Drink. Dine. Do. 05.16
MUSIC IN THE CITY
CAGE THE ELEPHANT EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS FUNK PARADE
UP YOUR
GRILL GAME
TIPS FROM BOBBY FLAY
SUMMER FESTIVAL GUIDE
POLITICS & PUPS
MEET ABC7’S SCOTT THUMAN (AND OLIVE)
SUMMER SIPS WINE ON THE GO CANNED BEER GUIDE CINCO DE MAYO PICKS
+
DERBY FASHION BIKING IN THE CITY MAY ARTS ROUNDUP
Celebrate the 10th Annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival With a VIP Getaway Package! Enjoy VIP tickets and a $50 Resort Credit Experience the 10th Annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival with a VIP overnight stay at Gaylord National Resort. Enjoy a great BBQ selection, along with 60 beers and 40 bourbons on tap. VIP tickets include unlimited beverage samples, food tastings and more! Gaylord National Resort’s exclusive VIP Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival Package includes: • 1-night room accommodations on Saturday, June 18 • (2) VIP Bacon and Whole Hog Session Tickets at the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival in National Harbor on Saturday, from 12pm - 6pm • $50 resort credit*
GaylordNational.com or call (301) 965-4000 (refer to code D60) *Valid for stay on June 18, 2016. Limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Tax is additional. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Limit One (1) $50 resort credit per stay. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations required. Other restrictions apply. Rates are per person, per night and based on availability at time of reservations.
Your favorite summer weekend
IS AROUND THE CORNER
PURCHASE PASSES & CAMPING PACKAGES AT FIREFLYFESTIVAL.COM MUMFORD & SONS • KINGS OF LEON • FLORENCE & THE MACHINE •DEADMAU5 ELLIE GOULDING • DISCLOSURE • BLINK-182 • DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE • TAME IMPALA • M83 A$AP ROCKY • MAJOR LAZER • THE 1975 • OF MONSTERS AND MEN • CHVRCHES
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB • LUDACRIS • THE NEIGHBOURHOOD • EARTH WIND & FIRE • GROUPLOVE PORTER ROBINSON • FITZ & THE TANTRUMS • FETTY WAP • FLOGGING MOLLY • VINCE STAPLES TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE • MØ • TCHAMI • CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN • ST. LUCIA ATLAS GENIUS • ALUNAGEORGE • NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS • GUSTER • ELLE KING SAINT MOTEL • THE WOMBATS • ROBERT DELONG • THE STAVES • OH WONDER • THE STRUTS THE WHITE PANDA • PEPPER • WET • JACK GARRATT • RUFUS DU SOL • GOLDLINK • FELIX JAEHN
Plus many more!
June 16-19, 2016
THE WOODLANDS OF DOVER, DE
Table of Contents May 2016: Vol 18 No 7
who is on tap
SUMMER IN THE CITY On Tap is gearing up for summer with a rundown of the DC area’s best festivals, plus our top picks for canned beers and wines on the go to enjoy outdoors. We caught up with musicians performing around the DMV this month, from Cage the Elephant and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros to locals participating in U Street’s Funk Parade. We’re very excited to feature ABC7’s Scott Thuman and his Chihuahua, Olive, on our May cover. Don’t miss our Politics & Pups story all about WJLA’s Chief Political Correspondent and the bond he shares with his nine-pound best bud. We’re also highlighting dog-friendly events in and around the District, and introducing readers to the dogs of On Tap. Plus, derby fashion tips, Cinco de Mayo-themed cocktails from local bartenders, a May arts roundup and tips for biking in the city.
Founder James Currie Publisher Jennifer Currie
jennifer@ontaponline.com
Managing Editor Monica Alford
monica@ontaponline.com
Digital EDITOR Adrianne Morris
adrianne@ontaponline.com
Events & promotions manager Theresa Converse theresa@ontaponline.com
Cover models: ABC7’s Scott Thuman and his pup Olive Venue: Freedom Park in Rosslyn, Va.
Photographer: Nick Donner Cover design: Alanna Sheppard
shannon@ontaponline.com
In this Issue n Stage & Screen Taming of the Shrew.............................. 4 CityDance’s DREAMscape .. ................... 6 Stage & Screen Events .......................... 8 The Wizard of Oz................................... 10 Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse ....... 12
30
40
Politics & Pups
Improve Your Grill Game
Meet ABC7’s Scott Thuman
Tips from Bobby Flay
n May Roundup May Arts Events Roundup.. ................. 14 Derby Fashion. . ...................................... 16 Drink, Dine, Do...................................... 19 Meet ABC7’s Scott Thuman.. ............... 30 Dog-Friendly DC .. ................................. 34 Dogs of On Tap .................................... 35 Summer Festival Guide .. .................... 58
n Sports Biking in the City .. ................................ 28
46
56
Canned Beer Roundup
Deliciously Convenient Wines
Brews for Summer
Wine on the Go
n Dining New, Notable, No Longer.................... 36 Improve Your Grill Game..................... 40
n Drinks Bold Rock’s New Honeydew .............. 44 Canned Beer Roundup........................ 46 The Bierdo.............................................. 50 Behind the Bar....................................... 52 Deliciously Convenient Wines........... 56
72
74
U Street’s Funk Parade
Cage the Elephant
DC Brings the Funk
Guitar-Driven Rock ‘n’ Roll
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On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Events & Promotions Assistant Shannon Darling
n Music Funk Parade .. ......................................... 72 Cage the Elephant................................ 74 Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros ..... 76 DJ Ayes Cold ........................................ 78 Music Picks ............................................ 80
Print & Digital Design Alanna Sheppard alanna@ontaponline.com
Nick Caracciolo SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Nick Hardt
nick@ontaponline.com
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth tom@ontaponline.com
Contributing Writers
Tess Ankeny, Michael Coleman, Marcus Dowling, Jake Emen, Elena Goukassian, Nick Hardt, Bridey Heing, Jon Kaplan, Matt Laslo, Keith Loria, Vanessa Mallory Kotz, Jeremy Muenz and Jean Schindler
Contributing Photographers
Shelly Coates, Lindsay Galatro, Michelle Goldchain, Rich Kessler, Mark Raker, Alanna Sheppard, Brittany Thomas, Mark Van Bergh and Moshe Zusman On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2016 by Five O’Clock Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Use or reproduction of any materials contained herein is strictly prohibited without express prior written consent. Log on to www. ontaponline.com for more information.
Office
25 Dove St, Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703-465-0500 Fax: 703-465-0400 www.ontaponline.com Calendar Submissions www.ontaponline.com/events Due by 15th of month for print issue.
You’re Invited to
e v i La e Li t t l
Thursday, May 12 | 7-9 pm Join us for a Taste of Falls Church at the Grand Opening of
West Broad Residences
Featuring
Mad Fox Brewing Company Dogwood Tavern Ireland’s Four Provinces Hot ‘n’ Juicy Crawfish Music from Justin Trawick & the Common Good
RSVP @ www.westbroadrsvp.com Valet Parking
Must be 21+ to consume alcohol
301 West Broad Street | Falls Church, VA 22046 | 888.402.9223 | www.westbroad.com AN
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ON TAP | MAY 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
PRODUCTION
“It’s been about mining the text to get to the core of who she is, and doing the homework around the parts that aren’t familiar to me, which in this case means exploring how specific women move through the world and how the world treats them,” he says. “I’ve been playing with physicality, and investigating the incredibly complex emotional journey she goes on. And for me, it’s always ultimately about staying open to that magic space where you allow the character to speak to you.” While The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays still performed, Iskandar has added some of his signature differences, such as the inclusion of numerous contemporary pop songs sung by the actors, and an intermezzo. “It is kind of amazing how people keep coming back to this play, isn’t it?” Pancholy asks rhetorically. “I think it’s because – like all of Shakespeare’s plays – there are so many beautiful and very human things being expressed about love, and individuality, and how we exist within our social structure. We’ve been really interested in the idea of Katherina as an ‘other,’ someone who doesn’t conform to what the world wants her to be. And I think we can all relate to that on some level.” The Taming of the Shrew is the first of Shakespeare Theatre Company’s (STC) path-breaking Clarice Smith Series: New Directors for the Classics. Iskandar is well known for his immersive works, and the audience’s experience will go beyond what’s up on the stage. For example, throughout the show’s run, Sidney Harman Hall will host a local artisan market – a series of workshops led by DC artists and performances surrounding the show itself. Pancholy says STC is creating an experience that starts on the streets outside of Sidney Harman Hall and continues into the lobbies and the theater, and then on to events during intermission. “Hopefully, [the experience is] something that people will live with long after they’ve left the performance space. I think people will find it to be something they’ve Photos: Courtesy of STC never seen before.” By Keith Loria The Taming of the Shrew runs from May 17 to June 26. Tickets start at $20. or Shakespeare Theatre Company’s staging of The Taming of the Shrew beginning on May 17, director Ed Sylvanus Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; 202-547-1122; Iskandar is harking back to the days of the Bard himself, shakespearetheatre.org when the playwright’s productions were performed by a cast of all men. Popular TV actor Maulik Pancholy (Weeds, 30 Rock) takes on the role of Katherina, the headstrong, obdurate character referred to in the title of the play. “This play is often thought of as this ‘battle of the sexes,’ and so part of what’s interesting to me is to see what happens when we take that out of the equation by stripping away some of the assumptions we might have about gender roles,” he says. “What happens when we start to blur those lines? Hopefully, it allows us to look more deeply into these characters’ specific lives and not just think man versus woman.” The story revolves around the courtship of Petruchio and Katherina, the shrew. Initially, Katherina is an unwilling participant in the relationship, but Petruchio tempers her with various psychological torments – the so-called “taming” – until she becomes a compliant and obedient bride…or so it seems. Although learning to walk in high heels has been a challenge, Pancholy admits that his preparation for playing Katherina was no different than any other role he’s played throughout his career.
STC’s Unique Take on
F
Actor Maulik Pancholy
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ON TAP | MAY 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
“Although learning to walk in high heels has been a challenge, Pancholy admits that his preparation for playing Katherina was no different than any other role he’s played throughout his career.”
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On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
CityDance’s DREAMscape Brings Together Top Dancers to Benefit After-School Program
By Bridey Heing
N
on-profit dance organization CityDance is holding its annual DREAMscape event with some of the dance world’s biggest stars on Saturday, May 7 at U Street’s Lincoln Theatre. Proceeds benefit CityDance’s flagship DREAM initiative, a dance training and mentorship program designed to keep students in school. Founded in 1996, CityDance is “rooted in the belief that dance can transform lives and inspire change,” External Relations Manager Megan Piluk says. To that end, the organization offers professional training and general classes. DREAM is the program that truly speaks to the organization’s activist ethos. DREAM started as a program for third through fifth grade students in partner DC public schools. The level of interest prompted the organization’s expansion to include sixth through twelfth grade classes, all provided free of charge. CityDance currently works with six schools in DC, and provides classes to hundreds of students each year. But it’s not just dance training that DREAM is offering. “We use dance as a pathway to help students graduate and pursue their dreams,” Piluk says of the overarching goal behind DREAM. With mentorship, tutoring and other support,
the program has led to a marked increase in school engagement and dedication, according to Piluk. After being honored at last year’s National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards, DREAM will expand in 2018 to include a dedicated space in the U Street corridor: the DREAM Center for Dance. This year’s DREAMscape will bring together some of the dance world’s best talent, including Matthew Golding, who Piluk describes as “the Brad Pitt of dance,” with DC’s own Rasta Thomas directing. Tickets for general admission start at $25, while VIP packages start at $250. But if you can’t make it on the 7th, CityDance is taking over the Lincoln Theatre on the 8th as well for a free performance by the stars of the show themselves: the students. Other upcoming events include CityDance’s celebration of Georgia O’Keefe at the Phillips Collection on May 12 and the organization’s annual Conservatory Dancers in Concert event at the American Dance Institute in Rockville, Md. on June 11 and 12. For more information, visit www.citydance.net.
