On Tap Magazine // March 2019

ONTAP Drink. Dine. Do. March 2019

The

omen s W ’ 13 Leading Ladies of DC Drinks 15 Creatives 25 Shows Kristin Chenoweth Amanda Palmer Mary Timony

+ D.C. United

Washington Spirit

WHERE SOUTHWEST MEETS THE WHARF. WHERE YOU BELONG.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2019: VOL 21 NO 5

WHO IS ON TAP?

THE WOMEN'S ISSUE March brings us many things to look forward to: cherry blossoms, March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day. But more importantly, it marks Women’s History Month, which we celebrate throughout the issue. In the beverage world, we spoke to local women changing the face of beer, cider and wine. We also picked the brains of some of the city’s most impressive bartenders and beverage directors – who all happen to be women. Sense in Park View is changing how DC thinks of hair, healing and art, so we spent a day with the innovative space’s founder. Learn about the fearless leaders of the art world, from theatre to fashion and everything in-between. DC guitar legend Mary Timony spoke to us about her myriad musical projects, and Dresden Dolls’ Amanda Palmer gave us a look into her new album. Gracing our cover is the inimitable Kristin Chenoweth, who performs her careerspanning works at the Strathmore next month. Female leadership in social sports, gender-transcending Vanity Fair, female-fronted shows and more round out the issue.

On the cover: Kristin Chenoweth Photographer: Bryan Kasm

Designer: Julia Goldberg

IN THIS ISSUE  SPORTS Washington Spirit's Youth Movement....... 4 D.C. United Seek MLS Cup............................ 6 Fray’s Britt Rheault on Inclusivity.. ............ 10 March Madness............................................. 12

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D.C. United

Women in Beer

DC's Soccer Club Seeks MLS Cup

Deep Roots Gain New Ground

 ARTS & CULTURE Drink Dine Do................................................ 14 A Day in the Life: Sense's Erin Derosa...... 36 10 of DC's Creative Female Forces............ 38

 DINING New & Notable.. ............................................. 34

 DRINKS Women in Beer ............................................. 20 What's On Tap................................................ 22 Behind the Bar............................................... 26 Leading Ladies of Wine .............................. 30

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42

Sense's Erin Derosa

Kristin Chenoweth

Combines Healing and Hair

Brings Wicked Fun to Strathmore

 STAGE & SCREEN Stage & Screen Events................................. 41 Kristin Chenoweth at Strathmore............. 42 Vanity Fair at Shakespeare Theatre. . ......... 44

 MUSIC Sundry Shades of RDGLDGRN. . .................. 46 DC Rock Royalty Mary Timony................... 50 Amanda Palmer Gets Personal.. ................. 52 Music Picks..................................................... 54

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Ex Hex's Mary Timony

Amanda Palmer

DC Rock Royalty on New Music

Talks Solo Album, New Tour

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FOUNDER James Currie PUBLISHER Jennifer Currie

jennifer@ontaponline.com

MANAGING EDITOR Monica Alford

monica@ontaponline.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Trent Johnson trent@ontaponline.com

EDITORIAL STAFF M.K. Koszycki mk@ontaponline.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Julia Goldberg julia@ontaponline.com

PRINT AND DIGITAL DESIGN Nick Caracciolo KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth tomroth@ontaponline.com

DIGITAL & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Kayla Marsh kayla@ontaponline.com

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS MANAGER Katie Seaman katie@ontaponline.com

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS ASSISTANT Savannah Jeter savannah@ontaponline.com

OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kelcie Glass kelcie@ontaponline.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tess Ankeny, Lani Furbank, Joel Goldberg, Daniel Lempres, Keith Loria, Kayla Marsh, Haley McKey, Amanda Weisbrod

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shantel Mitchell Breen, Bryan Francis, K. Gabrielle Photography, Bryan Kasm, Daniel Lempres On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2019 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. Go to www.ontaponline.com for more information.

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

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

Photo: Tony Quinn

Ashley Hatch

Offseason of Change Brings Optimism for

By Trent Johnson After losing 41 of the past 48 regular season games, one could hardly blame the Women’s National Soccer League’s (WNSL) Washington Spirit for hitting the reset button. Through various changes in the front office, ownership and on the field, this young team is looking to reverse its recent fortunes and begin building a foundation for lofty championship goals.

Starting at the top, longtime owner Bill Lynch sold his majority stake in late 2018 to Steve Baldwin. Shortly after, the team announced Richie Burke would take over as head coach and technical director.

Burke has an extensive track record in youth soccer around the DC area, making him the logical fit to lead the team’s youth movement.

“Being involved in the professional game is an incredible buzz,” Burke says. “It’s an incredible reward. It’s like a drug you get drawn back to all the time. The project itself has a lot of really good people involved, and it was an opportunity that was hard to turn down.”

Burke and the Spirit agree that the team is a project. As the squad gears up for training camp and preseason matches this month, everyone is focused on the simple goal of improving habits and team culture rather than agonizing over results.

“Last year was kind of rough,” forward Ashley Hatch says. “We feel we could have had better results, but we got unlucky and things didn’t go our way. We’re a very talented team that works hard, so I want to help us get the results we deserve.”

During the 2018 campaign, the Spirit finished with a record of two wins, five draws and 17 defeats. Despite this, Burke insists he’s not simply bringing a new style and structure with him, as he’s crystal clear on his extremely high expectations for the team to work toward.

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“I SET THE GOALS HIGH. I WANT TO WIN AND WIN WITH STYLE.” “I’m very organized and very structured, and I want to play an aesthetically pleasing game,” the coach says. “I do know that we’re going to work hard and play hard. Success for me is winning the WNSL championship. I set the goals high. I want to win and win with style.”

One aspect of this season that every WNSL team must overcome is this summer’s 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Already this year, the Spirit has had three players train with the U.S. women’s national team including Rose Lavelle, Mallory Pugh and Andi Sullivan. The league has implemented a 12-day break in the schedule to account for the international tournament in early June.

“You have mixed feelings,” Burke says. “I’m thrilled for the players and the franchise. I couldn’t be happier for the players themselves. I hope they score goals out the ying-yang.”

Instead of fretting about the World Cup, the Spirit is solely focused on things within the players’ control such as play on the field and the ways they plan to integrate all the changes. In addition to changes in the front office, the Spirit was featured heavily at the January WNSL draft, making four selections in the first round.

“I think that with all the changes going on, it’s going to be a very exciting team,” says Sullivan, the team’s midfielder. “I really just want to help the new team and culture take off. I want to make the transition easy for everyone and be someone that can connect the pieces.”

Photo: Jeremy Reper

The DMV native, along with the aforementioned Pugh and Lavelle, are heavily featured in marketing for the coming season. The trio is often mentioned when the best young U.S. soccer players are brought up and are a huge reason Burke feels confident in his steadfast belief the team will achieve success in short order.

“It’s a fresh start,” Sullivan continues. “Capitalizing on that energy is going to really up the standard and level [for the team]. It’s a great opportunity, and it’s an optimistic look toward the future. It makes now seem like a great time to go for it, and that’s how we’re approaching [the season].”

The transition won’t be perfect. Rebuilds in professional sports are often rocky, rife with growing pains and career firsts, however the Spirit can only rise up the standings. For soccer enthusiasts in the DMV, catching a team right as they begin to figure it out is one of the most fascinating rides for any fan. With this much talent and potential on the roster, it’s only a matter of time for this core.

“The best part about having young players is we’re hungry,” Hatch says. “We want to prove ourselves as a team and individuals. I think it will definitely play in our favor.”

The Washington Spirit begins the preseason on Saturday, March 16 at the City Stadium in Richmond, Virginia. The team will begin the regular season versus the Sky Blue FC on the home field at the Maryland SoccerPlex on Saturday, April 13. For more information about the squad, visit www.washingtonspirit.com.

Maryland SoccerPlex: 18031 Central Park Cir. Boyds, MD 301-591-0927; www.washingtonspirit.com

Photos: On Tap staff

“BEING INVOLVED IN THE PROFESSIONAL GAME IS AN INCREDIBLE BUZZ. IT’S LIKE A DRUG YOU GET DRAWN BACK TO ALL THE TIME.”

Local spots including The Brighton, Buffalo Billiards, El Rey and Tiki TNT hosted Pacifico samplings last month. Patrons enjoyed swag, raffles and more.

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D.C. United

Photos: Courtesy of D.C. United

Rocking The District from Day One

Following their winter hibernation, local soccer fans are primed to roar upon the return of their beloved professional franchise to DC. Fans will fill the 20,000 seats, angled European-style toward a pitch made of natural grass, on March 3 to usher in the first full season of Major League Soccer at Audi Field. During D.C. United’s abbreviated first season in its new surroundings, the team drew an average of 18,929 fans across 15 home games and treated them to a 12-2-1 record. The extraordinary support echoes the success of the franchise’s rallying cry “Unite the District,” which will return as a prominent marketing strategy entering spring.

“An unbelievably fiesta-style atmosphere,” says D.C. United’s vice president of events and marketing Harry Hardy when describing the fans during home games. “They’re singing songs for 90 minutes. Audi Field is becoming a fortress for us.”

In an attempt to buttress enthusiasm, D.C. United will offer a slew of promotions early in the season. The move is in part a way of mitigating the rush of fans into the stadium just before game time.

“Things like discounts on your beer [and] food if you come early to the game,” Hardy elaborates.

He adds that the club has added entry points so people can get into the building sooner, “putting a huge premium on wait times.”

Opening day features a major attraction with Audi Field welcoming the defending MLS Cup Champions Atlanta United FC. And on April 9, the team will host a Cherry Blossom-themed game – the first Tuesday night game in MLS history, according to Hardy.

This year, the club has added shading elements to the west stands since discovering the sun beats down on that area of the stadium.

Those who salivate over game day concessions will be pleased to know that José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup will continue its operations and David Chang’s Fuku brand – with its take on fried chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders – begins its rookie year as a food provider at Audi Field.

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Despite the immediate success on the pitch, the tantalizing food and beverage offerings, and the raucous reception from the DC community, the transition to a new stadium didn’t come easily for all the players last year.

“When we moved into Audi in the summer, it was a little [bit of an] awkward change for not just us players but for everyone,” midfielder Russell Canouse says.

Some of the awkwardness stemmed from an unusual schedule.

During the wait for Audi Field to open, D.C. United was forced to spend much of the early season on the road.

“I’m most excited about probably not having to go on the road for four months straight,” says center back Steve Birnbaum, his sunny California voice breathing relief.

However, as evidenced by the club’s strong record after move-in day, Audi Field wound up becoming a major advantage.

“Just playing in front of the home fans gave me a lot of confidence to go out and do my best,” Canouse says. “I think the same goes for everyone else. It’s hard to describe in words how important it is to have their support.”

Hardy adds that the front office comes into work every day with the “Unite the District” vision in mind. He references the playoff game against Columbus in October – a crushing loss in penalties – when thousands of DC sports fans were singing together in support of a common cause. During the dog days of summer and the grind of a playoff run, that sort of energy can help rally a squad.

Nevertheless, the team’s performance on the pitch will ultimately determine whether D.C. United reaches its first MLS Cup since 2004.

“We have a lot of belief in ourselves as a team,” Birnbaum says, his tone matter-of-fact. “With Audi Field at the heart of the city, we feel as though we can compete for a championship.”

d Laces Up

By Joel Goldberg

Forging a Distinct Identity The District’s Soccer Club Seeks MLS Cup

“Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades” is an axiom my seventh grade science teacher once taught me. It was basically a grim way of saying, “Close don’t cut it,” and it’s a refrain that D.C. United may hear in 2019.

After a demoralizing loss in penalty kicks to Columbus Crew SC left D.C. United short of the MLS Cup semifinals in 2018, one has to consider whether or not to look at the season on the whole as a success.

“Our run ended a little bit short, but that’s playoffs,” midfielder Russell Canouse says. “You lose in penalty kicks – it’s frustrating. I felt, and I know everyone else felt, that we could’ve went to the MLS Cup last year. It just didn’t feel right when the season ended against Columbus that early. I don’t think anyone was thinking that was going to be our exit.”

Canouse’s faith in his team has plenty of merit. The club went undefeated in its final 10 games, lifting them to a winning regular season record and securing them a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Even in the playoff loss, the team seemed to pull yet another rabbit out of their hat when they tied the game at 2-2 in the 116th minute to force the fateful penalties.

Granted, a favorable string of home games at the end of the year – 16 of the final 21 games were played at Audi Field – likely provided an unusual advantage amid the stunning comeback. But one could argue that over the course of the season, D.C. United’s absurd, lopsided schedule represented a negative sum.

“Being able to open up at home with a similar core group that we had to finish last season is going to be great for us,” says center back Steve Birnbaum, highlighting a welcome return to normalcy in the team’s schedule. “We have that confidence or swagger leading into the season because we know we have the pieces to succeed.”

Canouse is an important one of those pieces, and his ability to

stay on the pitch will be vital. In 2018, he only appeared in 20 games because of a knee injury. This followed an abbreviated 2017 season in which he only appeared in the second half as a late-season addition from Germany.

“2017 was obviously a little flawed,” Canouse says. “I came in in August. There were only 10 games left to play and I started all 10.

The ideal situation would be to play all 34 games.”

His presence will be even more magnified after his experience with the U.S. National team during its training camp this winter.

A full season from Canouse could pay dividends for D.C. United while boosting his chances of being considered for a spot on the 2022 U.S. Men’s World Cup team.

But to make a run at the MLS Cup, it will take a concerted team effort. Part of unifying a team and optimizing its skills is to administer a sound strategy; following a season that ended in heartbreak, changes to the club’s strategy were inevitable.

“We’re going to play a little bit more out of the back this year,” Birnbaum says. “I think we want to be a more possession-based team. We did that toward the tail end of the season last year. We’re building upon that, and kind of creating a new style of play.”

He adds that box defending, a strength of the team in 2018, will be crucial to repeat this season.

“I think that’s a major factor in creating shutouts and making us hard to score on,” Birnbaum continues. “That’s one of the things that I try and focus on a lot throughout the year. We have a motto: to be the first contact to the ball in the box. The most important thing for us is getting the ball out of the box and away from danger.”

Though Birnbaum’s comments suggest a more defensive approach, Canouse expects an aggressive identity to characterize the group’s play on the field. www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2019 | ON TAP

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“Play a little more aggressive out of the back,” he says. “But also manage it the same way.”

Birnbaum says the game management aspect of D.C. United’s strategy looks promising.

“The preseason has been encouraging so far,” Birnbaum says.

“When we played against Cincinnati, we kind of dictated the game. We’re controlling the game with our possession, which is encouraging for us because it makes us not have to defend as much, and that makes my job easier.”

Although possession will be a heavy emphasis, the job could be made even easier by the attacking unit’s resurgence, which again features the legendary Wayne Rooney, who led the team with 12 goals last year despite only starting 18 games. D.C. United finished the season sixth in the league in goals scored with 60, and they were efficient with their attempts. The team attempted the fourth fewest shots of any team in MLS with 396. That’s the sort of quality that will attract fans to every game and fill Audi Field during its first full season.

“I think they can expect some exciting soccer from us,” Birnbaum says of the fans. “I think that we’ve got a lot of guys who can do a lot of creative stuff. Our front, attacking guys are really special.”

If the team as a whole can prove to be on target too, they might not have to settle for a game of horseshoes come late November.

D.C. United opens its 2019 season on Sunday, March 3 at 6 p.m. against Atlanta United FC. For ticket information, visit www.dcunited.com.

Audi Field: 100 Potomac Ave. SW, DC 202-587-5000; www.audifielddc.com

Saint Paddy’s Weekend!

Happy Hour!

3-7pm 1/2 Off Appetizers & Drink Specials!

Saint Patrick’s Eve Patio Party feat: Green Beer & Irish Fare!

Saint Patrick’s Day! Join us as we celebrate all things Irish all day!

1301 S. Joyce St. • Arlington Pentagon Row • Pentagon City 703-415-4420 • www.sineirishpub.com 8

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HUNGRY HUMAN HIPPOS

DCFRAY.COM

FRAY’S BRITT RHEAULT PROMOTES INCLUSIVITY

By Kayla Marsh Britt + Wally

Britt Rheault is taking the social sports world by storm one city at a time. The born and bred Boston sports fan turned DMV lady boss has spent nearly five years lending her passion, experience and knowledge to United Fray, where she currently oversees leagues in Phoenix, Jacksonville, New Orleans and the District from the company’s home office in Northeast DC’s Brentwood neighborhood.

