AUG 2022
On Target:
Loudoun’s Growing Ax Throwing Scene
Loudoun Now Your guide to Loudoun’s Entertainment Scene
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Sit. Sip. Enjoy.
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{reservations recommended–always Free} The heat is on but our shade is cool. Come to Doukénie to chill. Sit, sip, and enjoy a moment of serenity with a symphony of summer sounds as your song list. Join an elevated tasting in groups of 8 friends and wine lovers. Includes tour, tasting of 6 of our finest wines, and pairings of light snacks. 21 years or older. Inside event while seated with other guests. Purchase tickets below. $50/pp.
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music every sat.
and sun. 2-5 p.m. bistro starts back on
Fri., sept. 2nd, 6-9 p.m.
Scan to purchase tickets for elevated tasting and to make free reservations or go to www.exploretock.com/doukeniewinery
hours:
14727 Mountain Road Purcellville, VA (540) 668-6464
Tuesday – Friday 12 - 5 p.m. Saturday + Sunday 11 - 6 p.m. Monday – Closed
For reservations scan the Qr or go to
www.exploretock.com/doukeniewinery
Exclusive seating for guests with children and/or dogs at Adirondack chairs along pond, reservations recommended. Outside food not allowed
www.doukeniewinery.com
GET OUT LOUDOUN Get Out Loudoun is distributed monthly to entertainment, tourism, and hospitality venues throughout Loudoun County. For the latest news on the music scene and other community events, go to getoutloudoun.com. CONTRIBUTORS Dana Armstrong Alexis Gustin Jan Mercker Norman K. Styer
Inside: 8 14
HAPPENINGS The world of Harry Potter is coming to life at Morven Park this fall with a first-in-the-U.S. interactive exhibit. ENTERTAINMENT Loudoun’s ax-throwing scene is growing, with offerings for the serious competitors and those seeking happy hour fun.
ON THE COVER Photo by Alexis Gustin Top-ranked thrower Suzie Bassett poses with her ax.
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TO ADVERTISE Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or sales@loudounnow.com
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TASTE
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BEST BETS
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AUGUST 2022
The Franklin Park Arts Center invited area artists to create works inspired by George O’Keeffe and the resulting pieces are on display through Aug. 21.
Chef Kwame Onwuachi returns to Salamander Resort and Spa to celebrate ethnic diversity within the hospitality community.
Get Out Loudoun’s picks for August.
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Crooked Run Fermentations in Sterling is a hotspot for locals seeking craft brews, good food and live music.
Get Out for Craft Beer Month BY VISIT LOUDOUN
When Loudoun County fine wine merchant Bush Nichols opened his business in 2014, the idea was to sell local and international wines to discerning oenophiles. Pop into the upscale wine shop he oversees at Mom’s Apple Pie at the Hill High Marketplace and you will find imported vintages from Sonoma to South Africa. In recent years, however, fine wines have been sharing shelf space with another world class beverage: craft beer – much of it from Loudoun. “I now call myself a craft beer and wine merchant,” Nichols said. “When I moved to Loudoun in the 1980s, there were no breweries. Now, there’s more variety of high-quality beer and more diversity of breweries than in many states. I don’t want to single any of them out – they’re all good!” With Virginia Craft Beer Month this August, it’s worth paying tribute to the astonishing craft beer revolution that has taken place in Loudoun. You want accolades? In May, Leesburg’s Black Hoof Brewing won bronze at the World Beer Cup for its Germanstyle Dominator Dopplebock—beating out more than 100 competitors. In March, Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery won glowing praise from world famous beer writer Jeff Alworth for “reviving farmhouse brewing, growing their own barley, using wild yeast from the land and brewing it up in a barn.” There’s also no shortage of brewery experiences. From rock at Vanish to bluegrass at B Chord and heavy metal at Adroit Theory, there are plenty 4
of places to find live music at local breweries. Harvest Gap Brewing in Hillsboro hosts trivia nights on Thursdays and suggests you come during “Gappy Hour” while Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery will host Taste of Blue Ridge’s Chef’s Table event on Aug. 14 where guests will meet local chefs, enjoy a bounty of local produce and superb craft beverages in a stunning farm setting. For an all-encompassing experience, conquer the LoCo Ale Trail by collecting stamps at each stop then turn your stamped passport in to Visit Loudoun to win prizes. As with all creative subcultures, there’s constant innovation too. In Loudoun you’ll find everything from crisp pilsners and hoppy ales to malty barrel-aged stouts fused with herbs, honey, wine or whiskey. Loudoun even has its own yeast scientist: Jasper Akerboom, a microbiologist who isolates unique yeast strains for local brewers at his Sterling lab, Jasper Yeast. Most of all though it’s the warm and welcoming scene, from trendy urban taprooms to mountaintop beerhalls, that sets Loudoun apart. On a recent Friday at Belly Love in Purcellville five couples walked in and sat at their regular table. Within minutes, without even ordering, their beer was poured. “This is our Cheers,” smiled Kristen. “We come every Friday and the bartenders know our names and our drinks. “ Join them there. Or head over to Bush Nichols’s shop at Hill High Marketplace for a taste. Cheers!