DREAMscape at Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; 202-888-0050; www.thelincolndc.com
Photo: Jae Man Joo
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Guests enjoyed the annual Wine & Food Festival at National Harbor, sampling food from world-renowned chefs and choosing from over 150 different wines, beers and spirits. Photos: Mark Raker
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On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
YOU ARE INVITED TO Experience Laurel’s newest premier apartment community
JOIN US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY GRAND OPENING EVENT
Thursday, June 9th | 7-9 pm Featuring Complimentary fare from neighborhood restaurants & live music RSVP @ www.westsidersvp.com At the corner of Konterra and Van Dusen. Make a left from Van Dusen onto West Side Blvd.
14100 West Side Blvd, Laurel, MD 20707 844-243-5899 | www.moderawestside.com
Must be 21+ to consume alcohol
STAGE & SCREEN EVENTS By Keith Loria
THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 29
Ignore your emails, turn off your cell phone and leave your ID badge at the office—it’s time to take a night off.
$25 gets you a live performance, an invite to a
YOUNG PROSE NIGHT and a free glass of wine or beer. The Next YPN will be held for William Shakespeare’s
THE TamING Of THE SHREw Wednesday, June 1 Friday, June 10
Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St. NW) 202.547.1122 option 1 ShakespeareTheatre.org/Prose
Patrons must be 21 years or older. Valid ID required. Some restrictions apply. Subject to availability and cannot be combined with other offers or previously purchased tickets.
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ON TAP | MAY 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Disgraced Pulitzer Prize-winning play Disgraced from playwright Ayad Akhtar heads to Arena Stage, with Burke native Nehal Joshi in the role of Amir, the son of South Asian immigrants working hard to Photo: Tony Powell achieve the American dream. Joshi says, “I feel a kinship with the experience of this character – his plight to define himself with something other than the color of his skin, [and] his fight against what people’s assumptions are of him based on his looks.” Tickets are $80, with select $40 tickets some nights. Arena Stage: 1101 Sixth St. SW, DC; www.arenastage.org
SATURDAY, MAY 7 Rebecca Corry Expect big laughs as One Big Happy’s Rebecca Corry takes the stage at 10 p.m. The comedienne has also been the face of Gallo wine and international Hertz campaigns. Tickets are $20. Arlington Cinema & Draft House: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA; www.arlingtondrafthouse.com
THURSDAY MAY 12 - SUNDAY, JUNE 5 City of Angels The popular film noir musical City of Angels comes to life at NextStop, uniquely done in “black and white.” Directed by Evan Hoffmann, this throwback to the Golden Age of Hollywood follows the life of a private eye hero. Tickets are $40. NextStop Theatre Company: 269 Sunset Park Dr. Herndon, VA; www.nextstoptheatre.org Happy Hour German theater company machina eX sets up shop in DC for Happy Hour, a live comedic theater/digital gaming performance pitting two teams against each other in a race to solve a series of puzzles. Those chosen must help their human avatars escape the clutches of an evil mastermind. Tickets are $20-$30. Spooky Action Theater: 1810 16th St. NW, DC; www.spookyaction.org
Stage & Screen Events THURSDAY, MAY 12 - SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Bakersfield Mist The regional premiere of Stephen Sachs’ Bakersfield Mist plays the Olney Theatre Center, and tells the tale of a trailer park resident down on her luck who may have just discovered a treasure in an old painting. Tickets are $37-$42. Olney Theatre Center: 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd. Olney, MD; www.olneytheatre.org
SATURDAY, MAY 14 Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band A special showing of the new documentary, Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band, will be screened in the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Gallery as part of the upcoming Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival. The movie, which features the life of the jazz legend, starts at 3:30 p.m. and a panel discussion will follow. Tickets are $15. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org
SATURDAY, MAY 14 - SUNDAY, MAY 15 Divide The Axis Dance Company out of Oakland, Calif. presents Marc Brew’s Divide, featuring a trio of dancers who draw inspiration from visual artist Carl Andre’s minimalist designs, at Dance Place. Also on the docket is a new dance work by Joe Goode, which tackles issues facing our nation’s veterans and displays their resilience following severe life changes. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sunday, with $15-$30 tickets. Dance Place: 3225 8th St. NE, DC; www.danceplace.org
Layla Messkoub, In Dialogue (detail), collage
R E STO N TOW N C E N T E R
•
Saturday May 21 • 10 am - 6 pm Sunday May 22 • 10 am - 5pm
Festival Launch Party
R E STO N , V I R G I N I A • 200+ Juried Artists • Family Art Making • Dance Performances Friday, May 20
E XC E L L E N T F I N E A R T & C R A F T
SUNDAY, MAY 15 Alice in Wonderland The Western Maryland City Ballet Company and the City Ballet School team up to bring to life the adventures of Alice in Wonderland. Set to an original score arranged exclusively for City Ballet, the fantasy ballet pairs classical and contemporary dance with theatrical magic. The show starts at 3 p.m. and tickets are $15-$30. The Maryland Theatre: 27 S. Potomac St. Hagerstown, MD; www.mdtheatre.org
12001 Market Street Suite #103 Reston, Virginia 20190 telephone: 703.471.9242 • email: info@restonar ts.org
restonarts.org www.ontaponline.com | May 2016 | On Tap
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Local Actress Sarah Lasko Stars in
By Monica Alford Photo: Courtesy of National Theatre
At four years old, Sarah Lasko knew she was destined to act. The DC area native was in awe of the stunning dresses and parasols donned by actresses in Hello, Dolly! at Howard County Summer Theatre. In her young mind, “that was just the epitome of living.” Fast forward several decades later, and Lasko is playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at National Theatre from May 3-15. National Theatre is the second stop on the production’s three-month national tour, and marks Lasko’s debut at the venue. The University of Maryland, College Park graduate has previously performed at the Kennedy Center and Keegan Theatre, and a myriad of
MAY 3 - 15 THENATIONALDC.COM 800.514.3849 10
ON TAP | MAY 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Montgomery County theaters including Olney Theatre Center. On Tap caught up with Lasko while kicking off The Wizard of Oz tour in Boston, which she says has been an incredible experience thus far. “What I love about this show is that it brings in an audience that might not typically go to the theater,” she explains. “I’ve gotten many messages from people who came to see the show, saying that it was their first ever experience with live theater, and they loved it.” The musical features all of the classic songs from the 1939 film, and four new ones written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for characters like the Wicked Witch and Glinda, giving audiences more insight into their characters. Lasko’s favorite is Glinda’s “Already Home,” which she says is a touching moment in the story featuring the gorgeous, soaring voice of soprano Rachel Womble. The music isn’t the only element of the production that Lasko is smitten with. She’s drawn to the play’s ability to be breathtakingly spectacular while also having so much heart. “As a lover of the film, I really want the show to feel all-encompassing, but also to retain the beauty of the characters in the movie, and that’s a balance I think this production strikes beautifully.” Plus, she says the play brings out a bit of nostalgia for all of us who grew up with the film. “You never forget how you felt as a kid watching the winged monkeys, and the house flying to Oz, and seeing the four friends skipping down the yellow brick road. It’s just as enjoyable now as it was then.” Learn more about Lasko at www.sarahlasko.com. Tickets to The Wizard of Oz start at $38.
National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; 202-628-6161; www.thenationaldc.org
YOU’RE INVITED
TO THE PARKER’S GRAND OPENING THOROUGHLY CHIC APARTMENT LIVING
JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF
BLUES & BREWS THURSDAY, MAY 5 | 7-9 PM Featuring Beer from Port City Brewing Southern Style Cooking Demonstration from Chef Kevin Live Music from Sly 45 and Light Fare From
Bilbo Baggins | Southside 815 | Rocklands BBQ | Blackwall Hitch
RSVP @ www.ParkerGrand.com
Must be 21+ to consume alcohol
2550 HUNTINGTON AVE | ALEXANDRIA, VA 22303 | 888.408.1182 | WWW.LIVEATTHEPARKER.COM METRO ACCESSIBLE – HUNTINGTON STATION
AN
PRODUCTION
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
By On Tap staff
703-486-2345 ArlingtonDrafthouse.com
Live Comedy! Photo: www.nerdist.com
Amir K
Rebecca Corry
Jay Chandrasekhar
Robert Kelly
David Alan Grier
Christopher Titus
May 6
May 7
May 13-14
May 27-28
May 20-21
June 3-4
Visit our website for full list of Showtimes & Events!
5 $ 2 $
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Comedian, director and writer Jay Chandrasekhar comes to the DMV for two nights of stand-up. Best known for directing and co-writing The Dukes of Hazzard and Super Troopers (he played the memorable character Thorny in the latter), and directing and starring in The Babymakers, Chandrasekhar was also the talented mind behind Club Dread, Beerfest and his sketch comedy group Broken Lizard’s comedy special, Broken Lizard Stands Up. The comedian was also in I Love You, Man and has directed episodes of numerous TV shows – from Arrested Development to Happy Endings. Catch him at one of four performances on Friday, May 13 or Saturday, May 14 for $25.
Comedy Shows in The Green Room every Thurs-Sat See website for dates!
Movie Nights Mondays & Tuesdays!
On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: www.thelisttv.com
In Living Color’s David Alan Grier will take the stage at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28 for four evening shows. The Tony and Grammy Award-nominated comedian launched his career on Broadway after earning a degree at the Yale School of Drama, with roles in The First, Dreamgirls, A Soldier’s Play (which later became a film that the actor starred in alongside Denzel Washington), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and more. He’s best known on TV for his roles in In Living Color, ABC’s Life with Bonnie and NBC’s DAG. Named one of the “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time” by Comedy Central, Grier’s stop through Arlington promises to be a fun one. Tickets are $25.
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA; 703-486-2345; www.arlingtondrafthouse.com
Enjoy
a n o r Co
t a o y a M e d this Cinco
El Rey El Chucho Alero El Tio t Tortilla Coas Front Page Mad Hatter rn Shaw’s Tave Guapo’s Cafe Citron
Mission y Club H St. Countr Impala Don Juan ina Cantina Mar tina Pacifico Can Agua 301 a Cactus Cantin Austin Grill Bidwell
May Arts Events Roundup
Dupont Underground Dupont Underground
Photo: Courtesy of Dupont Underground
By Elena Goukassian May is the official beginning of summer festival season. While music festivals tend to get all the attention, don’t forget to also look out for special summertime visual and performing arts events (and no, we’re not just talking about Fringe). Here are three we’re particularly excited about this month.