When Fray’s director of sports operations first participated in the Sport & Social Industry Association’s annual conference for all social sports companies in the U.S. and Canada, only 10 percent of attendees were women. Last month, she went to the conference for the fifth time and the number of industry females in attendance had risen to 40 percent.

“The sports industry has always been a male-dominated world, but it keeps growing and women’s involvement keeps increasing by the day,” she says.

Rheault credits Fray’s founder and CEO Robert Kinsler with embracing female empowerment, noting that the company has more women in leadership roles than men.

“I feel like we have a pretty solid split on the women-to-men ratio.

It keeps increasing. In the sports industry, you don’t always have that, so I’m very appreciative.”

Fray has offered participation in women’s leagues throughout the years, and the numbers have always fluctuated. To try and meet in the middle, Fray offers open divisions so there’s no gender requirements.

“It can be a team of all women or all men, or half women [and] half men. It’s to bridge that gap so we can get that opportunity of all women who want to play together.”

Rheault went to Worcester State University where she played softball and basketball. To stay active, she now plays in several Fray leagues including kickball and Skee-Ball, and occasionally cornhole and softball. “[The leagues] are definitely just for fun, for the social and the drinking [aspects]. I could care less if we win.”

She’s helped come up with more creative ways of getting female players involved, including river tubing, speed dating and yoga.

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Photo: Moultrie Tisdale

“THE SPORTS INDUSTRY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A MALE-DOMINATED WORLD, BUT IT KEEPS GROWING AND WOMEN’S INVOLVEMENT KEEPS INCREASING BY THE DAY.” “We’re trying to offer as many options as possible to get as many different females and males involved with what we have going on,” she explains. “The goal is to keep increasing those opportunities so we can be as inclusive as possible. Bringing as many people in to join the Fray family is what we want.”

After receiving her master’s in sports management at Northeastern University, Rheault joined DC Fray as a sports coordinator for permitting. Now, she has a total of nine direct reports at the rapidly expanding company.

“I’ve been on such a journey with this company. When I started, it was me and two other guys who were doing everything. We’ve gone from that to now [having] 20 full-time employees with Fray and [expansion to] three other cities.”

She’s seen immense growth among the sports leagues too, with the number of players rising from 25,000 to more than 60,000 among Fray’s four markets. But the expansion hasn’t stopped there.

“Embracing those other avenues in events and media – and growing us to be more than just a sports company [and] offering something to everyone – that’s probably been one of the most incredible things to see.”

Spring registration for team sports is open through March 26 and for bar sports through April 2. Find your league at www.dcfray.com/leagues.

DCFRAY.COM

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VS.

FRI. 3/15 | 7:00 P.M.

800.745.3000 WASHINGTONWIZARDS.COM

LIGHTSHOW

DJ BEAUTY AND THE BEATZ

DJ MC LYTE

POSTGAME

CONCERT

NAUGHTY BY NATURE

CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Paper Cherry Blossom Class Join Emily Paluska of Revery Paper Flora and learn the basics of European crepe paper.

Participants will create their own cherry blossom branch and leave with the necessary supplies to make another at home. 6-8 p.m. Tickets $60.

Shop Made in DC: 1330 19th St. NW, DC; www.shopmadeindc.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 Via Umbria’s Cherry Blossom Themed Cooking Class Join Via Umbria to celebrate the beginning of spring. The small class will teach the art of fresh pasta making, as well as a variety of spring sauces and desserts, including gnocchi with asparagus, mushrooms and pecorino, and a ricotta cherry cheesecake. 7-9 p.m.

Tickets $66. Via Umbria: 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 National Cherry Blossom Festival Pink Tie Party The pink tie party is a fundraiser benefiting the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The event includes an auction and tickets include an open bar, food and unique entertainment.

7-11 p.m. Tickets $225. The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony celebrates the cherry blossoms,

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as well as their history and legacy as a gift from Japan. The event features performances by Japanese and American artists, such as “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” The Super Live, The 6821 Quintet, Ikuko Kawai and Yusaku Mochizuki. 5-6:30 p.m. Free with registration. The Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, DC; www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 SUNDAY, MARCH 24 Cherry Blossom Truffle Making Class SPAGnVOLA, a world-renowned chocolatier, teams up with the Watergate Hotel to offer cherry blossom truffle making classes.

You will be guided through the process by an expert, as they share their knowledge of cacao growing, chocolate history and truffle making. The two-hour class includes a box of decorated Cherry Blossom truffles to take home as a treat.

1-3 p.m. Tickets $40-$60. The Watergate Hotel: 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, DC; www.thewatergatehotel.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Daybreakers Cherry Blossom Sunrise Party As the cherry blossoms welcome the beginning of spring, join Daybreakers in celebrating the new day at one of their sunrise parties. Cherry Blossom Sunrise at the National Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard features the installation Orchids: Amazing Adaptations. After a sunrise yoga session, a mystery DJ will spin as partygoers dance and enjoy coffee, juices and treats provided by Manitoba Harvest.

Wear sunrise colors! 6-9 a.m.

Tickets. $18- $35. Smithsonian American Art Museum: 8th

ON TAP | MARCH 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

and G Streets in NW, DC; www.daybreaker.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 National Cherry Blossom Festival Kite Festival The eighth annual kite festival will feature a variety of styles, competitions such as the Hot Tricks Showdown, and demonstrations from worldclass kite makers and flyers. In addition, folks are invited to bring or buy their own kites or make one onsite to fly on the public field of The National Mall. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Free to attend. Grounds of the Washington Monument: 17th Street and Constitution Avenue in NW, DC; www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk 2019 This official Cherry Blossom Festival event highlights the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II and pays homage to the injustices suffered by the group during the war. The event begins with a taiko drum performance from Virginia’s Nen Diako drummers. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free to attend. National Japanese American Memorial: Intersections of D Street and New Jersey and Louisiana Avenues in NW, DC; www.njamemorial.org Petalpalooza at the Wharf Celebrate the cherry blossoms at the Wharf with fireworks, live music, games, giveaways and more. Enjoy art, beer gardens on the pier and family-friendly fun all along the waterfront. 1-9:30 p.m. Free to attend. The Wharf: 101 District Sq. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade The Cherry Blossom Parade is one of DC’s largest events.

Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the festival.

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. $20 for grandstand seating, free viewing between 9th and 15th St. National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade: Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th Streets in NW, DC; www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.com Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival Billed as the biggest singleday celebration of Japanese culture in the country, this event features four stages and more than 30 hours of live entertainment, in addition to dozens of food and art vendors.

Performers from all over the country and Japan come to the Sakura Matsuri to bring more than 30 hours of live musical and dance performances on different stages: ANA’s Capitol Stage, the Sakura Stage and the J-POP Stage. In addition, more than 200 martial artists will be demonstrating their skills all day on the Martial Arts Stage. 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets $10. Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival: Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets in NW, DC; wwwsakuramatsuri.org

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVITIES FRIDAY, MARCH 8 SUNDAY, APRIL 14

St. Patrick’s Day at The Dubliner The oldest Irish Pub in DC is celebrating its 45th anniversary.

The Dubliner will kick off celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day and continuing the fun, leading up to March 17. The father and son owners and operators, Danny and Gavin Coleman, are a total dynamic duo – and will share some incredible Irish history and cocktails. Details to come. The Dubliner DC: 4 F St. NW, DC; www.dublinerdc.com

Sakura Sunday National Harbor will be joining the DC region in the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival which celebrates spring, the gift of the cherry blossom trees, and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan.

Sakura Sunday at National Harbor will feature a wide array of free activities including traditional Japanese picnicking with food available SATURDAY, MARCH 9 for sale, sake, rosé and beer Ireland on the Wharf garden, a Japanese Market DC is bringing the luck of the and Japanese-inspired Irish to the waterfront with music and entertainment. 11 this Ireland on The Wharf a.m. - 8 p.m. Free to attend. festival. Celebrate the beauty Sakura Sunday Festival: and tradition of the Emerald National Harbor, MD; www.

Isle with bagpipers, live music, nationalharbor.com/events/list HMW — OnTap Magazine Ad — 7.5˝w 4.8˝h dancexperformances and a

beer garden on District Pier.

Sip a pint and enjoy all the fun of a true Irish festival. All ages are welcome but must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Slainte!

Presented by Kirwan’s Irish Pub and Guinness. 1-6 p.m. Free to attend. District Pier: 101 District Sq. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration & Fundraiser Join the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee of DC at a fundraiser aimed at bringing back the decades-old parade that was unfortunately cancelled this year. Half of ticket prices go directly to next year’s parade, and tickets include bottomless beer, wine and rail drinks, as well as discounted appetizers.

There will be live music and a raffle with a variety of prizes including sports tickets and bar

swag. 12-3 p.m. Tickets $40-$45.

Kelly’s Irish Times: 14 F St. NW, DC; www.kellysirishtimesdc.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 15 St. Patrick’s Day Cooking Class Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style as you learn to prepare a delicious menu of Irish-themed dishes, including Guinness and cheddar dip and Bailey’s Irish Cream brownies with the chefs from Tastemakers DC. Tickets include a snack, dinner and a glass of the beer or wine of your choice. 7-9 p.m. Tickets $75.

Tastemakers: 2800 10th St. NE, DC; www.tastemakersdc.com

FRIDAY MARCH 15 SUNDAY, MARCH 17 St. Patrick’s Day at Wunder Garten The NoMa-adjacent beer garden will have live music all weekend

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1: 00 – 6 : 00PM We’re bringing the luck of the Irish to the waterfront!

Bagpipers, Beer & Wine Garden, Irish dancers, live music, and more.

Celebrate all things Irish at The Wharf.

Free to attend, must be age 21+ to consume alcohol.

For more information, follow us on social media or visit wharfdc.com.

www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2019 | ON TAP 19-73331-HMW-DW_Ireland-On-The-Wharf-Ad-Updates_hz1.indd 1

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long, featuring traditional and Irish-inspired musicians, such as La Unica and The Hooligans. All this in addition to drink specials and multiple Irish beers on tap. Friday from 8 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 3-8 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m. Free to attend. Wunder Garten: 1101 1st St. NE, DC; www.wundergartendc.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 Four Courts Four Miler Downhill for the first half, uphill for the second. Presented by Pacers Running, this course will make you swear you’ve got the luck of the Irish. The post-race gathering is free of hills and full of beers, for the finish line is at Arlington’s favorite Irish pub, Ireland’s Four Courts. If you can still stand, do an Irish jig. If not, enjoy live music and the Irish dancers jigging for you. Enjoy special prizes to anyone who can outpace their leprechaun, Irish dancers, music and plenty of beer after the run for all participants. Race starts at 9

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 Bloom: Flowers from the Archives of American Art Art meets science in this new exhibit from the Archives of American Art at the Smithsonian. Bloom features sketches and drawings of flowers from throughout the artistic process, revealing the beauty and inspiration artists draw from nature. The exhibit coincides with the Smithsonian Garden’s biannual orchid show, currently on display in the Garden’s Kogod Courtyard.

11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Admission is free. The Lawrence A. Fleischman Gallery: 600 7th St. NW, DC; www.aaa.si.edu

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a.m. Tickets $35-45. Ireland’s Four Courts: 2051 Wilson Blvd.

Arlington, VA; www.runpacers. com/race/four-courts-four-miler “Luck of the Irish” Pub Crawl The Luck of the Irish is coming to town. Join as green shamrocks, rainbow pots of gold and some of the best party people in the Northeast gather in Arlington for this amazing event. Registration is at Don Tito. 1-7 p.m. Tickets $21.

Registration at Don Tito: 3165 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.pubcrawls.com St. Patrick’s Day Wine & Beer Glass Painting Start your St. Patty’s Day celebration at Maggiano’s in Springfield for paint and brunch with Uncork and Color. Receive one wine and pilsner glass to paint, bottomless mimosas and festive St. Patrick’s Day beads. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Tickets $31. Maggiano’s Little Italy: 6500 Springfield Mall #6805,

MONDAY, MARCH 4 Tequila and Mezcal Tasting Celebrate the spirits of Mexico with 14 tequila and mezcal tasting booths, specialty food and cocktails, and live music at Jose Andres’s Penn Quarter restaurant Oyamel Cocina Mexicana. 6-9 p.m. Tickets $49.

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana: 401 7th St. NW, DC; www.oyamel.com

MONDAY, MARCH 4 FEBRUARY 2020 All Work and No Pay: A History of Women’s Invisible Labor A fascinating look at the history of unwaged labor in America, and what it has meant for women across the socioeconomic spectrum. The exhibit will feature artifacts from throughout American

ON TAP | MARCH 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Springfield, VA; www.uncorkandcolor.com The Shamrock Bar Crawl St. Patrick’s Day is the time of year when lads and lasses deck themselves in green, dance Irish jigs in the streets and sing Danny Boy at the bars, all while toasting to the luck of the Irish. Whether you’re Irish by birth, or just Irish by attitude, join thousands of these lucky leprechauns for a day of carousing and cheers-ing. 2-10 p.m. Tickets $15 online, $40 day of. The Shamrock Bar Crawl: Various locations in Dupont Circle, NW, DC; www.theshamrockcrawl.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 17 The Washington Chorus Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with The Washington Chorus and Irish conductor Christopher Bell? The performance features an Irish

history that highlight the vast amount of unacknowledged labor women have undertaken.

10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. National Museum of American History: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, DC; www.si.edu

MONDAY, MARCH 4 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 The Queens of Egypt This exhibit highlights the celebrated queens of ancient Egypt, including Cleopatra, Nefertiti and Nefertari. It features ancient jewelry, sculptures, even sarcophagi, in addition to a 3-D tour of one of the most well-preserved tombs in Egypt’s Valley of Queens. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets $15. The National Geographic Museum: 1145 17th St. NW, DC; www.nationalgeograpic.org

band, fiddlers, dancers, pipe players and choral arrangements of Irish classics in a one-of-akind concert. 3-5 p.m. Tickets $18-$64. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW DC. www. thewashingtonchorus.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 ShamrockFest ShamrockFest is DC’s largest St. Patrick’s Day party. Thousands dress in green and gather at RFK Stadium to enjoy Irish food, drink and music. The festival also features Irish dancers, carnival rides, party games and bagpipers in addition to the plentiful offerings of food and drink. This year’s music lineup includes Andrew W. K., The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Mahones. 12-8 p.m. Tickets $25-$65. RFK Stadium Festival Grounds: 2400 East Capitol St. SE, DC; www.shamrockfest.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 5 Mardi Gras Extravaganza The 2019 Mardi Gras Extravaganza features tables of complimentary masks and beads to add to the spirit of this exciting evening. Enjoy the rattling of the bartender’s shakers and the smell of shrimp po’boys, red beans and rice and jambalaya with andouille sausage. Under the helm of famed mixologist Gina Cherservani, more than 12 mixologists will serve the best of New Orleans classics and compete to win title of best Hurricane cocktail. 6-10 p.m.

Tickets $55. The Showroom: 1099 14th St. NW, DC; www. mardigrasextravaganza.com

RosĂŠ

any season is

season

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 SATURDAY, MARCH 9

MONDAY, MARCH 8 THROUGH DECEMBER

Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting and Auction Celebrates 20th Anniversary In its 20th consecutive year, Heart’s Delight 2019 will feature more than 40 acclaimed winemakers and chefs from around the world.

Enjoy the four-day celebration of exceptional food and wine grounded in a spirit of generosity. Guests join forces with world-class winemakers, award-winning chefs, members of Congress and ambassadors to benefit the American Heart Association’s efforts to end heart disease and stroke.

Various times, locations and ticket prices. Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting and Auction: Various Locations; www. heartsdelightwineauction.org

Rise Up: Stonewall and The LGBTQ Rights Movement “Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement,” an exhibit that will explore the modern gay rights movement in the United States, will mark the 50th anniversary of a June 1969 police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village.

The protests following the raid are considered to be the catalyst that inspired the modern gay liberation movement and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ civil rights. The mixed-media exhibit, which will travel nationally after its run at the Newseum, and includes educational resources for students and teachers.