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AUGUST 2022
TUNES
BENEFIT Announces Lineup for 2022 Crossroads Music Festival BENEFIT’s Crossroads Music Festival is returning to downtown Leesburg in September. Established in 2017, BENEFIT is a coalition of musicians and community leaders uniting people with music to raise funds and awareness for nonprofit organizations serving children in Loudoun County. Starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, more than 25 musicians and bands will be performing original music at multiple outdoor venues in downtown Leesburg. Each artist will perform a 60-minute set at their designated venue. “We are excited to be able to bring BENEFIT’s Crossroads Music Festival to venues in downtown Leesburg again this year,” Ara Bagdasarian, BENEFIT co-founder, said. “Live music is a great way to bring people together, and the festival is featuring some wonderful regional talent. Attendees can enjoy an evening of music and know at the same time they are helping nonprofits that serve children in Loudoun County.” Passes for BENEFIT’s 2022 Crossroads Music Festival are available online and at each performance venue during the festival. Festival passes purchased in advance online will be $20 and those purchased on-site will be $30. With purchase of a festival pass, attendees will receive a wristband and a 2022 Crossroads Music Festival T-shirt at check-in. Wristbands will provide attendees access to event-day specials at participating music venues. Passes are not required for entry at any venue participating in BENEFIT’s 2022 Crossroads 6
Music Festival. However, proceeds from festival pass sales benefit nonprofit organizations that serve children in Loudoun County. BENEFIT awarded $24,200 in grant funding among seven nonprofits from the proceeds of BENEFIT’s 2021 Crossroads Music Festival and 2021 Hope for the Holidays online music special. Funds raised at BENEFIT’s 2022 Crossroads Music Festival will be distributed in spring 2023 to nonprofit organizations through a grant application process. “Nonprofit organizations work hard to help our community members, “Amy Bobchek, BENEFIT co-founder, said. “We hope that through events like our 2022 Crossroads Music Festival, we are able to bring attention to all the good work these nonprofit organizations do, as well as help raise funds to support them in their work serving children in Loudoun County.” Musicians performing at BENEFIT’s 2022 Crossroads Music Festival include Ache Harvest, Big Bad Juju, Laurie Blue, Robert Crerie Band, Ben Demase, Tamara Mae Dovell, Favorite Child, Frayed Knots, Dave Goodrum, Rob Hoey, Julia Kasdorf, King St., LK3MY5T, MAAM, Mike McCabe, Dave Mininberg Music, Mintons Academy of Music, Moonlight Ride, Purple Voyagers, The Rearview, Max Redding and The Dogwood Gospel, The Reliable Trio, The Robert Rogers Blues Band, Rule Of 3rds, Gary Smallwood, Summer and Eric, Chris Timbers Band, and Train Wreck Endings. More information on festival passes, artists, and venues for the performances may be found at CrossroadsMusicFest.org.
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AUGUST 2022
AUGUST 2022
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Happenings HARRY POTTER EXPERIENCE COMING TO MORVEN PARK An acclaimed immersive new Harry Potter experience makes its U.S. debut this fall at the Morven Park estate near Leesburg. After its success in the UK at Arley Hall, Cheshire last year, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is a magical woodland light trail arriving at Morven Park in October and running through early December. Tickets went on sale in July and are selling quickly. The nighttime display is a fully luminescent, outdoor experience created by Warner Bros. and award-winning theatrical designers, complete with realistic sounds, lighting, special effects, and interactive moments from the films. You’ll also come across friendly creatures
BEYOND THE MALL: MIDDLEBURG’S SIDEWALK SALE From August 5-7, many of Middleburg’s retailers on Washington, Madison and Federal streets will be moving discounted items to the tree-lined sidewalks for the town’s 16th annual Summer Sidewalk Sale. The sale, sponsored by the Town of Middleburg and the Middleburg Business and Professional Association, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday as posted by shops. Shops in the town will have discounts on everything from shoes to children’s clothes to home decor, and there will be specials in the local restaurants. Colorful balloons will be located outside 8
from the iconic films, like hippogriffs, centaurs, unicorns, and Nifflers, but also those terrifying spiders. After completing the 90-minute walking trail, visitors will emerge from the forest into a Hogsmeade-inspired village where they may taste themed food and beverages from the franchise and purchase cloaks or wands and souvenirs. The attraction is also partnering with One Tree Planted to give guests the opportunity to donate $1 towards planting a tree and contributing to their efforts of rebuilding forests after fires and floods, providing jobs for social impact, and restoring biodiversity. Tickets are available starting at $20 admission for children and $35 for adults. Learn more and buy tickets at hpforbiddenforestexperience.com/leesburg. participating stores. Participating shops include Crème de la Crème (pottery, ceramics, linens, etc.), Tully Rector (shoes, clothing, accessories, and beauty products), Zest (clothing and accessories), Lou Lou Too (accessories), C.D. Rigden & Son Country Classics (men’s and women’s clothing), Moda Lookbook (women’s clothing), The Christmas Sleigh (gifts and collectibles), Atelier Design & Decor (home furnishings and gifts), Second Chapter Books (new and used books), Loyal Companion (pet supplies), and Chloe’s of Middleburg (women’s clothing boutique). Emmanuel Episcopal Church will be hosting a sale featuring new and used items from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more details, go to visitmiddleburgva. com or www.facebook.com/MiddleburgBusiness.