IRELAND 100:
Celebrating a Century of Irish Arts & Culture
The Gloaming
Photo: Rich Gilligan
Every year, the Kennedy Center puts on a festival focused on a single country. This year, the focus is on Ireland, which just celebrated the hundredth anniversary of the Easter Rising – and the beginning of its struggle for independence from Great Britain – last month. Highlighting Irish culture’s relationship to the U.S., “IRELAND 100” will feature Irish dancers, musicians, writers, artists and theater companies, a whiskey tasting, a Samuel Beckett radio play, and a tribute to Irish-American John F. Kennedy, whose own centennial is coming up next year. “IRELAND 100” takes place from May 17 to June 5. Prices vary based on individual event. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org
Hustle 2.0 Last month, DC creative agency No Kings Collective took over a space at Union Market. Dubbed Lab 1270, the pop-up space is hosting a reincarnation of No Kings Collective’s 2015 exhibition from May 13 to June 5, celebrating local artists and drawing attention to the needs and desires of the DC arts community. The free show will be design-oriented, with examples of typography, 2D works, multimedia, sculpture and prints, all by local artists. Union Market’s Lab 1270: 1270 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com
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On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Did you know there used to be a trolley station under Dupont Circle? Back in 1949, the city built 75,000 square feet of underground platforms and tunnels, but the tunnels were soon abandoned and forgotten. Now, years later, a group of local arts entrepreneurs have banded together to revitalize the tunnels, hoping to create an extensive arts venue underneath the circle. Open to the public for the first time in years, the Dupont Underground just launched its first art project, “Raise/Raze,” by New York-based architecture and design firm Hou de Sousa. Installed in a corner of the tunnels, “Raise/Raze” consists of large cubes made entirely from the plastic balls that populated “The Beach” at the National Building Museum last summer. Touching and moving the art is encouraged. “It’s a fully community-driven art experience,” says board member and Pink Line Project founder Philippa Hughes. “Every part of the project has been community oriented.” Dupont Underground opened officially on April 30. Registration required. Dupont Underground: Dupont Circle, NW, DC; www. dupontunderground.org
JOIN US FOR A CELEBRATION at the Perry South Building in Park Potomac
Wednesday, May 4 | 6-8 PM
experience modern comfort COMPLIMENTARY FOOD, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT Beer Sampling by Gordon Biersch Light Fare from Gordon Biersch, Founding Farmers & Sugo Osteria Live Music by Phil Kominski Wootton Pkwy
For a taste of the good life
RSVP @
mac Park Poto Ave
ocks Rd Seven L
Montrose Rd
www.partyperry.com 12430 Park Potomac Avenue Potomac, MD (South Building) 855-238-0601 | www.theperryapts.com
Must be 21+ to consume alcohol
Violet Boutique outfit
Photo: Vanessa Mallory Kotz
Photo: Morgan Hungerford West
By Vanessa Mallory Kotz
Lucky Knot outfit
Whether you’re glamming it up on the lawns at Gold Cup on May 7 or Preakness on May 21, or attending a derby-themed party, local boutiques have everything you need to be the most stylish woman – or man – under the sun. “This is an opportunity to refine your style,” says Julie Egermayer of Violet Boutique, moving to Georgetown on May 2. Recommending lace dresses, off-the-shoulder blouses and full skirts in longer lengths, she adds, “the stacked heel is back, so you don’t have to worry about your stilettoes sinking into the grass.”
Men have to dress up too, and the Lucky Knot has it all – from head-to-toe seersucker to a pretty pink bowtie your man can pair with a casual suit. Shop at their Annapolis location or adjoining his and hers stores in Alexandria. “We also have a young, contemporary boutique one block away called 3 Sisters in Old Town,” says Athina Kohilas, who runs the stores with her family. “There you will find the brightest and trendiest styles of the season that won’t break the bank. Our flowy racerback dress would look great with a pair of our TOMS espadrilles and a cute straw hat.” Of course, you can’t really do derby fashion justice with a bare head.
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On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Reddz Trading outfit
Proper Topper hats
“We have a wide range of styles for both men and women,” says Anna Fuhrman, who has been running DC’s Proper Topper for 25 years. Wide-brimmed, face-framing hats, panamas, straw boaters, fedoras and adorable fascinators are all available and beautifully crafted, starting at $25. “A really bold statement hat generally tells the story on its own, so I suggest simple accessories, like small sparkly studs in a hue that accents the hat,” she adds. Have the hat but need everything else? Try Reddz Trading, located in both Georgetown and Bethesda. Wendy Ezrailson founded the shop in 2010, and it offers secondhand clothing, shoes and bags, plus a ton of jewelry – all in pristine condition. “Everything is one-of-a-kind,” she says. From lace dresses for $30 to high-end designer pieces, there’s a perfect race day outfit for everyone, so check out these area locations for options.
3 Sisters: 213 King St. Alexandria ,VA; www.shop3sisters.com The Lucky Knot: 101 and 103 King St. Alexandria, VA or 176 Main St. Annapolis, MD; www.theluckyknot.com Proper Topper: 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.propertopper.com Reddz Trading: 1413 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC or 7801 Woodmont Ave. Bethesda, MD; www.reddztrading.com Violet Boutique: 3289 M St. NW, DC; www.violetdc.com
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Master mixologists from Copper Canyon Grill, Ted’s Bulletin and Union Jack’s created the coconut dream, hurricane, and luau daiquiri at Mallory Square. In addition to tasty rum concoctions there was complimentary food, beer and wine. Guests also enjoyed live music from Sly 45. Photos: Shelley Coates
www.ontaponline.com | May 2016 | On Tap
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RACE DAY
Fun Facts
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As of 2015, only 12 horses have won the Triple Crown: Sir Barton in 1919, Gallant Fox in 1930, Omaha in 1935, War Admiral in 1937, Whirlaway in 1941, Count Fleet in 1943, Assault in 1946, Citation in 1948, Secretariat in 1973, Seattle Slew in 1977, Affirmed in 1978 and American Pharoah in 2015.
While 13 horses tried and failed to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont since Affirmed in 1978, American Pharoah ended the 37-year drought in 2015 to become thoroughbred racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner.
On Kentucky Derby race day, visitors at Churchill Downs consume over 120,000 mint juleps, 40,000 Oaks Lilies and upwards of 425,000 cans of beer.
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The Woodlawn Vase (currently valued at over a million dollars) used to be awarded to the winning Preakness owner. Due to the immense responsibility of safeguarding such a valuable trophy, the winning owner now receives a $30,000 sterling replica on a permanent basis while the original is on display at the Baltimore Museum of Art.
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Considered the “Test of the Champion” and “Run for the Carnations,” the Belmont Stakes has a reputation for being the toughest test in the Triple Crown because it is the longest and last race of the series.
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White carnations are the traditional flower of the Belmont Stakes. The blanket of carnations awarded to the winner consists of about 400 carnations and takes about 10 hours to put together.
At the Kentucky Derby, over 400 roses are used for the winner’s garland, 60 red roses comprise the winning jockey’s bouquet, 2,100 roses dress the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle and there are 250 rose bushes around the facility.
The Preakness- inspired Black-eyed Susan cocktail dates back to 1973, when the special drink was concocted to fill commemorative Preakness glasses. The original recipe involved orange juice, vodka, rum and triple sec, served over ice and garnished with a wedge of lime.
The Virginia Gold Cup emerged when eight sportsmen met at the Fauquier Club in Warrenton and organized a four-mile race alongside the natural walls and fences of the nearby countryside on April 3, 1922. Thirty-four days later, the Virginia Gold Cup race was born.
Today, over 45,000 spectators attend the Virginia Gold Cup. This famed steeplechase race is one of the largest and most popular sporting events in the greater Washington area.
Fun facts courtesy of the following articles: #1, 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Crown_of_Thoroughbred_Racing_(United_States) #3, 4: www.kentuckyderby.com/sites/kentuckyderby.com/files/u64720/Fun%20Facts%20(2013).pdf #5: www.horsenation.com/2015/05/15/official-drink-of-the-preakness-the-black-eyed-susan-3/ #6: www.preakness.com/preakness-tradition #7: www.americasbestracing.net/en/the-latest/abrv/2014/5/29/ten-fun-facts-about-the-belmont-stakes/ #8: www.belmont-stakes.info/carnations #9, 10: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Gold_Cup
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UPCOMING AT RESTON TOWN CENTER
All Drink, Dine, Do events are provided by the venues hosting them.
SUNDAY, MAY 1 DC Tails and Ales DC Tails and Ales brings DC area dog and beer lovers together in support of a great cause: the Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Enjoy a pint and support local pups. 1-4 p.m. $15 at the door. Enjoy $2 off beer and wine prices. All proceeds go to the Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Dogs not required to attend. Sehkraft Brewing: 925 North Garfield St. Arlington, VA; www.sehkraftbrewing.com Fifth Annual Running of the Chihuahuas (Rain Date: May 7) Kick off Cinco de Mayo at the fifth annual Running of the Chihuahuas from 1-4 p.m. at the Wharf. The afternoon includes great food from Sol Mexican, Red Hook and Captain Cookie food trucks, plus cold beer, live music from Sly 45 and the races featuring 96 Chihuahuas racing on a 60-foot “race track.” All the action is captured on a 17-foot jumbotron screen. Race proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue. This is a family and dog-friendly free
event, but you must be 21+ to drink beer. To enter and for more information, visit www.cincodc. com. The Wharf: 600 Water St. SW, DC; www.cincodc.com Margarita March Enjoy the best margaritas at eight of DC’s leading bars and restaurants, all included in your ticket. This all-day event is the perfect way to enjoy the official drink of Mexico! You will also enjoy specials on food pairings and on Mexico’s favorite beers such as Corona, Corona Light, Modelo, Negro Modelo and Pacifico. A portion of all proceeds will go to charitable organizations. Noon to 10 p.m. www.margaritamarch.com.
MONDAY, MAY 2 EdibleDC Eat/Drink Local Feast your way through offerings from some of the capital region’s best chefs, food crafters, and beer, wine and liquor distillers. Attendees will also have the chance to enter a raffle to win an
Allen Edmonds
PR Barbers
Ann Taylor
Prime Cleaners
Appalachian Spring
South Moon Under Talbots & Talbots Petites
Mr. Knick Knack
Apple
Mondays, May 2 - October 17 restontowncenter.com/events
ArtInsights Animation & Film Art Gallery
Wells Fargo
Pet Fiesta
Athleta
Saturday, May 7 petfiesta.org
Williams-Sonoma
at&t wireless
The Wise Investor Group
Banana Republic
White House Black Market
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
bluemercury Bow Tie Cinemas
DINE
Saturday, May 21 & Sunday, May 22 restonarts.org
Brighton Collectibles
American Tap Room
Charles Schwab
Reston Concerts on the Town
Barcelona Wine Bar
Chico’s
Saturdays, June 4 - August 27 restontowncenter.com/concerts
Bartaco
Cigar Town
Ben & Jerry’s
Crunch Fitness
Love Your Body Yoga Festival
Big Bowl
Davelle Clothiers
Sunday, June 12 belovedyoga.com
Eyewear Gallery
BRB: Be Right Burger
Faber, Coe & Gregg Sundries
Busara Thai Restaurant
FedEx Office
Chipotle
Francesca’s Collections
Clyde’s of Reston
Taste of Reston Friday, June 17 & Saturday, June 18 restontaste.com
ChalkFest
Greater Reston Arts Center
Friday, September 9 & Saturday, September 10 publicartreston.com
Hyatt Regency Reston
Washington West Film Festival Wednesday, October 19 Tuesday, October 25 wwfilmfest.com See more at restontowncenter.com/events
Hyatt Shoe Shine Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Jouvence/Aveda Kendra Scott L’Occitane Lou Lou Madewell
11900 Market Street, Reston VA 20190
The Conservatory Lounge Cosi The Counter Edibles Incredible! Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana M&S Grill Neyla Obi Sushi Panera Bread Potbelly Sandwich Works
Mayflowers
Starbucks Coffee Midtown Jewelers sweetgreen One to One The Tasting Room Fitness Center Wine Bar & Shop Origins
Tavern64
PNC Bank
Ted’s Bulletin
Potomac River Running
Uncle Julio’s
Pottery Barn PR at Partners
World of Beer …and much more!