Various times. Free with price of museum admission. Newseum: 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.newseum.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

MONDAY, MARCH 18

Super Art Fight The “Greatest Live Art Competition in the Known Universe,” Super Art Fight, returns to DC for an evening of live art entertainment unlike any other. Live at Black Cat for the first time in almost two years, Super Art Fight will present their trademark “art fights,” a mixture of live art competition a la Pictionary, combined with the bravado, character work and (of course) tight pants of professional wrestling. 8 p.m. 12 a.m. Tickets $15. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www. blackcatdc.com

Barkada Filipino Pop-Up Barkada is the Filipino word for a group of friends. This pop-up dining experience, from the mind of Chef Wing Villarias, was inspired by the food, drink and camaraderie of warm tropical nights in the Philippines with his barkada. The meal is seven courses of pulutan, Filipino food to be enjoyed while drinking, and promises to transport you and your friends to Southeast Asia, if only for the evening. 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets $75.

Coconut Club: 540 Penn St. NE, DC; www.hellococonutclub.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 SUNDAY, MARCH 10

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 AND FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Women’s in the Arts Pop-Up Celebrate International Women’s Day, female artists and entrepreneurs with four hours of arts, music, shopping and cocktails. The venue has gathered several different artists together with an aim to show the impact women make in the art world. Various times. Free to attend. L2 Lounge & Events Venue: 3315 Cady’s Alley, NW, DC; www.l2lounge.com

Young Prose Night: Vanity Fair at Shakespeare Theatre Becky Sharp never blushes. As the wily Becky and her gentle friend Amelia scale social ladders and hurdle the whims of fate, only one question matters: how do you get what you want in life? Join Shakespeare Theatre Company for Young Prose Night where your ticket includes the live performance of Vanity Fair and a special post-show

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reception including a free drink from STC’s wine sponsor or special guest brewery. 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 and 8 p.m. on Friday, March 29. Tickets $25. Lansburgh Theatre: 450 7th St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 AND 29, APRIL 5 AND 12 Rosslyn Arts & Beats Join Rosslyn BID for four Fridays to sip, socialize and savor complimentary light-bites and samples from area craft distilleries. Enjoy the work of local artists and the beats of D.J. Stacks. Cocktails, wine and beer will be available for purchase.

6-8 p.m. Free to attend but must register. Rosslyn CAFÉ at The Atrium: 1601 Clarendon Blvd.

Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 SUNDAY, JULY 28 Ursula Von Rydingsvard: The Contour of Feeling In her first solo exhibit in the United States, sculptor Ursula Von Rydingsvard externalizes her ideas and emotions through a wide array of mediums including wood, paper pulp, leather and linen. The German sculptor will spend up to a year on a piece, many of which reflect her experiences as a German in the final years of World War II. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tickets $10. The National Museum of Women in the Arts: 1250 New York Ave. NW, DC; www.nmwa.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 SUNDAY, MARCH 31 Nationals Home Opening Weekend Baseball season is back as the Nationals are set to play their first regular season home games vs. the New York Mets. The first 25,000 fans in the stadium on Thursday get a commemorative t-shirt, and Sunday’s game is the annual Pups at the Park, an opportunity for baseball-loving

dogs to join in the fun. Thursday and Saturday’s games begin at 1:05 p.m., and Sunday’s first pitch will be 1:35 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Nationals Park: 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC; www.mlb.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 JANUARY 2020 Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence To celebrate the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the National Portrait Gallery is celebrating women and organizations oft overlooked in tales of the women’s suffrage movement. From the abolitionists of Antebellum America to the women of the Civil Rights movement, the exhibit will examine the contributions made by unshakable women. Various times. Admission is free.

National Portrait Gallery: 8th Ave. and F St. NW, DC; www.si.edu

TUESDAY, APRIL 2 DC Embassy Chef Challenge The 11th annual Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge presented by TCMA celebrates culinary diplomacy and provides a uniquely DC opportunity to taste authentic food and drinks from embassy chefs representing all regions of the world. An array of international performances including musicians and dancers provide the entertainment throughout the evening. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $75-$215.

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www. eventsdcembassychefchallenge.com

Photo: Courtesy of Chelsea Bailey

Beer isn’t a man’s drink. It’s everybody’s drink.

Chelsea Bailey // @21stamendmentgirl

LEADING LADIES OF DC’S BEER SCENE

Deep Roots Gain New Ground

By Haley McKey

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The world of craft beer is dramatically different than it was even a few years ago. Quality beer is more readily available than ever and thanks to social media, it’s easy to keep up with new beers and breweries. Here in DC, women have a prominent place in the beer scene.

Chrystalle Ball is the founder of DC Metro Girls Pint Out, the local chapter of a national craft beer organization for women to enjoy happy hours, tastings and other events that build community around a love of beer. She joined the Arizona chapter originally, but after moving to the DMV, she found there were no chapters here. She got to work, and DMV Girls Pint Out had its first event in 2013.

“There is a stereotype that women don’t drink beer,” Ball says. “People come to our events for the first time and they’ll say, ‘Oh, I didn’t know there were so many women that drink beer in this area.’ There are, you just have to look.”

Ball says that over the past five-plus years of involvement in the DC beer community, a lot more women are beginning to actually work in beer. She notes Lake Anne Brew House in Reston, Virginia, which is women-owned and has many women brewers, and says that DC also has plenty of women industry veterans like Kristi Mathews Griner of Beltway Brewing Company in Sterling, Virginia.

“Women are popping up all over the area in brewing roles, and it needs to keep happening,” she says, noting that the Pink Boots Society, which helps women advance their careers in the beer industry, is an important resource. “Women are pigeonholed toward wine, but women love beer – and women were the first brewers of beer.”

Sara Bondioli, president of the DC Homebrewers Club, says that the long tradition of women brewers also helped inspire her to try it herself.

“I was reading a book that had a section on the history of brewing, and for most of history, women were the main brewers,” Bondioli says. “It’s only more recently that it’s been seen as a male profession. It hadn’t occurred to me that homebrewing was even an option until then, but I did a lot of baking from scratch and I thought I would try making beer from scratch.”

Fast forward to about seven years later, and she’s now running the club and helping other women get into homebrewing, too. Women club members started the Homebrewing Outreach and Participation Sisterhood (HOPS), which has women-focused brew days, happy hours and speaking events. Bondioli says that through homebrewing, women and men alike have freedom to create funky combinations while enhancing their appreciation of the brewing process.

“I’ve had some really creative beers through the homebrew. Someone made a pickleback beer, but they

did it in a very restrained way that worked out really well. Especially with the club, you get to see what other people create and it gives you ides of things to try as well.”

Her signature beer? A strawberry rhubarb saison. This creative spirit is everywhere in the beer world, from the beers themselves to their labels. Chelsea Bailey, who runs the @21stamendmentgirl beer Instagram account and works in DC Brau’s tasting room, says she originally started the account to highlight the beauty of beer design.

“Honestly, I started drinking craft beer because I love the labels,” she says. “I challenged myself to drink a whole bottle of whatever I chose [to feature], I developed a palate and it grew into this whole other world.”

Bailey landed her job at DC Brau thanks in part to her social media presence, and it’s given her “a chance to meet other people who are like-minded and passionate.”

Women are pigeonholed toward wine, but women love beer – and women were the first brewers of beer.

“There are people who have heard about my Instagram account, and I’m excited to go in and talk about beer with them.”

All three women say that there’s a number of things happening in the DC beer world to look forward to this spring. This month, ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar is exclusively pouring ciders, wines, beers and cocktails from female-owned and operated businesses. On the homebrewing front, the DC Homebrewers Club is now accepting entries for its annual homebrewing competition, the Cherry Blossom Challenge. And DMV Girls Pint Out will soon host its fifth annual Girl Scout Cookie and beer pairing event; check website for updates.

“If someone wants to get into beer and has experienced that whole beer snobbery thing, I would love for them to come to our events and just try things,” Ball says.

That’s the main theme that seems to unite area breweries and beer enthusiasts: condescension and pretentiousness are out, and inclusiveness and community are in.

“Overall, the DC beer scene is supportive of having women involved, active and part of the group,” Bondioli says. “Most of the places out here seem to understand that they don’t have to market beer to women differently. They can just make a good beer and women and men will drink it – and everyone out here can appreciate that.” Bailey echoes that sentiment.

“Beer isn’t a man’s drink. It’s everybody’s drink.”

Follow Bailey on Instagram @21stamendmentgirl and learn more about DMV Girls Pint Out at www.girlspintout.org or on Twitter @dmvgirlspintout. Check out the DC Homebrewers Club at www.dchomebrewers.com, the club’s Cherry Blossom Challenge at www.dchbcompetition.com and the Pink Boots Society at www.pinkbootssociety.org. More on the breweries and cideries below.

ANXO Cidery & Pinxtos Bar: 300 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.anxodc.com Beltway Brewing Company: 22620 Davis Dr. Ste 110, Sterling, VA; www.beltwaybrewco.com DC Brau: 3178 Bladensburg Rd. Suite B, NE, DC;www.dcbrau.com Lake Anne Brew House: 4310, 11424 Washington Plaza W. Reston, VA; www.lakeannbrewhouse.com

CELEBRATE

St Patrick’S day

E

njoy our tasty menu items, unusual wines from around the globe and specialty beers from many of the world’s best craft brewers.

Watch the tournament unfold during March with us and enjoy our specialty pizzas along with the many delicious brews offered both on tap and bottled.

208 Queen St., Alexandria, VA • 703-683-0300 www.bilbobaggins.net www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2019 | ON TAP

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All What’s On Tap listings are provided by the venues hosting them.

Greetings, beer nerds! As you likely know, there are a number of fantastic spots in the DMV where you can grab a pint, and their menus are always evolving and adapting to your tastes. If you’d rather avoid the guessing game, check out what’s coming up at a few of these fine establishments.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4 Women’s Month Collaboration Dinner A group of female chefs will be taking over ANXO’s kitchen including award-winning women like Ilma Lopez, Cagla Onal and Amy Morgan. The four-course menu will be paired with ciders and wines made by women in the industry. 7 p.m. Tickets $97.50. ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar: 300 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.anxodc.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 7 Beer & Donuts With three taps, board games and donuts, Arlington’s Sugar Shack is the place to be on Thursday nights. Taps will pour the latest offerings from Right Proper Brewing Company; tap takeover nights always feature local craft brewers, donuts and a variety of board games. 4-9 p.m. Admission is free.

Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee: 1014 South Glebe Rd. Arlington, VA; www.sugarshackdonuts.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 ANXO’s International Women’s Day Celebration For the entire month of March, ANXO will donate happy hour profits to the local Planned Parenthood. On Women’s Day, Elanor Leger of Eden Specialty Ciders will be at ANXO, women’s month T-shirts will be available and ANXO’s newest collaboration with Eden will be available in cans. 5 p.m.

Admission is free. ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar: 300 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.anxodc.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Cheers & Namaste There’s no better way to spend a Saturday morning than enjoying a flight of local beer and doing some yoga. Classes at Right Proper’s Brookland location include a flight of house favorites and an hour of yoga suitable for any experience level. Don’t

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forget your mat. 12-1 p.m. Tickets $15. Right Proper Brewing Company Production House and Tasting Room: 920 Girard St. NE, DC; www.rightproperbrewing.com DC Brewers’ Guild HopFest The DC Brewers’ Guild is throwing its ninth annual HopFest hosted by DC Brau. The event is an opportunity to sample some of the hoppiest brews from the area’s best brewers. Beer offerings will include community favorites alongside unique HopFest creations and rare brews. Tickets include a special DC Brewers’ Guild glass and unlimited pours. 1-5 p.m. Tickets start at $35. DC Brau: 3178 Bladensburg Rd. NE, DC; www.dcbg.org

of Belgium. Learn about featured breweries from a Belgian beer expert and taste a variety of beers in the style, many imported specifically for this event, after dinner. 7-10 p.m. Tickets $60. Granville Moore’s: 1238 H St. NE, DC; www.granvillemoores.com Visiting Cidery: Wild Hare Ciders Brewed in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with heritage apples grown in the Shenandoah Valley, Wild Hare Cidery excels at apple-only as well as botanical and other fruit-infused ciders. Tickets include a guided tasting of several Wild Hare offerings including limited releases. 7-10 p.m. Tickets $10. Capitol Cider House: 3930 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.capitolciderhouse.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Records, Beer and BBQ The only thing better than crate-digging is doing so with a fresh pint in hand. Join Hellbender Brewing for a record swap/sale in the tasting room featuring barbecue courtesy of Smoke and Ember BBQ. 12-5 p.m. Admission is free. Hellbender Brewing Company Tasting Room: 5788 2nd St. NE, DC; www.hellbenderbeer.com

Southwest Neighborhood Happy Hour The tap room at Union Stage invites locals to enjoy happy hour specials and mingle with other folks from the neighborhood.

Union Stage features an extensive liquor list, 16 taps and house-made pizzas. 5 p.m.

Admission is free. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 De Dolle Vintage Flight Night De Dolle’s Belgian strong ales are worldrenowned for their bold flavors. Many of De Dolle’s offerings age exceptionally well and thrive when barreled, though the brewery is also known for blending maltiness and acidity in its pale ales and sours. The Sovereign will offer 15 different De Dolle beers and four different vintage flights. 5-11:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Sovereign DC: 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.thesovereigndc.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 D&V International Beer Dinner Enjoy fine dining and European beer pairings in the style of the Trappist monks

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Peche Mortel Day Shipped from Montreal’s Dieu Du Ciel brewpub, Peche Mortel is a standout imperial coffee stout known the world over.

To celebrate their 2019 releases, Dieu Du Ciel shares special variants of its famous stout with brewpubs all around the world, including ChurchKey. This year’s offerings include seven variants of the imperial stout, some of which are aged in bourbon or whiskey barrels and finished with an array of ingredients including cherries, coffee and toasted coconut. 12 p.m. Admission is free.

ChurchKey: 1337 14th St. NW, DC; www.churchkeydc.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 ANXO’s Women’s Month Close-Out Party Join ANXO in celebrating the end of a successful Women’s Month. The closeout is a comedy brunch, marking the first time a comedian has performed in ANXO’s dining room. Tickets are available both with and without drink pairings. Showings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets $40-$65.

ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar: 300 Florida Ave. NW, DC. www.anxodc.com

ANXO’s Rachel Fitz

Spring BrewFest BrewFest promises a day of craft beer, live music, food and more.

The event will feature a variety of popular local craft beers, as well as a preview of local 2019 offerings. Virginia wineries and distilleries will also be pouring. 11-5 p.m. Tickets $10-$50. Fredericksburg Fairgrounds: 2400 Airport Ave. Fredericksburg, VA; www.fredbrewfest.com

ANXO CIDERY & PINTXOS BAR’S RACHEL FITZ CELEBRATES WOMEN IN FOOD & DRINK Photo: Daniel Lempres

By Daniel Lempres When ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar opened in Truxton Circle, they were the only sit-down restaurant in the neighborhood. Co-owner Rachel Fitz says the grid couldn’t handle a business of ANXO’s size – her team had to increase power and water for the entire neighborhood – but it was important for them to operate in the District and support the local community. A former social worker, Fitz’s commitment to community engagement has translated to her role at ANXO. After the resounding success of the cidery’s collaboration with Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington on International Women’s Day last year, Fitz decided to extend and expand ANXO’s celebration of women. For Women’s Month 2019, ANXO is featuring women in the industry throughout March at special events, and everything poured at the cidery is provided by women-owned or women-run breweries. Plus, happy hour profits for the entire month are going to DC’s Planned Parenthood office. www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2019 | ON TAP

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On Tap: Tell me about your introduction to cider, and your path to opening ANXO. Rachel Fitz: My business partners and I traveled around Spain and fell in love with cider. I thought, “Who knew there was all this cider in the world that’s not sweet and is interesting?” We all come from a beer background and really fell in love with cider. The idea when we opened was to start as a cider bar and do a small amount of production, mostly what comes out of the barrel downstairs – that’s our sidra. [Cider] is the original beverage of the United States. We’re really just getting back to our roots, no pun intended.

OT: What exactly did ANXO do last year for International Women’s Day? RF: We decided to highlight female producers. We thought it was going to be a small-scale fundraiser [for Planned Parenthood], but we were blown away by the positive support from attendees and those featured. We had no idea these companies had women running or owning them. It got us thinking about how many other women there are doing amazing things, and how women are rarely in the spotlight.

