening band Crooked Angel. 7:30-10:30 p.m. $75. Old Ebbitt Grill: 675 15th St. NW, DC; www.ebbitt.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Get Fit and Support Special Olympics Worldgate Sport & Health will host a morning of unlimited complimentary group exercise classes to benefit Special Olympics Virginia. A donation of $20 will provide access to the following classes: yoga, cycling, aqua, step, kickboxing and club barre. Classes are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the class schedule is available on the Worldgate website. Worldgate Sport & Health: 13037 Worldgate Dr. Herndon, VA; www.firstgiving.com/sova/worldgateentreandsporthealth
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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Lost Rhino Retreat Pig Roast Join Lost Rhino for a pig roast prepared by RESQ BBQ Catering, benefiting the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia. The Redskins vs. Giants game will be on, and there will be contests with prizes available throughout the event. Each ticket will include a plate of food with pulled pork BBQ, mac and cheese, baked beans and potato salad as well as a beverage of your choice. 1-5 p.m. $25. Lost Rhino Retreat: 22885 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton, VA; www.lostrhinoretreat.com
5thAnnual
Wiener 500 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
On Tap Presents the
DACHSHUND DASH FOR CHARITY! RACE PROCEEDS
BENEFIT WHS SIGN YOUR DOG UP NOW!
1-5PM YARDS PARK 355 WATER STREET SE, DC
#WIENER500
LIVE MUSIC LLOYD DOBLER EFFECT, DJ CHRIS STYLES COLD BEER OFFICIAL SAM ADAMS STEIN HOISTING CONTEST FOOD TRUCKS SWIZZLER, RED HOOK LOBSTER WANT TO RACE YOUR DACHSHUND? SIGN UP AT ONTAPONLINE.COM $25 per dog to race, proceeds of race will be donated to WHS. All breed contests are free of charge and do not require pre-registering. All dogs must be leashed when not racing and current on vaccinations. Unruly dogs will be excused. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol, no outside alcohol allowed.
PROST! Raise a Glass to
Oktoberfest By Alex Benedetto
Dust off your lederhosen and dirndl because Oktoberfest is here, and you don’t need to go all the way to Germany to experience the annual 16-day festival. Here in the DMV, the yearly celebration of pretzels, beer and all things German has grown, with loads of events happening at beer gardens, breweries and restaurants near you. Take a look at our list and PROST!
Washington, DC Heurich House Museum Oktoberfest Saturday, September 17 Heurich House Museum partners with the DC Brewers Guild for their annual Oktoberfest celebration, with nine DC beers on tap, brats on the grill, homemade pretzels, live music and more. 1-4 p.m. Buy general admission tickets for $60 and VIP tickets for $75; both can be purchased online. Christian Heurich Mansion: 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; www.heurichhouse.org
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District Oktoberfest
“Sauftoberfest” Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 17 Sunday, September 18 Gallery Place/Chinatown turns into Germany for the weekend, with admission including a full 12-oz. serving of an Oktoberfest edition beer at each of the six participating venues. Enjoy entertainment, food and liquor pairings, and more throughout the weekend, with a portion of all proceeds going to local charities. District Oktoberfest: Six participating bars around DC; www.districtoktoberfest.com
Saturday, September 17 Sunday, October 2 Dupont’s Sauf Haus is kicking off Oktoberfest with its first ever Sauftoberfest season, with three weeks of daily events to celebrate. Enjoy $8 Oktoberfest flights all day, every day, with 16 German draft beers to choose from. Try your hand at the stein-hoisting challenge or pretzel-eating contest; participate in tastings, giveaways and more. Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garden: 1216 18th St. NW, DC; www.saufhausdc.com
Biergarten Haus Oktoberfest Saturday, September 17 Sunday, October 2 Celebrate Oktoberfest at Biergarten Haus on H Street with ceremonious keg tappings every weekend, featuring 11 additional Oktoberfest drafts on top of their regular 12 drafts offered. Pair your brew with the Biergarten Haus sausage platters, made by third-generation German butchers, or other classic German dishes. Biergarten Haus: 1355 H St. NE, DC; www.biergartenhaus.com
Wunder Garten Saturday, September 17 Sunday, October 2 New to the NoMA neighborhood as of last month, Wunder Garten is here to stay, with a multi-year lease and plans to operate year-round, including Oktoberfest. Head there for an impressive German beer selection, rotating lineup of local and regional craft beers, live music, DJs, tastings and more. Wunder Garten: 1st and L Streets, NE, DC; www.wundergartendc.com
Join us for an
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 7-9 PM ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY LIGHT FARE, BEER & WINE FROM ROCK BOTTOM LIVE MUSIC FROM PHIL KOMINSKI DUO (OF LLOYD DOBLER EFFECT)
RSVP AT WWW.FLATS8300RSVP.COM Must be 21+ to consume alcohol
WWW.FLATS8300.COM 8300 WISCONSIN AVENUE, BETHESDA, MD 20814
AN
PRODUCTION
ONE Great Day of Fall Fun! Virginia Oktoberfest Parking Lot Party
Beer & Wine, Food, Live Music, Dancing & MORE! RESTON TOWN CENTER RESTON, VA Saturday, October 8 | Noon– 11PM Live German Entertainment during the day with Cover/Party Band at night!
Friday, September 9 - Saturday, September 10 Port City couldn’t wait for Oktoberfest this year, so they are throwing their Parking Lot Party a week early. Enjoy two days of live music, local food truck fare and delicious Port City brews. Event runs 2-10 p.m. on Friday, and 12-9 p.m. on Saturday. Port City Brewing Company: 3950 Wheeler Ave. Alexandra, VA; www.portcitybrewing.com
Hoppy Oktoberfest Saturday, September 24 Mad Fox turns Market Square into a biergarten with live music, grilled food and some of the region’s top IPA and Oktoberfest beers. 12-6 p.m. Admission is free, but get your tasting tickets early – early bird general admission is $25, and includes six tastings, and early bird VIP includes 10 tastings and unlimited food until 5 p.m. Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 West Broad St. Suite I, Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com
Oktoberfest at Capitol City Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER ALLEY
BEER ON TAP
Come to sit, sip and enjoy craft beer from area breweries in our Craft Beer Alley. Check online for a full list of brews on tap.
Saturday, October 1 Capitol City hosts its 17th annual Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest with more than 65 breweries giving out samples, local food vendors, including delicious authentic German food, music and more. 12-7 p.m. Admission is $30 for beer sampling, and free for non-drinkers. Capitol City Brewing Company: 4001 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; www.capcitybrew.com
Maryland Das Best Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 9, Start time 8:15AM Debut your Halloween costume or step out in your Lederhosen to get ready for the Oktoberfest Reston Pumpkin 5k and Kids’ Pumpkin Dash!
Registration is open at www.OktoberfestReston.com
PRE-ORDER YOUR TICKETS ONLINE 1 for $1 or 24 for $20
www.OktoberfestReston.com 28
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Saturday, September 24 Taste over 150 beers, wines and schnapps, while listening to awesome music and eating your way through bratwurst, potato pancakes and more. Wear German attire and get a free souvenir bag, or get a group together to dress up for the chance to win a $300 prize. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Advanced general tickets are $29 for an unlimited beer sampling; VIP tickets are $49 for unlimited wine and beer sampling, plus two extra sampling hours. Das Best Oktoberfest: 300 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; www.dasbestoktoberfest.com
Oktoberfest at the Kentlands Sunday, October 9 The City of Gaithersburg presents the 25th annual Oktoberfest at Kentlands, covering an impressive reach of Kentlands Village Green, the grounds of Kentlands Mansion, Main Street and Market Square. Enjoy wine tasting, featuring local Maryland vineyards, a beer garden, food vendors, six stages of entertainment and more. 12-5 p.m. Kentlands Market Square: 821 Center Point Way, Gaithersburg, MD; www.gaithersburgmd.gov
Oktoberfest
eats! German Schnitzel, Pretzels & Sausage in the City By Alex Benedetto Hoist your steins and massively oversized pretzels because Oktoberfest is upon us! It’s that glorious time of year when you can juggle endless plates of crispy schnitzel and platters of bratwurst with sauerkraut, and no one will bat an eye. It should come as no surprise that the vast DC area culinary spectrum has quite a few amazing restaurants and beer gardens, all offering classic and modern twists on popular German dishes. Cheesy kaese spaetzle with roasted onions, a piping hot bowl of eintopf (classic German stew) and crispy fried German potato pancakes…is your mouth watering yet? Not to worry, we have gathered a list of the top places to find your favorite German dishes and get your Oktoberfest celebration off to the perfect start!
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Cafe Mozart’s schnitzel
Photo: Alex Benedetto
Sehkraft Brewery’s jumbo pretzel
Photo: Alex Benedetto
Schnitzel
Pretzels
Thin, boneless cuts of meat are breaded and fried up to crispy perfection.
A crowd-pleaser for sure, traditional German pretzels, known as Laugenbrezel, can be found in bakeries and street stands all over Germany.
Head over to Cafe Berlin near Union Station and order the Jäeger schnitzel – thinly pounded pork bread cooked to crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with a bacon and mushroom gravy. At Cafe Mozart downtown, first walk through the German deli to get to the back restaurant (though you’ll be sure to stop there for purchases on the way out!) and order up from an array of schnitzel choices. My personal favorite is the chicken Jäeger schnitzel – thin and crispy chicken sautéed with tomato, mushroom, onion and red wine. Over at Old Europe on Wisconsin Avenue, order the schnitzel Old Europe. The original house recipe was created by the Lichtenstein family, who opened the restaurant in 1948. For a different take on the classic schnitzel, try brunch at the newly opened Bistro Bohem on U Street and order the house favorite chicken schnitzel waffle with maple syrup. Bistro Bohem 600 Florida Ave. NW, DC www.bistrobohem.com Cafe Berlin 322 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC www.cafeberlin-dc.com Cafe Mozart 1331 H St. NW, DC www.cafemozartdc.com Old Europe 2434 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC www.old-europe.com
Sehkraft Brewing in Arlington has a Baltimore-based German baker who can count the Clarendon area restaurant as his number one client for pretzels. Order the pound-and-a-half jumbo pretzel for you and a friend, which comes with three heavenly dipping sauces – garlic-spiked grain mustard, bacon horseradish cream and brewery cheese dip (my favorite, you’ll be asking for seconds). And if you need to feed a crowd, order up their seven-pound pretzel, which is not featured on the menu but is available and massive. Popular Hill East spot The Pretzel Bakery takes a creative spin on the pretzel, offering a variety of options, including sweet and savory pretzels. Small-batch, hand-rolled and fresh-out-of-the-oven daily, try the Pretzel Bomb – a Nutella-filled sweet pretzel roll topped with house-made glaze and salt. Or for a savory pick, try everything pretzels with the house-made pub cheese dip. I have never gone to Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garden on 18th Street and not ordered the medium two-pound pretzel with friends. Take a seat up on the rooftop beer garden and pair with a German brew. The Pretzel Bakery 257 15th St. SE, DC www.thepretzelbakery.com Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garden 216 18th St. NW, DC www.saufhausdc.com Sehkraft Brewing 925 N. Garfield St. Suite A, Arlington, VA www.sehkraftbrewing.com
Sausage Germany has over 1,000 varieties of this satisfying dish, typically served up with a staple side dish of sauerkraut.
Courthaus Social’s sausage
Photo: Courtesy of Courthaus Social
Over at Penn Quarter’s The Partisan, which showcases the offerings of the neighboring Red Apron butcher shop, they have a 32-item house-made charcuterie menu that changes on the regular and includes a modern take on the German favorite bierwurst. The restaurant’s “Beerwurst” is named aptly for the fact that beer is included in the sausage, not something typically found in the German delicacy. Order up the Red Apron sausage platter, which includes a selection of sausages and tasty accompaniments, served with toasted tigelles. At German-themed Arlington sports bar Courthaus Social, order their “Best of the Wurst,” which includes a choice of three locally-made sausages (bratwurst, cheese brat, knackwurst, spiced country style or spicy chicken) served with two heavenly pretzel rolls, mustard and cabbage. Popular H Street spot Biergarten Haus has third-generation German butchers on staff who craft their own sausages, served up with house-made potato pancakes and sauerkraut. For a bit of a twist, head to BBQ and beer garden Garden District on 14th Street for their mouthwatering German bratwurst and kraut sandwich. Biergarten Haus: 1355 H St. NW, DC: www.biergartenhaus.com Courthaus Social: 2300 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.courthaussocial.com Garden District: 1801 14th St. NW, DC; www.gardendistrictdc.com
The Partisan’s sausage platter
Photo: Alex Benedetto
The Partisan: 709 D St. NW, DC; www.thepartisandc.com
www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | On Tap
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The Bierdo “Lets Get Beer’d!”
The DMV’s Best Biergartens Prost, Bierdos! Oktoberfest is almost here and the blue-eyed, blonde-haired German in me is pumped about another excuse to go out and drink copious amounts of zee German bier. Don’t be fooled by zee Deutschland bar imposters – here’s my list of real-deal places to zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi hoi hoi at!