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Drink | Dine | Do
Saturday June 4th, 2016 Hensley Park in Alexandria 12:30-3:30 pm
Register your Croquet Team today for… • Two games of Croquet including practice green—no experience required • Food and Drinks • Carnival-style games for all ages • Prizes and Raffles
More info and online registration: www.scanva.org/croquet All proceeds support child abuse prevention right here in Northern Virginia. Help us protect children and strengthen families!
incredible assortment of food, wine, liquor and gift certificates. If you’re feeling fancy, there’s an after party at La Colombe Coffee Roasters. Event runs from 6-9 p.m. $75-$95. Long View Gallery: 1234 9th St. NW, DC; www.edibledc.com
TUESDAY, MAY 3 Taste of Adams Morgan Stroll, sip and sample your way through one of DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Over 20 local restaurants provide tastings to 500+ attendees. All proceeds benefit Mary’s Center. 5-9 p.m. Purchase tickets from Mary’s Center, four for $25 or eight for $40. Each ticket is valid for one taste at any of the restaurants. Adams Morgan Commercial Corridor: 18th Street and Columbia Road in NW, DC; www.maryscenter.org/taste Tour de Geuze DC Missed Toer de Geuze this year in Belgium? Not to worry, Granville Moore’s and Wetten Importers will be featuring world-class lambics from both Oud Beersel and De Troch. Join them for a lambic session paired with $20 all-you-can-eat mussels. Experience a Belgian inspired evening. 5-11 p.m. Granville Moore: 1238 H St. NE, DC; www.granvillemoores.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 DC Writers & Media Happy Hour Writers and media people, this one is for you. Enjoy an interactive panel of local industry leaders like Alex Byers, Politico; Kate Songin, NBC; Clare Foran, The Atlantic; Ben Freed, Washingtonian; and Natalie Andrews, The Wall Street Journal. Sponsored by Punch Digital Strategies (www.punchteam. com) 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Panel at 8:15 p.m. Free admission. Songbyrd Café: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com
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Retail’s Night Out The National Retail Federation is hosting the second annual Retail’s Night Out, a celebration of Small Business Week featuring a night of shopping with local merchants and national brands. This event will also feature one-night-only pop-up shops, live music and local food trucks. 5-9 p.m. Free. CityCenterDC: 825 10th St. NW, DC; www.nrf.com
THURSDAY, MAY 5 Cinco de Mayo Experience Experience a night of tequila and sangria bars, delicious food and desserts while you mingle with hundreds of young professionals ready to kick off the weekend. Don’t miss stilt walkers, DJs and one ridiculous mariachi band, for a night of sophisticated fun. 6-10 p.m. Tickets are limited. $35. Malmaison: 3401 Water St. NW, DC; www.andrewrobyevents.com Cinco de Mayo Official Patio Launch Party Kick off the season of outdoor dining at this Cinco de Mayo Official Patio Launch Party. Sip on a beverage al fresco as you enjoy live music and Mexican inspired food specials. Happy hour specials include $2 off Mad Fox drafts, $5 select red and white wines, and $5 kolsch margaritas (Corona-ritas served Mad-Fox style). 3-7 p.m. Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 W Broad St. Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com Fuego Cocina y Tequileria Cinco de Mayo Chef Jeff Tunks’ Mexican hotspot in Clarendon’s fourth annual Cinco bash offers all-day specials and Mayo Madness tequila deals at noon. Enjoy margaritas, select draft cervezas and guacamole for $5 and deals on Patron margaritas for $8, a duo of tacos and margaritas for $10, and the four taco platter and Margarita Litro for $35. Fuego Cocina y Tequileria: 2800 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.fuegova.com
El Centro D.F. Cinco de Mayo El Centro D.F. is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a bottomless buffet starting at 4 p.m. at both locations. Event runs from 4-10 p.m., and beverages will be available until 2 a.m. Priced at $20 per person. For the perfect pairing, guests can sip on $6 El Centro margaritas and $5 imported Mexican beers including Corona Extra and Light, Victoria, Modelo Especial, Sol, Pacifico, Bohemia and Negro Modelo. www.richardsandoval. com/elcentrodf/ for details. Tour de Taco Enjoy an easy rolling bike ride and visit classic Arlington taco establishments. The ride starts at Revolution Cycles Clarendon at 6:30 p.m. Your $5 donation to Phoenix Bikes gets you chips and salsa at the start and three tacos on the ride. Beverages for adults back at the shop are provided courtesy of Revolution Cycles. You must provide your own bike and helmet. Revolution Cycles: 2731 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.bikearlington.com
FRIDAY, MAY 6 Del Campo at Dusk Presents Seis De Mayo Dance the night away to music, while enjoying Mexican dishes of carnitas tacos, chorizos, chilaquiles and mucho more from James Beard-nominated Chef of the Year Victor Albisu. Don your best Mexican attire and enjoy the panoramic views. Hit the cash bar for signature cocktails, beer and wine. Del Campo: 777 I St. NW, DC; www.delcampodc.com
SATURDAY, MAY 7 2nd Annual Taco Crawl This event is all about tacos and tequila. Venture through Downtown Dupont Circle tasting the best tacos, quesadillas and nachos paired with the finest tequila. Your registration includes discounts on drinks at all participating bars and a Big Shots Taco Crawl Cup. The following locations will be a part of the Taco Crawl: Mission, Buffalo
Billiards, Sign of the Whale, Cafe Citron and Big Hunt. Visit www.takebigshots.com for more details. Derby Day at ChurchKey Guests will enjoy a full-on southern soiree featuring live bluegrass, southern snacks, super tasty juleps and more. Taste a very special reserve keg of Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout 2016, along with a handful of brews from Against the Grain in Louisville, Ky. and the debut of Bluejacket’s Country Boy. Come dressed in your best seersucker suit, boater or big hat, this party comes complete with a ladies and gents best-dressed contest. 3-7 p.m. $65 ticket includes four drinks and Derby Day snacks. ChurchKey: 1337 14th St. NW, DC; www.churchkeydc.com Derby Day at Due South Enjoy Derbythemed food, drinks, contests and giveaways. Drink specials will include Derby themed cocktails and $40 bottomless frozen juleps. The first 50 guests to order bottomless juleps will get an official 2016 Kentucky Derby julep glass. Beer specials include $20 beer buckets, $3 Budweiser products and $4 Blue Point Brewing Hoptical Illusion IPA. Enter the Derby Hat Contest for the chance at a $150 Due South gift card. 3-7 p.m. Free entry. Due South: 301 Water St. SE, DC; www.duesouthdc.com Urbane de Mayo Urbane de Mayo is the annual high-energy day party in celebration of the Cinco de Mayo holiday. This event integrates hiphop and Latin American culture through music, food, drinks and great people. The party starts at 4 p.m. Dress code is springtime chic. Ticket prices range from free to $100. The Park at Fourteenth: 920 14th St. NW, DC; www.park14.com Virginia Gold Cup Get ready for a day of thrilling steeplechase racing. Reserved tailgating spots are available. Other race day activities include terrier races, shopping and more.