OT: What inspired the longer celebration this year?

RF: [Last year] was a huge success. We raised over $2,600 in one night and wanted to grow it, so we decided, “Why not do an entire month of celebrating?” We decided to pour only products made or owned by women. With 36 draft lines, plus liquor, wine and nonalcoholic beverages, we went into it thinking it would be challenging. Turns out, there are a ton of female producers. Every day, we come across new options.

OT: Are you doing collaborations with other brewers as well?

RF: We did two collaborations: a brut IPA with Denizens and a cider with Eden out of Vermont called Nevertheless We Persisted. [The cider] will be released on International Women’s Day. This is the first year of doing a month-long collaboration, and we hope to do it again next year and get other places doing this. It would be great if in the District, everybody was highlighting amazing women in the industry.

OT: Why do you think it’s important to not only highlight women in the industry, but also create a space for them to connect?

RF: I think a lot of the time there is not a comfortable space to ask questions that would really help you as a young professional. It’s hard to go up to somebody who is very established in the industry and say, “I want to make more money” or ask, “How do I get to where you are?” I wanted to create an environment where people are comfortable [doing] that, and to learn from people who have already been through that.

OT: What would you say to women interested in the cider industry who worry it’s a boys’ club?

RF: Tom Oliver, a famous U.K. cidermaker, says he firmly believes that women are going to be the future of cider. A lot of people think cider is a female beverage – it’s certainly not. But women have a lot of say in the market: in the products that are being produced, in the way that they’re presented. Women have a very powerful voice, and it’s great to see women who are growing trees, orcharding and also making cider. There are no limitations.

ANXO is exclusively pouring products from women-owned or operated breweries and distilleries for the entire month of March at their Truxton Circle location. Specifics on their other Women’s Month events are available at www.anxodc.com/womensmonth.

ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar: 300 Florida Ave. NW, DC 202-986-3795; www.anxodc.com

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Photos: Trent Johnson

Behind

Bar the

By M. K. Koszycki + Daniel Lempres

DC has risen in the ranks as one of the most exciting bar scenes in the country as of late. At the helm of many of the buzziest bars in the city are women leading award-winning teams to craft the best and brightest cocktail programs. Whether they’re mainstays, newcomers or home to a specific spirit, each one is worth taking note of – not just because of the world-class drinks, but for the noteworthy ladies at the helm, too.

Megan Barnes Beverage Director + Partner, Espita Mezcaleria Notice mezcal popping up across the city over the past few years?

You probably have Espita Mezcaleria’s Megan Barnes to thank for that.

The Shaw spot’s menu highlights the spicy and smoky spirit’s best qualities, converting even the most stubborn drinkers into passionate connoisseurs who keep diaries around their favorite varieties.

“I loved it from first sip,” Barnes says of the spirit.

She got her start at Columbia Room working under Drink Company’s Derek Brown, who introduced her to mezcal.

“After work, I would walk down to Oyamel because at the time, that was the only place you could get mezcal. Now, I go down to Mexico about three times a year, and that’s also opened the door for me to learn about different ranges, styles, techniques and flavors. And meeting the families who are producing the mezcal – it’s really kind of a romance.”

Although Barnes’ time at Espita so far has been a well-awarded one, including a RAMMY last year for best bar program, she credits the bar team behind her and the city’s supportive cocktail scene for her continued successes.

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“The DC bar scene is probably the best in the entire country. We’re so tight-knit and we’re always rooting each other on, especially the women in the city. We love each other so much.”

Espita Mezcaleria: 1250 9th St. NW, DC; www.espitadc.com

Margarita Tequilla Lime Ligit Triple “Nogave” syrup

Photos: Trent Johnson Photos: Trent Johnson

Photos: Trent Johnson

Alexandra Bookless Beverage Director, Eaton Workshop

Alejandra Martin Bartender + Manager, Gaslight Tavern

Eaton Workshop’s ambitious pursuit of creating a social justiceminded hub for travelers and locals alike is a perfect match for seasoned beverage director Alexandra Bookless.

“We’ve got four concepts including the cafe [and] the coworking space, and we do events as well, so there’s a lot going on,” she says of the bars she oversees within the multi-use downtown space, which sees about a 50/50 split between natives and visitors.

Bookless and her team develop detailed menus for Allegory, American Son, Kintsugi, Wild Days and a soon-to-open bar within their coworking space. Not only do they make it seem effortless, but Bookless has helped usher in a new wave of luxury hotels as spots for community and craft cocktails.

“People really support our ideas and allow us to have a strong creative voice, which is really on theme for Eaton Workshop in general – just supporting art in all forms. It’s kind of a holistic approach to supporting creative outlets here.”

Eaton Workshop: 1201 K St. NW, DC; www.eatonworkshop.com

2666 from Allegory Pechuga mezcal Reposado tequila Sherry Creme de cacao Mole bitters Chocolate-covered fig made in-house

Alejandra Martin credits her family with her love of the food and beverage industry. Her parents owned a Mexican restaurant in California, and she says the restaurant world has always been in her blood. A bartender of 11 years, she joined the team at Shaw’s Gaslight Tavern when it opened last January.

“It’s been great to have been here from the beginning,” she says of the Art Deco-inspired bar. “We base our cocktails on the setting, so a lot are classic cocktails or spins on them. We stick to that time period but still get creative with them.”

Martin’s creativity shines in drinks she creates outside of the pantheon of classics, too. She crafted a current special called the Mezcalito, an homage to her love of the spirit. She keeps the retro feel with a float and an ornate glass.

“I like it because it’s a little different and it’s layered, with a fernet float on top. It’s cute and flavorful – a complex yet simple cocktail.”

The warm and inviting space is filled with – as the name would suggest – fireplaces, and its location sees locals stopping in to be guided into the arena of old-school drinks by Martin.

Gaslight Tavern: 2012-2014 9th St. NW, DC; www.gaslight-dc.com

Mezcalito Mezcal Agave syrup Pinch of salt Fernet float Dehydrated lime Fresh-squeezed lemon

www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2019 | ON TAP

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Photos: Courtesy of AC Hotels

Photos: Daniel Lempres

Erin Adams General Manager, AC Hotel National Harbor On Tap: Tell us a bit about the offerings at AC Lounge within the hotel.

Erin Adams: AC Lounge is our bar area where guests can enjoy local craft beers, expertly made signature cocktails such as locally inspired gin and tonics, specialty wines sourced from around the world including Spanish Albarino and Rioja, and a curated selection of tapas-style small bites.

Suzy Critchlow Head Bartender, Columbia Room Suzy Critchlow has risen to the top of the industry thanks to her curiosity, creativity and initiative. Despite reverence for the history of the craft, change is part of the ethos of Columbia Room. Critchlow and her team are constantly reimagining and refining their menu at the award-winning Blagden Alley spot, pushing the boundaries of classic cocktails. Their current menu Distortion is no exception.

“We’re distorting ingredients, flavors, visuals and sound,” she says.

“Another menu I really loved was one called Women Rule. It was all inspired by female chefs, mixologists and bartenders. Pretty much as soon as we release a menu, we hit the ground running designing a new one.”

And although there’s no shortage of innovation in her current role, she says DC’s fast-paced drink scene keeps her on her toes and always challenges her to be even better.

“There are new places opening all the time, [which] challenges you to make sure that you’re still keeping your standards very high because there are so many people out there who are so talented and have a lot to bring to the table. It gets better [in DC] every day.”

Columbia Room: 124 Blagden Alley NW, DC; www.columbiaroomdc.com

The Prose Punch Gin Fino Pear Roses Whey White vermouth

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OT: Any mainstays or customer favorites on the drink menu?

EA: To kick the evening off, we offer a nightly ritual of passing the porrón – a tradition started because of our Spanish roots.

The porrón is a traditional glass wine pitcher filled with wine and tipped directly into mouths as a conclusion to the work day and kickoff to the evening.

OT: Why should local drink enthusiasts visit the lounge?

EA: AC Lounge is unique from other National Harbor bars as we highlight our Spanish roots and culture in the experience.

Our bar shelves resemble National Harbor’s picturesque sunsets, and the space offers floor-to-ceiling window views of the destination as well as an outdoor terrace that can be enjoyed year-round.

AC Hotel National Harbor: 156 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD www.marriott.com/hotels

Cherry Blossom Sour Sloop Betty Vodka St. Germain Simple syrup Cherry brandy Oloroso sherry Lemon juice

Photos: John Gervasi PhotoArts, LLC

The Wharf hosted its first annual Wharf Winter Games on District Pier in mid-February, featuring songs from DJ Stacks, beer, wine, hot drinks, a Bud Light curling lane, cornhole and more.

www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2019 | ON TAP

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LEADING THE WAY with GLASS IN HAND

Photo: Durazo Photography

By Tess Ankeny

DC’s wine scene continues to expand and innovate, with new restaurants and bars pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Gone are the days of stuffy wine lists. As consumers become more educated and adventurous, wine programs must evolve to keep up with hot trends, new regions and unique varietals.

The wine industry has long been male-dominated, but that too is rapidly changing. More women rise to the top and thrive within all areas of the wine industry – from winemakers to business owners to sommeliers at the hottest dining destinations. We sat down to chat with a few of the amazing women driving the District’s wine scene.

Stacey Khoury-Diaz Owner, Dio Wine Bar

Originally from Sonoma County, Stacey KhouryDiaz fell in love with the natural wines movement she’d experienced across the country and abroad.

She opened Dio Wine Bar in the H Street Corridor in September 2017 to fill the natural wines gap she felt was missing in DC. On Tap: Your menu indicates wines that are made by female winemakers. Do you find there are any notable differences between wines made by women and wines made by men?

Stacey Khoury-Diaz: When I opened Dio, I wanted to highlight other women in the industry, so about 20 percent of our list is made up of wines that are from woman-owned wineries or wineries with a woman winemaker. I tend to see a lot more elevated wines made by women.

OT: What advice would you pass along to women beginning their career in the wine industry?

SKD: Men can walk in and simply say, “This wine is awesome.” But a woman has to be more prepared with facts and statistics to prove her knowledge base.

This applies on many levels in business. We have more obstacles and have to work harder to prove ourselves.

Stacy Khoury-Diaz

OT: What’s your go-to wine at the moment?

SKD: I can’t stop drinking a winter rose by Daniel Ramos from Spain. It’s 100 percent garnacha and a very deep, fragrant rosé. It tastes like roses, vanilla and baking spices. It’s beautiful!

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OT: What sets Dio apart from other local wine bars?

SKD: We really highlight the fact that we’re a natural wine bar, meaning the wines are all organic or biodynamic with little added. I’m socially and environmentally driven, so natural wines fit how I live my life. We’re eclectic as far as countries represented and have a lot of fun bringing in wines that aren’t available elsewhere.

Dio Wine Bar: 904 H St. NE, DC; www.diowinebar.com

Photo: Daniel Lempres

Photo: Marissa Bialecki

NIKI LANG

Partner and Sommelier, Maxwell Park Niki Lang has years of experience in the wine and hospitality industries, and most recently embarked on a venture with business partners Brent Kroll and Daniel Runnerstrom. Shaw’s Maxwell Park opened in June 2017 and continues to garner praise and accolades from locals.

On Tap: What wine can you not get enough of lately?

Niki Lang: I’ve been nerding out over Northern Piedmont recently.

My favorite is La Kiuva, a Picotendro [local name for the Nebbiolo grape] from Valle d’Aosta [in Italy]. It’s a lighter, more delicate style but still very interesting and complex.

OT: How did you find your way to the wine industry?

NL: I grew up with my grandmother and wine was part of everyday life for her, so I was always exposed. When I took the first course from the Court of Master Sommeliers, it opened up a whole new world.

I went into wine sales for a few years, worked at other fine dining restaurants in DC, and even worked at a distillery to learn mixology and the distillation process to broaden my knowledge of the beverage world.

OT: What’s the collaborative process like with your business partners?

NL: Brent, Daniel and I have different backgrounds, so we bounce ideas off each other constantly. We have 50 wines by the glass that change monthly. March’s theme is “The Upside Down” – Southern Hemisphere wines. It’s collaborative and fun, and we try to keep it clever.

OT: How do you think the DC wine industry has evolved throughout your career?

NL: DC feels like it’s been exploding with fine dining restaurants.

I’ve seen a trend toward value-driven, approachable wine lists that focus on obscure varietals. At Maxwell Park, we work with almost 50 different distributors because we change our list so often and we want unique, experimental wines that are popular among consumers.

Maxwell Park:1336 9th St. NW, DC; www.maxwellparkdc.com

VANESSA COMINSKY Sommelier, St. Anselm

With its namesake location in Brooklyn, St. Anselm expanded to the District last fall and was an instant success in the up-and-coming Northeast area near Union Market. Vanessa Cominsky was part of the opening team and currently oversees a wine program of more than 700 options.

On Tap: What’s your top priority as a sommelier?

Vanessa Cominsky: Our goal is to challenge perceptions and take people on an adventure. There’s truly something for everyone, from classics to more funky picks. This area is also so vibrant and people are excited to come in and explore, which helps me as a sommelier.

OT: What’s in your glass today?

VC: My honest answer is a double shot of espresso. Blue Bottle saves my soul. I’m also into Sicilian and Southern Italian wines right now like Azienda Agricola COS, one of the original wines from Sicily that’s imported in the States.

OT: What challenges do you face as a female wine professional?

VC: I’m almost numb to the “Oh, you’re the sommelier?” looks at this point. I hope eventually I won’t have to list my accomplishments to justify that I’m qualified to do my job. Until we don’t have to do that, we’ll have a lot of work to do within the industry.

OT: What makes St. Anselm relevant in DC’s ever-changing foodie scene?

VC: We have Joe Carroll [the restauranteur behind St. Anselm] in New York, and he always gives input on what’s coming. I also eat out a lot and listen to people. Writing off trends seen on social media and Instagram would also be a big mistake. It’s a big part of how we connect with [customers] in regards to food and wine.

St. Anselm: 1250 5th St. NE, DC; www.stanselmdc.com

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Photo: M.K. Koszycki

DARLIN KULLA

Beverage Director and Sommelier, KNEAD Hospitality + Design After returning to DC for an internship in climate change, Darlin Kulla quickly realized office life wasn’t her path. She soon began working with various fine wine programs throughout the District, and now she’s gearing up to sit the advanced exam through the Court of Master Sommeliers this fall while leading the wine programs at Succotash and Mi Vida.

On Tap: What advice would you give yourself if you could go back to the beginning of your career?

Darlin Kulla: I wish I’d know that it’s okay to ask for help, advice or mentorship. It’s easy to forget we’re not in this alone. There are so many people in DC that are driven and talented; it’s a great community and very supportive.

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

Photos: Mark Raker Photography

OT: Tell us a bit about the wine programs at Succotash and Mi Vida.

DK: Succotash is Southern American food, so think bold, structured wines that can stand up to the food. Southern food is not shy! Mi Vida’s menu is more varied in terms of styles, even though it’s a smaller list. We went heavier in Spanish and Iberian wines. There are some fun Portuguese wines and also a Mexican Chardonnay by the glass.

Birdie’s Burger & Beer Bash at Union Market’s Dock 5 featured over 30 beers, wines and ciders, and beef, chicken and seafood sliders.

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OT: Wine perhaps isn’t the first pairing people think of with Mexican cuisine. How do you help guests select wines to pair with more complex dishes from the menu?

DK: We have descriptors for all the wines printed on the list so the consumer is able to get a snapshot of the wine before they order, which is helpful with more eclectic wines. People are becoming more adventurous and what they’ll try continues to exceed expectations.

OT: What wine is currently on your short list?

DK: I drink a lot of Beaujolais – that tends to be my go-to.

Learn more about KNEAD at www.kneadhd.com. Two new spots, Gatsby in Capitol Riverfront and The Grill at The Wharf, will join the restaurant group’s existing locations later this year.

Mi Vida: 98 District Sq. SW, DC; www.mividamexico.com Succotash: 915 F St. NW, DC; www.succotashrestaurant.com

Olivia

Photo: Greg Power

By Lani Furbank On Tap keeps locals in the know about the hottest new food and drink spots around town and the top culinary happenings of the month.

Read on to get the inside scoop on what’s new and notable in the DC area.