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AUGUST 2022
Tickets Available at:
WWW.TALLYHOTHEATER.COM 19 W Market St, Leesburg, VA (703) 777-1665
Coming to Town this August~
THE OMEGA CONCERN
COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG PRESENTED BY THE DC IMPROV
8/5 - DOORS 7:00PM
8/6 - DOORS 7:00PM
THE AMISH OUTLAWS
THE #1 CARS EXPERIENCE: BEST FRIENDS GIRL 8/26 - DOORS 7:00PM
8/25 - DOORS 7:00PM
AUGUST 2022
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Photo by Alexis Gustin
On Target:
Suzie Bassett stands in front of her bull’s eye at Axe’s and Os in Sterling.
Ashburn’s Bassett Achieves Top World Ranking BY JAN MERCKER
Three years ago, Ashburn lawyer Suzie Bassett went to a D.C. ax throwing bar for a fun outing with friends. She was immediately hooked. “I showed up from work in a dress—regular work clothes. They handed me an ax and said, ‘Go throw it,’ and I started hitting bullseyes.” Bassett is now the top-ranked woman in the World Axe Throwing League. Bassett throws out of Sterling’s Axes and O’s Axe Throwing Company and is part of a growing wave of Loudouners getting into the sport. Now, Loudoun has two local options: Axes and O’s recently celebrated its second anniversary. At the other end of the county, the muchanticipated Elysium Axe Bar in Purcellville opened to the public July 29. Bassett, a corporate lawyer, honed her skills in D.C. and Baltimore during her first year of competition. When she heard Axes and O’s was opening in Sterling, she reached out to owner Tara Hampton, who has since become one of the fairy godmothers of the sport in Loudoun. Bassett encouraged Hampton to start up league competitions in addition to recreational throwing. 10
“I stalked Tara a little bit,” Bassett said with a laugh. Hampton initially started a friendly league with just 12 throwers. Axes and O’s now has several leagues, including hatchet (Bassett’s specialty, which features a two-pound hatchet), along with big axe (which uses axes between three and 4.25 pounds), knife throwing and duals, where two partners throw hatchets at the same target. The hatchet league alone now has 49 members. For Bassett and Hampton, a big part of the sport’s appeal is that just about anyone can do it. One of Axes and Os’ top league throwers uses a wheelchair, Hampton said. “There’s not a type of body or person that’s going to be good at ax throwing,” Bassett said. “There’s no gender advantage. Being super strong doesn’t make you a better ax thrower. … You don’t need to be this lumberjack guy.” Bassett said the secrets to her success are handeye coordination and coachability. She grew up in upstate New York playing softball as a pitcher and was a field hockey goalie. “I liked having control of the game,” she said. “I
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AUGUST 2022
Photo by Dana Armstrong
A throwing lane at the Elysium Axe Bar. (Inset) Co-owner Kristen Emerson in the newly renovated Purcellville nightlife spot.
Elysium Axe Bar Brings Norse Nightlife to Purcellville BY DANA ARMSTRONG
For friends and neighbors Kristen Emerson, Dan Green, and their spouses Scott Romutis and Erin Green, the idea for opening an axe bar in Purcellville came from the classic dilemma of date night planning: What are we going to do? The local nightlife and bar scene was becoming stale for the couples, so they decided to venture out a little further and sample a new activity. “We’re friends with the owner Tara Hampton down at Axes and O’s [axe bar in Sterling],” Kristen Emerson said. “The four of us went down there one day on a date night, we threw some axes, and loved it. We thought it would be a really fun and different thing to bring out to Purcellville that had some entertainment value.” After many months of extensive research and a two-weekend soft opening, the couples’ first AUGUST 2022
restaurant, Elysium Axe Bar, officially opened on July 29. The new entertainment venue and restaurant/bar is located behind Monk’s BBQ and Tipped Cow Creamery along Rt. 690. In the past few years, ax bars have become one of the newest trends sweeping the U.S., providing an updated and heavy metal alternative to cat cafés, bowling alleys, and pool halls. Although the ax as a tool and weapon is nearly as old as civilization itself, the recreational activity of indoor axe throwing originated in Toronto, Canada in 2006. The first ax bar in North America opened in Toronto in 2011, and the World Axe Throwing League formed in 2017. From there, ax throwing bars have made their way from the lumberjack areas of New England to out West and, now, down the East Coast. To launch Elysium Axe Bar, Emerson and
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50 West Vineyards 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg 50westvineyards.com 8 Chains North Winery 38593 Daymont Ln., Waterford, VA 8chainsnorth.com 868 Estate Vineyards 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville 868estatevineyards.com The Barns at Hamilton Station 16804 Hamilton Station Rd., Hamilton thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Bleu Frog Vineyards 16413 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg bleufrogvineyards.com Bluemont Vineyard 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont bluemontvineyard.com Bogati Winery 35246 Harry Byrd Hwy., Round Hill bogatiwinery.com Boxwood Estate Winery 2042 Burrland Rd., Middleburg boxwoodwinery.com Breaux Vineyards 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Hillsboro breauxvineyards.com Bozzo Family Vineyards 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro bozwines.com