TOP
OKTOB ERFEST SPOTS
By Nick Hardt
Biergarten Haus This H Street institution has had me inebriated on many occasions with “shotskies” on the three biergarten patios and in rooms themed like an Austrian snow chalet. It’s Oktoberfest all year here, and if you’re into their Tuesday night trivia or watching the game (particularly football), this is the place to do it. But a warning, this place gets packed when the game’s on. Biergarten Haus: 1355 H St. NE, DC; www.biergartenhaus.com Photo: Courtesy of Biergarten Haus
The Brig Forty taps, two golden lion statues, tons of outdoor seating and a plethora of German, American craft and domestic offerings are what you’ll find at DC’s newest beer garden just blocks away from Nats Park and Barracks Row. Before or after the game, avoid the crowds and have some fun off of the beaten trail at a spot so new, even I haven’t been yet! The Brig: 1007 8th St. SE, DC; www.thebrigdc.com Photo: The Brig’s Instagram page
Cafe Berlin If you’re looking for something smaller or for an intimate 1920s German dining experience with amazing authentic cuisine, check out Cafe Berlin. The patio – a nod to a Munich biergarten – is absolutely beautiful and perfect for something a little more romantic. I’ve also heard they have a killer brunch. Cafe Berlin: 322 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC; www.cafeberlin-dc.com Photo: Courtesy of Cafe Berlin
Courthaus Social This is the Virginia hotspot for mingling with Arlington’s beautiful 20 and 30-somethings. Check out their breezy bar patio or hang out inside at their two beautiful bars adorned with handmade wooden furniture. They have plenty of German beer, and their excellent selection of American craft offerings and unique sports bar experience will surprise you. Plus, they have giant Jenga! Courthaus Social: 2300 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.courthaussocial.com Photo: Courtesy of Courthaus Social
Dacha Beer Garden For a more alternative scene in DC’s hip Shaw neighborhood, slam back a few German boots of premium German drafts on the sunshine-filled, picnic-tabled patio at Dacha, complete with artsy decor. The beer garden has a more sophisticated feel, and their German beer selection is outstanding for a date or an excuse to gossip in the sun with friends. Charcuterie, mussels and beer kraut top my list of food options. Dacha is dog and kid-friendly, too. Dacha Beer Garden: 1600 7th St. NW, DC; www.dachadc.com
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Photo: Courtesy of Dacha Beer Garden
6 County Breweries Souvenir Glass Food Trucks Hospitality Tent Live Music All Day Brewery Tours Beer Education Panels
a part of
Photo: Courtesy of Garden District
Tyson’s Corner
Garden District
Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garden
Enjoy German and American craft offerings with some really tasty smoked BBQ and grilled sandwiches inside the fenced-in patio at U Street’s “mini-garden.” Just get there early if you want a seat! Garden District: 1801 14th St. NW, DC; www.gardendistrictdc.com
Yodel your way up the steep stairs to this Dupont-based, AC-filled, three-bar biergarten gem with an all-weather patio. Enjoy a plethora of German drafts (and biertails!) with nightly live music and creatively-themed events, depending on the holiday or occasion. They always have a great selection of my favorite dunkels, so start there, my German beer padawans! Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garden: 1216 18th St. NW, DC; www.saufhausdc.com
September BREWERY EVENTS
9/6
GORDON BIERSCH BEERS DURING HAPPY HOUR
3:30PM - 6:30PM
9/14
OKTOBERFEST TAPPING PARTY!!
6:00PM - 9:00PM
9/20 9/27
Photo: Courtesy of Sauf Haus
BREWERY TOURS
4:00PM - 5:00PM
BREWERS HAPPY HOUR
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Photo: Tyber Bierhaus’ Instagram page
Photo: Matt Rofougaran
Tyber Bierhaus
Tysons Biergarten
From the minds that brought you both St. Arnold’s Mussel Bars in the District comes a communal and festive German bier hall hidden in Bethesda with an awesome selection of German, Belgian, Czech and other European favorite drafts and cuisine. The taps literally – and impressively – hang from the ceiling and the bier hall has a great cocktail menu and some local craft offerings, so hang onto your seats, Bierdos. Tyber Bierhaus: 7525 Old Georgetown Rd. Bethesda, MD; www.tyberbierhausmd.com
As one of the area’s most beautiful and newest biergartens – full of the “who’s who” of sexy and business-savvy NoVA – this Tysons gem is just footsteps from the new Silver Line Metro, has outdoor music and two tasting rooms (and quite the list of local craft beer offerings, too). This new place is so hot right now, it’s straight fire. Tysons Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA; www.tysonsbiergarten.com
Have a beer for the Bierdo to try? Drop him a line at beer@ontaponline.com.
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GET READY!
DC Beer Week 2016 September 24 to October 1
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
OFFICI
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pʼs
AL GU
Septem
IDE
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sept. 24
saturday
Hoppy Oktoberfest Enjoy a selection of the region’s top IPA and Oktoberfest beers as we turn our Market Square into a Biergarten featuring live music and grilled fare! MAD FOX BREWING CO. 444 W. BROAD STREET FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046
(703) - 942 - 6840 madfoxbrewing.com @madfoxbrewing
Distillery + Kitchen + Bar 1414 U St. NW, DC
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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
WINNERS
I
By Trent Johnson n August, the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild hosted the 2016 Virginia Craft Beer Cup at WestRock in Richmond, Va. More than 350 beers were entered for review to be considered as the top-tasting brews in multiple categories. We’d like to congratulate all of the winners and runners-up, and give special shoutouts to some of our favorite Virginia breweries. For a full list of winners, visit www.virginiacraftbrewers.org.
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Adventure Brewing Company in Fredericksburg
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Beltway Brewing Company in Sterling
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Caboose Brewing Company in Vienna
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Capitol City Brewing Company in Shirlington
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Corcoran Brewing in Purcellville
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Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton
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Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond
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Heritage Brewing Company in Manassas
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Lake Anne Brew House in Reston
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Legend Brewing Company in Richmond
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Lost Rhino Brewing Company in Ashburn
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Mad Fox Brewing Company in Falls Church
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O’Connor Brewing Company in Norfolk
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Old Bust Head Brewing Company in Warrenton
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Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn
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Pale Fire Brewing Company in Harrisonburg
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Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria
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South Street Brewery in Charlottesville
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Starr Hill Brewery in Crozet
PROST!
Over 120 Beers, Wines & Schnapps p$1,000 in pRizes foR fingeRhalkn & fUn Contests plive mUsiC on the main stage featURing:
texas Chainsaw hoRns / liqUiD a / eDelweiss BanD
pgReat geRman fooD & mUCh moRe!
Tickets starting at only $25!
www.dcoktoberfest.com
Tickets are non-refunadable & subject to tax. Show is rain or shine. Please drink responsibly. Advance ticket sales close 9/21/16.
Run the 5k or Beer Mile! Entry fee is only $59 www.DasBeerRun.com
Celebrate
Oktoberfest with Grapes, Not Hops: Try Five Tasty German Wines
By Tess Ankeny
While there’s no denying that a stein of German beer is an easy choice for celebrating Oktoberfest, you shouldn’t forget that Germany is also known for making some truly world-class wines – many of which are not sweet. If beer isn’t your thing, or if you just want to try something new this month, you’re in luck. Check out these spots for quality German wines in the DMV. Prost!
Sparkling Wine 2011 Hofgut Falkenstein Riesling Sekt Brut Region: Mosel Where to get it: Schneider’s of Capitol Hill Price: $29.99/bottle Why you’ll love it: This sparkling riesling is dry and complex, with savory ginger notes that shine alongside the racy acidity. For lovers of sparkling wine, this is likely to become your new go-to; it’s easy to drink alone and has endless versatility with food pairings. Can’t make it into the store? You can also order online. Schneider’s of Capitol Hill: 300 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC; www.cellar.com
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Dry White Wine 2014 Hild Elbling Trocken Region: Mosel Where to get it: Eatbar Price: $35/bottle Why you’ll love it: This varietal, elbling, is rarely seen on its own, so head to new Barracks Row hotspot Eatbar to check it out. If you love the summertime favorite Vinho Verde, this is a great wine to try. It’s light but flavorful, showing notes of tart lime, apple and chalky minerality alongside the refreshing acidity that makes it all too easy to drink a couple of glasses with no problem. Eatbar: 415 8th St. SE, DC; www.eat-bar.com
Off-Dry White Wine (i.e., a little sweet)
2014 Dönnhoff Riesling Region: Nahe Where to get it: Northside Social Price: $13/glass or $55/bottle Why you’ll love it: This complex riesling is spicy, mineral-driven and to put it rather simply, just plain delicious. The soft sweetness is never cloying and the lively acidity keeps the wine fresh and crisp, with notes of citrus zest and herbs shining on the long finish. This producer consistently makes stunning wines, and this one is no exception. Think you don’t like riesling? This Dönnhoff might just change your mind. Northside Social: 3211 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.northsidesocialarlington.com
Rosé 2015 Schäfer Fröhlich Blanc de Noir Trocken Rosé Region: Nahe Where to get it: Cafe Berlin Price: $15/glass or $60/bottle Why you’ll love it: Enjoy these final warm days on Cafe Berlin’s patio with a glass of this dry rosé made exclusively from pinot noir grapes. It’s incredibly light in color – somewhere between a white and rosé at first glance – but packed with fruity flavors of apricot, strawberries and white flowers. Cafe Berlin will also have a special Oktoberfest menu; keep an eye on their website for details. Cafe Berlin: 322 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC; www.cafeberlin-dc.com
Red 2011 Becker Family Pinot Noir Region: Pfalz Where to get it: MacArthur Beverages Price: $17.99/bottle Why you’ll love it: Also known as spätburgunder, this pinot noir has an amazing value. The wine has something for all pinot lovers: it’s fruity and spicy – with highlights of dark cherry, cranberry and baking spice – and also earthy, showing flavors of truffles, bramble and a twinge of peppery minerality. Enjoy it on its own or pair with all the Oktoberfest brats you can get your hands on. MacArthur Beverages: 4877 MacArthur Blvd. NW, DC; www.bassins.com www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ON TAP
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New | Notable | No Longer
Bindaas’ market fish
On Tap keeps locals in the know about the latest and greatest food and drink locales around town, our top foodie picks for the month, and spots that have recently closed their doors. Read on to get the inside scoop on what’s new, notable and no longer in the DC area.
like you belong,” says Pheast Food Group’s Robyn Leenaerts. Hen Quarter is the group’s first new concept, with inventive takes on Southern fare like the deviled hen eggs (bread and butter pickle relish, hickory smoked bacon, chive and smoked paprika) and belly pops (skewered smoked pork belly with brown sugar brûlée). But the true pièce de résistance is the chicken and waffles – all-natural fried chicken made with the group’s proprietary breading mix, waffles made with corn, cheese and a bit of leek, and maple syrup made with bourbon and “the sweetest watermelon you’re ever going to taste,” according to Leenaerts. In keeping with the Southern theme, Hen Quarter’s Brown 75 highlights the restaurant’s top 75 bourbons, ryes and whiskies, in addition to free-range cocktails that offer an original twist on classic drinks. Leenaerts puts it best: Hen Quarter is a great spot to enjoy “craveable food from your best childhood memories – kicked up a notch in flavor.” Hen Quarter: 801 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.henquarter.com
Photo: Greg Powers Photography
all the dishes on the menu are equally dear to me,” he says. Fair enough, Chef Sunderam. We’ll just have to check it out for ourselves. Bindaas: 3309 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.bindaasdc.com
By Monica Alford
NEW Location: Cleveland Park Lowdown: Indian street food Ashok Bajaj didn’t need to find a new location for his latest restaurant. Instead, he just carved a space for Bindaas in Ardeo + Bardeo in Cleveland Park, bumping his new American bistro to one side to make room for his Indian street food-inspired venture. The two spots work surprising well together in an open concept space divided only by a bar, with Chef Vikram Sunderam (Rasika, Bombay Club) at the helm, crafting a lineup of affordable tapas-style dishes that highlight traditional fare served by street vendors in India. The Bindaas salad (papaya, mango, jackfruit and chickpea), the crab idiyappam with string hopper, coconut milk and curry leaf and the chooza kebab with chicken, makhani sauce and fenugreek are among the crowd favorites, according to the chef. As for his own top picks? “As a chef,
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On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: Courtesy of Hen Quarter
Bindaas
Hen Quarter’s cleaver shortrib
Hen Quarter Location: Old Town Alexandria Lowdown: Upscale Southern fare Hen Quarter is the perfect location to satisfy your hankering for Southern comfort food while keeping it classy. The former Austin Grill on the corner of King and North Washington in Old Town Alexandria has been transformed into a charming space with a warm, authentic ambiance that “all comes together in a way that hopefully makes you want to come back again and again, because you feel
Kingfisher’s interior
Photo: Daniel Williams
Kingfisher Location: Logan Circle Lowdown: Keeping it simple Kingfisher is a no-frills neighborhood bar with a retro vibe and straightforward drink menu, plus an old-school jukebox and bring-your-own-food rule – my kind of place. One might liken it to a more alternative, laidback dive like Bloomingdale’s Showtime, but perhaps with a more varied customer base given its Logan Circle location and seasoned co-owners (former Iron Horse GM Daniel Williams and Big Chief’s Ben Sislen, with Jackpot and Iron Horse’s Sam Buis as manager). Kingfisher has a Tin Shop look to it but on a smaller scale, with
Belgian-style wheat ale brewed with coriander and orange peel.