Olivia

Vim & Victor

Open: January 10 Location: Penn Quarter Lowdown: Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj has performed yet another extreme restaurant makeover. This time, Olivia replaced American brasserie Nopa Kitchen + Bar. Executive Chef Matt Kuhn is still running the kitchen, but his cooking is now influenced by flavors from Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Italy and Greece. The new restaurant takes its name from the Latin for olive tree, evoking Mediterranean imagery like round glass wine vessels hanging from the ceiling draped in fishing net, a whitewashed brick wall and a panel of wooden slats dotted with flower pots.

The menu features spreads like tzatziki labne and roasted carrot hummus, as well as various small plates including creamy chickpea ravioli, classic dolmades, octopus carpaccio and chicken bastille – a savory Moroccan phyllo pastry. If you’re really hungry, consider a large plate like the Portuguese seafood stew or braised short rib tagine. The showstopper on the dessert menu is a grand hazelnut profiterole crowned with gold leaf. 800 F St. NW, DC; www.oliviawdc.com

Open: January 10 Location: Springfield Lowdown: Since becoming a father, celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn’s career has moved away from television, fine dining and fast casual concepts and into the wellness space. His latest concept at the St. James (a 450,000-square-foot sports and wellness complex) is a natural fit for the longtime hockey player. He’s distinguished Vim & Victor as a disruptor when it comes to food in the fitness scene, as it encompasses a grab-and-go counter, a full-service restaurant and a bar. Overseeing the dining option at this facility was a tall order to fill because it needed to provide something for everyone who might find themselves working out, watching their kid’s soccer game, getting a treatment at the spa, taking a dance class, training for an elite event or playing in an adult basketball league.

The guiding philosophy for his menu is healthy, hearty and hydrating. That means you’ll find a seared salmon filet, an ancient grain salad and smoothie bowls alongside cauliflower nachos, a lobster salad toast, and a burger topped with

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American cheese and special sauce. The drinks range from wellness lattes and teas to smoothies and cold-pressed juices, plus cocktails, wine and beer. The counter menu offers breakfast sandwiches and pastries in the morning as well as personal pizzas and Beyond Meat sandwiches during the day. The St. James: 6805 Industrial Rd. Springfield, VA; www.vimandvictor.com

Urbano 116 Open: January 21 Location: Old Town Alexandria Lowdown: Alexandria is now home to an authentic taste of Mexico City thanks to the arrival of Chef Alam Méndez Florían.

The owners of Mason Social, Augie’s Mussel House and Catch on the Avenue crossed paths with Méndez Florían while on a research and development trip in Mexico City for their newest restaurant Urbano 116. Méndez Florían has been recognized by both national and international media for his restaurant, Pasillo de Humo, and he has cooked in Michelin-starred kitchens like Noma Mexico and Arzak in Spain. Here in the U.S., Méndez Florían is using imported ingredients like heirloom Oaxacan corn, which is nixtamalized,

Location: Shaw Lowdown: After debuting global, Asianleaning small plates to much acclaim, Hazel has changed its culinary compass to point towards the Mediterranean. Chef Robert Curtis took over the kitchen last summer and introduced his new direction this winter. Curtis worked internationally at Noma, as well as locally at Bourbon Steak and Restaurant Eve, before joining Neighborhood Restaurant Group to helm Hazel. The new menu he developed is

Photo: Rose Collins

Urbano 116

Photo: Greg Powers

Photo: Courtesy of Selva

Hazel

Coconut Club

Location: Shaw Lowdown: The trendy rooftop above Rito Loco has once again debuted a tropical pop-up to elicit vacation vibes and this time, they’re taking you to the rainforest.

Selva is inspired by the Amazon with woven lanterns made from repurposed fishing baskets, a Mayan calendar wall mural and naturally, plenty of vegetation.

The space has been upgraded with additional insulation to keep in the heat and make you feel like you’re in a balmy jungle. The food and drink match the mood with tacos, spicy chicken soup, breakfast nachos, hot cocktails and shareable spiked Jarritos served in skulls.

A portion of the proceeds from Selva will be donated to the Amazon Conservation Team and other global organizations to protect rainforests worldwide. 606 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.ritoloco.com/el-techo

New Flavors at Hazel

Olivia

Selva

Selva Pop-Up at El Techo

NOTABLE

Photo: Rey Lopez

Open: January 25 Location: Union Market Lowdown: If there’s one thing celebrity chef Adam Greenberg hopes you experience at Coconut Club, it’s fun. He may be an undefeated Food Network competitor with two decades of industry experience, but that’s not why he thinks his new restaurant and bar is worth visiting. He’s trying to recreate a simple kind of bliss: the way he felt drinking a frozen cocktail in a pool in Hawaii on vacation with his wife. The food and drink menus are playful but unfussy, with coastal small plates and island cocktails laid out on colorful patterns that mimic the bright and leafy mural on the wall. Dishes let the high-quality ingredients like fresh fish flown in from Hawaii overnight or local pasture-raised

inspired by a trip to Turkey to visit his fiancé. Each meal should begin with laffa flatbread topped with condiments like whipped tahini, smoked catfish and muhammara. The dishes, all intended for sharing, are laid out in four categories: Greens & Beans, Grains of Various Names, Animal Kingdom and Feast. Vegetables like roasted carrots, crispy potatoes and fried Brussels sprouts take center stage, complemented by Middle Eastern flavors ranging from harissa oil to za’atar. 808 V St. NW, DC; www.hazelrestaurant.com

Photo: Rey Lopez

Coconut Club

pork speak for themselves with simple but creative preparations. You’ll want to try the crowd favorites, which so far include the ora king salmon poke and the spam fried rice.

Pair that with a frozen Mahalo at You Later cocktail or the Waking Up From a Disco Nap cocktail for two and you’ll instantly feel like you’re relaxing on a tropical beach.

Instagrammers are welcome here, as evidenced by the social media handles and emojis accenting the menus, the whimsical serving ware (coconuts, plastic pineapples, sparkly disco balls) and the decals on the bathroom mirrors. Greenberg calls the concept “authentically me” and equates it to welcoming guests into his own home.

Above all else, the chef wants anyone who walks into Coconut Club to find an escape and feel free to be themselves. 540 Penn St. NE, DC; www.hellococonutclub.com

Vim & Victor

ground and turned into supple and flavorful tortillas. His menu borrows family recipes for complex sauces that take days to create, like black mole on grilled Cornish hen and pipián sauce on butternut squash. You’ll also find various tacos, zippy ceviches, saucy enchiladas, bar-friendly starters like grilled tlayuda and plantain molotes, and of course, fresh fried churros to be dipped in sauces like chocolate and guava cinnamon. Drinks heavily skew toward agave spirits and syrups, including Mexican spins on classic cocktails (think Mezcamule and Old Oaxacan). The space feels like an ode to luchadores, with murals and masks displayed prominently. 116 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.urbano116.com

Photo: Joseph Cereghino www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2019 | ON TAP

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A Day

Life in the

SENSE’S ERIN DEROSA, HAIRSTYLER AND HEALER with

By M.K. Koszycki

T

Photo: Trent Johnson

here’s a beautiful, navy-blue row house tucked on the street of DC’s ever-growing Park View neighborhood. It’s home to Sense, a place that started as a salon but has quickly evolved into the multifaceted passion project of hairstylist and healer Erin Derosa. In addition to cut and color services, on any given day you can find local artists displaying their talents, workshops lead by various community members and breathwork sessions held by Derosa herself.

While the initial reaction to this three-part business under one roof might cause mild confusion, it’s all more connected than at first glance. And with Derosa’s holistic approaches to hair, healing and now art, she brings an understanding to the salon chair that will leave more than just your hair transformed. We talked to Derosa about her love of hair, why DC needs a space for creativity and healing, and what’s next for this innovative space and her team.

On Tap: How did you get your start as a hairstylist?

Erin Derosa: I always wanted to do hair. But my mom told me I had to go to college, which I’m super thankful for. When I moved to DC, I had a job that I hated so much and it was this pivotal moment. I ended up changing my path and going to hair school and finding my passion for hair, and the rest is history. I worked at Immortal Beloved [on 14th Street] for five years before I left to open this spot.

OT: How did that lead to you opening Sense?

ED: I’ve always had this entrepreneurial thing about me. When I was little, I had this gift-wrapping business called “You Buy, We Wrap,” so I’ve always had this spirit. But it came up naturally. I was really ready for this shift in my life and for things to change a little bit. It all aligned, and here I am.

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OT: How does the wellness element of Sense come into play?

ED: The wellness piece is something that comes from my own passions and hobbies and personal work. I wanted to figure out a way to incorporate this because hair is ultimately a healing experience.

Some people come in and want to do something radically different with their hair. You can feel that they are in a shift or that they’re moving away from a certain thing in their life. People evolve with their hair as they do with their life. I started to marry the two and realized there are a lot of connections, and wellness is something I want to see more of in DC.

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

WORK MUST-HAVES

MARCH EVENTS

COFFEE

OUR AMAZING ASSISTANT

SOCKS

TRUSTING, HAPPY CLIENTS

3/7: WOMEN’S CIRCLE WITH DANIELLE WALDMAN

MY BOO

SOLARIS HAIRPAINTING POWDER

HILARIOUS INTERNET CONTENT REALLY CLOSE, DEEP FRIENDSHIPS // SISTERHOOD

3/8: WOMEN’S DAY EVENT: MY BODY, MY POWER 3/16: NAVIGATING TOUCH AND CONSENT

MY FAVORITE WHITEPAINTING BRUSH OLIGO BLUE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

3/21: WOMEN UNCORKED 3/28: EMPOWERMENT CIRCLE WITH KIM PENDLETON

OT: Why do you find hair to be a healing experience?

ED: Hair is something you can change right away. You can feel that shift immediately. But I always have clients that come in who are, for example, going through a breakup and want to go blonde, which leads to this very serious conversation of, “Is this a Band-Aid for that?

Do you really want to be blonde?” Sometimes we have brides who come in and want to do a totally different thing and I’m like, “Oh, seems like you’re having cold feet. I don’t think you’ll want to be blonde in your wedding photos.” To me, that’s an indication they might be feeling a little freaked out about this other big change happening.

OT: You recently started using the upstairs space at Sense as an art gallery. What led to that addition?

ED: The gallery is sort of this wildcard. The idea came from another client-turned-friend who is a brilliant artist. She helped get the art in the salon squared away. One day, we were talking about what to do with the rest of the space. I had to put something there! It felt like a runaway train. We were like, this is really exciting and becoming bigger and bigger and bigger. We have shows scheduled for the rest of the year that change approximately once a month. It brings a whole new flavor to the space.

OT: So how do you bring up your healing practices in situations like this?

ED: We’ve kept them a little bit separate because wellness in DC, I don’t think, is as big as in New York and L.A. where it’s on every street corner and everyone is talking about spirituality and wellness. DC’s a little bit different than that. Most people aren’t as comfortable talking about tarot or saging, so I gradually will bring up or answer questions instead of saying, “You should go to reiki service or you should do breathwork.” I’m not trying to push it in any way. I think it comes up organically and naturally. I have been known to ask questions. A lot of my coworkers have said I’m pretty bold with the things that I ask because I want to get to know people. If someone’s coming in and they have a lot going on, really talking about it is very healing.

OT: What artists have you featured? Have they all been local?

ED: The next show we’re doing in March is an international, worldwide show curated by a local person. We’re trying to keep things more local. The first show we opened was very DMV-centric.

Rose Jaffe [a DC-based muralist whose work is featured in Blagden Alley, among other city locations] was the artist who curated it, and she picked a lot of people in DC who weren’t necessarily getting their work shown in a gallery space and making that more accessible and available. Moving forward, we’ll have more collaborations with Stable [in Eckington], which is another local gallery, to bring some of their artists and [include] shows around photography, too.

OT: What does breathwork entail?

ED: Breathwork is an active breath pattern where you breathe in through your belly and heart and out through your mouth. By doing this, you over-oxygenate your body and start releasing endorphins.

Literally and scientifically, you’re unspooling these fears and tightly bound emotions that are stuck in your body. Releasing and letting go and moving that energy through is almost like a body scrub for your insides.

OT: What drew you to this practice?

ED: I was introduced to it through a coach I’d worked with for a long time who started as my hair client. I started working with her and going on retreats with her, and she brought me to the breath. It’s so crazy how just from breathing like that your body starts moving and shifting. There are physical effects, too. You can feel tingly or your temperature can change, or some people feel really hungry. It is a true shift. Right now, I offer private and one-on-one breathwork sessions.

But I do see evolving to having group sessions.

OT: What has your biggest challenge been in running such a unique space?

ED: I still really want to do hair and spend time with my clients.

That’s super important to me. If I’m doing that, I can’t be working on anything else. So finding the time and energy to do both was a big learning curve at first. But we’ve grown in a way where we’ve been able to hire more people, and I feel really lucky that everything’s falling into place. I’m feeling less stressed. That’s helping me to grow this other side of the business.

OT: Why would you encourage someone unfamiliar with the wellness practices at Sense to give them a try?

ED: I believe in this so much. I have seen things truly, literally shift and [help people] feel better. I wouldn’t want to push someone in that direction, but I think if someone is curious, that’s a good place to start. Curiosity gets you to the next step of asking more questions and learning what would feel the most comfortable for someone wanting to take the next step. I believe in organically letting things evolve.

I think that’s so important with mental and emotional health. Stay curious and let it evolve.

For more on Sense, visit www.sensestudios.co. Follow the studio on Instagram @sense.dc and the gallery @sensegallery.dc.

Sense: 3111 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; 202-290-3113; www.sensestudios.co

www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2019 | ON TAP

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Frederique Stephanie

Photo: Alison Beshai

Kimberly Pendelton

THE ARTISTIC, THE INSPIRING & THE FASHIONABLE 10 Creative Female Forces in the District

By Amanda Weisbrod With a record number of women running for president in 2020 and the largest number of women in a congressional freshman class yet, 2019 is shaping up to be the Year of the Woman in politics. Much less hyped in DC’s media, however, are the strides made by women in the arts. That’s why for our Women’s Issue, On Tap chose to highlight 10 outstanding women from the areas of performing arts, fine arts, wellness and empowerment, and style. From Strathmore’s CEO to one of Rihanna’s stylists, meet the badass ladies responsible for expanding a culture of inclusivity and women empowerment in the city.

PERFORMING ARTS MONICA JEFFRIES HAZANGELES President and CEO, Strathmore

Monica Jeffries Hazangles began her artistic journey when she first joined choir in elementary school, but focused her vision after falling in love with arts management as a graduate student during her time with the Friends of Chamber Music in Kansas City, Missouri.

From there, she joined American University’s Arts Management program in DC then Strathmore, where she’s served as president since 2011. In September 2018, she added the title and responsibilities of CEO to her repertoire. While serving as the Strathmore’s president over the years, Hazangles formed her personal worldview on the importance of the arts, believing they are “elemental to who we are as people.” “[The arts] give us expanded ways to express ourselves,” she says.

“They elevate, enrich and transform us. It is our job to make them as accessible as possible to the residents of this region and state. If arts are within reach of everyone who wants to access them, we will ensure that generations grow up believing the arts are essential.”

Her advice for finding authority and voice as a woman in the arts is “to demonstrate that there are many ways to lead and to be creative.”

“Women can be extremely effective in demystifying leadership.”

The Music Center at the Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda, MD; www.strathmore.org

Rebecca Ende Lichtenberg Managing Director, Studio Theatre

Rebecca Ende Lichtenberg left Theatre J last October to join Studio Theatre as its new managing director. Although she is only 37, Lichtenberg has already made a splash in DC’s performing arts scene over the past eight years; moving to Studio Theatre gives her the

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chance to shine on a bigger stage, so to speak.

Studio Theatre’s Queen of Basel, showing from March 6 to April 7, focuses on empowering women by flipping the script on a play rooted in misogyny. The play is a modern, Latinx-focused retelling of Miss Julie, which tells the story of a woman who kills herself because a man told her that was the only way to escape the burden of their premarital rendezvous. Playwright Hilary Bettis’ version, complete with actual female character development, is sure to be devoid of the outdated, sexist themes of the original.

“Hilary’s take on [the play] is born from how sick the misogyny of his original made her feel, so she actively counters that with a production that is a Miss Julie without unexamined misogyny,” Lichtenberg says.