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Cana Vineyards of Middleburg 38600 John Mosby Hwy., Middleburg canavineyards.com Carriage House Wineworks 40817 Brown Lane, Waterford chwwinery.com Casanel Vineyards 17952 Canby Rd., Leesburg casanelvineyards.com Chrysalis Vineyards 39025 John Mosby Hwy., Aldie chrysaliswine.com Corcoran Vineyards & Cider 14635 Corkys Farm Ln., Waterford corcoranvineyards.com Creek’s Edge Winery 41255 Annas Ln., Lovettsville creeksedgewinery.com Crushed Cellars 37938 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville crushedcellars.com Doukenie Winery 14727 Mountain Rd., Hillsboro doukeniewinery.com Droumavalla Farm Winery 14980 Limestone School Rd., Lucketts droumavalla.com Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery 18195 Dry Mill Rd., Leesburg drymillwine.com GET OUT LOUDOUN
21 Eagletree Farm & Vineyards 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
15100 Harrison Hill Lane, Leesburg eagletreevineyards.com Endhardt Vineyards 19600 Lincoln Road, Purcellville endhardtvineyards.com Fabbioli Cellars 15669 Limestone School Rd., Leesburg fabbioliwines.com Firefly Cellars 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton fireflycellars.com Fleetwood Farm Winery 23075 Evergreen Mills Rd., Leesburg fleetwoodfarmwinery.com Forever Farm & Vineyards 15779 Woodgrove Road, Purcellville foreverfarmandvineyard.com Greenhill Winery & Vineyards 23595 Winery Ln., Middleburg greenhillvineyards.com Hidden Brook Winery 43301 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg hiddenbrookwinery.com Hiddencroft Vineyards 12202 Axline Rd., Lovettsville hiddencroftvineyards.com Lost Creek Winery 43285 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg lostcreekwinery.com AUGUST 2022
31 Maggie Malick Wine Caves
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12138 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro maggiemalickwinecaves.com Old Farm Winery 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie oldfarmwineryhartland.com Otium Cellars 18050 Tranquility Rd., Purcellville otiumcellars.com Stone Tower Winery 19925 Hogback Mountain Rd., L’burg stonetowerwinery.com Stonehouse Meadery 36580 Shoemaker School Rd., Purcellville stonehousemeadery.com
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38295 Fremont Overlook Ln, Purcellville sunsethillsvineyard.com Tarara Winery 13648 Tarara Ln, Leesburg tarara.com Terra Nebulo 39892 Old Wheatland Rd., Waterford terranebulo.com Three Creeks Winery 18548 Harmony Church Road, Hamilton 3creekswinery.com Two Twisted Posts Winery 12944 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro twotwistedposts.com Village Winery 40405 Browns Lane, Waterford villagewineryandvineyards.com
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38906 Mount Gilead Rd., Leesburg willowcroftwine.com The Wine Reserve at Waterford 38516 Charles Town Pike, Waterford waterfordwinereserve.com Walsh Family Wine 16031 Hillsboro Rd., Purcellville northgatevineyard.com Williams Gap Vineyards 35785 Sexton Farm Lane, Round Hill williamsgavineyard.com Zephaniah Farm Vineyard 19381 Dunlop Mill Rd., Leesburg zephwine.com
BREWERIES 1 Adroit Theory Brewing 404 Browning Ct., Purcellville adroit-theory.com
2 B Chord Brewing Company 34266 Williams Gap Rd., Round Hill bchordbrewing.com
3 Barnhouse Brewery 43271 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg barnhousebrewery.com
4 Bear Chase Brewing 33665 Bear Chase Ln., Bluemont bearchasebrew.com
5 Belly Love Brewing Company 725 E. Main St., Purcellville bellylovebrewing.com
6 Beltway Brewing Company 22620 Davis Dr. Ste 110, Sterling beltwaybrewco.com
7 Black Hoof Brewing Company 11 South King St., Leesburg blackhoofbrewing.com
8 Black Walnut Brewery 210 S. King St., Leesburg blackwalnutbrewery.com
9 Crooked Run Brewing Central 22455 Davis Dr., Sterling crookedrunbrewing.com
10 Crooked Run Brewing Market Station, Leesburg crookedrunbrewing.com
11 Dirt Farm Brewing 18701 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont dirtfarmbrewing.com
12 Dynasty Brewing Company 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn 101 Loudoun St, SE, Leesburg dynastybrewing.com
13 Flying Ace Farm 40950 Flying Ace Ln, Lovettsville flyingacefarm.com
14 Harper’s Ferry Brewing 37412 Adventure Ctr. Lane, Hillsboro harpersferrybrewing.com 15 Harvest Gap Brewery 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro facebook.com/HarvestGap
16 House 6 Brewing 4427 Atwater Dr., Ashburn house6brewing.com
17 Lost Barrel Brewing 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg lostbarrel.com
18 Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Rd. #142, Ashburn lostrhino.com
19 Loudoun Brewing Company 310 E. Market St., Leesburg loudounbrewing.com
20 Ocelot Brewing Company 23600 Overland Dr., #180, Dulles ocelotbrewing.com
21 Old 690 Brewing Company 15670 Ashbury Church Rd., Hillsboro old690.com
22 Old Ox Brewery 44652 Guilford Dr., Ste 114, Ashburn oldoxbrewery.com
23 Old Ox Brewery Middleburg 14 S Madison St, Middleburg, VA
24 Phase 2 Brewing 19382 Diamond Lake Dr, Lansdowne Phase2Brewing.com
25 Rocket Frog Brewing Company 22560 Glenn Dr. #103, Sterling rocketfrogbeer.com
26 Solace Brewing Company 42615 Trade West Dr., Sterling solacebrewing.com
27 Sweetwater Tavern 45980 Waterview Plaza, Sterling greatamericanrestaurants.com
28 The Craft of Brewing 21140 Ashburn Crossing Dr., Ashburn thecraftob.com
29 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery 42245 Black Hops Ln., Lucketts vanishbeer.com