TASTE RESPONSIBLY
©2016 Blue Moon Brewing Company, Golden, CO
Sakerum’s The Chirashi
Photo: Farrah Skeiky
Sakerum Location: 14th Street Corridor Lowdown: Asian-Latin fusion Sakerum takes culinary innovation to the next level, with a refreshingly original menu from executive chef Khan Gayabazar that blends the flavors of Asian and Latin fare. One of the most buzzworthy dishes at the sushi bar and restaurant is the yaki tako (tender octopus with mango and oranges), according to owner Stephanos Andreou (also a partner at Dupont’s Barcode). Andreou is particularly smitten with the Mar y Tierra roll, “our version of a surf-and-turf with lobster tail and wagyu beef.” Add a stunningly bold and eclectic interior, year-round rooftop bar and cocktail maven Gina Chersevani’s input to the mix, and Sakerum has all of the makings of DC’s trendiest new dining spot. Chersevani’s
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insider knowledge of rare sake and rum, and ability to conjure up the Wandering Samurai (just a little ‘ol libation made with six pieces of sashimi and served ablaze), will keep cocktail connoisseurs and adventurous drinkers alike on their toes and eager for more. Sakerum: 2204 14th St. NW, DC; www.sakerum.com
Now Open DC Bên Tre 2418 18th St. NW, DC Buredo 1213 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC www.eatburedo.com Devon & Blakely 601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC www.orderdevonblakely.com
Photo: Courtesy of Alex McCoy
furnishings by Ivy City Trading Company’s Carter Anderson and graphic design by artist Billy Colbert, who has a gallery space in Ivy City’s Hyphen. Old General Motors plant workbenches and carnival ride parts are just some of the materials used to give Kingfisher its vintage look. Williams says the concept for the cocktail menu is simplicity, put together by Proof’s Abby Sexton. “All we asked was for it to be delicious, fast, not overly complicated, and we didn’t mind a little muddling, but please don’t ask us to slap anything to awaken the aromas,” he says. “She nailed it.” Kingfisher is also a can-only joint, offering a solid range of canned beers and wines that Williams says allow the bar to carry more options. “The stuff that’s getting put in cans is really good,” he says. “Really, really good.” So swing by the bar for a drink, plus trivia on Tuesdays from Geeks Who Drink and a soon-to-be up and running jukebox that Williams says will be the only place in DC where you can hear Lawrence Welk playing non-stop. “Because who doesn’t want to drink when they hear a good polka?” Kingfisher: 1414 14th St. NW, DC; www.kingfisherdc.com
Tchoup’s corned beef po’ boy
Tchoup’s Market Location: Park View Lowdown: A nod to the Big Easy There’s no place like home for Alex McCoy, who has transformed his recent pop-up Alfie’s into Tchoup’s Market, an authentic New Orleans restaurant. McCoy grew up in the Big Easy – his mom still lives on Magazine Street – and he’s all about representing the city as it is, and not just as the Mardi Grasbeaded party central on Bourbon Street that many people think of. “At Tchoup’s, we are who we are and we are defined by the people who work here, the food we make and the traditions that have raised us,” he says. “No bells and whistles, no foams or emulsions, no fancy pomp and circumstance. Just good food, good company and a good time. That’s what it’s all about.” Tchoup’s has a familyrun vibe, with a menu full of McCoy’s own family recipes and dishes that remind him of home-cooked meals down South. Po’ boys are prominent on the menu (choose from shrimp, oyster, catfish and roast beef ), but he notes the gumbo (his grandmother’s recipe), red beans and rice, hot chicken, and shrimp Arnaud as other signature dishes worth checking out. Tchoup’s also offers a rotating selection of craft and local beers – plus some NOLA classics – and a fall lineup that includes trivia, happy hours, football on the projector screen and TVs, and special events. Soon enough, McCoy will be adding a raw bar and hosting live music at his home away from home. The only thing missing? “All I need is my mom yelling at me from the kitchen to help her chop onions for the Arnaud sauce.” Tchoup’s Market: 3301 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.tchoupsmarket.com
The Dirty Goose 913 U St. NW, DC www.thedirtygoosedc.com Emissary 2032 P St. NW, DC www.emissarydc.com Haikan 805 V St. NW, DC www.haikandc.com The Haymaker 1015 H St. NE, DC www.thehaymakerbar.com Ice Cream Jubilee 1407 T St. NW, DC www.icecreamjubilee.com Nando’s PERi-PERi 2631 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC www.nandosperiperi.com On Rye 6th and H Street, NW, DC www.onrye.com Osteria Al Volo 1790 Columbia Rd. NW, DC The Passenger 1539 7th St. NW, DC www.passengerdc.com Saxby’s Coffee 1303 19th St. NW, DC www.saxbyscoffee.com Smoked & Stacked 1239 9th St. NW, DC www.smokedandstacked.com Reren Lamen 817 7th St. NW, DC www.rerendc.com
Maryland Brother Jimmy’s 177 Fleet St. Oxon Hill, MD www.brotherjimmys.com Honu Hawaiian Barbecue 9201 Woodmore Center Dr. #404, Lanham-Seabrook, MD www.honuhawaiianbbq.com
Continued on page 44
Modern Market 4930 Elm St. Bethesda, MD www.modernmarket.com TapaBar 4901 A. Fairmont Ave. Bethesda, MD www.tapabarbethesda.com
Virginia Aggio 20462 Exchange St. Ashburn, VA www.ashburn.volt-aggio.com Boru Ramen 2915 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA Burton’s Grill & Bar 21434 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling, VA www.burtonsgrill.com Colada Shop 21430 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling, VA www.coladashop.com Coton and Rye 44050 Woodridge Pkwy. Leesburg, VA www.destinationhotels.com/lansdowneresort/dining/coton-and-rye District Dumplings 2985 District Ave. #110, Fairfax, VA www.facebook.com/DistrictDumplings/ Halal Guys 6304 Springfield Plaza, Springfield, VA and 2670 Avenir Pl. Dunn Loring, VA www.thehalalguys.com Honeygrow 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington, VA www.honeygrow.com Live Oak 1603 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria, VA www.liveoakdelray.com
Vieux Carre
Photo: Joy Asico
Vieux Carre Location: K Street Lowdown: Nawlins-inspired cocktails Seth McClelland wants you to be immediately transported to the Big Easy when you step inside Vieux Carre. The cocktail bar’s creative director got it right, because one foot in the elegant double doors and I was feeling nostalgic for one of my favorite cities. “The spirit of New Orleans begins with our baroque design and cocktails that all originated in or are inspired by the Crescent City, then is finished with Southern hip-hop and po’ boys,” McClelland says. The dark walls, opulent lighting and wrought-iron mezzanine have
NOTABLE
Matchbox 1100 S. Hayes St. Arlington, VA www.matchboxrestaurants.com
Photo: Courtesy of The Bird
Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster Barbeque 220 N. Lee St. Alexandria, VA www.jacksoldsouth.com Ocean Blue 21438 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling, VA www.oceanblueloudoun.com Room 19 The Carlyle Club, 2050 Ballenger Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.drinkroom19.com Taco Bamba 164 Maple Ave. W. Vienna, VA www.tacobambarestaurant.com Uptown Alley 8300 Sudley Rd. Manassas, VA www.uptownalleymanassas.com Vola’s Dockside Grill & Hi-Tide Lounge 101 N. Union St. Alexandria, VA www.volasdockside.com
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The Bird’s Moulard duck breast, kale sprouts and morello cherry
The Bird Pop-Up Location: Logan Circle Lowdown: Bird is the word On Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18, Logan Circle’s The Pig will host a poultry-themed pop-up for Shaw’s The Bird, opening next month. The latest eatery from EatWell DC will highlight “four seasons of foul,” with globally-inspired
all of the charm of the French Quarter (and thankfully, none of the chaos), with a cocktail menu that pays homage to the city’s famous cocktails. McClelland says the Vieux Carre (rye, brandy, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and bitters) and hurricane – watch out, this one can be deadly – (rum, passion fruit, orange and lime juice, and grenadine) are the most popular on the menu thus far. Guests can soak up some of the alcohol this fall with po’ boys, Cajun fries and dipping sauces from the late-night kitchen. Check the Nawlins-style spot’s website for details about a grand opening party early this month. Vieux Carre: 1413 K St. NW, DC; www.vieuxcarredc.com
“beak-to-toe” dishes that range from chicken, duck and turkey to quail, goose and ostrich – and their eggs. The pop-up’s brunch offerings (available from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) will include a sampling of starters and breakfast meats, according to Chef Michael Bonk, a “birdcuterie board” with capon rillettes, duck prosciutto, pheasant galntine, mustards, pickles and toast, and egg dishes like the duck hash and smoked chicken benedict with brined, smoked and pulled Amish organic chicken, poached eggs, yuzu hollandaise and biscuits. If you’re out and about later in the day, check out the “early bird at the bar” options (available from 3 to 7 p.m.), like duck fat-roasted nuts, the fried chicken and biscuit sandwich or popcorn seasoned with a salt made from dehydrated chicken skins. EatWell Owner David Winer tells On Tap that The Bird is another opportunity “for us show the dinning public that food and dining can and should be fun, as well as showcase the fresh vegetables from our own farm, EatWell Natural, in La Plata, Md.” Don’t miss the sneak peek this month before the real deal opens midOctober. The Bird Pop-Up at The Pig: 1320 14th St. NW, DC; www.thebirddc.com
be bold
Toli Moli’s mango mogul falooda
Photo: Farrah Skeiky
Toli Moli Stays Put Location: Union Market Lowdown: Falooda pop-up finds a home Mother-daughter team Jocelyn Law-Yone
(or Chef JoJo) and Simone Jacobson are pros at running pop-ups, with four under their collective belt. Their most recent popup at Union Market this summer earned them a brand new – and more permanent – spot at NoMA’s foodie hub, allowing them to start serving more Burmese fare. Up until now, the gals exclusively served falooda, a dessert drink often consumed as a street snack in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Toli Moli’s colorful, layered treats are made completely from scratch, from the jellies and noodle pudding to the syrups. Jacobson says the love and care she and her mom put into each layer of their faloodas is one of the reasons why folks appreciate their signature snacks. She walked me through a few of her faves, including the black eye (cold-brew coffee jellies, condensed milk, basil seeds, noodle pudding, vanilla ice cream, iced coffee and coffee-oat crumble) and the all-vegan mango mogul topped with a dollop of Dolcezza’s “velvety champagne mango sorbet,” and it made me want to eat all the things. Don’t forget to try the Burmese noodle salads, just added to Toli Moli’s menu at the end of August. Toli Moli at Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.tolimolidc.com
NO LONGER American Tap Room in Clarendon The Boulevard Woodgrill in Clarendon Cappy’s Crabs in Petworth Chez Billy in Petworth Chili’s in Crystal City Czars 11 International Tapas, and its affiliated Exhale Bar, in Adams Morgan Matuba in Bethesda Panache Restaurant in Dupont Circle Ping Pong Dim Sum in Penn Quarter Pollo Granjero in Adams Morgan Radius Pizza in Mount Pleasant Sushi Go Round in Chinatown Yamas Mediterranean Grill in Adams Morgan
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Guests at the inaugural Capital Beer Classic presented by Goose Island at FedExField enjoyed unlimited beer and wine samplings, live music, food trucks, and tailgating games. Photos: Michelle Goldchain
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AMERICAN MADE. AMERICAN OWNED. AMERICAN PROUD.
Belle Vodka ~
A Beautiful Pour™
© 2016 Old Dominion Spirits, Warrenton, VA
www.bellevodka.com
Please enjoy our quality vodka responsibly.
A. Townsend Lunsford, Jr. at POV at the W Hotel
Photos: Trent Johnson
By Trent Johnson Old Dominion Spirits President and CEO A. Townsend Lunsford, Jr. isn’t a vodka drinker. At least he wasn’t before he and a few buddies gathered around a table to contemplate his plan to enter the business of producing spirits. The Warrenton, Va. native and VMI alumnus still fancies himself a wide-chested bourbon man, and if the spirits aging process was less intensive, he’d likely be telling me about his latest whiskey. Instead, he’s celebrating locally-owned Belle Vodka’s emergence in the industry.
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“Everyone says it’s so doggone smooth,” Lunsford explained. “But ironically, the vodka in the Belle bottle was picked by bourbon drinkers. When we were doing the blind tastings, I got all my buddies to help. I look back on it, and realize they were all bourbon drinkers. I thought, ‘Son of a bitch.’ But nobody had any preconceived notions, and no one had any favorite vodka they were comparing it to. Everyone just picked the best tasting vodka and it’s in that bottle.” The bottle he describes is crystal glass with a frosted aesthetic. Even the term “belle” elicits
the Southern charm Lunsford speaks with, and the logo alludes to this with a subliminal image of a woman with bright lipstick and a large sunhat. A liter of the vodka is currently available for $23.99, and is newly available in DC this month. When asked about their sales approach, Old Dominion’s Regional Sales Manager Billy Reilly says, “We’re looking at a multi-tiered program. What’s good about this vodka is that it’s back-shelf friendly and front-rail promotable. It’s a good brand at the right time in a waning vodka market. We want to give the old brands a good run.” Reilly is the prototypical salesman, with a booming voice and infectious charisma. He’s focused on capturing the eye of mixologists and spirit professionals with Belle – and with his experience in the industry and knowledge of the DMV. “It’s been a fantastic journey [for me] the last 30 years, and now it’s time to take this brand to the top,” Reilly says. “This area is the right place at the right time in bar history and mixology to make this run.” Still, buyers tend to lean in favor of purchasing brands they’re familiar with, which makes it tough for newcomers to keep up with the staples of any industry with immediacy. However, Lunsford is confident in the product, and knows people who try Belle enjoy the smooth spirit. “We’re so new,” he says. “People that enjoy it and like it buy it. Plus, bartenders are always looking for something new that they can work with namewise. For instance, you can’t put Bacardi in a ‘Jingle Belle’ at Christmas, and you can’t put Grey Goose in a ‘Hell’s Belles’ at Halloween.” With expansions into North Carolina and West Virginia underway, Lunsford knows he’s entering the ring with the heavyweights of the industry. This is why he often goes back to the bottle’s presentation, because it’s stunning craftsmanship proves the product can hold its own on a shelf in your local liquor store, or in a dimly lit nightclub for the tastemakers of any city. “It’s a big market and I don’t mind competition. I thrive on it. We’re looking forward to that. We’re puppies compared to those guys, but puppies grow up to be dogs. I did not build and design this to be a local brand – we want to grow.” Lunsford’s original plan to make a splash on the spirits scene dates back to 2007, but the project was put on hold until 2012 because of “life.” A busy career selling corporate jets took this former football player around the world, but Lunsford was determined to pursue the business. “Life sort of got in the way back then, but I knew I was going to restart as soon as I could. Once it’s in you, it’s in you. Where we are
A neighborhood bar. Canned everything. Boring nothing. Belle Vodka’s Billy Reilly and Lunsford
I knew I was going to restart as soon as I could. Once it’s in you, it’s in you. Where we are positioned right now, having two of the top three distributers in the country, Breakthru and RNDC, as partners, we are very fortunate and excited.” To coincide with the expansion in availability, Lunsford has also begun to undertake sponsorship opportunities such as horse races and boxing events, and Belle is now the featured vodka at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va. For the history buff, these happenings are right up his alley.
It’s a big market and I don’t mind competition. I thrive on it. We’re looking forward to that. We’re puppies compared to those guys, but puppies grow up to be dogs. “We do polo and a lot of charity work, and we’re hoping to be a sponsor for some races,” he says. “If you look back [from] a historical standpoint, what were the biggest sports in the 40s, 50, 60s and 70s? Boxing and flat-track racing. What’s old is new again. I don’t think those [sports] will go away, so we’re going to try to work with those industries.” Lunsford plans to build a distillery in Fauquier County by the end of next year, and to expand to the bourbon market in the foreseeable future. Though one would think it would be difficult to match a name as clever as “Belle,” Lunsford assures me he already has an idea. For now, he’s keeping his cards close to his chest. Perhaps for his bourbon, Lunsford will get a group of vodka drinkers to pass samples around, until Old Dominion Spirits gets it just right.
Belle Vodka is currently available in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina and will launch in DC and Maryland this month. Photos shot at POV prior to DC launch. For sales inquiries, please call Billy Reilly at 202-439-2001 or email him at Billy@olddominionspirits.com
1414 14th St. NW, DC www.kingfisherdc.com No event fees!
A New Orleans Style Craft Cocktail Bar
@vieuxcarredc 1413 K St. NW, DC www.vieuxcarredc.com www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ON TAP
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bEHIND THE bAR
By Monica Alford
September marks the return of Bourbon Heritage Month, the perfect time to imbibe the popular spirit at bourbon bars around the city. On Tap got the inside scoop on what’s new in the local bourbon scene, and details about some of the best bourbon cocktails to try this month.