“That’s why we’re proud to present Queen of Basel. It’s a take on Miss Julie that is empowering, told from a prismatic Latinx perspective, and most importantly, is unexpected.”

For dates and tickets to Queen of Basel, visit www.studiotheatre.org.

Studio Theatre: 1501 14th St. NW, DC; www.studiotheatre.org

Seema Sueko

Deputy Artistic Director, Arena Stage Seema Sueko says in the grand scheme of things, she does theatre to build successful communities; but there is a deeper, underlying layer of her passion.

“Nothing beats the excitement and electricity of being in a rehearsal room with fellow artists and discovering the truths of a character’s arc or the truth of a piece of text,” she says. “We are discovering what it means to be human. It is powerful and it is humbling.”

Sueko’s current production, The Heiress, runs until March 10 and has some juicy bits of truth in store for the audience. Playwrights Ruth and Augustus Goetz based The Heiress on Henry James’ novella Washington Square, the inspiration for which he found through a piece of gossip.

After Sueko finished assembling the design team for the play, she noticed

Photo: Wendy K. Yalom

Jai Lescieur

she had unintentionally hired a cast of people who all identified as women, which she thought fit perfectly.

“Once I realized that, I could see how all-female design team allows us to build on the legacy of growing empowerment of this story from gossip to stage.”

The Heiress runs through March 10. For information regarding showtimes and tickets, visit www.arenastage.org.

Arena Stage: 1101 Sixth St. SW, DC; www.arenastage.org

FINE ARTS Marcella Stranieri Illustrator

Marcella Stranieri has always loved to draw. She’s kept a journal of her thoughts, ideas and drawings ever since she was little, and often finds loose scraps of paper covered in doodles and observations in her pockets and bags.

“These two idiosyncrasies, drawing and writing, collided with each other a few years ago when I quit smoking,” the DC-based illustrator says. “My hands were itching for cigarettes all the time. It was driving me nuts, so I started drawing out my ideas instead of writing them to keep my hands busy. I loved it so much, so I decided to start an Instagram for them.”

Now, her Instagram page @marcella.draws has more than 46,000 followers and is still growing. She finds inspiration for her sarcastic pen and paper line drawings in her daily experiences with friends, family and strangers alike. She’s found a lot of support from both men and women on Instagram and has noticed men commenting that they relate with her drawings, even the particularly “girly” ones.

“I like that people are slowly realizing that the default relatable thing does not have to be masculine. Men can relate to women the same way that women have been relating to men for the past few millennia.”

To see the latest artwork from Stranieri, follow her on Instagram @marcella.draws, and visit her website www.marcelladraws.com.

Lauren Melanie Brown Founder, Fashion Grunge

Freelance photographer Lauren Melanie Brown created Fashion Grunge, an online platform dedicated to art, fashion and music of the 90s grunge era, in 2008 when she was living in New York City.

Photo: Matt Spivack

“The era of blogs was starting, and I was uninspired in my day job and wanted a place to talk about my favorite era of music and fashion,” Brown says. “Now Fashion Grunge has become an international platform for artists to contribute work and music related to the grunge aesthetic as they see fit. It’s great to get so many global perspectives while also tying in nostalgic culture.”

As a woman of color, Brown says she’s always trying to uplift marginalized voices and experiences on her platform.

“I always encourage people of all identities to contribute to the Fashion Grunge platform, whether it’s in traditional images or essays to express inner thoughts. I think visibility is the key for appreciating and educating about minorities. I consciously use my reach online to show not just a singular notion of what you can be and express.”

To read Fashion Grunge, visit www.fashiongrunge.com. For more information about Brown, visit www.laurenmelaniebrown.com

Tati Pastukhova

Co-founder + Managing Director, ARTECHOUSE Nearly a decade ago, Tati Pastukhova and Sandro Kereselidze created Art Soiree, a DC-based organization dedicated to uplifting and curating contemporary artists and their work. As technology advanced, the pair quickly realized the lack of space for artists who work with new wave digital mediums. That’s where ARTECHOUSE comes in. The “art space dedicated to showcasing experiential and technology driven works” also houses the first augmented reality bar in the U.S. “Technology has expanded our abilities as humans to interact with what we are given and that includes our imagination and expression in arts,” Pastukhova says. “The new forms of art that will emerge through technology will allow viewers to be a part of the storytelling and of the creative processes, enabling them to curate their own experience of art, unique to themselves.”

In early spring, ARTECHOUSE will feature an installment titled “In Peak Bloom,” showcasing works of art based on DC’s famous cherry blossoms from an all-female cast of creators.

“We believe in treating everyone equal and part of that is not creating a differentiation or highlighting one individual or group over the other. It is important to highlight [the fewer number of women in arts and tech] in hopes of inspiring the current and future generation to enter these fields.”

To learn more about Art Soiree, visit www.artsoiree.com, and for more information about ARTECHOUSE, visit www.dc.artechouse.com.

ARTECHOUSE: 1238 Maryland Ave. SW, DC; www.dc.artechouse.com

www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2019 | ON TAP

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WELLNESS + EMPOWERMENT

STYLE

Kimberly Pendleton

Frederique Stephanie

As a women’s empowerment coach and women’s studies professor at the University of Maryland, Kimberly Pendleton helps women realize their full potential through online and in-person courses, workshops and programs. She started her personal business of women’s empowerment coaching when she was finishing her PhD. Now, Pendleton helps over 200 clients from around the globe to strengthen their personal relationships, find out who they are and drop baggage.

“My premium program UNCOVER has helped women recover their relationships, find love and most importantly, feel at home in themselves,” Pendleton says.

UNCOVER, a 10-week program focusing on inner awakenings through embodied practices and coaching exercises, has a $1,237 price tag, but Pendleton says the high cost of service is supportive of the “high level of energy and training” that goes into her work.

“I do believe in paying women for their labor and valuing their knowledge, especially in areas that bring soft skills and social/ emotional intelligence to the forefront. I also have seen that when women invest in themselves at an edge that makes them feel a little nervous, they show up for themselves in a different way and experience more rapid transformation.”

Pendleton also offers some complimentary services including #MeToo workshops, an e-newsletter and Roadmap to Romance, a free week of video trainings on self-love, empowerment, and relationships available at www.roadmaptoromance.com.

From Belgium to the Middle East, France to Ireland and England to DC, Frederique Stephanie has trotted the globe as a freelance stylist and public relations consultant. Freddie, as her friends call her, has worked as a stylist for celebrities like Rihanna, Drew Barrymore, Alexa Chung, Lily Allen and Pixie Geldof. But the biggest highlight of Freddie’s career was working on the Adidas Originals campaign featuring David Beckham, Snoop Dogg and Noel Gallagher, among other big names.

Style is important to Stephanie, and always has been. And while she is definitely stylish, she says she’s not a fashionista.

“Style is a better word,” she says. “It is a reflection of my unique complexity as a human being.”

Stephanie decided to move across the Atlantic when she saw the growth potential for the DC creative market. She says her success in the nation’s capital comes from her unique background and perspective.

“I’m a black girl with Caribbean roots raised in Paris, but who spent most of her life in London. The DC creative scene needs more variety and different point of views. The city is changing and so will the industry standards as people start pushing boundaries.”

Now working as a PR consultant for Eaton DC, a collective of culture, media, hospitality, wellness and progressive social change, Stephanie says it’s “one of the most significant projects [she’s] ever worked on.” “[Eaton DC] is the perfect platform because of what it stands for and the impact it already has on the city. They are doing incredible work, which is essential in the current [social and political] climate.”

For more information about Pendleton and the services she provides including UNCOVER, visit www.kimberlypendleton.com.

To see what’s stylish to Frederique Stephanie, follow her on Twitter @frederique_s, and check out her blog, www.thepopuphouse.com.

Women’s Empowerment Coach

Freelance Stylist + Consultant

Leah Beilhart

Jai Lescieur

Leah Beilhart wanted to be a professional soccer player, but that all changed after one service trip to the Czech Republic from Germany.

“It was the first time I saw a photograph of myself and cried,” she says.

“The amount of sweat, mud and joy across my face was priceless. It changed my life and made me decide that I wanted to give that same pleasure to another human being.”

Over the next several years, Beilhart built her portfolio, reputation and skills as a freelance photographer before landing in DC. “Portraiture became my main game and eventually the catalyst for Behold.Her when I found myself in DC wanting to create an environment where women could feel carefree and less filtered.”

Behold.Her, now in its third year, began as a portraiture and conversational series, but soon blossomed into a project series captivating a community of women and celebrating its diverse racial, cultural, religious and sexual orientation backgrounds.

“The biggest things we focus on is self-worth. We want women to focus completely on listening and sharing. Self-development takes a lot of energy.

Most women leave emotionally depleted, but at the same time re-energized to approach life a little differently or feel less alone.”

Beilhart says Behold.Her is working toward a Self Worth Conference at the end of the year. Each quarter of 2019 will have its own theme: self-worth, sexuality and consent, money and guilt, and finally, community and relationships. All four themes will be combined at the multi-day, self-focused conference for women.

Jai Lescieur recently moved to DC from London where she began her career as a styling manager and creative consultant. She worked on a variety of projects that included assisting on a shoot for Vogue China, working on a documentary about David Beckham, customizing outfits for a British TV show and getting published in British Vogue. Now, Lescieur works closely with Lauren Melanie Brown at Fashion Grunge and continues to freelance as a stylist.

“I feel like I have barely scratched the surface of what DC has to offer and I am excited to continue exploring the city,” she says.

Her love for fashion and art stems from a childhood spent in Mexico City, where her mother would dress up even when she wasn’t going out and her father would wear pants tailored from curtains just because he loved the fabric so much. Now that she’s grown, Lescieur finds inspiration from powerful women like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michelle Obama who are exploring different kinds of fashion while in the public eye.

“I love how they are changing the conversation of how women are viewed by what they wear. Although some people will always unfairly criticize powerful women for what they wear, these women are showing that fashion can also be a symbol of their empowerment.”

Founder, Behold.Her

For additional information about Beilhart, visit her website at www.leahbeilhart.com. For details about Behold.Her and its various programs and conferences, visit www.beholdher.co.

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Stylist + Creative Director

For more information about Jai Lescieur, visit her website at www.jailescieur.com or follow her on Instagram @jai_stylefactory.

STAGE & SCREEN EVENTS

By Daniel Lempres

Blood at the Root

Confection

Into the Woods

THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 24

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 - SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Blood at the Root Blood at the Root is the story of what happens when a black student chooses to occupy a primarily white space in her high school, driving hate, violence and chaos among her classmates. The play, inspired by the Jena Six court case in Louisiana, examines the link between bias, justice and identity and asks audiences to consider what is lost when implicit biases shape our view of – and adherence to – justice. Written by Dominique Morisseau, the play is described as moving, lyrical and bold.

Various dates and times. Tickets $40. The Anacostia Playhouse: 2020 Shannon Pl. SE, DC; www.anacostiaplayhouse.com

Hands on a Hardbody Featuring a score by Amanda Green and Phish’s Trey Anastasio, Hands on a Hardbody tells the story of 10 Texans competing to win a new truck. The contest is hilarious and hard-fought, and characters learn that perseverance, determination and hope can lead them to their American Dream. The play has been described as a quintessential American musical, and features a diverse cast of characters highlighting the intersectionality of the American identity. Set to a score featuring blues, country and R&B, Hands on a Hardbody is a quirky play that promises to enliven the District in its regional premiere. Various dates and times.

Tickets $62. Keegan Theatre: 1742 Church St. NW, DC; www.keegantheatre.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - SUNDAY, APRIL 14 JQA The latest offering from award-winning playwright Aaron Posner, JQA is an imaginative and thought-provoking story that illustrates conversations between John Quincy Adams, who was known for his integrity, statesmanship and arrogance, with other American leaders including Frederick Douglass, Andrew Jackson and his own father John Adams. Described as provocative, haunting and hilarious, JQA received an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award. Various dates and times.

Tickets $92-$115. Arena Stage: 1101 6th St. NW, DC; www.arenastage.org

MONDAY, MARCH 4 - SUNDAY, MARCH 24 Confection The newest offering from New York-based Third Rail Projects is an immersive, multisensory dance and theatre performance staged throughout the Folger Reading Rooms. Inspired by the richness of the Folger Library and the lavishness of the 17th-century aristocracy, the performance examines the power of appetite and desire. Directed

by Zach Morris and Jennine Willett, Confection is a story of opulence and consumption that not only invites audiences into the Folger’s magnificent Reading Rooms, but also invites them to enjoy bite-sized treats made by local pâtissiers. Various dates and times. Tickets $40-$60.

Folger Shakespeare Library: 201 E Capitol St. SE, DC; www.folger.edu

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 Into the Woods Ford Theatre’s Into the Woods is a darkly funny reimagining of several beloved fairy tales from the minds of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. The play follows a baker and his wife on a quest to break a witch’s curse, which leads them into the woods where they cross paths with timeless characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and a pair of lovelorn princes. The play has won Tony Awards for score and script, and this Peter Flynndirected rendition promises to inspire both laughs and introspection.

Various dates and times. Tickets $28-$81. Ford’s Theatre: 511 10th St. NW, DC; www.fords.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 14 - SUNDAY, MARCH 24 The National Geographic Society Environmental Film Festival The Environmental Film Festival returns to the District for its 27th year.

Sponsored by National Geographic, featured films tackle important environmental issues like overfishing and climate change in addition to presenting visually stunning tales of adventure like the Academy Award-nominated Free Solo, which follows Alex Honnold’s free climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan. The festival includes 11 days of documentary film screenings at more than 25 venues. Details on the films, schedule and tickets are available online. Tickets $12. Times and locations vary.

National Geographic Society Environmental Film Festival: Various locations in DC; www.DCeff.org

MONDAY, MARCH 25 Bon Iver & TU Dance’s Come Through In the first event of the Kennedy Center’s DIRECT CURRENT season highlighting contemporary culture, Bon Iver and TU Dance’s collaboration Come Through fuses genres and mediums. Over a soundtrack featuring new music from two-time Grammy winner Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, nine-member dance troupe TU Dance will mix varied styles such as classical ballet and modern dance. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $49. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 26 - SUNDAY, MARCH 31 A Bronx Tale Directed by Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks, A Bronx Tale has been described as Jersey Boys meets West Side Story. Set in 1960s New York, the musical tells the story of a young man who must choose between his father’s love and his ambition to be a “made man” in the mafia. The score is comprised of 60s-era doo-wop, and the play contains several ensemble dance numbers. A Bronx Tale features numerous actors and actresses from its time on Broadway, and offers audiences opportunities to laugh, cry and tap their feet. Various dates and times. Tickets $54-$99. National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.thenationaldc.org www.ontaponline.com | MARCH 2019 | ON TAP

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Kristin Chenoweth Brings Wicked Fun to Strathmore

By Keith Loria Photo: Gian Di Stefano

T

hey say good things come in small packages, and 4-foot-11 dynamo Kristin Chenoweth is a living example that the phrase applies to performers as well. Known for her incredible singing on Broadway, her quirky character roles in movies and on TV, and her oodles of charm in just about every performance she’s ever done, Chenoweth is beloved by people of all ages.

She won a Tony for her performance as Sally Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown in 1999, though she’s best-known for her renowned run as Glinda in the Broadway smash Wicked. Other memorable runs on the Great White Way include roles in The Apple Tree, On the Twentieth Century and Promises, Promises. And there’s no role she hasn’t made a lasting impression with on-screen, from West Wing to Trial & Error to Neil Gaiman’s American Gods.

“I’m very proud of the work I’ve done and have been blessed with some amazing roles,” Chenoweth says. “The critics have always enjoyed these choices and that makes me understand I am on the same planet as everyone else. I know what I think is tasteful and funny and good, and that always seems to line up with them and that makes me happy.”

A veteran of the concert stage, the Tony- and Emmy-winning actress will perform at Strathmore on April 8 with a show any Broadway fan is sure to love.

“This concert is timed really well because my new album will be coming out around Mother’s Day, and I would like to start bringing some songs from that to my shows,” she says. “I don’t have a title yet, but I keep calling it For the Girls. It’s my way of giving myself permission to sing other women artists whose work has inspired me and changed my life musically.”

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That means songs from performers like Dinah Washington, Judy Garland, Dolly Parton and Eva Cassidy.