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Drink | Dine | Do Finally, enjoy the popular hat contest on Race Day. Join the excitement at 2:15 p.m. in the paddock. A beautiful or whimsical hat is all that is needed to join. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets start at $85. Great Meadow Foundation: 5089 Old Tavern Rd. The Plains, VA; www.vagoldcup.com Washington Designers Trunk Show See one-of-a-kind womenswear, menswear, and bridal lines and jewelry by Fashion Week designers. Peruse the pop-up vendor market for the latest in fashion accessories and preview some of the designer fashions for the trunk show. Official after party will be held at the hotel’s Sky Dome. Doors open at 6 p.m. and fashion show begins at 7 p.m. DoubleTree Crystal City: 300 Army Navy Dr. Arlington, VA; www.dcfashionweek.org
MONDAY, MAY 9 Collaboration Brewing The Heurich House Museum, Port City Brewing Company and Schlafly present an evening on collaboration brewing. Following a discussion panel, guests may explore the historic home of DC brewmaster Christian Heurich. A tasting of the following beers will be provided: Port City Optimal Wit, Port City Monumental IPA, Schlafly Pale Ale and Schlafly Summer Lager. Panel discussion will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. followed by the tasting until 8:30 p.m. Guests must be 21 or older. $25. Heurich House Museum: 307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; www.heurichhouse.org
SATURDAY, MAY 14 #CurationDC: Art, Vibes & Libations #CurationDC is a premiere experience for Washingtonians seeking a new weekend celebration. Imagine a space with a live band playing hiphop and R&B hits from the 90’s through today. Complementing
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the band will be artists from the DMV that will showcase their artwork. Libations are plentiful and the drink specials will surely meet expectations. 4-9 p.m. $17-$22. The Manor DC: 1327 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.themanordc.com
SUNDAY, MAY 15 Lost Rhino’s First Annual Crawfish Boil They’re rolling out the newspaper and boiling up delicious crawfish starting at 2 p.m. Pre-sale tickets: $25 includes all-you-can-eat crawfish, corn on the cob, sausage and potatoes. Drinks and beer sold separately. $30 at the door on the day of the event (subject to availability and if supplies last). Lost Rhino: 21730 Red Rum Dr. #142, Ashburn, VA; www.lostrhino.com Potomac Hunt Races Held in the heart of Montgomery County’s horse country, the Potomac Hunt Races are an annual tradition, celebrating the sport of steeplechase racing. Amidst the thrill of thundering hooves and soaring horses, race day festivities include a car display, mounted police demonstrations and a vendor row. For optimum tailgating, rail side passes must be purchased in advance. From catered feasts to picnics, the hunt races have it all. Sit back, relax and enjoy the adrenaline rush of the racing horses. Gates open at 10 a.m. $40-$250. Potomac Hunt Races Racetrack: 14401B Partnership Rd. Poolesville, MD; www.potomachuntraces.com Taste of Arlington Check out the ultimate block party in Arlington! New this year, Deschutes Brewing’s street pub tour will stop at the event with a ginormous transportable bar handcrafted in Central Oregon. Don’t miss great live music or lap up the excitement with your dog in the BarkPark. Your $5 entry ticket includes all the
On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
water your dog can drink and one complimentary beer or glass of wine for mom or dad (21+). www.ballstonbid.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 American Craft Beer Week Brewer’s Dinner Spend an evening exploring great creations from Chef Peter Saletta and perfectly paired craft beer made by brewer Scott Lasater. This consists of a six-course meal and six craft beers. Enjoy prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, tenderloin carpaccio, BBQ chicharones, beer-braised duck confit, halibut crudo, chocolate truffles, and of course, delicious craft beers paired with each course. 6-8:30 p.m. $45. Gordon Biersch: 900 F St. NW, DC; www. gordonbiersch.com
THURSDAY, MAY 19 Drinks and Dirt: Urban Farming and Handcrafted Cocktails Do you want to grow your own food and not kill every plant you touch? Learn the basics of gardening in an interactive workshop with a few drinks and friends! Each ticket comes with two drinks, a mint plant to take home and a lesson on how to keep your plant alive while harvesting enough leaves to keep your beverages tasty all summer long. H St. Farms at W.S. Jenks and Son: 910 Bladensburg Rd. NE, DC; www.cultivatethecity.com Red, White + Brew Celebrate all things grown and made in DC. Guests will enjoy beers from 3 Star Brewing Company, Atlas Brew Works, DC Brau and Port City paired with specialty menu items from Chef Jeff Russell’s Jeff-to-Table menu, featuring farm-to-table fare with ingredients from his community garden. A portion from each ticket will benefit DC Central Kitchen. Guests will
enjoy unlimited beer provided by 3 Star, Atlas, DC Brau and Port City and savory food pairings, passed hors d’oeuvres and more. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $65. Charlie Palmer Steakhouse: 101 Constitution Ave. NW, DC; www.charliepalmer.com ZooFari This is a premier culinary event featuring more than 100 of the top DC restaurants and vintners – all in the wild setting of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. In addition to a delicious evening of food and fine wines, ZooFari offers a night of unforgettable entertainment with live music, exotic animal encounters, a silent auction and much more. Best of all, ZooFari proceeds support the zoo’s mission to save species. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $160-$200. Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.nationalzoo.si.edu
THURSDAY, MAY 19 SATURDAY, MAY 21 Haus Party Head on down for a grand opening and beer release party. This will be a threeday house party to celebrate the release and pouring of Sehkraft Brewing’s brand new house beers. Enjoy live music all weekend long with Giants and Thieves on Thursday, Beggar’s Tomb on Friday and Scott Kurt & Memphis 59 with Run Come See on Saturday. Special guests include Hardywood, DC Brau and Left-Handed Brewing. Starts at 8 p.m. on May 19. Sehkraft Brewing: 925 N Garfield St. Arlington, VA; www.sehkraftbrewing.com
FRIDAY, MAY 20 Lost Rhino Beer Dinner Enjoy an evening of craft beer and delicious food, from crab soup and grilled veal chop to white chocolate fudge torte. Feast on a handcrafted four-
course menu paired with beer for your enjoyment. 7-10 p.m. $95. Mount Vernon Inn: 3200 Mount Vernon Mem. Hwy. Mt Vernon, VA; www.lostrhino.com
FRIDAY, MAY 20 - SUNDAY, MAY 22 Fit Foodie 5K Race Weekend This is the tastiest race in the country. Cross the most delicious finish line ever and indulge in an unforgettable day filled with food, fitness and fun! First event starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 20. $35-$150. Mosaic District: 2905 District Ave. Fairfax, VA; www.fitfoodierun.com
SATURDAY, MAY 21 Brewery Tour & Tasting Celebrate American Craft Beer Week! Learn all about your favorite craft beers from production to taste characteristics at Mad Fox’s Beer 101 class. As a veteran of the young craft brewing industry, experience the Mad Fox brewery tour and tasting with brewers Bill Madden, Matt Ryan and Max Courington. The $15 ticket price includes a brewery tour with a Q&A, a beer sampler handpicked by the brewers themselves, a discussion and a bar snack. There are only 20 slots available for each class, so get your spot quick! 12-1:30 p.m. Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 W Broad St. Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com Edible Cocktails Lead barkeep Matt Allred will teach you how to take your boozy summer treats to the next level. Boozy popsicles, boozy edible garnishes and much more will be taught and consumed during the afternoon. Class starts at 2 p.m. $40. Zentan Restaurant: 1155 14th St. NW, DC; www.zentanrestaurant.com Fired Up to Help with BBQ in the Taproom Enjoy an afternoon of BBQ in the taproom while doing good. Pitmaster Sean Kirgan will be creating a set of great BBQ options that you can choose from.
For $20, you are allowed three meats and two sides. Options include beef brisket pulled pork, pork spareribs, chopped BBQ chicken, smoked mac and cheese, smoked mixed veggies and coleslaw. Beer sold separately. In addition to great food, $5 of each ticket goes to a great organization that provides assistance to those in need when disaster strikes. Fair Winds Brewing Company: 7000 Newington Rd. Lorton, VA; www.fairwindsbrewing.com Hunt DC 2016 Scurry around our nation’s capital on a hunt for forgotten places, off-thewall items and little-known facts! The hunt will test participants’ ability to solve clues, and crunch mindbending riddles in an effort to plot game winning strategies as they go head to head with hundreds of other DC hunters. In addition to this signature scavenger hunt and fun games, Hunt DC will host live music, food trucks and drinks. 1-4 p.m. $29-$175. SW Waterfront Metro Area: 399 M St. SW, DC; www.huntdc.com
City of Fairfax
ROCK THE BLOCK! #TGIFairfax
Old Town Square in Old Town Fairfax Friday 6:30–9:30 pm
Crazy in Stereo
Years
agan The Re
May 27
Crazy in Stereo—A 6 piece musical powerhouse capable of captivating any audience The Jan gling
June 24
Reinharts
The Reagan Years—The East Coast’s original 80’s tribute band
July 22
The Jangling Reinharts—Wonderfully eclectic and upbeat energy!
s
cket The Ro
August 26
The Rockets—A 7 piece, high energy band from Northeast Philadelphia
September 23
The Hacke ns Boys
The Hackens Boys—Country
October 28
Gonzo’s Nose—Favorites from the 80’s to today s Nose Gonzo’ Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .eps
Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .eps
cityffxparksrec www.fairfaxva.gov/RockTheBlock Tel: 703-385-7858
Preakness Stakes Head down to historic Pimlico for the 140th Running of the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of horse racing’s elusive Triple Crown. The race is a 1 3/16-mile test for three-year-old colts, geldings and fillies. The excitement of the day includes a full race card featuring the top performing thoroughbreds in the world, the “world’s largest farm to table dining experience” and live performances in the infield by some of the biggest names in entertainment. Gates open at 8 a.m. Ticket prices vary. Pimlico Race Course: 5201 Park Heights Ave. Baltimore, MD; www.preakness.com Oyster Shellabration Enjoy all-you-can-eat war shore oysters for $35 per person. Guests will enjoy beer specials www.ontaponline.com | May 2016 | On Tap
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Drink | Dine | Do from Port City Brewery and drink specials from Catoctin Creek Distillery. Hang out on the patio and celebrate spring and oysters. The Oyster Recovery Partnership will also be onsite, too. 12-4 p.m. The Grilled Oyster Company: 3701 Newark St. NW, DC; www.thegrilledoystercompany.com
SUNDAY, MAY 22 DC Craft Bartenders Guild’s Tiki Competition and Pig Roast Ten of the city’s best bartenders will be battling it out to see who reigns supreme as Cocktail Kahuna. A full pig roast will be provided by the grill god himself Victor Albisu with bottomless tiki-inspired punches from the competitors to wash it all down. The competitors this year will be: Amy Russell, Calvin Moore, Michael Pena, Amin Seddiq, Tony Burke, Joaquin Hinojosa, Elli Benchimol, Noah Broaddus, Andy Bixby, Mikey Barton, Phil Clarke, Andra Johnson, Sophie Szych and E. Jay Apaga. Noon to 6 p.m. $60. Rooftop at Del Campo: 900 7th St. NW, DC; www.delcampodc.com
THURSDAY, MAY 26 Local Cheese & Craft Beer Welcome the fledgling days of summer by enjoying local treasures of craft beer and cheese! Enjoy a tasting of four local brews and artisanal cheeses, as you learn how to pair cheese and beer while getting the lowdown on the funky stories behind some special makers. Fromagers Melissa Provinsal and Carolyn Stromberg will delve into the story behind each cheese and beer, as well as give advice about selecting, serving, pairing and more. 6:30 p.m. $49. Righteous Cheese: 309 5th St. NE, DC; www.righteouscheese.com
FRIDAY, MAY 27 Guests enjoyed Japanese sights, sounds and tastes, including all things related to anime, cosplay and gaming, at Cherry Blast. Photos: Michelle Goldchain
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On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
The Midnite BBQ: Episode II DC’s own Every Blue Moon, MLK2Madison, FTNC and Cupset DC team up to bring you the
Midnite BBQ food festival and fundraiser in partnership with Healthy Living, Inc., a communitybased non-profit. The Midnite BBQ is a celebration of options in food, music and style, and a twist on traditional BBQ created by influencers with a love of great vibes and variety. All food lovers, restricted diets and discerning tastes welcome. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dock5: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.facebook.com/midniteBBQ
SATURDAY, MAY 28 MONDAY, MAY 30 Beast Coast Beast Coast is APK’s annual jam and the country’s premier parkour event. Check out guest athletes from France, Spain, Switzerland and Canada. The festival will feature a DJ, great sponsors and giveaways, seminars put on by world-class athletes, and breakout sessions to favorite local spots, plus a nature day! Our parkour park will be the stuff legends are made of. Design and construction has already started on this year’s one-of-a-kind playground, and this year will be bigger with some fun new challenges and lots of new obstacles. $10-$84. Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA; www.beastcoast. americanparkour.com
TUESDAY, MAY 31 Manhattan Presentation and Tasting with Philip Greene Join Philip Greene, author of To Have and To Have Another and The Manhattan: The Story of the First Modern Cocktail, for a rundown of one of the greatest cocktails of all time. And then try three tasty iterations! 7-9 p.m. $44. Upshur Books: 4200 9th St. NW, DC; www.upshurstreetbooks.com
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Hecht Warehouse hosted a fashion show featuring eight local designers on April 14. Guests enjoyed spring forward designs, live entertainment,and delicious food as they watched the models strut down the runway showing off their recent creations. Photos: Alanna ShepparD & Brittany Thomas
www.ontaponline.com | May 2016 | On Tap
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Fans flocked to Nationals Park for opening day. White Ford Bronco rocked the Budweiser Terrace and the world-famous Clydesdales made a special appearance. Photos: Lindsay Galatro
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On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
g
CATCH GREAT LIVE MUSIC Before Every Friday Home Game!