Photos: Tracy Conoboy
Torrence Swain Head Bartender, Bourbon Steak
On Tap: What sets bourbon apart from other popular spirits? Torrence Swain: The subtle to extreme nuances from one bourbon to the next based on mash bill, the different barrels that are used for aging, the philosophy behind the distillation, the history and the tradition. The family history is tied directly to what’s in that bottle – generations of building a brand. OT: Why does bourbon remain at the forefront of DC’s spirits scene? TS: Our drink culture is evolving, and our palates are expanded and asking for more because of where the food culture is moving. Our chefs are asking us to be very adventurous, and the cocktail culture is following suit. What’s more American and what’s more tied to our traditions as Americans than bourbon? OT: What bourbon cocktails will Bourbon Steak offer this fall? TS: We’re pushing to do a lot more collaborations with our local distilleries, so you’ll see a few signature barrels from One Eight Distilling, [including] a house Manhattan with a One Eight specialty barrel. Not only are we going to be releasing a fall cocktail menu, we’ll be celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month as well with special cocktails. OT: What bourbon on the menu do you consider a must-have? TS: Bulleit – I touch that bottle more than I touch any other bottle. We also owe a lot to our purveyors that provide us with rare bourbons like Van Winkle and things from the Sazerac Company like [W.L.] Weller. OT: What offering on the drink menu can’t be found anywhere else in the city? TS: Our collaborations with the distilleries. You can’t go anywhere else to get them, and they’re not sold in stores. You literally have to come see us to have them.
Bourbon Steak: Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.bourbonsteakdc.com
Torrence’s pick: Wisconsin Avenue Jones • • • • • •
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Angel’s Envy bourbon Lime juice Smacked mint leaves Yellow chartreuse Cane syrup A copious amount of Angostura bitters
On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Photos: Tracy Conoboy
Chris von Rinteln (or JVR at work)
Bar Manager, Smoke & Barrel On Tap: What’s new at Smoke & Barrel this fall? JVR: Fall means the year’s release of the Pappy Van Winkle line (and the younger Van Winkle expressions). It’s never certain what we’ll get, but so long as my favorite 12-year stays in stock, I’ll be happy. OT: If a bourbon newbie walks up to the bar, what do you recommend? JVR: Typically, I’ll ask the guest questions: What have you had that you’ve liked? Are you into richer flavors, smoky things, fruit, etc.? But if I’m recommending blind, I’d go with a bourbon like Elijah Craig or Elmer T. Lee – something that showcases traditional bourbon flavors to provide a base for exploration. OT: Walk me through a few noteworthy bourbon-focused cocktails on the menu. JVR: We’ve had the Gold Rush on the menu for some time now – basically a honeyed bourbon sour – that’s just too simple and tasty to take off yet. I’ve always had a thing for our Lion’s Paw, which is a shortcut shrub version of the old Lion’s Tail cocktail. OT: How often do you switch up the menu? JVR: We make changes roughly every three months. I also try to keep an eye out for really good local and craft distillates. Small distillers are putting out better whiskey all the time now. OT: Which dishes do you think best complement your bourbon offerings? JVR: Our basic BBQ sauces are Kansas City-style sweet, spiced and rich – so that makes for a very natural bourbon pairing. The curveball here would be our fried pickles or the bar-b-cubano. American oak, which must be used to age bourbon, throws off a lot of dill flavor. It makes bourbon a great partner with pickles.
Smoke & Barrel: 2471 18th St. NW, DC; www.smokeandbarreldc.com
JVR’s pick: Boulevardier • • • •
Bulleit bourbon Campari House sweet vermouth Orange peel garnish
Light beer, monumental taste.
NOW ON DRAFT Drink responsibly.® Per 12 oz. serving: Calories: 99, 3.0% ABV: 3/9%, Fat: 0g, Carbohydrates: 5.0g, Protein: 0.8g
Corona® Light Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photos: Lindsay Galatro
Ashok Tamang
Lead Bartender, The Next Whisky Bar On Tap: What brought you to The Watergate Hotel’s brand new whiskey bar? Ashok Tamang: My love of a good whiskey, adventure and the chance to work with such talent were reasons that brought me to The Watergate Hotel. The Next Whisky Bar is a place where travelers from around the globe come to taste their favorite whiskeys, and it’s my pleasure to serve them. OT: What role do you play in selecting the spirits served at the bar? AT: We’ve been able to present a bar unique to DC that has a little something for everyone. From Maker’s Mark to Pappy Van Winkle, Johnnie Walker Black to an extremely rare Macallan M series, Jim Beam Rye to WhistlePig Old World Rye, I think we are one of the most diverse whiskey bars in the country. OT: Walk me through your bourbon selection. AT: We offer a wide range of bourbon at The Next Whisky Bar from Angel’s Envy, Hillrock Solera, Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark to extremely rare selections including the Pappy Van Winkle collection – 10, 12, 15 and 23 years old. OT: What are a few of your favorite bourbons on the menu? AT: I personally like John J. Bowman or Woodford Reserve on our handhewn ice. If it’s for a special occasion, I would pick one of our favorite Pappy Van Winkles, 23 years old. To me, this is heaven in a cup. OT: Will the bar do anything special to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month? AT: We feature a “soup of the day,” which is literally just whiskey in a glass. We learn about and taste a different whiskey every day of the week, and then feature this for the same price daily. In September, look for all bourbons and some special offerings.
The Next Whisky Bar: The Watergate Hotel, 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, DC; www.thewatergatehotel.com/dine-and-drink/the-next-whisky-bar
Ashok’s pick: Macbain Guests at the Chesapeake Crab and Beer Festival enjoyed a crab feast complete with over 60,000 crabs, lots of beer, arts & crafts, live music, family fun and much more. Photos: Michelle Goldchain
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• • • •
Angel’s Envy bourbon Carpano Antica Cherry Heering Angostura bitters
Serve respnsibly.™ Modelo Especial® Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED
DISTRICT
DISTILLING CO. OPENS ON U STREET By Vanessa Mallory Kotz
Photo: Osiris Paris Rebollo
L
ooking for a dining experience unlike anything else in the District? You’re in luck! Housed in a pair of century-old red brick rowhomes at 1414 U St. in NW, District Distilling is a new take on the neighborhood joint. I had the privilege of previewing and tasting all it has to offer before the distillery, kitchen and bar officially opened its doors at the end of August. Inside, the resemblance of anything domestic is gone. The architects have exposed the historic skeleton of rough worn brick, dark beams and arched windows. “We wanted the old bones to shine,” says General Manager Said Haddad, a long-time purveyor of gastronomic delights and spirited libations in DC. Speaking of shine, adjacent to a cozy welcome area where you can sip an “intro” to “liven up your palate before dinner without overwhelming it,” are the two-story stills glowing with polished copper. Custom-made in Germany, the stills are the heart of this new endeavor and make it the first distillery with a full-service restaurant in the city.
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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
The project has been in the works for three years, and is the brainchild of some seriously experienced talent, including Executive Chef Justin Bittner and Head Distiller Matthew Strickland. Strickland is an expert in making whiskey, and he’ll be brewing up batches that will rest in hand-built, aged oak barrels. His team is also working on vodka, gin and rum. While Strickland works his magic developing a new label of America’s favorite spirits, the bar upstairs is serving up beautifully crafted cocktails. Large and four-sided, the bar is the kind of place you park for a long evening and a good time. I was served by the lovely Maria, who whipped up the best French 75 I’ve had since a visit to NOLA. If you haven’t tried one, this classic cocktail was developed in Paris near the end of World War I and named after the French army’s 75 mm. field gun, and is made up of gin, lemon, simple syrup and brut. It’s fizzy summer in a glass. For something a little deeper, try the Quiote, made from Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, green Chartreuse, Schilling & Co. grapefruit cider and smoked Himalayan lime salt. It sounds super fancy, but
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photo: Osiris Paris Rebollo
At Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows, thousands of beer lovers gathered for the Virginia Craft Brewers Fest. Photos: Cristina O’Connell
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the flavor is clean with just enough smokiness to be sexy, and not overdone. All of the cocktails are made with spirits from small-batch American distilleries – until the restaurant’s own label is ready. Executive Chef Justin Bittner hails from U/14th Street fame, including Bar Pilar and Cafe Saint-Ex. He operates his own family farm, growing organic produce and conscientiously raising livestock, and his attention to detail is famous. Plates like seared scallops, ratatouille and roasted chicken are presented with flair without being fussy. Flavor is everything. “It’s about substance and comfort,” Haddad says. And boy was my char-grilled steak comforting. Char marks on the perfectly seasoned beef carried the unmistakable depth only careful dry-aging can bring, and the vegetables – carrots and Cipollini onions – were tender and nestled in the same demi-glace as the steak. Not to be forgotten is the parsnip puree with its burst of garden-fresh flavor. The simple pleasures of this entree called up childhood memories of going out for a steak on very special occasions with my family. Just feel like a bite? White cheddar popcorn and seasoned mixed nuts are great for a quick snack before dinner. Hand-cut garlic and herb curly fries with malt aioli dipping sauce would seriously satisfy a late-night craving, as would the mesquite-smoked brisket tacos and buttermilk fried chicken biscuit. I wholeheartedly recommend the steamed oyster buns on the bar plate menu. Two crispy, lightly-fried Eastern Shore oysters are nestled onto smooshy beds of Japanese steam bun, dressed with a dab of chili aioli and a sprinkle of shredded romaine. Crunchy, spicy, sweet and spongy combined for my favorite treat of the night. I could eat these often with a drink and fries. This is the goal. “We didn’t want [District Distilling] to feel new,” Haddad explains. “We want people in the neighborhood to come once or twice a week.” District Distilling definitely has the feel of a long-established DC staple – with a chic upgrade. Between great food and drink, the talent behind the scenes, and incredibly professional servers and bar staff, I think it will be around for a long time. For reservations and menus, visit www.district-distilling.com.
District Distilling Co.: 1414 U St. NW, DC; 202-629-3787; www.district-distilling.com
By Jake Emen The District and the surrounding region are in the midst of a bourbon boom. This is, by any measure, fantastic news. The only caveat is that you better be prepared to wait. Even with an influx of new distilleries emphasizing bourbon as a key cog in their future plans, making that beautiful brown water of life is not an overnight endeavor. The quickest track to market is to use smaller barrels, which more rapidly age the whiskey held within. That’s what the folks at Twin Valley Distillers in Rockville, Md. are doing, and to date, they have the only available bourbon distilled in the immediate local area. Four of the five distilleries listed here are betting big on their bourbon, but in the meantime, they’re offering thirsty consumers sourced whiskey. This means they’re buying whiskey from larger distilleries and bottling it under their own labels, typically with a finishing process in between to give the whiskey a distinctive profile. Thankfully, all of the DC distilleries sourcing whiskey aren’t being
Photo: Jos. A. Magnus Facebook page
The team behind Jos. A. Magnus in Ivy City is attempting to recreate a product similar to a historic bottling from the late 1800s. To do so, they’re distilling three different mash bills, or grain recipes, two of which would qualify as a bourbon individually, with the third being a rye. And they plan on waiting at least four or five years before releasing their own stuff. The sourced releases they’re offering in the meantime have been exceedingly well-received, if a bit difficult to track down. Jos. A. Magnus: 2052 W. Virginia Ave. NE, DC; www.josephmagnus.com
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deceptive about it. It’s a welcome change of pace in an industry that has seen so much either illicit or downright fraudulent practices in this department over the years. Take it from Rachel Gardner of Republic Restoratives in Ivy City, who shares a common sentiment found among the area’s hardworking craft distilleries. “We’re all about transparency,” she says. “So we want to make sure that people know what they’re buying. And that, ‘Hey, we didn’t distill this – we’re giving it some extra time in another barrel to give it some character of our own,’ so they can take that journey with us, from quality product to quality product.” The fifth distillery on my short list below, A. Smith Bowman, does indeed have their own bourbon available (to be more precise, Buffalo Trace distills the whiskey once, and Bowman does the second run). Nevertheless, located in Fredericksburg, Va., they’re well worth the drive but are slightly beyond the truly local vicinity, so it’ll take a weekend day trip to get down to visit them.
Photo: Courtesy of KO Distilling
Located in Manassas, Va., KO Distilling produces a range of whiskeys. Their own bourbon showcases a 70 percent corn, 20 percent wheat and 10 percent malted barley mash bill, and will initially be released under the Bare Knuckle brand name in August 2017 when it’s two years old. Their sourced bourbon will hit store shelves a bit prior to that. According to cofounder Bill Karlson, with an upgrade in equipment on the way, they’ll soon be able to churn out a total of 960 barrels of whiskey per year, with about two-thirds of their efforts going into bourbon. KO Distilling: 10381 Central Park Dr. Suite 105, Manassas, VA; www.kodistilling.com
Photo: Jake Emen
Ivy City’s One Eight Distilling uses a high rye mash bill for their pending Rock Creek White Whiskey – 57 percent corn, 28 percent rye and 15 percent malted barley. CEO Sandy Wood is hoping for a second- or third-quarter release next year. They’re also aging a wheated bourbon, subbing in the wheat for rye in the mash bill, which will be released separately. Their sourced whiskeys have been part of the ongoing “Untitled” series, of which there have been seven thus far, with more on the way. One Eight Distilling: 1135 Okie St. NE, DC; www.oneeightdistilling.com
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photo: Jake Emen
The newest entrant is the crowd-funded Ivy City distillery from cofounders Pia Carusone and Rachel Gardner. They too are playing the sourcing game, with a six-year Kentucky bourbon they’re finishing in white wine casks, and a younger sourced rye. They’ll wait at least two years to release their own bourbon, with a high-corn, wheated mash bill. They plan on aging their bourbon in large 132-gallon puncheon casks, at least to begin with. As opposed to the trend of going small, they’re using a barrel two-and-a-half times larger than the traditional 53-gallon American standard, and believe that they will be the first puncheon-aged bourbon ever made. Republic Restoratives: 1369 New York Ave. NE, DC; www.republicrestoratives.com
! p i r T d Roa
Photo: Courtesy of Sazerac Company
Fifty miles really ain’t bad to get down to A. Smith Bowman, a distillery first founded in 1935. Master distiller Brian Prewitt has been in charge for several years, and the Bowman lineup of bourbons, including Bowman Brothers and the single-barrel John J. Bowman, has been piling up the accolades as of late. They also release fun experimental releases from time to time, and in 2015 they expanded with the addition of a new still. A. Smith Bowman: 1 Bowman Dr. Fredericksburg, VA; www.asmithbowman.com
Concertgoers gathered for the last Rock the Row in the Pentagon Row series to enjoy free music and delicious fare. Crazy in Stereo served as a fabulous curtain-closer. Photos: Trent Johnson
www.ontaponline.com | September 2016 | On Tap
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By Michael Coleman Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Redskins
or the first time in several years, the Washington Redskins are starting their season without drama at the quarterback position and with widespread optimism about their chances for success. Kirk Cousins, who toiled in the shadow of quarterback Robert Griffin III during the 20122014 seasons, outperformed the Heisman Trophy winner during training camp last year and earned the starting job on the eve of the 2015 season opener. A portrait of preparation, persistence and poise, Cousins led the Redskins to a 9-7 record and a playoff berth last year. This year, Cousins arrived at training camp as the team’s undisputed starter, eager to take the field for the regular season home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 12 and, hopefully, to lead his team even deeper into the post-season. In an On Tap interview at training camp in Richmond last month, Cousins said entering the season with the team’s leadership role firmly in hand provides him with confidence critical to performing at a high level in professional football. “It gives you the opportunity to take the reins and just communicate openly with your coaches and teammates,” Cousins said. “It gives you a great platform and foundation to help lead the team and score points.” Cousins grew reflective when asked what he learned from Griffin’s tumultuous time with the Redskins. Griffin’s tenure saw the former Baylor University star go from being named NFL rookie of the year at the end of his first season to being benched on the eve of his fourth.