“It’s really going to be a celebration of women. It’s important for me to recognize singer-songwriters like Chely Wright – who is a giant in the country music industry – and there’s an original song I wrote with her that I am excited to play for people.”

There’s a big part of Chenoweth, she says, that wants to be a mentor to younger audiences and teach them about some of these songs and singers who they may not be familiar with. It’s something she realized while doing an episode of Glee.

“Ryan Murphy had me sing ‘Maybe This Time’ from Cabaret, and I just assumed everyone knew that song. But so many people reached out to me on social media asking where the song came from. I just died because these kids don’t know. I want to let them know who came before me and even some who may be younger than I. Just because you like one certain type of music doesn’t mean you can’t research and learn to appreciate others.”

Her concert will also include plenty of Broadway tunes, jazz standards, gospel songs and even opera, plus tunes from her previous release of American Songbook classics The Art of Elegance.

“Of course I’m going to sing ‘Popular’ and some songs that I will never not sing because it’s part of my DNA, but I want to make it a new show every time,” she says.

Another song that’s sure to be on the set list is “Taylor, the Latte Boy” written by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, which tells the humorous tale of a woman who falls for her barista at Starbucks.

“I was a young Kristin Chenoweth doing Steel Pier at the time [in

I am not autotuned.

Iwho amis realanandartist authentic.

1997] and there was a performance honoring Kander and Ebb [a famous songwriting team], and someone handed me this music.

Marcy and Zina told me they had been writing the song with me in mind. I was so nervous because the show was the next day and it’s not a short song. I spent the rest of the night learning it, and as I did, I realized this is totally me. I sang it that night and wow, did it go over.”

Soon after, she sang the song on The Rosie O’Donnell Show and it’s been a staple of her performances ever since.

“As artists, we have to recognize and understand that when we don’t sing songs like this, it’s a let down to the audience. I know that because I once saw Barbra Streisand live and she didn’t sing ‘People.’ I learned a lot there.”

The singer is very familiar with Strathmore, having starred in the Music Center’s groundbreaking I am Anne Hutchinson/I am Harvey Milk production in 2016. Currently, she doesn’t have any concrete plans to go back on Broadway. But last October, Chenoweth and her original Wicked costar Idina Menzel reunited for the NBC special A Very Wicked Halloween, and the duo’s magic was reignited on an astounding version of the show’s “For Good.” She has a few things in the fire for 2019 and is looking forward to touring at concert venues around the country when not filming any TV projects.

“Currently, I’m in development season and there are three ideas I have that three different writers have put a treatment to. I’ve fallen in love with all of them, so I do believe I will be doing something new on television soon. I’d rather do something that is me and my taste. I’m always going to choose and do something a little offbeat. That’s who I am.”

A lesson she says she’s been learning over and over in the past year is not being so serious and just enjoying the moment. Last fall, she traveled to Italy and sang a duet with Andrea Bocelli to a pretty famous audience and screwed up a song. She stopped and started over and then just messed up again and decided to cut to the end.

“People were loving it. It reminds you that life isn’t always perfect and in some ways that was my favorite moment of the trip. I am a perfectionist and I can get myself wound up pretty high. I had to laugh, and I did. Sometimes that happens in concerts and I may forget a word and I’ll point it out. I like using those moments to show I am not a robot.

I am not autotuned. I am an artist who is real and authentic.”

She promises that people who don’t know who she is when they come in the door at Strathmore will know who she is when they leave.

“I want people to come to this show and be in the moment and enjoy themselves. It’s a treat you give yourself when you do that.

We think we’re doing the right thing when we’re worrying about something, but I want people to put all that aside and just go with me on this journey. It will be an extraordinary, fun night.”

Kristin Chenoweth will perform at Strathmore on Monday, April 8 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $78 and are available at www.strathmore.org.

Learn more about Chenoweth at www.officialkristinchenoweth.com and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @kchenoweth.

The Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda, MD; 301-581-5200; www.strathmore.org

EXHIBITION OPEN MAR 1–SEPT 2, 2019

USE CODE OTQUEEN S FOR $5 OFF MUSEUM ADMISSION* T I C K E T S AT N AT G E O M U S E U M . O R G *Offer expires May 31, 2019. Valid only with online purchases. Not valid with any other offer. Offer subject to availability.

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Female-Empowered

V anity Fair on the Complexities of Humanity & Transcendence of Gender

By Monica Alford

Vanity Fair artwork

Photo: Tony Powell

With few exceptions, it’s music to a journalist’s ear when an interviewee says, “You’re asking my favorite question.” But it’s just icing on the cake when your subject is a feminist playwright whose focus is reclaiming female narratives, and you strike a chord that leads to a thoughtful reflection on gender equity in theatre, driving social change through the arts, and breaking down the walls between millennial audiences and the classics.

“I don’t believe that classics deserve to be museum pieces or laid in some beautiful, unmoving grave,” Kate Hamill tells me. “I think they should be able to run around, and we should be able to draw on those altars with crayon and see what they mean to us.”

Hamill’s interpretation of Vanity Fair, on Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Stage through the end of March, is the only femalewritten stage adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s epic 1600-page novel. When she started toying with the idea of reclaiming the 1840s text for a 2018 audience and was told it couldn’t be done, she accepted the challenge head on.

“I’m a bit of a brat,” she says laughing, “so the minute someone says, ‘You can’t do that,’ I’m like, ‘I’m going to do it.’”

The playwright creates a 12-year portal into the lives of friends Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley, from when they graduate school at 18 to becoming grown women with children at 30. As the pair navigates their own individual paths in climbing the social ladder

within a patriarchal society, Hamill tears down the archetypes of good girl versus bad girl and shows audiences that neither woman is perfect nor particularly condemnable. In fact, women are just human beings like everyone else.

“It’s imaginative and a spectacle, but rooted in truth so you’re not left with just a show,” actress Rebekah Brockman, who plays Becky, says of Hamill’s work. “There’s a pulse behind it and human beings behind it.”

Brockman says there’s a gradual grounding of reality that happens over the course of Becky and Amelia’s friendship as the two experience major milestones together, and credits Hamill with giving the characters more depth.

“You can’t be too quick to judge someone because there’s a reason people make bad decisions. There’s a reason people act the way they do.”

Brockman and Maribel Martinez, who plays Amelia, wax philosophical on the topic across the table from me, finishing each other’s sentences as eloquent phrases pour out of them.

“There’s more to be found in humanity,” Martinez says.

“More complexity,” Brockman continues.

The actresses are elated to be working together on a Hamill play, a feeling intensified by the fact that Shakespeare Theatre’s production is truly a feminist work. The director, Jessica Stone, rounds out the powerhouse female talent at the helm of Vanity Fair.

“I do think it’s really heartening that places like Shakespeare

I don’t believe that classics deserve to be museum pieces or laid in some beautiful, unmoving grave. We should be able to draw on those altars with crayon and see what they mean to us.

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ON TAP | MARCH 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

I’m not saying every female story filtered through a male gaze is a bad thing, but it’s a problem when that is the only kind of story we’re getting.

Theatre, which is dedicated largely to classical work, is producing so much work directed by women and made by women,” Hamill says.

Brockman and Martinez share the playwright’s vision for shaping their characters to be more multidimensional and creating a storyline that encourages empathy rather than judgment from the audience.

“I wanted to create a play which challenges you over and over again to challenge your own judgment, because I think when you judge these women it says more about you than it does about them,” Hamill says. “It’s really important to bring that story to DC.” She hopes that by shifting the narrative to focus on how the women’s bond strengthens over time, audiences will see how Becky and Amelia are able to inch toward defeating the patriarchal system they live within. The playwright is also eager to do away with gender constructs onstage; many of her works promote gender fluidity.

“I’m interested in not only breaking down arbitrary gender roles, but also in creating more interesting work for female artists – I’m always happy to see a woman in a man’s role,” she says with a chuckle.

“When you’re an actress, it’s nice to be asked to stretch in that way.”

Hamill played Becky in the original production in New York, giving her unique insight into how she envisions the story unfolding onstage. The current leads are in lockstep with the playwright, describing theatre as an agent for change. Martinez and Brockman say the gender switches in the production highlight the theme of fluidity in companionship, in all relationships even, that we all experience when the curtain closes and we return to reality.

The topic that seems to bond these three artists more than any other we cover in what are truly meaningful, fascinating conversations to me as a woman and lover of the arts is female empowerment in theatre; giving women a seat at the table in leadership roles is what will ultimately make change. Hamill notes that though there are statistically more women than men in theatre school, fast-forward 20 years and of those former students, significantly more men are offered lead roles and directorial opportunities.

“I’m not saying every female story filtered through a male gaze is a bad thing, but it’s a problem when that is the only kind of story we’re getting,” she says.

All three women feel the tides are changing, and they’re encouraged and excited. Though the hill is not an easy climb, the top is in sight and it’s women like them who will get us there.

“All of the different voices that the world has to give,” Martinez says with an infectious optimism in her voice, “we need them in higher positions so that it trickles down and we get all the exciting things that theatre can be.”

Catch Martinez and Brockman in Hamill’s Vanity Fair on the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre stage now through Sunday, March 31. Tickets are $49-$135 and can be purchased at www.shakespearetheatre.org. Learn more about the playwright at www.kate-hamill.com.

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre: 450 7th St. NW, DC; 202-547-1122; www.shakespearetheatre.org

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By Trent Johnson “We put a song on the Internet and it spiraled from there, but we thought it was justified because we had something unique that stood out.”

Marcus Parham, one-third of RDGLDGRN (pronounced Red Gold Green), tells me the backstory behind the success of the band’s 2011 hit “I Love Lamp” while on the road to Raleigh, North Carolina for a show later that evening. The guitarist (RD) and his bandmates, bassist Andrei Busuioceanu (GLD) and vocalist Pierre Desrosier (GRN), continued to gain popularity following the release of the track, even collaborating with Pharrell and Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl.

The Reston-based, multi-genre trio actually played together as another band before RDGLDGRN, with a fourth member identified only as Blue. Even though their partnership spans nearly a decade, Parham says the three are just scratching the surface.

“We’ve just created so many memories,” he says. “We went to Europe a bunch of times, and we’ve played cruises and stuff. It’s all these different things. It’s all growth.”

RDGLDGRN brought a unique blend of different genres to the music scene when they first hit airwaves, combining elements of hip-hop, rock and go-go music to concoct an original sound. Their backgrounds play a part in the diverse sounds of their musical style.

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Photo: Michael Andrade

All three artists hailed from other parts of the world before settling in the DC area.

“We have so many different influences, so it makes sense that our music is always changing,” Parham elaborates.

Going back to their initial self-titled LP, the focus was almost entirely on the band’s use of rock and hip-hop. On the releases that followed, including the band’s most recent drop Red Gold Green 3, they slowly set out to reveal their entire repertoire. For instance, the last record shifted away from their heavier guitar riffs and established a more electronic sound as the album’s foundation. Parham says he feels like the band is still just making an extended version of their first album.

“We’ve [always] shown more of our palette. [We’ve] shown all the things we can do from day one. It’s not that we’ve gotten bored of a sound and evolved per se; it’s just us giving our fans a taste of everything we do.”

Not much has changed for the group apart from their music, including their process. The guitarist says they still record songs in their parents’ basements when in the DMV. Of course, they make use of professional studios as well, but they want to maintain the same authenticity that put them on the map.

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“We never lost that. We haven’t changed; that’s just who we are.

We record whenever we have a thought or idea, and the beauty of technology is we can do it wherever.”

The name on their albums remains the same, too. The group decided to repeat the title a la Led Zeppelin 2 and 3 in an effort to get the name’s phonetic pronunciation stuck in people’s heads.

“Our band name looks like gibberish, so it’s not something that people remember instantly,” Parham says candidly. “To make it easier, we decided to stick to our brand.”

Even with Red Gold Green 3’s February release and their busy touring schedule, he says the band is set to drop more music throughout the year.

“Any time you get music from us, it’s more of who we are. We have two EPs and another album that are already far along in the process.”

The band is set to return to its de facto hometown for ShamrockFest at RFK Stadium on Saturday, March 23. While fans can expect popular hits, Parham assures there will be some DC flair added to their set.

“Different people from the area [will] come and play songs with us,” Parham says. “We’re definitely from different places, but we’re DC at heart.”

ShamrockFest is from 12-8 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at www.shamrockfest.com. For more information about RDGLDGRN, visit www.rgldgrn.com.

RFK Stadium: 2400 E. Capitol St. SE, DC; www.shamrockfest.com

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Photos: Michael Lavine

Ex Hex (Mary Timony, Laura Harris, Betsy Wright)

By M.K. Koszycki native and multi-talented musician Mary Timony is everywhere. The Friday before I was scheduled to chat with her, I found myself at comedian and musician Fred Armisen’s Lincoln Theatre show. And so did Timony – onstage with Armisen, performing an absurdly funny sketch about overbearing drummers and mean bandmates.

“Fred’s a friend from the music world and […] I play in a band with Carrie [Brownstein] who does Portlandia with him, so it’s all connected,” she says.

“So many of my friends were on the tour.

They were like, ‘Come on down!’ I had no idea Fred would be inviting me to come onstage until I got there, but it was fun.”

Aside from her one-night-only contribution to the comedy world, she’s recently lent her talents to local band Hammered Hulls. Popping up at local shows in venues like Black Cat and Comet Ping Pong, Timony graces the stage with Chris Wilson (Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Titus Andronicus), Alec MacKaye (Faith, Ignition, The Warmers) and Mark Cisernos (Des Demonas, Deathfix, Medication) as part of the DC supergroup.

“It’s pretty fun to play in [Hammered Hulls],” she says of its impressive roster. “I’ve always loved Alec’s stuff. I was really into his band Ignition and saw them play all the time when I was a teenager.

I love Chris [and] Mark’s playing. Mark was basically trying to start a new project and it just happened. Mark is the songwriter and I’m playing bass, which is fun because I don’t do that normally.”

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Timony can usually be found playing guitar in bands like Ex Hex, who just announced a new album, It’s Real, out later this month.

She and bandmates Betsy Wright and Laura Harris were busy with their individual musical pursuits between their debut album and the upcoming record, and the break saw Timony’s band Helium reissuing and touring their material. But Timony says that crafting another Ex Hex record was always everyone’s main priority.

“We were just trying to get enough songs together to make it happen. It took awhile because we toured forever, but it was really fun to do other stuff like the Helium reissues. We toured too much and were a little burnt out and just needed to regenerate or whatever.

Once we started going, it was a really exciting thing to put together.”

The balancing act of playing in multiple bands sounds like enough to keep one person perennially busy, but Timony finds time for another passion: teaching music. While she says she’s scaled back in the wake of her touring life picking up again – “I’m going to miss my students while I’m gone, but hopefully they’ll be okay” she laments with a laugh – she still has a handful of students under her tutelage that she guides into similar musical greatness. She even taught a few lessons to Maryland’s Lindsey Jordan, perhaps better known as Snail Mail, before Jordan broke out into the indie rock scene in a big way.

“I went to one of the first shows she played and I was like,

‘Whoa, she’s just so alive and mature beyond her years,’” Timony affectionately recalls of Jordan. “She has a real natural charisma and talent, so it’s been cool and totally crazy to watch. It was like a tornado. I’m really happy for her. It’s so exciting.”

While Timony herself certainly has a hand in shaping the world of DC music, whether it be through teaching, playing or joining forces with some of the city’s finest musical talents, she notes her excitement around the recent resurgence of rock bands in the District. She lived in Boston for a bit, but got her start in the DC-based, Dischord Records-signed band Autoclave. She recalls how when she returned home the scene had quieted down a bit, but much to her happiness it’s picked back up at full speed.

“It’s mostly kids in their 20s and the whole Sister Polygon label and everyone surrounding that. It’s really nice that it’s happening now.

I’m glad that there’s creativity happening and people are putting out their own records and making all these cool shows happens.”

She adds with a laugh, “Although I’m like pretty old and never leave my house, so.”

On the contrary, Timony and her talented bandmates in Ex Hex hit the road in support of It’s Real next month, including a stop at 9:30 Club on Friday, May 10. For more on Ex Hex, visit www.mergerecords.com/ex-hex.