2016
BUDWEISER MUSIC SERIES 5/13 Monster Band 5/27 Dr. FU
8/12 Jeff From Accounting 8/26 Sly 45
6/10 ‘80s Night 7/1 Party Like Its* 7/15 Darcy Dawn 7/22 Hand Painted Swinger 8/5 The Reflex
9/9 Lovely Rita 9/30 White Ford Bronco
AN
PRODUCTION
Music @ 4:30 | Game @ 7:05
By Jeremy Muenz
DC Bike Ride
It’s springtime in the city, and bike enthusiasts and newbies alike can reap the benefits of DC’s warmer months. Rated one of the best cities for biking, the District is chock-full of trails. Two local favorites include the Metropolitan Branch Trail, an 8-mile trail from Union Station to Silver Spring, and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, which runs along both sides of the Anacostia River. Both are wide, paved and go in both directions – perfect for beginners. Need an event to kick off the season? Check out DC’s Tour de Fat on May 21 in Yards Park, an annual event hosted by New Belgium Brewing Company. It’s nothing short of a crazy bike party, and it’s all free. New Belgium will also have their highly-rated beers available for purchase. Learn more here: www.newbelgium.com/Events/tour-de-fat/ Washington. If crazy parties aren’t your thing, consider the DC Bike Ride (DCBR) on May 22, a 17-mile bike ride offering a car-free tour of DC. You’ll pass many DC icons on the ride, and participants are invited to stay after for a festival with yoga and music performances. Tickets can be purchased at www.dcbikeride.com. Another option is the 16th annual Bike to Work Day on May 20, a free event offering raffle prizes to those who register. There will be pit stops throughout DC with refreshments and entertainment. Register at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org. For a delicious ride, look no further than the Tree House Tour de Cookie in Rockville, Md. on May 7, where you can bounce between cookie stands. Choose from 12-, 26- and 42-mile options. Stick around post-ride for entertainment and activities. Tickets can be purchased at www.treehousetourdecookie.com. If you want to join a local bike organization, check out the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), an association focused on creating a healthy, more livable region. Visit their website at www. waba.org. In Virginia, there’s the NOVA-CBG (CBG stands for Casual Bike Group), a great option for beginners and intermediate bikers. Check
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Photo: Courtesy of Svetlana Legetic
out their events at www.novacbg.org. If you’re looking to purchase an electric bike, check out Riide (1933 9th St. NW, DC), offering free three-day demos. For a reliable bike and repair shop in the city, visit District Hardware (1108 24th St. NW, DC). It’s the oldest family-owned bike shop in DC, open since the late ‘60s. For options in Virginia, visit Papillon Cycles in Arlington (2805 Columbia Pike), offering “the latest biking equipment, expert servicing and a gathering place for local bikers.” Or, try Arlington’s The Old Bike Shop (2647 N Pershing Dr.), which specializes in recycling old bikes. All used bikes include a 30-day warranty, and they even have some antiques. If you don’t own a bike, or aren’t interested in purchasing one, consider the Capital Bikeshare program, which has stations all over the DC Metro area. Multiple membership options are available, ranging from 24 hours to annual. Visit www.capitalbikeshare.com for more specifics on the program. Happy cycling!
Riide electric bicycle
Photo: Courtesy of Amber Watson
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Guests at National Harbor enjoyed a Peeps-eating contest during Peeps Day. The day also included contests, music, Peeps characters, and special Peeps drinks and desserts. Photos: Shelly Coates
GOING, GOING,
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www.ontaponline.com | May 2016 4/20/16 | On Tap3:50 PM
POLITICS PUPS
Meet ABC7’s Scott Thuman
Scott Thuman & Olive
By Monica Alford Scott Thuman isn’t just ABC7’s Emmy Award-winning Chief Political Correspondent, or a regular participant in animal and women’s rights fundraisers around town. He’s also the owner of an eight-year-old Chihuahua named Olive, a quirky little pup that he’s “semi-inseparable” from. On Tap caught up with Thuman to chat about his impressive career in broadcast journalism, his favorite things to do in the District when he’s not traveling for work and of course, what he loves most about Olive. Thuman says he knew he wanted to become a broadcast journalist on the first day of his internship at the NBC station in West Palm Beach, Fla. when he was sent out on a story with a reporter covering a hostage situation at a hospital. “I watched, wide-eyed, as the reporters all quickly amassed any tidbits of information they could and then lined up in a tiny, cordoned off area to all talk over each other
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Photos: Nick Donner
live during the noon news,” Thuman says. “There was an instant adrenaline rush and the challenge of reporting the news so calmly and with such an intense deadline was highly impressive – even to watch.” The Fairfax County native moved to Florida during his formative years, where he attended Florida Southern College and later worked for Jacksonville’s First Coast News and Orlando’s WFTV. Whether it was heading to Cuba to examine the conditions at Guantanamo Bay or covering a Super Bowl in San Diego, he says he was fortunate to be overwhelmed with options during those years, especially at WFTV. “That’s where I truly cut my teeth and considered myself not just a reporter, but a journalist. There’s a big difference.” It was also during his years in Florida that Thuman “caught a full-fledged case of political fever.” During the 2000 presidential campaign, he received a call from his boss telling him to get to Tallahassee – there was
“There’s nothing like witnessing history unfold with your own eyes and having the responsibility of sharing that with the world.” going to be a recount. “Thirty-seven days later, I finally got to go home, and the country had a new president. I learned more about hanging chads and butterfly ballots than anyone should and also learned politics was now truly a passion.” The journalist also developed a strong interest in international affairs during the Iraq War in 2003 while working on stories at Parris Island and Fort Stewart, where he watched Marines and soldiers prepare for combat. “They were even learning how to inject themselves with antidotes in case of a chemical attack.”
Though intimidating, he says he knew he wanted to witness and report on the invasion firsthand. “Eventually, I said, ‘I’ve got three weeks of vacation, a bullet proof vest and a camera,’ and off I went to freelance in Iraq. [I’ve been] hooked ever since.” In 2005, he returned to his Northern Virginia roots and took a job with ABC’s DC area affiliate, WJLA. Thuman says the TV station seemed like a natural fit to him, with its mantra that “national news is local news.” Since then, he’s received the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism, as well as multiple Emmys and honors from the Edward R. Murrow Awards. “I feel my work is well-respected by my colleagues, which is a pretty great honor, but the memories are much more fulfilling.” The journalist says that over the years, he’s covered political unrest, terrorism and other major international stories in Beirut, Brussels, Berlin, Johannesburg, Paris and Port-au-Prince, among countless other locations. “There’s nothing like witnessing history unfold with your own eyes and having the responsibility of sharing that with the world.” On the national front, Thuman was notably the only local broadcast journalist to land and conduct consecutive interviews with President Obama during the 2012 campaign. He says these interviews stand out to him, but being on the front lines of conflict and history top all of his other professional experiences. “I’m especially proud of some of the pieces we’ve put together on the refugee crisis from a camp called ‘the Jungle’ in Calais, France, and the unrest and bombings in Beirut last November – followed up by the attacks in Paris,” he says. “I truly believe we’re doing what no other news team is – and that’s the kind of journalism you dream of. I’ve got great
THERE’S A REASON YOU NEVER HEAR PEOPLE SINGING,
“TAKE ME OUT TO THE BOARDROOM.”
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on-tap-may.indd 2
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www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2016 4/20/16 | ON TAP3:50 PM
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Guests attended the Washington Humane Society’s Fashion for Paws runway show, hosted by The Pet Show’s Dr. Katy Nelson and ABC7’s Scott Thuman. Photos: Moshe Zusman & Rich Kessler
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bosses and I’m very grateful.” Most recently, Thuman has been covering the presidential campaign trail. He also just returned from a trip to Estonia, “where NATO troops are increasing in number.” “They’re concerned that Putin and Russia could cross the border like they did in Ukraine. It’s almost like we’re looking at a Cold War 2.0. We’re just scratching the surface on that story, and I’m anxious to keep digging.” Though the Alexandria, Va. resident isn’t home too often due to his demanding work schedule, he’s a huge fan of Union and Eastern Markets as local spots to unwind with “great food, people-watching and conversation.” Plus, he loves Union Market’s old-school drive-in movie theater showings: “nostalgic and fun, [a] solid way to spend a Friday night.” For fine dining in the city, the Source and Rural Society are his top picks. Thuman can be found at Off the Record across from the White House for a nice drink, and Black Jack for a casual beer. When he’s back in Virginia, Carlyle in Shirlington or one of Del Ray’s hidden gems are his go-to spots. This summer, he’s planning to see Billy Joel at Nats Park in July, and may catch Fitz and the Tantrums at the 9:30 Club in June. Thuman’s also a big supporter of local fundraisers, from On Tap’s Running of the Chihuahuas in May to the Washington Human Society’s Fashion for Paws in April. Of the latter, he says, “I mean, dogs in fancy outfits walking the runway to raise money for their less fortunate fourlegged friends – you know you want to see that.” He also attends the Tahirih Justice Center’s annual gala, which he says is a huge success every year. Of the center, he says, “They do amazing work for women in some of the most dire situations.” Above all else, the journalist prefers to spend his free time with Olive, who he inherited from a past relationship. Though initially skeptical about owning a nine-pound Chihuahua, the two are now best pals. Olive’s charm is evident in her favorite activities: “burping after every meal, having ‘relations’ with a wool sock every night and destroying every bit of mail that comes through the slot.” Thuman says she’s also the most loving dog he’s ever met. He now fully anticipates the odd reactions he gets from people when they ask what kind of dog he has, and enjoys their funny and candid responses. He tells them how he came to be a Chihuahua owner, and how he’s unashamedly enamored with Olive. “I can’t count how many people tell me they hate little dogs, and a half-hour after meeting her, they’re asking if they can dog sit. She’s a winner.” Follow Scott Thuman on Twitter: @ScottThuman.
By On Tap staff It’s no secret that DC is a dog-friendly city. From Capitol Riverfront to Shirlington, there’s no shortage of love for pups in neighborhoods in and around the DMV. As summer approaches, opportunities to hang with your pooch outside of the house or your local park grow tenfold – doggie happy hours, canine-themed festivities and outdoor venues abound. On Tap caught up with some of our favorite pup-focused businesses to get their insight into the best dog-friendly events and locales in and around the city.
Sarah H.B. Cook, Special Events Manager at the Washington Humane Society: The Bark Ball (on Saturday, June 11) benefiting the Washington Humane Society/Washington Animal Rescue League because it’s the only black-tie event where DC’s movers and shakers can bring their four-legged friends as their guests. Toni Woods, CEO of Anytime K9, LLC (dog-walking, pet-sitting and training services): I love [On Tap’s] Running of the Chihuahuas as it is the cutest event of the year. Day of the Dog (on Saturday, May 7) is great because it is held in the fenced-in historical Congressional Cemetery and has food trucks provided by yours truly, Anytime K9. Terry McLaurin, Social Media & Marketing Director at Wagtime (pet spa and boutique): Our top three dog-friendly events would be the [Day of the Dog], [On Tap’s] Running of the Chihuahuas and Pups in the Park (runs April through October). We look forward to being a part of these events. They’re always a fun time for everyone!
Kelly Kundrat, Outreach and Communications Manager at Metro Mutts DC (pet supplies and services): There are so many to choose from! There are quite a few pet-friendly restaurants near us on H Street. We love happy hours at Driftwood Kitchen [and] TD Burger. Kristina Robertson, President of Barkley Square Pets (pet-sitting and dogwalking service): Yappy Hour at Mad Fox in Falls Church, Va., hosted by yours truly. Anytime K9’s Toni Woods: We throw a yappie hour monthly at various apartment buildings around the city. We provide beverages as treats for the dogs while giving them information about our services. Washington Humane’s Sarah Cook: Cantina Marina’s yappy hour by Nationals Park. These yappy hours run from May 16 to September 19 on every third Monday each month. [They’re] the perfect way to enjoy the weather by the water with your pup!