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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Griffin now plays for the Cleveland Browns. “What I learned is that just because you’re successful one day, doesn’t mean you’re going to be successful the next,” Cousins said. “It keeps me on my toes. I feel like I’ve always got to prove it over and over and over again. Not just year after year, but day after day. I’ve got to prove myself and earn my spot. You never really feel comfortable in this league, but I think it brings out the best in you.” Redskins Coach Jay Gruden, who praised Cousins’ mechanics and work ethic when naming him the starting quarterback over Griffin at the beginning of last season, thinks the best is yet to come from the fifth-year pro and former Michigan State star. “Unfortunately for him, we had all the controversies in the last two years, and since he’s been in the league, he’s been playing second fiddle,” Gruden said during an interview on ESPN 980 prior to the start of training camp. “Now it’s his team.” “He played pretty darn good last year,” Gruden added. “We expect him to make a major jump this year. People don’t understand the importance of experience.” Cousins said his primary objective at training camp last month was improving his protection of the football, making good decisions in pressure situations and avoiding costly interceptions. Some critics contend that the 6-foot-3, 210-pound athlete too often forces the ball into blanket coverage, taking chances that result in turnovers. “No matter how long or how well you play the year before, the key to the game is always going to be to make good decisions with the football and manage the game well,” Cousins said. “If you can do those two things and build on experience, the rest takes care of itself. That’s when great things happen.”
While the Redskins’ running game isn't expected to dominate games this year, Cousins said he’s thrilled with a receiving corps that boasts multiple weapons, including veteran wideout DeSean Jackson, newly acquired veteran tight end Vernon Davis and second-year Redskins tight end Jordan Reed, who outperformed expectations last year. “Quarterbacks are only as good as the guys around them,” Cousins said. “Reed has shown why he’s an elite tight end. We just need to keep finding ways to get him the football. I'm sure teams will try to double cover him or take him away, but we’ll do the best we can.” Cousins also spoke highly of Davis, noting his experience playing in the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers and in many playoff games. “[Davis] still has a lot of juice. He can run really well, catch the ball well and he’s a pro. He approaches the game with a pro’s mentality. It’s no secret as to why he’s been successful.” Davis returned the compliment. “I think Kirk is awesome,” Davis told On Tap. “He's a great dude, and he's just leading. It’s both vocal and through his actions – he exemplifies what it is to be a leader for a team. I think he’s doing a wonderful job. He's cruising right now.” Cousins has a reputation as an unassuming and humble player. But one Sunday last October, after engineering the biggest come-from-behind win in Redskins history against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cousins flashed some previously disguised emotional fire. Perhaps recalling his pre-season doubters, an ebullient Cousins yelled, “You like that?” in the direction of the crowd assembled near the locker room as he left the field after the game. The emotional moment quickly became an ESPN highlight, then a meme, then a T-shirt, sales of which Cousins donated to charity. Asked about the moment, Cousins grinned sheepishly. “The whole thing was just about win, win, win,” he explained. “The fan base enjoyed it and we were able to raise awareness for a great organization – International Justice Mission – based out of DC. [The “You like that?” meme] has been fun for the fans. The best way to keep it alive is to win football games.” Cousins’ future with the Redskins is uncertain after this year. His contract is up at the end of the season, and whether he remains in burgundy and gold will depend on his performance on the field. Cousins noted that he and his wife Julie enjoy living in the DC area, and suggested he would like to stay put for years to come. “It’s a really historical organization – the multiple Super Bowls and the iconic players and coaches,” Cousins said of his team. “We have a fan base that goes back nearly a hundred years. Very few teams can say that. The fact that we’re in the nation’s capital and [DC’s] a city that offers you so many resources – what a phenomenal platform. It’s hard to beat Washington when you’re talking about being the quarterback in an NFL city.”
Learn more about Kirk Cousins at www.kirkcousins.org. For tickets to this season’s games, go to www.redskins.com.
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Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Redskins On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Mister Days The Original TV Sports Bar All Games, All Teams, All the Time! Established 1977
The
our staff
FUN BUNCH Don't miss our fully stocked Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar!
2 Monster Video Walls Only at Mr. Days!
+Giant Video Projection screen & 40+ HDTV’s
! Book Your Holiday Party Now
w/own Bars! We offer 3 Private Party Areas ests. Can accommodate 25-200 gu for details. Contact Carol at 703-527-1600
Mister Days Sports Rock Cafe 3100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA | 703.527.1600 | www.misterdays.com
Off The Field Redskins Open Up About Life Outside of the Game
Collected by On Tap staff
On Tap had the chance to catch up with the Redskins at training camp in Richmond last month. We asked eight key players what they like to do for fun when they’re off the field, and here’s what we learned. Photos: All headshots from www.redskins.com
#8
#85
#97
#41
Kirk Cousins
Vernon Davis
Kendall Reyes
Will Blackmon
“I really like to read biographies and autobiographies. When someone hands me a book that is fiction, it will take me forever to read, but if I get a non-fiction biography, I’ll read it in a couple of days. Other than that, it’s just to visit with family.”
“Painting and acting in short films. Acrylic on canvas is my medium.” Check out www.vernondavis.com for more details.
“It depends on the time of the year. I like to get out to Topgolf and play golf when I’ve got some true free time. Otherwise, it’s just spending time with the family.”
“Drinking wine” He recently tried and loved Old Soul Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi, Calif.
Quarterback
Tight end
Defensive end
Safety
Photos: Mike Coleman & Trent Johnson
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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
on the scene
For more photos From these And other events, visit the online gAllery At www.ontaponline.com.
#38
#26
Kendall Fuller
Bashaud Breeland
“Bowling”
“Pickup basketball”
#34
#92
Cornerback
Mack Brown Running back
“I like to eat hot wings and play video games. I like playing ‘Call of Duty.’ I mostly play story mode; I kinda suck online.”
Cornerback
Chris Baker Defensive end
“I do a lot of community events with the Redskins. I work with my personal foundation and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation by reading to kids and promoting literacy.”
While conversing with Washington Redskins players during training camp, On Tap was sure to snap a few photos of the fans braving the heat to cheer on their team. PhOTOs: AlAnnA shePPArd
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On Tap | June 2016 | www.ontaponline.com www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ON TAP
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Are you ready for some football? If you’re looking for the lowdown on where to hang out and watch your favorite teams, both college and pro, then look no further because we’ve got you covered. Get the 411 on all the bars, what teams they root for and hot game day specials. We’ve made every effort to publish the most up-to-date information, however, we welcome updates for the website. Just email football@ontaponline.com with your update. Now get out there and enjoy some football!
DC The Big Board 421 H St. NE, DC www.thebigboarddc.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: $15 Blue Moon Lager pitchers, and $15 Bud Light and Budweiser buckets Food specials: Changes weekly
The Big Stick 20 M St. SE, DC www.thebigstick.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: $12 Bud Light pitchers on Saturday and Sunday Food specials: Buffet for Sunday games Additional information: Providing bus transportation
to the first four Redskins games (tickets to the game aren't included)
Buckeye + Bear 1730 M St. NW, DC www.buckeyebear.com Teams: Ohio State and Cleveland Browns Drink specials: $4 Bud and Miller drafts, $14 Bud and Miller pitchers, $5 rail mixed drinks, $18 Pabst Blue Ribbon buckets, $6 Great Lakes drafts, and $20 Great Lakes pitchers
Buffalo Billiards 1330 19th St. NW, DC www.buffalobilliards.com Teams: Alabama, USC, U Conn, Saints and Jaguars Drink specials: $4.50 16-oz. Bud Light, $5.50 Sam Adams
on Saturdays and $4.50 Miller Lite and Yuengling and $16.50 pitchers on Sundays Food specials: Two hot dogs with chips for $10
Fado 808 7th St. NW, DC www.fadoirishpub.com Teams: Redskins Drink specials: Changing draft beer specials
The Green Turtle DC 601 F St. NW, DC www.thegreeneturtle.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: $12 bottomless mimosas, $12 Bloody Marys, $5 beer of the month pitchers, $5 shooters, and $7.99 Miller Lite and Coors Light pitchers Food specials: If you spend
Happy Hour Monday - Friday: 3-6pm
Drink Specials $ 5 Select Appetizers Flatbreads Deviled Eggs Chips & Queso Spin Dip Potato Skins Chicken Tenders
45 TVS + 27 DRAFTS = EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT SEASON
So much more than a
Sports Bar.
Satellite Sports Simple Sandwiches Fine Dining!
Home of Legendary Character, Cuisine and Comfortable Good Times! Pleasing Fans for Over 35 Years
703-739-0777 www.theismanns.com 1800 Diagonal Road - At the King Street Metro 66
On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
$100, you will receive a $50 wing platter
Hamilton's Bar & Grill 233 2nd St. NW, DC www.hamiltonsdc.com Teams: Badgers and Packers Drink specials: $2.50 Pabst Blue Ribbon, $2.50 Miller High Life, $3 Miller and $4.50 Yuengling
Laughing Man Tavern 1306 G St. NW, DC www.laughingmantavern.com Teams: Bills Drink specials: Miller Lite and Coors Light at discounted prices Food specials: Specials are available from its designated game day menu
Mission 1606 20th St. NW, DC www.missiondupont.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: Happy hour prices begin Monday to Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Food specials: Quesadilla and nacho specials are included during happy hour
burgers and beer combo; and on Thursdays, deals are available on local craft and domestic beer buckets Food specials: On Mondays, $13 double patty burgers and Bud Light combo; also, Chef Josh Valencia helps to prepare some of the top-notch food items on the menu Additional information: 13 beers on tap to choose from, and 45 hi-def smart TVs, with two that are 80-inch flat screens
Public Bar Dupont 1243 18th St. NW, DC www.publicbar.co Teams: Iowa Hawkeyes, Georgia Bulldogs, Redskins and Raiders Drink specials: Drink specials during all games Food specials: Food specials during all games
Recessions 1823 L St. NW, DC www.recessionsdc.com Teams: Redskins Drink specials: Happy hour prices Food specials: Appetizers are set to happy hour prices
Penn Commons
RFD
700 6th St. NW, DC www.penncommonsdc.com Teams: Redskins, but all teams welcome Drink specials: Happy hour drinks, Monday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to close, and all day Sunday; during every halftime for Redskins and Monday Night Football games from September 12 to October 23, there will be a Samuel Adams “Raise the Stein� hoist with the longest hoister from each winning a $20 gift certificate, and a chance to win trips to Las Vegas and Munich, Germany
810 7th St. NW, DC www.lovethebeer.com Teams: Michigan and Browns Drink specials: On Sundays, $2 off drafts, $15 draft beer bucket and $4 Bud Light drafts; on Mondays and Thursdays, $4 Bud Light and $15 craft beer bucket Food specials: Discounted tailgate food special
The Prospect 1214 U St. NW, DC www.theprospectdc.com Teams: All teams are welcome, but the bar has a big Redskins and Patriots turnout Drink specials: On Saturdays and Sundays, the bar features $5 mimosas, $9 Bloody Marys and $28 champagne bottles; on Mondays, $13 double patty
Sign of the Whale 1825 M St. NW, DC www.signofthewhaledc.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: $3 domestic beers and $12 domestic pitchers Food specials: $7 wings, $5 egg rolls and $5 soft pretzels
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!
Union Pub DC 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC www.unionpubdc.com Teams: Bears and FSU Drink specials: $3.50 for ales Food specials: A more extensive wings menu is available
567 23rd St S, Arlington, VA 22202 | (703) 979-1872 info@tortoiseandharebar.com www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ON TAP
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Ventor Sports Cafe
Willie's Brew & Que
The Barking Dog
2411 18th St. NW, DC www.ventnorsportscafe.com Teams: UNC, Stanford and Michigan, but overall, all teams are welcome Drink specials: Large blue cups are used during UNC games, $5 tall boys are available, and bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys are served all day Saturday Food specials: Specials change daily and brunch is served until 3 p.m. on Saturday
300 Tingey St. SE, DC www.williesbrewnque.com Teams: Mississippi State Drink specials: $20 Bud Light aluminum buckets
4723 Elm St. Bethesda, MD www.barkingdogbar.com Teams: Ravens and Redskins Drink specials: $9 pitchers, $12 domestic buckets, $15 premium buckets and $5 16-oz. domestic cans Food specials: $5 small appetizer plates
Walter’s Sports Bar 3632 Georgia Ave. NW, DC www.waltersdc.com Teams: All teams welcome Drink specials: $10 pitchers of light and regular beer during both college and pro games
Maryland American Tap Room, Rockville 36 A Maryland Ave. Rockville, MD; www.atrrockville.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: Happy hour seven days a week from 3-7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., with 24 different beers to choose from; happy hour lasts all day on Sundays Food specials: Food specials begin during designated football days
Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle
VA location: 7861 Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA www.gordonbiersch.com Teams: Washington Redskins and all teams are welcome Drink specials: Specials vary weekly Food specials: Specials vary weekly
Public House
4844 Cordell Ave. Bethesda, MD www.flanagansharpandfiddle.com Teams: Redskins and certain college teams are played here, but overall, all teams are welcome Drink specials: Discounted pitchers and buckets of beer
199 Fleet St. National Harbor, MD; www. publichousenationalharbor.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: Half-priced cocktails and bottled wine, with happy hour occuring daily Food specials: Appetizers are half off
Gordon Biersch
Saphire Cafe
200 E Middle Ln. Rockville, MD DC locations: 900 F St. NW, DC & 100 M St. SE, DC
7940 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, MD; www.facebook.com/ SaphireCafeBethesda/
Full Brunch/Lunch Menu Available Sunday 11:30-2:30 Limited Saturday Brunch
All the New England football games in our upstairs sports bar
A local family owned restaurant happy to host your party, reception, luncheon, or any other dining event. We have a global menu with a wide range of items including craft beer, global wines, and a full stocked bar with seasonal cocktails! Saturday & Sunday Brunch
Enjoy food and drink specials during the game!