30 Wheatland Springs Farm + Brewery 38454 John Wolford Rd., Waterford wheatlandspring.com
BREWERIES & WINERIES 1 Bluemont Station Brewery and
Winery 18301 Whitehall Estate Lane, Bluemont bluemontstation.com
1 Hillsborough Brewery & Vineyards 36716 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro hillsboroughwine.com
3 Quattro Goomba’s Brewery & Winery 22860 James Monroe Hwy., Aldie goombawine.com
2 Notaviva Brewery and Winery 13274 Sagle Rd., Hillsboro notavivavineyards.com
AUGUST 2022
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BASSETT FROM PAGE 10
was always in that very high stress position.” And ax throwing is a lot like pitching, she said: “It’s about repetition. It’s about understanding your own body and figuring out what throws work for you and what axes.” Hampton opened Axes and O’s in 2020 after a 13-year career in nursing. She was looking for a change of pace and was considering a live music venue in Loudoun. Then Hampton went with a group to an ax bar in D.C. “Before I even held an ax in my hand, I watched a guy throw one. I looked at the group and said, ‘I changed my mind, I want to open up one of these.’” she said. “It’s really good stress relief, it’s something different. It just takes a little technique and hand-eye coordination and just about anyone can do it.” Bassett agrees. “I can sit and focus on throwing at a board for two hours. Having a stressful job, I ELYSIUM FROM PAGE 11
Green had to brush up on WATL axe throwing regulations and test more than 20 axes to find the one with the best user experience.
can focus on something else and not think about things I might be distracted by.” Both Bassett and Hampton are also fans of the social aspect of the sport. Bassett met her boyfriend Russell Murphy in the Axes and O’s league. The couple now goes to tournaments all over the country. And even though Murphy is a newer competitor, the pair compete in duals competitions, where both aim for the same 1.5inch bullseye. Axes and O’s features a WATL regulation range with hand-drawn targets on 10 x 48-inch boards made of cottonwood. This allows the venue to host league competitions as well as individual lane rentals and corporate and other group events (Hampton is already booking for fall and the holidays). Axes and O’s is open Wednesday through Sunday at 21680 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 125 in Sterling. For reservations and information about leagues and recreational throwing, go to axesandos.com. “Between that and our staircase,” Emerson said, referencing the steep flight leading into their second-story location, “we thought [the name] was a good fit.”
Each ax throwing lane has a black-painted soft wood target mounted 12 feet away from the throwing box. The targets are specially designed to have the blade stick at almost any angle. An innovative overhead projection system displays the target on the wood.
The bar is ideal for axe throwing groups of any size and skill level. Emerson plans for the space to host everything from date nights and friend get-togethers to birthday parties, bachelor(ette) parties, and corporate bonding events. They also anticipate rec leagues to form in the near future.
Axe throwers can choose to project a traditional axe throwing target or games such as Tic-TacToe, Connect 4, or even target practice at zombies’ heads. Once throwers successfully land the axe in the wood, they use a keyboard and mouse to indicate the area they hit.
Novice axe throwers will benefit from the oneon-one instruction of their trained axe coaches. Experienced ax throwers are welcome to bring their own axes—as long as it matches Elysium’s hatchet-sized axe regulations.
Elysium Axe Bar features eight axe throwing lanes, a 20-seat bar, a social lounge, and a cozy restaurant seating area. Erin Green designed the interior to give off a modern Viking feel, complete with shields painted to replicate those from the popular HBO TV series “Vikings.” The theme complements the bar’s namesake. Elysium refers to the Greek idea of the afterlife, similar to the afterlife, Valhalla, in Norse mythology where fallen Vikings can ascend into greatness. 14
Rest assured, safety is the priority at Elysium. All throwers must be 14 years or older (youth must have a parent or guardian present) and wear close-toed shoes. The lanes are lined with horse mats to limit kickback from fallen axes, and at least one ax coach is on call at all times at each booth to train, supervise, and cheer on throwers. “Our ax coaches are great. They have a lot of energy and personality,” said Emerson. “They were so cute because at the end of the first shift [of the soft opening] they were all like ‘I
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AUGUST 2022
ELYSIUM FROM PAGE 14
can’t wait for next weekend! This was so fun!’” After axe throwing, patrons can enjoy pub-style shareable dishes and craft beers from their bar of 18 rotating taps. Along with fan favorite beers and canned cocktails, many of the beers and wines available are from local Virginia brands. Beers from Center of the Universe Brewing Company in Ashland or Hardywood Park in Richmond are two of their current on tap offerings. “We’re really trying to support local,” said Emerson. “So we’re doing discounts for our fire department and police department because that’s just how Purcellville is—everyone supports everyone here.” Elysium Axe Bar is located at 251 N. 21st Street Purcellville, VA 20132. Axe throwing is $40 per person. To reserve your spot and find more information, go to elysiumaxebar.com/ or call 540-619-2225.