Metro Mutts’ Kelly Kundrat: I love Lincoln Park! It is located in the heart of Capitol Hill, and has a great walking trail around its perimeter and throughout. Barkley Square’s Kristina Robertson: Shirlington Dog Park. Wagtime’s Terry McLaurin: We always take our dogs to Rock Creek Park. There are so many different trails - it’s an adventure for you and your pups. Not to mention some of the local dog parks in Shaw! Anytime K9’s Toni Woods: A great unofficial dog park in DC is Lincoln Park in Capitol Hill. It’s a daily meeting place for dogs to get to know each other and share treats, toys and games of fetch. Washington Humane’s Sarah Cook: I love spending time on the Mall with my pup! There’s always other wiggly tails to meet and greet while you’re out there.
Washington Humane’s Sarah Cook: With so many outdoor parks including the Mall, Rock Creek Park, the Arboretum and many dog parks throughout the city, it’s obvious that DC is a dog-friendly town! Whether they’re chasing Frisbees in the dog park, or licking ice cream by the Capitol building – it’s obvious that DC loves DC animals! Anytime K9’s Toni Woods: DC is a great city for dogs because of all of the green space! Unlike in many large cities, parks are everywhere and it’s not hard to find a nice spot to hang out or take care of business. Metro Mutts’ Kelly Kundrat: We love seeing the unique ways large pet-friendly residential buildings incorporate dog-friendly spaces into their designs. We’re seeing more and more rooftop or courtyard dog parks, as well as pet spas.
Anytime K9, LLC: 1232 9th St. NW, DC and 900 M St. SE, DC; www.anytimecanine.com Barkley Square Pets: 211 N. Union St. Ste. 100, Alexandria, VA and 105 N. Virginia Ave. Ste. 101, Falls Church, VA; www.barkleysquare.com Metro Mutts DC: 508 H St. NE, DC and 407 8th St. SE, DC; www.metromuttsdc.com Wagtime: 1232 9th St. NW, DC and 900 M St. SE, DC; www.wagtimedc.com Washington Humane Society: Various locations around DC; www.washhumane.org
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On Tap is a dog-friendly office, and we’re super proud of our eclectic group of adorable pups! Without further ado, please meet the one and only dogs of On Tap.
Age: Four-and-a-half Breed: Australian shepherd mix (a.k.a. mutt) Owner: Theresa Best personality trait: Loves other dogs and wants to be everyone’s best friend Favorite activity: Riding in the back of the Jeep with his head sticking out the window Ideal day: Going to the dog park and sitting outside somewhere where he can lie down, relax and people watch Local hangout: Cantina Marina Famous at On Tap for: Napping on the cold kitchen floor or lying on the couch with Alanna
Age: Two-and-a-half Breed: Boston terrier Owner: Monica Best personality trait: Quirky, incredibly sweet and always game for singing duets with her dad Favorite activity: Fetching the tennis ball, hands-down Ideal day: Morning cuddle session followed by a day filled with tennis balls and playing with friends Local hangout: Shirlington Dog Park or her grandparents’ sweet pad in Marshall, Va. Famous at On Tap for: Playing with her buddies Blue and Latte, and begging everyone to throw her the tennis ball
Age: Four Breed: Australian shepherd Owner: Jenn Best personality trait: Super snuggly and energetic Favorite activity: Going to Great Meadow and running Ideal day: Waking Jenn up with kisses and talking, going to the barn to see the horses, then hopping in the truck and going somewhere fun Local hangout: Cantina Marina and Yards Park Famous at On Tap for: Not being quite ready for the office
Age: Six months Breed: Peewee puggle Owner: Adrianne Best personality trait: Her endearing optimism Favorite activity: Giving kisses and snuggling up Ideal day: Tons of activity, lots of cuddle time and plenty of treats Local hangout: Yards Park Famous at On Tap for: Playing with the other doggies
Age: 15 months Breed: French bulldog/ Chihuahua mix Owner: Nick Best personality trait: Extremely friendly and loving Favorite activity: Wrestling with Dad Ideal day: Visiting his grandparents and running free in their large backyard with his favorite ball Local hangout: Enjoying a taste from back home on the dog-friendly patio at Agua 301 Famous at On Tap for: Horseplay with the others
www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2016 | ON TAP
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NEW | NOTABLE | NO LONGER Lake Anne Brew House Forget the microbrew trend. We’ve moved on to nanobreweries (under 500 barrels a year) – but there’s nothing nano about the popularity of the Lake Anne Brew House. A Kickstarter campaign gave the married team of home brewing owners (husband Jason is a former cybersecurity contractor) almost double their ask, and opening day saw 13 solid hours of lines to get at their first batches. Lake Anne Brew House: 11424 Washington Plaza W (Lake Anne Plaza), Reston, VA; www.lakeannebrewhouse.com
Mustang Sally Brewing Company
Zannchi’s bibimbap
On Tap keeps locals in the know about restaurants and bars opening around town this month, plus our top foodie picks.
By Jean Schindler
NEW Bar à Vin This stylish sibling to Chez Billy Sud features an extensive list of French wines, which you can pair with a few bar nibbles. A beautiful flight served with duck prosciutto makes for a wonderful break from a Georgetown shopping spree. Bar à Vin: 1039 31 St. NW, DC; www.chezbillysud.com
Commodore Public House & Kitchen You might remember Veranda – open well before this area was cool – in exactly this location. After a decade, the owners decided it was time for a refresh, a larger selection of craft beer and a more competitive price point. We’re happy to see restaurant owners survive and adapt with a changing neighborhood – and count us in for any rebrand that involves poutine made with a funnel cake and duck confit. Commodore Public House & Kitchen: 1100 P St. NW, DC; www.commodoredc.com
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Photo: Courtesy of Zannchi
Conosci Michael Shlow goes all Inception with his little restaurant-within-a-restaurant at Alta Strada. Pull the dark curtain aside, and you enter Conosci, where an “international” menu is served and a bar trolley means cocktails are mixed tableside. Both prix-fixe and a la carte dinner menus are available. Conosci: 465 K St. NW, DC; www.conoscidc.com
EatBar If you are a Clarendon corridor habitué, you will remember the cool-kids retreat that was EatBar (RIP October 2014) – a little off-the-beaten-track, a little indie, and a lot of good beer and meat. Well, EatBar is back, but on a different planet. Its new Barracks Row home wants you to know how indie cool it is (thousands of cassette tapes line the wall) – but the eats are just as good. Fried olives stuffed with sausage? #winning EatBar: 415 8th St. SE, DC; www.eat-bar.com
Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub A local couple with years of restaurant experience between them open their own establishment. How can you go wrong with love, and Irish whiskey and Guinness? Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub: 100-F Gibbs St. Rockville, MD; www. facebook.com/finneganswakerockville
This is a production brewery with a massive tasting room launched by a successful corporate attorney who for years dreamed of college days brewing beer and sailing on a little boat named Mustang Sally. A few decades later, and his dream is back in operation, complete with a brew master in love with old world beers to steer the ship. We heart the story, and we double heart the graham cracker-y malt and the dry finish of the Mustang Sally Kolsch. Mustang Sally Brewing Company: 14140 Parke Long Ct. Chantilly, VA; www.msbrewing.com
The Tasty Dug-Out Nope, not baseball. Ray’s Hell Burger is trying something new again, this time splitting off a joint serving “modern Zemblan, Estoty and Tartary cuisine.” Some might recognize the Nabokovian references; others will simply appreciate the excellent offering of Georgian (the country, not the state) cuisine. The “dug-out” is khachapuri – the buttery, cheesy Georgian delicacy that swept DC a couple years ago. The Tasty Dug-Out (inside Ray’s Hell Burger): 1650 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.thetastydugout.com
Zannchi A young Georgetown student from a family of restauranteurs joins the campus entrepreneur club and opens her own trendy Georgetown restaurant. Why not? Stop rolling your eyes and enjoy the food. Zannchi (“feast”) brings good Korean food into the District for those days when you don’t want to drive to Annandale. Zannchi: 1529 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.zannchi.com
NOTABLE Linganore Winecellars
Bangkok Joe’s scallop shrimp risotto
Photo: Courtesy of Bangkok Joe’s
Bangkok Joe’s Thai Restaurant & Dumpling Bar Everything that is old is new again: Bangkok Joe’s used to be a Georgetown waterfront mainstay – I remember it as a “safe” Thai restaurant catering to tender, preppy palettes. It was replaced by Mamma Rouge a few years ago, but that concept (modern French Asian fusion) never really sunk roots. Now Bangkok Joe is back with a vengeance. Chef Aulie Bunyarataphan says that this is the restaurant she wanted to open 20 years ago, when she first started cooking for Washington – but the city wasn’t ready for the pungent, spicy, funky, joyful madness that is great Thai cuisine. There is a dedicated dumpling bar, some pan-Asian influences scattered around the menu and a revamped drinks list that plays off current cocktail trends. Our favorite is the “Nut Your Average Joe’s,” featuring Phraya rum, peanut simple syrup, Thai coffee and milk air. Welcome back, Joe. Bangkok Joe’s Thai Restaurant & Dumpling Bar: 3000 K St. NW, DC; www.bangkokjoesdc.com
Why: A winner Linganore walked away with eight medals at the 2016 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, including double gold for its semi-dry white Terrapin. We heart their dry, Chambourcin-based Photo: Courtesy of Linganore Winecellars rosé, as well as the monthly music festivals the vineyard hosts throughout the summer. Linganore Winecellars: 13601 Glissans Mill Rd. Mt. Airy, MD; www.linganorewines.com
Side Street and Sushi Bar by i-Thai Why: A new home i-Thai (yes, related to the one in Georgetown) moved a few doors down, updated its menu and added a cocktail bar. Time for a housewarming. Side Street and Sushi Bar by i-Thai: 8603 Westwood Center Dr. Vienna, VA; www.i-thairestaurant.com
NO Longer Midtown Partyplex Millie & Al’s Sona Creamery
Mexican Cuisine infused with modern flair, served up waterside at Yards Park. Join us for
CINCO DE MAYO
6 Margaritas $ 3 Sauza Blanco Shots $ 3 Corona Bottles Appetizer & Taco Specials! $
DAILY HAPPY HOUR! 3:30-7:00PM
WEEKEND BRUNCH! Sat & Sun, 10:30-3:00PM Feat: Bottomless Mimosas, Sangria, Margaritas!
301 Water St. SE | Washington, DC | 202.484.0307 | agua301.com (At Yards Park, 2 blocks from Nats Park along the river walk, next to the fountains)
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Local Chefs and Experts Offer Summer Grilling Tips By Jake Emen
ith warmer weather finally with us, it’s officially grilling season. This year, though, it’s time to kick up your grill game a few notches. Say goodbye to overcooked, lifeless burgers, or those same old hot dogs, with expert insight from some of DC’s finest behind the grill.