Watch the Game here!
Weekly Specials Monday $14.95 Rib Special 5-10pm
Tuesday 1/2 Price Burgers - Trivia 4-9pm
Wednesday 40¢ Wings 4-close
Thursday Steak Night 5-9pm
Sunday Brunch Special! 10am - 3pm
Make this your home away from home! Fireside Dining Sunday Brunch Trivia Tuesday Night Free Entertainment Nightly
Green Dragon Pub at Bilbo Baggins 208 Queen St., Alexandria, VA 703-683-0300 | www.bilbobaggins.net
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On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Private Rooms Available for Parties, Call to Book your Own Today! 713 King St. Alexandria, VA 703-548-1717
Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: Happy hour is Monday to Friday from 4-7 p.m.; $3 domestic bottles and $4 drafts Food specials: 50 percent off select appetizers Additional information: Both baseball and football packages are available
Union Jacks Gaithersburg 9811 Washingtonian Blvd. Gaithersburg, MD; www. unionjacksrio.com Teams: Redskins, Ravens and Maryland Terps Drink specials: $12 Bud Light pitchers, $20 Flying Dog buckets and $4 Flying Dog pints Food specials: $4 chili cups, $6 chili bowls, $1 wings, $9 barbecue sliders and $9 nachos Additional information: Free Ravens and Redskins ticket raffles every weekend
Villain & Saint 7141 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda,
RFD Monday & Thursday 4 Bud Light Drafts 15 Craft Beer Buckets
$ $
MD; www.villainandsaint.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m.; buy one drink and get one free at equal or lesser price, and $12 beer buckets are available all day
Virginia Arlington Rooftop 2424 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA www.arlrooftop.com Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Drink specials: Discounted draft beers and pitchers Food specials: Discounted food items Additional information: There are 37 TVs where all games viewable
Buffalo Wild Wings Crystal City 2450 Crystal Dr. Arlington, VA www.buffalowildwings.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: Monday and
21 Flat Screens & 2 Projectors
Thursday night game day happy hour is from 2-7 p.m.
Chadwicks Old Town 203 Strand St. Alexandria, VA www.chadwicksrestaurants.com Teams: Redskins and JMU Drink specials: $3 Miller Lite cans Food specials: During Redskins games, pig skins and pulled pork stuffed potato skins are sold at discounted prices
Champps Pentagon Row, 1201 S Joyce St. Arlington, VA www.champps.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: Varies monthly; $3 drafts all day on Thursdays (small drafts under 8 percent ABV) and $3.50 for Bud Light drafts during NFL games on Sundays Food specials: Happy hour food specials during the weekday games
Courthaus Social 2300 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington,
VA; www.courthaussocial.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: All day happy hour on Sunday, and certain ales and wines are discounted Food specials: Wings special
Crystal City Sports Bar 529 23rd St. Arlington, VA www.ccsportspub.com Teams: Shows all games, but try to feature the following: Patriots, Giants, Saints, and Packers, Iowa, Ohio State, Arizona State, U of Washington, North Dakota State, Baylor, UNC, U of Georgia and Utah Drink specials: During college games, pitchers of Miller Lite, Coors Light and Yuengling are discounted; during NFL games, domestic bottle buckets of Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light are discounted Food specials: During college games, there's a $5 appetizer menu; no specials during NFL games Additional information: Organizing bus strips to Redskins games
Join us for BRUNCH EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11AM - 3PM
Home Base for Michigan & Browns Fans!
NCAA Saturdays
4 Bud Light Drafts 15 Craft Beer Buckets Tailgate Food Specials $ $
Sundays
2 Off All Drafts 15 Craft Beer Buckets $ 4 Bud Light Drafts Tailgate Food Specials $ $
Follow us for daily specials!
@RFDLoveTheBeer RFD
Check us out at sineirishpub.com for the full brunch and regular menus. Come enjoy our brunch inside when you want to watch your favorite football team on our large projections screen ! PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE
MINNESOTA VIKINGS!
810 7th St. NW • 202.289.2030 • www.lovethebeer.com www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | On Tap
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Tuffen Up Your Tailgate As the old saying goes, “if it weren’t for trucks, we wouldn’t have tailgates.” Tailgating is as much a part of the game day experience as the game, and no doubt about it a pickup makes an awesome tailgate vehicle. Load your stuff, drop the ‘gate and you’ve got a party. Unless it rains. While some pickups have built in bed covers, the majority do not. And if your cab is packed with fellow fans, there is nowhere else for your stuff to be than in the bed. Soggy charcoal is about as fun as a dropped pass, so when the Original Tuff Truck Bag company reached out to ask if we would like to test out their new product, a waterproof cargo bag for your bed we said sign us up. The bag is made of a heavyweight fabric that has grommets and bungees at the corner to anchor it securely. While it doesn’t fill the entire bed of our Chevy Silverado, it does offer copious storage and we actually liked that it wasn’t a full fit, it gives you room for things you wouldn’t want in with stuff that needs to stay dry. The bag itself folds up fairly easily and comes with a storage bag, although if you are an apartment dweller, a wet bag could be awkward, and probably best dried in your shower. The zippers are sturdy, and the overall construction seems solid. That said, you wouldn’t want to leave valuables in it since it isn’t a true lockbox. Overall, a really easy solution to packing your gear. Retailing for $199, there are numerous online retailers, but only one local one in Waldorf, MD. For more information, visit www.tufftruckbag.com.
Dogfish Head Alehouse Falls Church 6220 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA; www. dogfishalehouse.com Teams: All teams welcome Drink specials: Buckets of beers Food specials: Spare ribs in a bucket
Green Dragon Pub at Bilbo Baggins 208 Queen St. Alexandria, VA www.bilbobaggins.net Teams: We support all local teams Food and Drink Specials: Special brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday
Grevey’s 8130 Arlington Blvd. Falls Church, VA; www.greveys.com Teams: All teams are welcome; many fans of SEC teams come to the bar, including South Carolina, Florida, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, VA Tech and UVA Drink specials: Discounted draft beers and drink specials, happy hour continues throughout the day on Saturdays and there are specials on wine, beer and Corona Light on Sundays
Heavy Seas Alehouse
15 TVs & 10 Satellites
1501 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.heavyseasalehouse.com Teams: Redskins and Oregon Ducks Drink specials: Happy hour prices; $6 Bloody Mary salads Food specials: All-you-can-eat wings during Redskins games only Additional information: Hosting a college football kickoff party on September 10
Jimmy's Old Town Tavern
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697 Spring St. Herndon, VA; www.jottnew.com Teams: Buffalo Bills Drink specials: Changes daily Food specials: Fish fry (haddock) every Friday; prime rib every Saturday; certain
specials depend on the chef that is in for the day
Mad Fox Brewing Company 444 W Broad St. Falls Church, VA DC location: 2218 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC www.madfoxbrewing.com Teams: We support all teams Drink specials: $5 flights during Sunday games Food specials: Falls Church location has BOGO pizzas during Monday games, and the Glover Park location has $4 cask beers during Monday games
Mister Days 3100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.misterdays.com Teams: All the games, including East Carolina and Texas A&M watch parties Drink specials: $6 24-oz. cans of Coors Light and Miller Lite, $24 84-oz. beer towers of Modelo Especial and Shiner Bock, $15 60-oz. pitchers of Miller Lite and Coors Light, $16 60-oz. pitchers of Corona Light and Shiner Bock, and $4 Bloody Marys and mimosas, plus $5 glasses of rosé Food specials: Brunch from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., chef specials weekly, and a game day menu with burgers, wings and more
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub 713 King St. Alexandria, VA www.murphyspub.com Teams: Patriots, and all college teams Drink specials: Sam Adams Lager and Sam’s Seasonal
Ramparts 1700 Fern St. Alexandria, VA; www.rampartstavern.com Teams: All NFL teams are welcome Drink specials: Bud Light draft, Burnett's Vodka and Budweiser cans are all discounted Food specials: $5 food menu, free popcorn and $1 hot dogs
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
SinĂŠ Irish Pub & Restaurant 1301 S. Joyce St. Arlington, VA www.sineirishpub.com Teams: Minnesota Vikings Drink specials: Draft beer specials, including $3.50 for a pint Food specials: Half plate specials
Southside 815 815 S Washington St. Alexandria, VA; www.southside815.com Teams: Redskins, Steelers, Patriots, Giants, Alabama, Syracuse, Ohio, Penn State and South Carolina, but overall, all teams are welcome Drink specials: Full happy hour on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m, and reduced prices on draft beers and Bloody Marys Food specials: Half-off on burgers; reduced prices on wings, chili dogs and pulled pork; and college games feature a reduced wings special Additional information: There are 13 TVs sectioned off throughout the bar
Spider Kelly's 3181 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA www.spiderkellys.com Teams: All teams are welcome Drink specials: Happy hour prices Food specials: $5 menu for food
Theismann’s 1800 Diagonal Rd. Alexandria, VA; www.theismanns.com Teams: Redskins, but all teams welcome; college games by request Drink specials: Varies weekly Food specials: Varies by week, including daily chef specials
Tortoise and Hare 567 23rd St. Arlington, VA; www. tortoiseandharebar.com Teams: Steelers, Penn State, Florida State and Georgia Drink specials: $14 pitchers of Miller Lite and Yuengling, $3.50 of Miller Lite and Yuengling, and $3 cans Iron City Lite on Sundays Food specials: $7 game day food menu, including pierogies, Pittsburgh-style sandwiches, loaded fries and more
Before Friday home games at Nationals Park, baseball and music fans listen to live music, and enjoy Bud Light and Budweiser beers. Photos: Katherine Wolff
www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | On Tap
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Sofar Sounds Brings
Intimate Live Music
Photo: Jeff Krentel Photography
By Monica Alford When some of Fitz Holloday’s friends were unable to play their gig at DC9 back in 2010, his first thought was, “Let’s do a house show.” He promptly hosted a concert for his buds and another band, solidifying his love of hosting intimate concerts in unique spaces. Six years later, the DC native is leading the city’s rapidly expanding chapter of Sofar Sounds, a global movement bringing the living room experience to live music. Holloday has watched DC’s Sofar community flourish since accepting the role of city director in March of last year. But it wasn’t until this spring that Sofar really started to gain momentum in the city, giving his team the ability to organize and host multiple shows a month – from two in April to 15 this month. Now, DC is one of the newest members of Sofar’s growing contingent of cities – New York, Chicago, San Francisco and L.A. among them – scaling up to support more shows per month. Later this fall, the 33-year-old music lover anticipates Sofar will host 20+ shows a month in the District. “As we’ve scaled and done more shows, we’ve been able to learn from each one,” he says. “We’ve found out about so many amazing artists, and we’ve gained more
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Experience to DC
traction and visibility, so more people are finding out about us.” Holloday is pumped, but pragmatic. While Sofar has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community,
“We just look for any non-traditional space that has a cool vibe where we want people to walk in and say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I’m seeing live music here,’ no matter where it is.” from artists to guests, and he’s been able to grow his team of volunteers and production staff to 60 people, he says the DC chapter
still has a ton of potential for growing its audience and finding out about more new music in the area. He views this as an evolving process, where he and his team learn from the feedback provided by guests and improve upon the experience each time. “We’ve refined out process to try to make each show really special,” he says. So here’s how it works. Holloday and his team book three acts per show, with each musician usually playing a four-song set that’s about 20 minutes long. The shows, which run from about 8 to 10 p.m., are hosted in a mix of one-of-a-kind residential and buzzworthy commercial spaces. The target audience size for most shows is between 40 to 60 people, with an absolute max of 120. “I’ll tell ya, the shows hosted in someone’s living room where we can’t have more than 40 people are always so powerful,” Holloday says. “That’s what Sofar Sounds is all about – that intimate experience. We just look for any non-traditional space that has a cool vibe where we want people to walk in and say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I’m seeing live music here,’ no matter where it is.” The National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington National Cathedral, Kreeger Museum, Studio Theatre, Shake Shack at
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Union Station and the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain are just some of the notable spaces Sofar DC has hosted shows. Holloday is working to line up some upcoming gigs at the Freer and Sackler Galleries and maybe an all-Swedish show at the House of Sweden, and hopes to one day host a performance at the Hirshhorn or even at the White House Rose Garden. The city director says as long as Sofar is able to keep booking quality artists, the sky is the limit for the amount of shows they’ll host and variety of venues they’ll explore. He’s quick to point out that Sofar DC pushes for an eclectic lineup at every show, encompassing all genres. From hip-hop and Photo: Jeff Krentel Photography reggae to string ensembles, he wants it all for the District’s shows. His team is even exploring adding spoken word and comedy acts to the experience. Holloday strives mightily to strike a healthy balance between highlighting local and national acts, and books artists who are stopping through DC while on their respective tours whenever possible. He’s also had great success with nabbing musicians who hail from Philly or NYC, since it’s fairly easy for them to come down to the nation’s capital for a show. LA-based electro-pop duo POWERS, Philadelphia alt/ surf rock band Bel Heir, pop rock songstress Vanessa Carlton and New Zealanders Broods (who just played a Sofar gig on July 30) are some of Holloday’s favorite artists from outside the city who’ve headlined Sofar shows. He’s got an impressive wish list for national acts as well, including Radiohead (he’d settle for just Thom Yorke), Red Hot Chili Peppers and Photo: Kill the Light Photography LCD Soundsystem. When it comes to local artists, Holloday gushes about the amount of talent in the District. While it’s hard to name just a few local Sofar performers that have stood out to him recently, he has no problem rattling off an enthusiastic list that includes queerpop artist Be Steadwell, American roots singer-songwriter Lauren Calve, ethereal pop duo Nuex and dynamic pop band Shaed (formerly The Walking Sticks). “I think every show is special,” he says. “I swear, some of the talent that’s kind of unrecognized, sometimes those are the most exciting ones because you’re like, ‘Who is this person? They’re incredible.’ And then you can say down the road, when they’re headlining 9:30 Club, ‘Oh yeah? Well I saw them in a living room.’”