Now Showing
Dearly Beloved and Departed - Murder Mystery Dinner July 22 at Creek’s Edge Winery in Lovettsville July 23 at Oatlands in Leesburg August 5 at Effingham Manor Winery in Nokesville August 13 at Casanel Winery in Leesburg
Into the Woods - Summer Camp Musical Production July 8-10, 15-17
Legally Blonde the Musical - Summer Camp Musical Production August 5-7, 12-14
Hot Fun in the Summertime Cabaret August 19-21, 26-28 at Oatlands in Leesburg
PLUS monthly Magic and Improv Shows Check out more upcoming shows on our website!
All performances at StageCoach Theatre in Ashburn unless noted. 20937 Ashburn Road Suites 115 and 120 Ashburn, VA 20147
www.StageCoachTC.com AUGUST 2022
571-477-9444
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ART SCENE
Photo By Norman K. Styer
Franklin Park Arts Center Manager Elizabeth Bracey has 57 O’Keeffe-inspired works by local artists on exhibit through Aug. 21.
Local Artists Pay Tribute to O’Keeffe BY JAN MERCKER
For more than a century, Georgia O’Keeffe has been one of the most fascinating figures in American art. This summer, Franklin Park Arts Center pays homage to the iconic 20th century artist, known as “the mother of modern art,” with a monthlong exhibit of O’Keefe-inspired works by local artists. As the arts center returns to a robust visual and performing arts schedule after COVID restrictions lifted, celebrating O’Keeffe was a natural and joyful fit, said arts center manager Elizabeth Bracey.
Contributing to the Franklin Park show was a natural fit for western Loudoun-based botanical artist Karen Coleman. “This quote from Georgia O’Keeffe has been an inspiration to me since I began creating botanical art many years ago: ‘When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for a moment. I want to give that world to someone,’” Colman said. “Although I may not zoom in on my subjects as closely as O’Keeffe, I feel we share the same desire to really examine a specimen and share that world with someone. My hope is that I will convey to the viewer a sense of wonder of my subject, as well as a deep respect for the natural world and a desire to protect what we have left.”
“We have been trying to have some broad themes that really would challenge but also resonate with artists. We had the idea of doing an exhibit based on a famous artist’s work, and O’Keeffe seemed like a great one,” Bracey said.
The exhibit features both emerging and established Loudoun artists, including new work from Leesburg-based painter Anne Marshall Block, who visited Northern New Mexico in April, capturing the big horn rams and desert mountains that O’Keeffe painted.
Bracey knew that O’Keeffe’s vibrant landscapes and surreal paintings of animal skulls and flowers would inspire local artists. And she was right: with 57 pieces, “Inspired By O’Keeffe” is one of the biggest shows Franklin Park has ever hosted.
The “Inspired By O’Keeffe” art show runs through Aug. 21 at the center’s gallery. Admission is free during regular hours. For more information, go to franklinparkartscenter.org.
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FRIDAY NIGHTS Hillsboro’s
GAP STAGE
Lawn Opens at 6 p.m. Local Beer, Wine, Food August 5 Lorem ipsum
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Next Generation Bluegrass Lorem ipsum
Dunlap & Mabe
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August 12
Soul Stirrin’ Rock
The Talton Brothers August 19 Our Roots
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival + Dave Asti
Silver Sponsor $1000
Bronze Sponsor $500
• Sponsor recognition for 2 Concerts Featuring FRUITS of THE GAP admission* for 4 guests • Complimentary Friends ofaward-winning the Series local wines from at 2 concerts. including
August 26
The Beatles! Beat
$100
Doukénie Two Twisted Posts Walsh Fabbioli *registration required •Craft Sponsorbrews recognition for 1Old Concert from 690 Brewing Company • Complimentary admission* for 2 guests Areaʻs topatfood trucks MOO-THRU Ice Cream 1 concert. The Gap Stage
*registration required Hillsboro’s Old Stone School 37098 Charles Town Pike Hillsboro, Va.