9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

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51

Amanda Palmer Gets Deeply Personal with

No Intermission

By Trent Johnson

Photo: Kahn & Selesnick

I

t’s no surprise Amanda Palmer tweeted a video of Rocky’s training montage from Sylvester Stallone’s franchise. This particular one isn’t the most famous – I think him running up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps takes the cake – but the “Hearts on Fire”-led video depicts a bearded Rocky running up a mountain, chopping down trees and shouting “Drago!” Palmer isn’t a boxer, and she’s not prepping to rescue the world from communism in a 12-round bout, but she’s a f--king fighter, and she needed a little motivation this morning.

“To be f--king honest with you, that was the first [song] YouTube gave me,” Palmer says with a snicker. “I woke up with my list of sh-t to do rolling through my head, and I had to lift wood because I’m literally living in the [wilderness] and loading up on firewood. I’m training to fight patriarchy. It’s galvanizing me.”

Palmer has been shaking up the music world since 2000 when she and Brian Viglione formed The Dresden Dolls. In the nearly two decades since, she’s produced a variety of music ranging from orchestral

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mashups to eclectic covers of Radiohead to tributes to David Bowie. With a background in theatre and other forms of performance art, it’s rare that her music stays on the tracks as it typically bleeds into other mediums.

Now she’s gearing up for a tour in late March focused on a mixed-medium release titled There Will Be No Intermission, which includes a full-length album, an artbook, videos and live performances with a stop at National Theatre on April 5.

You don’t go see Halloween 8 and expect a guy without a knife, just like you’re not coming to an Amanda Palmer show and expecting Disney songs and jazz hands.

“There was no question I’d take the show on the road,” Palmer says. “I’ve never had a cohesive show; it’s usually been a grab bag.

This album, where it came from and what

it represents to me, brings with it a kind of accountability where I don’t want to f--k it up. I’ve really had to think hard about how to be a guidance counselor for the audience as far as navigating this material and digesting it.”

Her career is very much built on the personal relationship she has with her audience, and Palmer’s upcoming tour features her most intimate revealings yet with songs about abortion, miscarriages and other powerful vignettes from her life story.

“This record was written in real time and while these things were happening.

In a song like ‘Voicemail for Jill,’ I look at it honestly; it took me years to write. I sat down dozens of times, and I found writing about abortion incredibly difficult. You could look at that song and say it took 23 years to write.”

The music on the record and in her performance vacillates from whimsical to serious, dark to witty, political to personal.

Despite the wide range of topics and emotions tapped, the piece never feels disjointed and everything is connected.

“You can’t separate the political landscape

I’m training to fight patriarchy.

It’s galvanizing me. from the personal experience I’ve had the past few years,” the artist says. “My child was born when Trump became president. I’ll never be able to figure out which was the chicken and the egg, but all those things [led to] a sense of urgency. Even though this is the most personal, honest, inevitable record I’ve made, it feels the most political because the most personal thing a woman can do right now is tell the truth about an experience.”

The album title represents a clever way of declaring that life never stops. Sometimes there are no breaks in the waves, no pauses for breath and no time to gather yourself in a tough situation. Despite the subtext of the name, the songs are broken up by peaceful interludes of instrumentation.

“There are intermissions – the irony continues,” Palmer says laughing. “They’re the breathing space in between the assaults. I wanted to give the entire album space. I’m really happy; it was a happy accident.

THE” AVETT BROTHERS She did toy with the idea of doing the performance straight MAY 23: RODNEY CROWELL through. However, because of the heavy subject matter and MAY 24: THAO & THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN emotional relentlessness, she decided to reconsider after a test run MAY 25: THE FELICE where people wandered in and out ofBROTHERS where she was rehearsing.

ALL DATES: PALEFACE “It’s difficult, and I need to let them leave,” she says candidly. “I’ve

SAMMY HAGAR’S Even though this isJAM theTOUR most FULL CIRCLE personal, honest, NIGHT RANGERinevitable record I’ve MAY 31 made, it feels the most political because the most personal DANCE thing aTHEATRE woman CARACALLA can doONE right now isAND tell the truth THOUSAND ONE NIGHTS JUN 12 about an experience.

ROCK OF AGES

TENTHpeople ANNIVERSARY TOURever angry, but I’ve had to tried to address and no one’s develop a way warn them about what’s onstage. You don’t go see JUNto18 + 19 Halloween 8 and expect a guy without a knife, just like you’re not coming to BUDDY an AmandaGUY Palmer show and expecting Disney songs and jazz hands.”KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND Luckily for Palmer, most SAMANTHA FISHof her fans are kept up-to-date by the artist herself.

She’s JUN 23constantly finding new ways to interact with the people who have enabled her to be a self-sufficient artist. Through membership platformROSS Patreon and other fundraising methods, she DIANA has remained independent as a musician, allowing her art to be JUN 27 beautifully, brutally honest.

JACKSON “I’ve never separated myBROWNE evolution as songwriter and performing artist with the I’m having with the rest of the world. If JULconversation 3 anything, those two things have become intertwined. It’s way less JOSH GROBAN scary. I didn’t want to be an artist separate from a community, behind a wall. I gotJUL into making music because I wanted to connect with 7 people.”

ConnectNOSEDA with AmandaCONDUCTS Palmer at National Theatre on Friday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.TCHAIKOVSKY Tickets are $39-$54 and available at & BEETHOVEN www.thenationaldc.org.

Learn more Palmer and her tour at NATIONAL SYMPHONYabout ORCHESTRA www.nointermission.amandapalmer.net.

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53

CHAI

By Trent Johnson & M.K. Kosyzcki

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

Miya Folick The last time vocal powerhouse Miya Folick graced the DC stages, it was to open for pop legend Kate Nash at the 9:30 Club. She absolutely silenced a crowded room, captivating everyone with her incredible voice and timely lyrics. Her song “Deadbody” is a rallying cry in the time of #MeToo, with a power worthy of Dolores O’Riordan in her delivery, and “Stop Talking” deals with the annoyance of putting up with a friend’s intolerable significant other.

Her debut full length album Premonitions was released to much critical acclaim, so don’t miss the chance to see Folick in Songbyrd’s close and personal space before she’s inevitably selling out much bigger venues.

Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $15. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

Alice Phoebe Lou Adopting jazz’s freedom and pace, Alice Phoebe Lou provides a unique indie sound. While the music flows and changes in a seemingly unplanned manner, her soft voice accompanies the twisting movement each song. Though her career as an artist started as a fire dancer, luckily for us, she eventually found her way to crafting music. Unfortunately, she’s only released one LP to date, 2016’s Orbit, but Lou has given fans a number of singles since then, including “Galaxies,” which came out in February. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

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Melissa Plett With a country twang reminiscent of more familiar artists, Melissa Plett has a niche for concocting songs that carry the imagery of classic country.

ON TAP | MARCH 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

Her 2017 release Ghost Town represented another step forward her journey through the genre, where she showed a mastery over the styles of her debut work Outside the City. If you’re a person who subscribes to the traditional sounds of Kitty Wells, Plett won’t let you down.

Show at 10 p.m. Free to attend.

Gyspy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 Oh He Dead We’re huge fans of DC duo Oh He Dead, comprised of Cynthia Johnson and Andy Valenti. Their masterful blend of soul, R & B and rock makes them perfect for fans of all sorts of music, and while their discography is small, I’m sure you’ll find something relatable in the duo’s poignant lyrics. Does this live show signal new music? I sure hope so, and you should too – here’s to hoping we can hear new tunes and some pre-existing bops

that put them on our radar this month. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $12.

Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Black Girls Rock!

Featuring Jazmine Sullivan, Mumu Fresh and Beverly Bond, this collaboration between the Kennedy Center and Black Girls Rock! is a can’t miss concert.

With all three women bringing their own unique styles to the stage, this celebration focuses on the many contributions black women make to the arts scene.

This is the inaugural edition of the festival, and includes concerts, panel discussion and book signings. Various times and events. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

are a personal favorite to soundtrack long drives or rainy days, as they’ve managed to capture a familiar yet innovative vibe within every single track they’ve released so far. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $13. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Fatai

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Aurora Enigmatic and ethereal singersongwriter Aurora has been compared to the likes of Lorde and Lykke Li – despite sharing some surface sensibilities with them, the Norwegian artist’s sound is all her own.

The 22-year-old combines the best of synth pop, indie rock and tribal beats paired with empowering lyrics for a vibe that’s inspiring and artistic all at the same time. Doors 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $25. Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; www.thelincolndc.com Molly Nilsson Call Molly Nilsson the queen of dark synth, at least what we’re going to call her. Though the Swedish artist probably wouldn’t describe herself as royalty, this lo-fi star has impeccable songwriting chops, weaving satirical lines with ones of great sentiment. On her latest release, Twenty Twenty, Nilsson further provides her unique view of the world, and of her memories, as the album carries

an increasingly retrospective theme. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com Sabrina Carpenter There’s definitely an undeniable formula to good pop music, and there’s nothing wrong with subscribing to artists who display a mastery over this process. Though she’s still relatively young in the game, Sabrina Carpenter has quickly established herself in the pop genre. Not to mention a ton of her tracks make use of positive mantras. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $35. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 12 Men I Trust Fresh off opening for twee legends Belle and Sebastian and synth pop band Wild Nothing, Montreal’s Men I Trust bring their contemplative and beautiful brand of pop to a headlining tour. Their bassdriven, jazz influenced sounds

Ella Mai Ella Mai’s first name reminds me of the word eloquence, which is perfect because that’s a word I’d use to describe her style of R&B music. It makes sense too, because after honing the craft since elementary school, Mai’s smooth sound is refined and beautifully breezy, providing an easy listen. This doesn’t mean her songs are shallow, however, as the topics of love and everyday struggles are common occurrences throughout her works. Being that this is her first tour, you’d be wise to catch her now, because the tickets will only get more expensive from here on out. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary.

Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com Full Bush The little blurb on Songbyrd’s listing describes these women as high energy and in your face, which is pretty much the perfect explanation for their style. With a punk guitar riffs and spirited chants, these four ladies are not unlike Seattle’s Childbirth with lyrics that are fun to yell, and provide a little bit of potty humor. Not to mention, they have killer album art for the self-titled debut album. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Free to attend, suggested $5 donation.

Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com Stella Donnelly Australian artist Stella Donnelly’s new album Beware of the Dogs comes out a few

days before her show, so you’ll have plenty of time to catch up on her new jams before she takes the stage at U Hall. Her brand of disarmingly honest and necessary songwriting (see: calling out the creeps of the world on “Old Man”) and ambient instrumentation provided by her band make her an exciting new voice to keep watch on. While we eagerly await new sounds from Donnelly, prep for the show by throwing her excellent 2018 EP Thrush Metal on repeat. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 Erykah Badu Few names in neo soul and R&B represent as much as Erykah Badu. The singer, songwriter is best known for her vibrant lyrics matched only by her outfits.

Though she hasn’t had a new release since her mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone in 2015, the Dallas native did recently perform at an NPR Tiny Desk Concert last August. Despite the lack of releases, Badu has an extensive discography with a plethora of songs that’ll leave you more than satisfied. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m.

Tickets $75-$145. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com Loi Loi Another DC favorite takes to the stage this month, this time to celebrate the release of their new record “Me Dystopia.” While they’re based in DC, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Kristie Di Lascio has ties to both China and Mexico. The group make dark, synthy feminist anthems that feel more relevant than ever recently, so their new album couldn’t possibly arrive at a better time. Doors at 9 p.m., show at 10 p.m. Tickets $15. Comet Ping Pong: 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.cometpingpong.com

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Maggie Rose I never thought about what a mashup of soul and country would be, until I heard Maggie Rose. Her stylings are actually pretty simple, and the sound is natural and easy going. With the laid-back foundation of country and the heartfelt lyrics of soul, Rose does a tremendous job melding the two into the best kind of Frankenstein sound. Show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $22. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

MONDAY, MARCH 18 CHAI CHAI’s mission is to make you rethink the concept of “kawaii” (meaning “cute” in their native Japanese). The group boasts a whole host of unique popforward influences – they’ve listed Gorillaz and CSS, for example – blended with riot grrrl reminiscent guitars and empowering lyrics. This band is for fans of Hinds, Cherry Glazerr and girl power. Don’t miss some of the best music to come out of Japan recently when CHAI land stateside this month. Another reason not to miss this show: former On Tap cover star and DC native Den-Mate opens. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $15. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Massive Attack with Elizabeth Fraser & Horace Andy As if trip-hop heavyweights Massive Attack touring for the anniversary of their groundbreaking album Mezzanine wasn’t exciting enough, they’re bringing some notable collaborators along with them. Perhaps most exciting is the appearance of Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins and This Mortal Coil, one of the most influential voices in the burgeoning shoegaze scene of the late 80s and early 90s. Fraser also lent her talents to Massive Attack, making this tour even

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more of a must see. She’s also joined by the band’s frequent collaborator Horace Andy, reggae legend and the only person to appear on every Massive Attack studio album. Doors at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $55. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com Veve and the Rebels This DC-based afro-folk led by vocalist Violet Marley is one of the most original local acts in the area right now. With residences at Washington Performing Arts and the Anacostia Arts Center, this group focuses on storytelling via music, specifically focusing on topics about the African American experience.

Marley does an impeccable job making you feel, not only with the words, but with her dynamic voice. 8-10 p.m. Free to attend.

Anacostia Arts Center: 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, DC; www.anacostiaartscenter.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 Kat Edmonson Heavily influenced by the theater and old movies, Kat Edmonson taps heavily into the thematic of show tunes on her latest work Old Fashioned Gal. With credits in musicals, both on the stage and screen, you can easily imagine the kind of performances Edmondson put on for herself while writing the music. Now, she’s touring the U.S. on the back of this celebrated release, and with her singing and dancing, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $19.75-$49.75. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; https://live.thehamiltondc.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 DILLY DALLY This Toronto based band’s best quality is frontwoman Katie Monks’ incredible voice.

Whether she’s whispering, screaming or some sort of deadpan in between, her delivery of the songs on the

ON TAP | MARCH 2019 | www.ontaponline.com

band’s newest record Heaven adds an extra layer that sets them apart from other altrockers releasing music these days. Paired with charmingly loud instrumentation and punctuated by powerful percussion, there’s many facets to this group that will translate beautifully into a raucous live show. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com Dropping Julia With a twang, Julia Kresky leads this bluesy group as she offers her unusual blend of rockabilly and blues. Based out of Charlottesville, Virginia, Kresky has performed at numerous venues in the area, bringing her infectious flair several different stages. Show at 10:30 p.m. Free to attend. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Anoushka Shankar In a reprise of her packed-house performances in spring 2017, sitar virtuoso and cross-genre adventurer Anoushka Shankar returns to her roots in North Indian classical music. This performance is presented by Washington Performing Arts.

Write-up provided by venue.

Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets $40. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue: 600 I St. NW, DC; www.sixthandi.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 Fatai This Australian artist has impeccable pipes, conjuring thoughts of Whitney Houston, and despite this, the most impressive aspect of her musicianship is her ability to pen thoughtful lyrics. She’s currently taking her talents across the U.S. on her Road Less Traveled tour, and while some performers are better behind studio walls, Fatai is all about connecting with her fans face to face in intimate settings. Doors

at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets $20. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Mountain Man No, the band Mountain Man is not a burly dude with a beard wearing lumberjack gear, that would be obscenely obvious.

Rather, this trio of women are a folk trio that’s reuniting after an eight-year hiatus, bringing their latest release Magic Ship. With all members constantly harmonizing with one another, the blend of vocals and occasional strums of the guitar provide a small dose of what living in a cabin on a mountain could be. Look out for M.K. Koszycki’s interview with bandmember Molly Sarle at ontaponline.com later this month. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets $25-$30. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

MONDAY, APRIL 1 Let’s Eat Grandma Let’s Eat Grandma’s Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth grabbed the well-deserved attention of many with 2018’s synth heavy, grunge influenced I’m All Ears. The band released their first record I, Gemini two years prior at the tender age of 17 and have only gotten better since. It’s deeply personal yet highly relatable, showcasing the universal feelings surrounding adolescent womanhood and the idea that no matter how isolated you may feel, you never really are alone. The duo’s closeness is palpable on record and was crafted to perfection

by GRAMMY-nominated pop pioneer SOPHIE and Faris Badwan of The Horrors. If you missed them at U Street Music Hall last year, now’s your chance to fix that. Doors at 7 p.m.

Tickets $20. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com