To learn about upcoming Sofar shows, go to www.sofarsounds.com/washington. Each month’s performance locations and dates are announced two weeks in advance. If you’re interested in volunteering with Sofar, email Holloday and his team directly at dc@sofarsounds.com.
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It’s entirely possible that if you hit a Washington Nationals baseball game and a DC area nightclub in the same 12-hour period, you’ll hear the sounds of veteran area spinner DJ Trayze at both locations. But Matthew Alexander is recognized far beyond the nation’s capital. The current U.S. champion of Red Bull’s vaunted Thre3style competition is gearing up for a trip to Chile this winter for the week-long world championships.
Thre3style challenges DJs in 24 national competitions worldwide to compose 15-minute mini-sets to “impress both the crowd and the judges with their originality, skills and track selection” while also playing at least three genres of music. The DJ notes that his winning performance was largely comprised of “snippets of things I’ve developed while spinning in the club,” that he “wrote down on Post-it notes, and then put together in an entertaining and cohesive set.” One of the highlights of Trayze’s winning set at the competition in Philadelphia was the DJ dropping in a snippet of Kanye West’s 2013 single “Bound 2” that asks, “What you doing in the club on a Thursday?”
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Given that the competition was, indeed, on a Thursday, the statement’s meaning in the context of Thre3style flipped into a braggadocious showcase of hip-hop swagger consistent with a DJ battle. Like many of his other DJing skills, this idea was derived from a party-igniting trick learned while performing at clubs – in this case, playing songs that are related to days of the week. Regarding this idea, Trayze says, “I’ll be playing somewhere like [Dupont Circle’s] Heist on a Saturday night, and after midnight, I’ll play Cam’ron’s [2002-released hit rap single] ‘Hey Ma,’ which samples The Commodores’ [1977 soul hit] ‘Easy.’ At the appropriate time, I’ll blend ‘Hey Ma’ into the section where Lionel Richie sings, ‘Easy like Sunday morning,’ and it gets a huge reaction every time.” This level of awareness is nothing new for Trayze, who notes that he “takes [his] craft seriously, and is always listening to and studying all sorts of music.” From “standing in Target while buying dish detergent and hearing a melody” to “always wanting to keep a unique and entertaining flow to a party,” Trayze says that “he wants to elevate the art of DJing and push [his own] music, talent, skill and creativity to the next level.” When he’s not preparing for the Thre3style championships, Trayze is maintaining a frenetic schedule of local and national gigs. He’s also working on an EP of original music, and keeping up with life as a husband and father. What motivates his desire to excel at DJing while maintaining such a busy schedule? “Carrying on the tradition of DJs who have contributed to music culture and keeping great songs alive is important to me. Breathing life into the art of playing music is cool.”
Keep up with DJ Trayze at www.facebook.com/djtrayzefanpage.
Photo: David McClister
By Jon Kaplan Farm Aid’s 31st concert will barnstorm into Bristow, Va. this month at Jiffy Lube Live, marking the third time the benefit will take place in our neck of the woods. Since 1985, the concerts, started by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young (all appearing this year), have raised more than $50 million to promote the cause of family farmers all across the U.S. In addition to Farm Aid’s three stalwart performers, this year’s show will also feature Dave Matthews (who is now part of the organization’s board), Sturgill Simpson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Margo Price, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Insects vs Robots and Ian Mellencamp. Another new addition this year is Alabama Shakes, the powerhouse rock and soul band from the small town of Athens, Ala. On Tap recently had the chance to speak to lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard, who explained why the band wanted to join the Farm Aid tradition. “We were very honored to be asked to play Farm Aid,” she said. “It is a great organization and cause that we are happy to be a part of. Being from a small town, we know the importance of supporting smaller, family-owned farms and businesses.” The Shakes burst onto the scene in 2012 with their debut album, Boys & Girls. Previously, they were playing as a cover band around Alabama and the Southeast on weekends, and holding down day
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jobs during the week. But when their debut album and its lead single, “Hold On,” caught fire with listeners, that all changed. The band started playing major music festivals like Bonnaroo, and opening for acts like Jack White and even fellow Farm Aid luminary Neil Young. Howard remains humble and awed by the band’s swift successes. “We are constantly shocked by the people we get to meet and perform with,” she said. “A few years ago, we were lucky enough to open a few dates for Neil Young, and he and his whole organization couldn’t have been nicer. We look forward to seeing him again, and hopefully we will get the chance to also meet Willie and John.” After extensive touring behind Boys & Girls, the band returned to the studio and recorded their follow-up album, Sound & Color, which was released last year. It, too, struck a chord with listeners and critics alike, raising the band’s profile even more and earning them three Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album. The band’s captivating sound and dynamic live performances weren’t just noticed by people in the music scene, as the band found out when they were invited to the White House for a tribute to Memphis soul as part of the ongoing “In Performance at the White House” series shown on PBS. “It was pretty surreal,” Howard said. “The White House is one of those experiences that you go into not sure what to expect, and come out just amazed at how nice everyone was and how well we were treated. The President and First Lady are so sweet, and I love
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that they have brought so much music to the White House over the past eight years. I even got to dance with the President for a moment! I hope this is a tradition that continues.” Alabama Shakes evolved between their first two records, and the band plans to do the same when it’s time to make a new one, Howard said. She said there’s not a set timetable, because the band needs their schedule to settle down before they can get their creative juices flowing again. “We are still figuring that out,” Howard said, when asked about the timetable for the next release. “We will be taking some time off, and then look forward to getting back into the studio. We definitely push ourselves to constantly grow musically, and I know we will do the same on this next record. I really enjoy being in the studio and look forward to getting back to creating, when that time comes.” In the meantime, the band will keep touring. Howard said they are “a pretty boring bunch” on the road, passing the time drawing, making “funny short documentaries” and watching movies. And as for the band’s success, she said there’s no secret other than old-fashioned talent and artistic integrity. “As an artist and songwriter,” she said, “I think you hope people connect to the songs. We just try to stay true to what we want to do and hope people connect to it.” Catch Alabama Shakes at Farm Aid on Saturday, September 17 in Bristow, Va. Tickets are $49.50-$189.50. Learn more about the show at www.farmaid.org.
Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; 703-754-6400; www.farmaid.org
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IOTA Club & Cafe iotaclubandcafe.com 2832 WILSON BLVD ARL VA USA www.ontaponline.com | September 2016 | On Tap
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By Monica Alford Photo: Laura-Lynn Petrick
We live in an era where it seems increasingly difficult for musicians to create an original sound. Especially in indie music, artists are often compared to their influences, conjuring up feelings of nostalgia for genres that made their debut in earlier decades. Allah-Las is one of those rare bands that actually draws from the past without mirroring it, reinventing a garage-surf-psychedelic rock sound that pays homage to the authenticity and rawness of those genres’ beginnings while still writing music that’s truly their own. “I think what we are trying to do is create something that is timeless, that doesn’t have a time signature on it,” says drummer and vocalist Matthew Correia. Correia and his bandmates have been cultivating a sound based on their shared taste in music since three of the four members (Correia, bassist/vocalist Spencer Dunham and lead guitarist/vocalist Pedrum Siadatian) worked together at Amoeba Records’ Sunset Boulevard location in 2008. Rhythm guitarist/ vocalist Miles Michaud and Dunham were buds growing up, and met Correia back in high school. “When we got together to play, this is the stuff that came out just based on what we listened to,” Correia says of the band’s beginnings. “But I think timelessness is what
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we look for in the records we buy, and that’s the idea behind our songs.” When Correia chats about the band’s greatest influences, scenes from Empire Records and High Fidelity start playing in my head – only in my version, Allah-Las is debating the importance of 80s and 90s Britpop and shoegaze versus 60s downtempo garage rock. The guys devoured the sounds of Spacemen 3, Spiritualized, The Jesus & Mary Chain and Primal Scream, while simultaneously kicking it to Kevin Ayers, Lou Reed, The Beach Boys and The Byrds. They also dug the sound of a lot of the bands they were playing with around L.A. at the time. With such range in their combined musical tastes, it’s no wonder they’re hesitant to label their own sound. “I don’t really know how to describe [our sound] when people ask me,” Correia says. “I usually say California music of some sort.” Their unnamed sound has been evolving since the release of their eponymous debut album in 2012. The band is currently on tour to promote the release of their third album, Calico Review, out on September 9, which veers into new aural territory for the band. The guys experimented with some different instrumentation on the 12-song album, and honed their individual songwriting skills. Correia partially credits their recording
Calico Review album cover
Photo: Courtesy of Allah-Las
space, L.A.’s Valentine Recording Studio, with inspiring these changes. The studio hadn’t been used since 1979 until recently, by Allah-Las and other musicians including retro soul and R&B crooner Nick Waterhouse (who produced the band’s first two singles and their first album). “It’s trapped in time,” Correia says. “We’ve been calling it the time capsule studio.” But the drummer is quick to note that it’s not just the old-school equipment, shag walls, terrazzo flooring and lighting reminiscent of a middle school classroom that give Valentine its vintage charm. “The sound in there is really, really interesting, and it just has a good vibe,” he says. “When we first went to visit, it just spoke to us so we decided to give it a shot. Space affects all people, and we’re just as sensitive to that as anybody. So it was a good environment to record and experiment.” The band added the harpsichord, viola, Mellotron and theremin to their repertoire on Calico Review, and divided and conquered to write lyrics to each song. Collaboration has been key to the band’s songwriting process in the past, but Correia says they worked more independently this time around, kicking around their own ideas and writing some of their own songs before bringing them to the studio “so we could feel them out.” Of Calico’s dozen songs, plus the three 45s they plan to release as B-side singles alongside the album, Correia can’t choose which he likes best. “They’re all my children,” he says. “I can’t pick. I love them all.” Upon further consideration, he notes that he’s got a soft spot for “Autumn Dawn” and “High & Dry,” both written by Siadatian. And the album’s last song, “Place in the Sun,” is definitely a favorite “just ‘cause I wrote the lyrics to it.” If the album’s first single, “Could Be You,” is any indication, we’re in for a real treat. The impossibly catchy song gives the subtlest nod to The Velvet Underground’s signature guitar-fueled openings on songs like “Rock & Roll” and “Foggy Notion,” and begs the existential question, “But if you had the chance to, would you do it all again?” When asked what’s on the horizon for the band, Correia says they’re flirting with the idea of international travel after this tour ends – Mexico, France, Spain and South Africa are chief among the locations on the drummer’s wish list. “Maybe a chance to stay in some of these places for an extended period of time,” he says, “and to record some music in another place and have those influences [appear] in some of our songs.” Whatever the guys have in store, there’s not a doubt in my mind that there will be nothing quite like it – somehow familiar, yet still totally original. Catch Allah-Las at Rock & Roll Hotel on September 15; tickets are $16. Learn more about the band at www.allah-las.com.
Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; 202-388-7625; www.rockandrollhotel.com www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | On Tap
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Television Anyone interested in learning about the legendary 1970s New York City punk rock scene might start with Television. Launched in the East Village in the mid-70s, the experimental rock band played fast, loud and defiantly. But unlike some of the bands they spawned, Television also played with skill. Their ragged hair, tattered clothing and black leather jackets served as a fashion template for throngs of bands that came after them, including the Ramones. Forty years later – after breaking up in 1978 and reforming in 1992 – Television is still releasing albums and touring. Doors open at 7 p.m. $35. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Eric Lindell Like many talented musicians who hail
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from New Orleans, Eric Lindell is hard to pigeonhole. The soulful singer-songwriter easily shifts gears from rock, blues and funk to country and soul without ever sounding contrived. In the studio and on the road, Lindell surrounds himself with some of the Crescent City’s finest musicians, and his live shows are freewheeling, sonically rich affairs. Lindell’s last record, Matters of the Heart, was produced by Luther Dickenson of the North Mississippi All-Stars. Dickenson’s trademark country/blues/funk bent brings out the best in Lindell’s primal talent. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $20-$25. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
dance one minute, then slow down and let themselves be silently sucked into aural theatrics the next. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $12-$15. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Highasakite Norway’s Highasakite has collected just about every music award available in their home country. Now, after a triumphant appearance at the SXSW music festival in Austin earlier this year, lead singer Ingrid Helene Havik and her bandmates are ready to conquer America. Havik’s ethereal, haunting vocals anchor a sound reminiscent of the arena rock bombast of Florence and the Machine and the synth-driven pop of Chvrches. Highasakite’s ambitious, wellproduced electro-rock is capable of making listeners throw their hands in the air and
Kanye West Love him or hate him, Kanye West is nothing if not provocative. Oh, and don’t forget talented. Although his marriage to reality star Kim Kardashian seems to be grabbing most of the headlines lately, West’s iconic music is why we cared about him in the first place. A skilled rapper with a penchant for raw, soul-baring lyrics, West has singlehandedly pushed hip-hop in new directions while maintaining unparalleled commercial viability. Kanye’s latest album, The Life of Pablo, boasted a number of A-list cameos, and once again left critics searching for superlatives. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29.50. Verizon Center: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.ticketmaster.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Blackberry Smoke Outlaw country music and Southern rock are having something of a moment right now with the mainstream acceptance of acts such as Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton. Blackberry Smoke, a grizzled, road-tested Southern rock band from Atlanta, could be the next act to break big. Sporting more hair than a Miss America pageant and an authentic sound that conjures memories of such Georgia legends as the Allman Brothers and Black Crowes, Blackberry Smoke’s fierce musicianship and surprisingly smart songwriting suggests they’re here to stay. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $27.50. The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com
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THE 19TH STREET BAND WEDNESDAY, SEPT 7
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Chopteeth Hailing from the DC area, Chopteeth is a 12-piece Afrofunk powerhouse, drawing on Fela Kuti’s pioneering Afrobeat sound. Chopteeth has been winning WAMMIES for years in DC, and they deserve each one. Their live show is peppered with Afrobeat classics, as well as original compositions. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $15-$20. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
September
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
9/2 The Regan Years!