Scan for more about
Music in The Gap & coming events
Saturday, October 1, 3-10 p.m. Furnace Mountain Trio Dave Asti & Friends Carroll County Ramblers Circa Blue AUGUST 2022
Mostly Fab
September 2
Down-Home Roots
Hard Swimmin’ Fish 9
Archer Western
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StageCoach Murder Mystery hit the Winery Stages BY DANA ARMSTRONG
The world’s richest woman marries a dead guy. That’s everything needed to tease the plot of StageCoach Theatre Company’s latest murder mystery dinner show, “Dearly Beloved and Departed,” coming to a winery, brewery, or restaurant near you. Since 2011, StageCoach Theatre Company has been delighting Loudoun audiences as the only murder mystery company in Northern Virginia. Originally, most of the dinners took place in the cozy bright box theatre of its main location in Ashburn. But when COVID hit, the little theater felt contrary to social distancing advice and they had to pivot. “We were always a travelling troupe, but that wasn’t the priority in the beginning,” said StageCoach’s owner and producer Jerri Wiseman. Their first performance since the outbreak of the pandemic was outdoors at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens near Leesburg. The success of that show prompted the troupe to look into other venues, like Loudoun’s fruitful winery and brewery scene, to stage their next shows. Since then, StageCoach has performed their murder mystery dinners at many different wineries, breweries, and restaurants across Loudoun and Prince William counties. These partnerships are a win-win for StageCoach and Loudoun’s food and drink venues. Since 40% of StageCoach’s customers are from outside of Loudoun, it helps breweries and wineries broaden their audience. Likewise, the regular patrons of the breweries and wineries can discover StageCoach’s offerings through their unique murder mystery events. For anyone who hasn’t experienced one of StageCoach’s murder mystery dinners, it can be summarized as a mix of good food, an interactive mystery, and improv comedy. As Aaron Thompson, director of “Dearly Beloved and Departed,” describes it: “The dinner shows are theater purely for entertainment’s 18
Photo by Kat Brais
The StageCoach Theatre Company is performing Terry Smith’s “Dearly Beloved and Departed” at area wineries this summer.
sake. The mystery, written by Terry Smith, is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.” How do the shows work? After check-in, guests have the opportunity to get food from the catered buffet and purchase drinks. During dinner, the director asks for audience volunteers and gives the volunteers their part of the script. Then, it’s time for the show. In Act I, the actors come out, interact with the audience, and set up the story. The audience volunteers present their evidence as the story unfolds. And even those who didn’t volunteer may be in the right place at the right time to contribute. There is a brief intermission. Then, in Act II, the clues come together and the fingers are pointed to determine whodunnit. This fall, the troupe will offer its storybook mystery, “Big Bad Wolf, ACE Detective” in its rounds at Loudoun wineries and breweries. The murder mystery dinners are generally rated PG-13 (“because, oh, murder,” as Wiseman notes) but are ideal for a range of audiences. In addition to their seasonal shows, StageCoach offers murder mystery shows by request that can be altered to be as age-appropriate or risqué as desired for birthday parties, bachelor(ette) parties, or company teambonding events. StageCoach Theatre Company’s murder mystery dinner, Dearly Beloved and Departed, takes place Aug. 5 at Effingham Manor Winery in Nokesville, and Aug. 13 at Casanel Winery near Leesburg. To purchase tickets for more information about upcoming shows, go to stagecoachtc.com.
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AUGUST 2022
Sunday, September 4 A fundraising concert in support of Loudoun musicians. Join us for 8 hours of music and dancing on the lawn.
2 pm • The Talton Brothers 2:40 pm • The Lost Corner Vagabonds - Emma Bailey Lucas Mason - Laura Cashman - Summer & Eric - Rob Hoey
4 pm • The Rowdy Ace Band 5:00 pm • LoCo Rising Stars: Penelope Adkins • Kellin Little 5:25 pm • Sela Campbell - Todd Brooks & Pour Decisions
6 pm • Bad Panda 6:45 pm • Chris Bowen 7 pm • Delta Spur - Gary Smallwood & Mike Ault
7:25 pm • Justified 8 pm • Something’s Brewing 9 pm • and the Big Band Finale Jam! Get your TICKETS today: Advance: $20 Same Day: $25 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd, Hillsboro VA 540.668.7008 • 868EstateVineyards.com AUGUST 2022
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FAMILY REUNION Diversity Celebrated at Family Reunion Food Showcase For the second year, Food & Wine is collaborating with James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi and Salamander Hotels & Resorts to present The Family Reunion, an immersive experience that celebrates racial and ethnic diversity within the hospitality community. The event, created to celebrate black and brown contributions to the food industry, will be held from Thursday, Aug. 18 through Sunday, Aug. 21 at the five-star resort and spa. “The Family Reunion is more than an event. It’s a culmination and celebration of different cultures with food as a vehicle,” Onwuachi said. “We are bringing the most important voices in the culinary industry together to share anecdotes, recipes and viewpoints in order to leave with our hearts and minds full.” In addition to Onwuachi, this year’s featured talent includes James Beard Award-winning chef, author, and entrepreneur Alexander