Assembly of Dust Reid Geauer, lead singer and founder of the New York-based quintet Assembly of Dust, says his musical journey began with a love for roots-rock legends The Band. Drawing on that influence and countless others, Assembly of Dust crafts a unique sound that recalls the likes of not only Robbie Robertson and The Band, but Traffic and Neil Young. Building off of early Americana, Assembly of Dust add their own funky spin, earning comparisons to the next generation of Americana heroes including Ryan Adams, Mumford and Sons, and Wilco. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $15-$17. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com The Felice Brothers Originally from Palenville, N.Y. in the Catskills Mountains, The Felice Brothers started playing their folk country songs in New York City subways in 2006. The band was originally composed of
THURSDAY, SEPT 8
BACK TO SCHOOL INDIE NIGHT FT. WYLDER, VALLEY QUEEN, COURTESY TIER FRIDAY, SEPT 9
THE RON HOLLOWAY BAND, OLD SOUL REVIVAL SATURDAY, SEPT 10
ALL GOOD PRESENTS:
ASSEMBLY OF DUST TUESDAY, SEPT 13
MARCHFOURTH! WEDNESDAY, SEPT 14
PAUL CEBAR TOMORROW SOUND THURSDAY, SEPT 15
THE MAGIC BEANS FRIDAY, SEPT 16
INDECISION, CORNMEAL
SATURDAY, SEPT 17
THE HEAVY PETS: A TRIBUTE TO THE 80’S
9/3 Just Push Play 9/9 Phoenix Rising
THURSDAY, SEPT 22
ALL GOOD PRESENTS:
9/10 Here’s To The Night
THE MAIN SQUEEZE FRIDAY, SEPT 23
THE NTH POWER
9/10 UFC 203 9/16 Straight Shooter 9/17 Vertigo Red 9/23 As If
SATURDAY, SEPT 24
ALL GOOD PRESENTS:
PSYCHO KILLERS (TALKING HEADS TRIBUTE) TUESDAY, SEPT 27
ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N.
9/24 Quiet Riot
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 28
9/30 The New Thirty
THE WALKAWAYS
10/1 Advanced Party Solutions
WOOD & WIRE
THURSDAY, SEPT 29
FRIDAY, SEPT 30
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Continued on page 84 www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 | On Tap
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MUSIC PICKS brothers Ian, James and Simone (who has since left to pursue other projects). However, the other two are carrying on, releasing their newest album Life in the Dark this year. With Jake Xerxes Fussell. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $16-$18. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
The Specials Formed in 1977 in Coventry, England, The Specials are a 2 Tone and ska revival band still going strong. They’re best known by American and international audiences for their 1979 cover of Dandy Livingstone’s 1967 rocksteady song, “A Message to You, Rudy.” They’ll play that and more at this show. With The Far East. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. $35. The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Heart, Joan Jett and Cheap Trick What else do you need to say about this one except three Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bands on one stage? Cheap Trick, the most recent inductee, wrote some of the most brilliant pop rock of the 70s and 80s, and they still pack clubs around the country. Joan Jett of “I Love Rock and Roll” fame is still shredding guitars and cranking out infectious arena rock anthems better than most kids half her age. And Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson have crafted some of the most memorable and coolest rock tunes of the past four decades. Cross three legendary rock acts off your live show bucket list at once this month at Jiffy Lube Live. Show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15.25. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www. livenation.com/venues/14407/jiffy-lube-live
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talented songwriter. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $55. The Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; www.thelincolndc.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Peaches Merrill Beth Nisker was born in Toronto, Canada in 1968. Her alter ego, Peaches, was born sometime in the 90s, when she ditched her previous band, folk trio Mermaid Cafe, and began creating electroclash anthems like “Set It Off,” “Rock Show” and many others. She’s also known for her risqué themes and elaborate live performances, so don’t miss this one. Doors open at 7 p.m. $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
“Weird Al” Yankovic From “Eat It” to “Another One Rides the Bus,” “Weird Al” Yankovic has been creating intricate song parodies and pop culture mashups for more than 30 years. This summer, he brings his “Mandatory World Tour” to Wolf Trap, where he’ll play new and old songs alike. Don’t kid yourself, you want to go. Show at 8 p.m. $40-$65. Wolf Trap Filene Center: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Rodriguez Hailing from Detroit, Rodriguez recorded two little-noticed albums in the early 70s and then disappeared from the U.S. music scene. Then, in the 2012 Oscar awardwinning documentary, Searching for Sugar Man, the story of his surprise success in countries like South Africa and Australia was told. It’s a fascinating second act for a
Cherub Electro-duo Cherub’s most popular single, “Doses and Mimosas,” sounds like the soundtrack to some decadent L.A. brunch, but it’s actually an infectious bit of dance music that calls to mind the tongue-in-cheek sass of Chromeo or the anthemic electronica of MGMT. Cherub’s masterminds – Jordan Kelley and Jason Huber – met at a Nashville water park while riding boogie boards and formed a fast friendship as college students in Tennessee. Today, the duo uses Reason, Pro Tools and Ableton software to concoct their infectious ear candy. Doors at 8 p.m. $23. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
AC/DC The past few years have not been kind to AC/DC, one of the best-selling and hardest rocking acts in music history. In late 2014, the band announced that bassist and principal songwriter Malcolm Young was leaving due to a host of health issues. Then, earlier this year, longtime lead singer Brian Johnson departed, as well. So, what’s left? Well, lead guitarist Angus Young – among the most skilled and theatrical players to ever pick up a six-string – is still doing his thing, and none other than Guns N’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose is taking vocal duties for Johnson. This may well be your last chance to catch one of the iconic rock band’s legendary concerts. Show at 8 p.m. $75 and up. Verizon Center: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.ticketmaster.com
Chris Staples Singer-songwriter Chris Staples has just released a new album called Golden Age, the follow up to his breakout 2014 album American Soft. Alternating between Florida and the Pacific Northwest, Staples is known for his delicate but powerful songs and raw emotional delivery. Opening for Rocky Votolato. Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m. $13-$15. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com Farm Aid Since 1985, Farm Aid has been raising the profile of the small farmer across the U.S. This year, the show returns for the third time to the DC area with perennial headliners Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young. The show will also feature Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, Sturgill Simpson, Alabama Shakes (check out Jon Kaplan’s article in this issue) and more. Show at 12 p.m. $49.50-$189.50. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www.farmaid.org Grant-Lee Phillips Grant-Lee Phillips used to front the 90s (almost self-titled) band Grant-Lee Buffalo. Their song “Truly, Truly” got extensive airplay and was a big hit for the band. Phillips has pursued a solo career since, and even appeared regularly on Gilmore Girls as the town troubadour. He’s back now with his eighth solo release, The Narrows, recorded in Nashville (Phillips’ new home after 30 years in L.A.) Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. $20. Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com Matthew Sweet Matthew Sweet, singer of such 90s power pop megahits as “Girlfriend” and “I’ve Been Waiting,” is back on the road. Sweet has been quietly releasing music ever since his 90s heyday, and is currently working on a new album, funded entirely by fans on Kickstarter to the tune of $55,000. Show at 7:30 p.m. $29.50. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com
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Alexandria Film Festival’s, Spinal Tap-This One Goes to Eleven, Viewing Party & Live Music Event
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Music Picks SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Built to Spill Built to Spill emerged out of Boise, Idaho, in 1992 and released their debut album, Ultimate Alternative Wavers, the following year. In 1999, their release Keep It Like a Secret pushed them more into the mainstream of the U.S. music scene and allowed them to bring their unique sound to a wider audience. Through lineup and label changes, frontman Doug Martsch has continued to make his music, a blend of existential lyrics and melodic, anthemic guitar riffs. With Hop Along and Alex G. Doors open at 7 p.m. $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Terry Bozzio As Travis Barker once pleaded by way of an album title, show some love for the drummer this month and check out Terry Bozzio. The award winning melodic drummer has worked with the likes of legendary artists such as Frank Zappa, Mick Jagger, Quincy Jones and Steve Vai. For what he calls his “Composer Series,” the lauded drummer contains more than 50 pieces of movements of compositions, paintings and liner notes explaining his concepts. So if you’re looking to hear drum solos from a 70s rock album, instead you’ll get a peek at the inner workings of a rhythmic genius. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $20-$25. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
DJ ?uestlove Everybody knows ?uestlove (pronounced “Quest-love”) from something. Whether it’s Conan O’Brien’s house band, or his regular gig as drummer for The Roots; ?uest gets around. He also has a vinyl collection of more than 50,000 records that are shelved in a floor-to-ceiling, climate-controlled library room in his personal studio. Hence the story behind yet another one of his gigs: DJ. Show at 11 p.m. $20-$55 in advance; $25-55 day of show. The Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC: www.thehowardtheatre.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Cymbals Eat Guitars Staten Island’s Cymbals Eat Guitars tune things down and get melodic and poetic on their fourth studio album, Pretty Years, channeling David Bowie, The Cure and other alternative heroes of the 70s and 80s. Juxtaposing pretty melodies and slashing guitar lines, the band’s sound constantly shape-shifts, leaving the listener unsure of what to expect next. Lead singer Joseph D’Agostino’s voice was made for indie rock, capable of high-pitched wails and guttural growls – sometimes in the space of one song. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 8:30. $12-$14. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
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Barrence Whitfield & The Savages Every once in a while, a band comes along with a live show that blows the doors off just about anything you’ve seen in a club. Barrence Whitfield & The Savages is that band. Drawing on soul, R&B, rockabilly, funk and classic rock, the group blazes through an impressive roster of original tunes and impeccably curated covers. Whitfield’s stage presence – refined style combined with thunderous vocal pipes and manic intensity – is a joy to behold and never fails to get a crowd moving. It’s the kind of hip-shake proto-rock that once had parents dragging their kids to church to cleanse them of the devil’s music. Show at 9:30 p.m. $12-$15. Hill Country: 410 7th St. NW, Washington, DC; www.hillcountrywdc.com
Psycho Killers Tributes to rock legends can be hard to pull off – after all, how can you improve on the originals? But we’re optimistic about this Baltimore-based Talking Heads tribute, named after one of the art-rock group’s early tunes. Expect most of Talking Heads’ hits with an eclectic mix of deep cuts thrown in for good measure. And we can only imagine how good David Byrne’s richly sonic arrangements will sound in Gypsy Sally’s state-of-the art listening room. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $15-$17. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
Quiet Riot Quiet Riot has been performing loudly since the early 1970s, often pumping out heavy metal hits. The group’s 1983 Metal Health helped the band reached the cultural
epicenter, and their follow-up Condition Critical reached double platinum prompting the band’s long journey. With a new vocalist in Jizzy Pearl, it will be interesting to see how the band treks on in the modern era. Show from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. $15. Union Jack’s British Pub: 9811 Washingtonian Blvd. Gaithersburg, MD; www.unionjacksrio.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Glass Animals Oxford, England’s Glass Animals have become a darling of major rock festivals including Glastonbury, Coachella and Lollapalooza because of their tribal set designs and rotating sound, from fierce to mellow indie rock. But the band’s prowess in the studio also sets it apart from the modern indie rock pack. The quartet creates rippling, shape-shifting soundscapes that lodge in your head for days. Lead singer Dave Bayley’s crooning falsetto and Joe Seaward’s mesmerizing drumming anchor this dynamic four-piece band. Doors at 7 p.m. $44.45. Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, DC; www.echostage.com John Scofield John Scofield has been playing jazz guitar since the 70s, and along the way has also explored fusion, funk, blues, soul and rock. In the late 90s, he was discovered by jam band fans when he collaborated with Medeski Martin & Wood on the album A Go Go, and since then Scofield has continued to explore the horizons of various musical genres. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $25-$58. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com Princess Featuring Maya Rudolph We’re not exactly sure what to make of this one since it’s a new venture, but it sure sounds fun. We’ll let the promotional material on the 9:30 Club’s website set the stage: “Saturday Night Live alum Maya Rudolph and L.A. singer-songwriter Gretchen Lieberum are Princess, a Prince cover band. The two have been singing together since college, but it was only recently that the duo turned their mutual adoration for Prince into a musical project. Born out of their collective, life-long obsession with Prince, each performance is a love letter to the artist himself.” Doors at 7 p.m. $30. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
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on the scene
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Music Picks TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Dale Watson Modern country musicians don’t get any more authentic than Dale Watson. After all, none other than Willie Nelson counts himself as Watson’s biggest fan. Watson and his Lone Stars served as the weekly house band at a funky old roadhouse in Austin for much of the 2000s, and now they’re taking their show on the road. Watson’s sizzling telecaster anchors his band’s sound, and he has penned some of the funniest – and most damning songs – about the Nashville music industry. With his signature silver pompadour, Texas tattoos and songs of hard luck and heartbreak, Watson’s tunes will leave you crying in your beer and shouting for more. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m . $10-$15. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Jake Bugg Jake Bugg hails from Nottingham, England, and the young singersongwriter has been associated with the growing retro revival in the UK and elsewhere. Bugg certainly has an old sound and an old soul; his single “Lightning Bolt” sounds like it could be a Greenwich Village folk hit from the 60s. With Syd Arthur. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $30. The Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; www.thelincolndc.com
Mark Your Calendars FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
Guests at the Capitol Riverfront enjoyed ice-cold brews and wine while jamming to the high-energy sounds of Justin Trawick and The Common Good at Yards Park. Photos: shelly Coates
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Alexandria Live Music Week Typically, music festivals run for a few days, but next month, Alexandria will play host to a weeklong, tunesstuffed smorgasbord. The week consists of genres such as jazz, rock and even classical violins, marking an excellent opportunity to step out of your live music comfort zone. If you’re an audiophile in search of a perfect close-to-home vacation, this is an exceptional opportunity to bounce from venue to venue in search of the perfect soundtrack of your mood. For a full schedule, ticket information and participating venues, visit the Alexandria Live website. Alexandria Live Music Week: Various locations around Alexandria, VA; www.alexandrialive.com
WASHINGTON 2016 FOOTBALL 09.12............................... vs. Pittsburgh 09.18.................................... vs. Dallas 09.25..................................at New York 10.02................................vs. Cleveland 10.09................................. at Baltimore 10.16............................ vs. Philadelphia 10.23..................................... at Detroit 10.30.................. at Cincinnati (in London)
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11.06.................................... Bye Week 11.13............................... vs. Minnesota 11.20............................... vs. Green Bay 11.24..................................... at Dallas 12.04.................................... at Arizona 12.11..............................at Philadelphia 12.19..................................vs. Carolina 12.24................................... at Chicago 01.01................................ vs. New York