GET A TASTE OF LEESBURG The TASTE Leesburg festival returns to downtown Leesburg on Saturday, Aug. 13. Food vendors, breweries, wineries, businesses, artisans, and entertainment will fill five blocks of the historic downtown. With more than 65 booths, area restaurants, food trucks, and vendors will offer a variety of menu options for purchase or stop into one of the downtown restaurants for a bite to eat. Sixteen local breweries and wineries will also be on-site offering samples of beer, wine, cider and mead. A discounted early bird drink ticket is available online and costs $40. Ticket prices will increase to $55 on Aug. 10. All ticket purchases include a souvenir sampling glass and unlimited drink tastings. Check-in tents will be located on the Town Green on West Market and North King streets to verify your ID and have your ticket scanned. A limited number of beverage tickets may be available the 20
Smalls; three-time “Chopped” champion Andre Fowles; James Beard Award-winning chef and BBQ pitmaster Rodney Scott; author and culinary historian Jessica B. Harris; and Carla Hall, a restaurateur, “Top Chef” alum and host of the Emmy Award-winning series “The Chew.” The event also features cooking demonstrations, panel discussions, wine tastings, and “family meals” where attendees and celebrity guests may engage with each other. For tickets and other event details, go to salamanderhotels.com/familyreunion. day of the event through online purchase only. Live music will begin at 5 p.m. on the Center Stage, located on the corner of Market and King streets. The Sip & Savor Stage, on King Street between Cornwall and North streets, will feature an interactive DJ and demonstrations. Parking will be available downtown at the Town Hall Parking Garage, the Pennington Parking Garage, the Church Street Parking Lot, and the Loudoun County Parking Garage. Street closures will begin at 10 a.m. and are expected to re-open at approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14. The event is sponsored by Country Buick GMC, Meto, Evelyn Clark Allstate Agency, The Home Doctor, Heartland Foods, Leafguard, Power Home Remodeling, C2 Operations and Wegmans Food Markets. For more information about the event, go to tasteleesburg.com or call Ida Lee Park Recreation Center at 703-777-1368.
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AUGUST 2022
Check out
Loudoun’s Attractions
LOUDOUN HERITAGE FARM MUSEUM Travel through time to meet the 10 generations of Loudoun County residents who built this county and left their mark on the land. Exhibits include a schoolhouse, general store, Native American artifact display and the American Workhorse Museum Collection. 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, VA 20164 (571) 258-3800 • heritagefarmmuseum.org
LOUDOUN MUSEUM With a collection of more than 8,000 artifacts, the museum tells Loudoun’s story over its 260-year history, with an ever-changing selection of special exhibits on Native American settlements, World War II memorabilia, the county’s role in the Civil Wars, along with displays of antique clothing and furniture. 16 Loudoun Street SW Leesburg, Virginia 20175 (703) 777-7427 • loudounmuseum.org
MORVEN PARK Morven Park is a 1,000-acre historic estate on the edge of Leesburg that was home to Virginia governor and agricultural pioneer Westmoreland Davis. Tours of the Greek Revival mansion include 16th century Belgian tapestries, Spanish cassones, hundreds of silver pieces, Hudson River Valley paintings, and Asian treasures. The estate also features the Winmill Carriage Museum, the Museum of Hounds and Hunting of North America, formal boxwood gardens, miles of hiking and riding trails, and athletic fields. 17195 Southern Planter Lane Leesburg, VA 20176 703-777-2414 • morvenpark.org
OATLANDS HISTORIC HOUSE & GARDENS The 415-acre Oatlands estate, owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, offers tours of the historic mansion, extensive gardens and outbuildings that include the oldest standing greenhouse in the South. Exhibits focus on the lives of the Carter and Eustis families who building the estate, as well as the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked there. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA 20175 703.777.3174 • oatlands.org
* During the COVID-19 pandemic, many venues have limited hours of operations and special requirements such as advance reservations. It is best to call ahead before making your visit. AUGUST 2022
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Best Bets at B Chord Brewing’s outdoor stage. Born Cross Eyed opens Sunday with show starting at at 2 p.m.
08.12
08.06 MELISSA QUINN FOX Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022 Leesburg Town Green loudounnow.com/aotg
U2TOPIA
Wammie-winner Melissa Quinn Fox is known for her story-driven songs, unique vocal tone, and captivating live performances—from pop to country to alternative rock to Americana and more.
08.06 & 07
Friday, Aug. 13, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com Performing a range of music from the early 80s all the way up to present day, U2TOPIA prides itself on delivering faithful, spirited renditions of not only U2’s biggest hits, but also deeper cuts from the catalog.
08.26.22 MOSTLY FAB Friday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m. Hillsboro Old Stone School oldstoneschool.org
CRIS JACOBS CELEBRATES JERRY GARCIA’S DAYS
Hillsboro’s Music in the Gap summer concert features Cal Everett, Lofgren and Todd Wright in a tribute to the Beatles.
Saturday, Aug. 6, 7-10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, 4-10 p.m. B Chord Brewing Company bchordbrewing.com Cris Jacobs closes out his annual celebration of Jerry Garcia’s Days in Between with two shows
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BEST BETS FROM PAGE 22
08.27.22
GONZO’S NOSE REUNION SHOW Saturday, Aug. 27, 6 p.m. Tarara Winery tararaconcerts.com The region’s most popular party band celebrates its 25th anniversary in the grove at Tarara winery.
09.01.22 Smash Mouth Thursday, Sept. 1, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com With new lead singer Zach Goode sharing the stage, the California ska-tinged pop punk band performs its hits “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and “All Star” on the Leesburg stage. AUGUST 2022
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