Chef Jeff Tunks
Photo: Scott Suchman
David Guas manning the grill
“Part of improving your grilling skills comes with knowing your piece of equipment,” says David Guas, chef and owner at Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, and host of the Travel Channel’s American Grilled series. “Knowing how to gauge your grill’s temperature comes with practice and experience. It’s also always helpful to remember that you can control the power and intensity of the flame by increasing or decreasing the amount of oxygen exposure.” You need to take care of your grill, too. “Not cleaning the grill properly before cooking” is one of the most common mistakes that Chef Roberto Hernandez of Toro Toro sees. “It is very important to have a clean and well-oiled grill before cooking any meats,” he says. “This will prevent the proteins from sticking to it, and also will give you those nice grill marks like you see on TV.” One of the most important aspects of grilling is knowing when your food is actually done. “Experienced cooks can tell the doneness of a steak simply by touching it,” Hernandez adds. That’s going to take some experience, of course. “If you are new to grilling, I would suggest using a meat thermometer as an initial gauge,” Guas says. “Then once you know the internal
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temperature, you can use your hand to determine the doneness. Eventually, as you become more familiar with your grill and the cuts of meat you are working with, you won’t even need a thermometer.” Hernandez advises that a medium rare steak is between 130 and 135 degrees, and medium is between 140 and 145 degrees. Go beyond that and you’re “killing your steak,” he says. Once you know the basics, you can also learn how to do more with your grill. “A common mistake home grillers can easily make is forgetting to zone the charcoal,” Guas says. “It is really important to create zones within your grill so that you can create grill marks with direct heat, and then utilize the indirect section of the grill to cook things thoroughly.” Another technique to learn is smoking with different types of wood. Guas encourages creativity but offers a few suggestions, such as using the fruitiness and sweetness of cherry and apple woods for chicken and fish, hickory wood for larger cuts of meat or certain fish such as salmon, and strong mesquite smoke for Texas-style barbecue. “But you have to be careful, because the strength of its flavor can overpower many foods,” he warns. “I often blend a medium wood like hickory with a sweeter wood like cherry or apple to balance the flavor.”
Photo: Scott Suchman
The Apache Sweat Burger at Burger Tap & Shake
Photo: Johnny Autry
The burger is the centerpiece of most summer cookouts, and despite its seeming simplicity, it takes some experience and insight to truly master. Chef Jeff Tunks of Burger Tap & Shake will help set us straight. “Quit playing with your meat when making burger patties,” he advises. “Avoid over-handling and working the grind together. The reason being the heat from your hands will begin to melt the fat and affect the final product. The best burgers are a loosely packed patty, which allows the fat to melt and gives the patty a better texture.” Once the burger is on the grill, avoid hyperactive over-management and let the grill do its job. “Less is more during the cooking process,” Tunks says. “So try to avoid over flipping, pressing [and] touching. Be patient and let it achieve a good sear and char. You want a juicy burger.” When using ground beef with less than 20 percent fat or other lean meats, be sure not to overcook burgers in order to preserve their flavor. “You really need to cook between medium rare and medium,” says Tunks about lean meat burgers. “Anything more and you are gambling with a dry burger. Also, let the burger rest a minute before adding it to your toasted bun so that the juices can redistribute.” That resting rule applies to all meats. “Have you seen those commercials where they are slicing a piece of beef and it’s running juices all over the cutting board? That is because the meat was not well-rested before slicing,” Hernandez explains.
David Guas’s Feathered
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Fez Burgers
On the burger front, there’s no need to get fancy with spices. “When it comes to seasoning, the key is to keep it simple,” Tunks says. “Apply kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper liberally on both sides. Adding salt and pepper after you start the cooking process will never taste as good as a pre-seasoned burger.” The best way to expand flavor is to get creative with toppings. “It’s all about the toppings,” says Tunks. “Some favorite recent combinations include garlic and black olive, tzatziki with feta, Korean gochujang BBQ sauce with kimchi, fire-roasted hatch chilies and smoked onions with chipotle.” As far as steak goes, keep in mind that marinades aren’t always necessary. “I always like to remind people that a quality cut of beef does not need to be marinated,” Guas says. “I love the simplicity of preparing beef with coarse salt and black pepper, especially with a skirt steak or ribeye. Marinades typically come into play when you have a tougher cut like tri-tip or game, like quail and pheasant.” When you are creating a marinade, follow this simple rule from Guas. “As a guiding principle, I tend to treat a marinade like a salad dressing. It should consist of three parts oil with one part acid.” For sauces, Guas recommends a summertime staple from his own home. “A family favorite on the grill is skirt steak with chimichurri sauce,” he says.
You know your grill, you’ve mastered the burger, and your marinade and topping game is strong. Now let’s expand your repertoire with different meats or overlooked cuts. “I recommend a cut of tri-tip beef,” Guas suggests. “It’s a cheaper cut of beef, but delicious and packs an impressive amount of flavor.” On the other end of the spectrum, Guas has a favored special occasion splurge in mind as well. “In my opinion, you simply cannot top a cowboy cut bone-in ribeye,” he says. Hernandez suggests a splurge of his own for those willing to pay. “I would definitely go for an A5 Wagyu beef,” he says. “Wagyu is categorized in 12 levels [of] marbling, A5 being the perfect ratio between fat and muscle. Pretty expensive product, but trust me when I tell you it is worth every penny.” For a more everyday type of selection, Hernandez has something else in mind. “I would say my favorite meat for grilling is the hanger steak,” he says. “Back in the day, butchers would save this cut for themselves. All around, it’s the perfect steak for the home griller.” When the sea beckons, Guas offers a few more choice picks. “It’s also hard to beat trout or local Chesapeake rockfish,” he says. You can get more adventurous with your burgers, too. “At Burger Tap & Shake, we really have fun and a lot of success with our Burger of the Month,” Tunks says. “In the past, we have featured lamb, venison, duck, rabbit and wild boar. My personal favorite, which I cook weekly at home, is bison – always at medium rare.”
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery: Locations in Arlington, VA and Capitol Hill; www.bayoubakerydc.com Burger Tap & Shake: Locations in Tenleytown and Foggy Bottom; www.burgertapshake.com Toro Toro: 1300 Eye St. NW, DC; 202-682-9500; www.RichardSandoval.com/ToroToroDC
ON TAP | MAY 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Catching up with Bobby Flay By Monica Alford This spring, On Tap sat down with Chef Bobby Flay during a visit to the K Street location of his Bobby’s Burger Palace franchise. We chatted about his tips for grilling enthusiasts, top picks for what to grill this summer and what’s new on the menu at BBP.
On Tap: What’s one of your top tips for aspiring grillers and newbies alike? Bobby Flay: People that aren’t experienced on the grill tend to think that you have to flip and turn and flip and turn. But [you should] grill less, meaning that you let the grill do its job. Whether you’re cooking a steak, burger, piece of fish or even vegetables, you want it to stay on the grill on one side for as long as possible without charring or burning it to create a contrast of texture. And then you flip it one time, and do the same thing on the other side. OT: Are there any rubs or marinades on your radar for the summer? BF: I think combining red chilies and cocoa or red chilies and coffee, and then putting a touch of brown sugar in the rub, enhances the flavor and also helps it caramelize whatever you are spice rubbing. Not too much sugar – just a tiny bit – will make a huge difference. OT: What’s one of your favorite summer recipes? BF: I cook a lot of fish tacos in the summer. They’re so fun to eat. It’s a DIY kind of thing. I usually do a combination of some sort of white flaky fish and shellfish [for] grilled shrimp tacos and grilled fish tacos. [Then] make an array of different salsas – tomato [or] tomatillo salsa...[and] mango or pineapple salsa. Go to a store that has a bunch of different hot sauces and pick a couple out, maybe one that’s habanero-based or one that’s smoky. Slice avocado, or make guacamole or avocado relish, and then [add] something for crunch, some sort of slaw or cabbage.
On Tap’s Alanna Sheppard and Monica Alford with Bobby Flay
OT: Any grilling twists on classic American fare to switch things up? BF: Instead of hotdogs, get bratwursts. Take beer, some water and a little bit of vinegar and bring it to a simmer, [then] take the bratwursts, prick them with a fork, put them into the beer broth and let the beer broth soak into [them] so that they get great moisture. Take the bratwursts and put them on the grill so they get really crusty on the outside, and then you have all of this wonderful flavor and juiciness on the inside. OT: How do you usually select the burger of the month at Bobby’s Burger Palace? BF: Because this country is such a melting pot of cuisine, I try to emulate some of the flavors from different parts of the country. I get inspired by the places I that travel to in some way, shape or form. OT: Any changes to the BBP menu? BF: We just put three salads on our menu – the Super Kale salad, Palace Quinoa salad and Chopped Crunch salad. People want to eat more healthily these days. The cry that we get here is, “Where’s the veggie burger?” I think I’m going to spend the next few months trying to [create] one because I know it can be done, but the question is, “Can I make one that’s really great, but also be able to make it happen on a consistent basis?” OT: What do you enjoy most about your DC location? BF: My staff is amazing. I would say 90 percent of them have all been here since the beginning. I just love their passion. They really care about what they do. The thing I love about my burger places is that when I walk in, the customers and staff always seem to be smiling. And to me, that’s what it’s all about.
Bobby’s Burger Palace: 2121 K St. NW, DC 20037; 202-974-6260; www.bobbysburgerpalace.com www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2016 | ON TAP
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A
HONEY OF A
CIDER BOLD ROCK’S NEW HONEYDEW By On Tap staff Photo: The U.S. hard cider industry has grown by leaps and bounds in roots by staying connected with Courte sy of B old Ro the past few years. A traditional beverage overseas, cider had early our consumers. Our tap rooms allow us to ck Cide r adoption in this country, but had fallen out of favor with the passing try some of our new recipes out with our loyal consumers of time. Fast forward to the 21st century, and cider is back in a big way. and get their feedback. They love being a part of the process and we The reasons for the resurgence are plentiful – the growing interest in value their input. One thing that we are seeing right now is [that] gluten-free diets (cider is naturally gluten-free), the strength of the our growing millennial consumer base likes to experiment with new farm-to-table (or glass) movement and the growth in general of craft styles of cider. Similar to what is happening in craft beer with brewers beverages. Although there are several national players in the market, blending grapefruit and lemon lime with IPA, Bold Rock is constantly local and regional cideries are thriving. experimenting to blend other natural flavors into our ciders.” We are fortunate to have one of the leaders in the field just down the Bold Rock has an IPA of their own. In late 2015, they released their road in Nellysford, Va. Bold Rock Cider, the awardIndia Pressed Apple, a cider dry-hopped with a winning undertaking of master cider maker Brian blend of five hops, including Centennial, Cascade Shanks and his partner John Washburn, has and Citra. When asked about plans for future “Similar to what is received dozens of awards for its flagship Virginia releases, Shanks replied that, “[Our] IPA has happening in craft beer been very successful both on tap and in six pack Apple and Virginia Draft ciders. In 2014, the cidery saw an expansion of its lineup with Bold Rock bottles, and will be launched in cans and as part with brewers blending Pear, and this year brings another flavor to the of our Variety Crate this summer. Honeydew is our grapefruit and lemon family – Bold Rock Honeydew. first seasonal style, but Bold Rock will continue to Honeydew, as the name implies, marries apples look at new recipes that could later become new lime with IPA, Bold grown at Bold Rock orchards in the Blue Ridge styles, and we anticipate some being announced Rock is constantly Mountains with honeydew melon. The sweetness later this year.” experimenting to blend of the melon blends with the tartness of the In the meantime, you can find Bold Rock apples to create a flavor that is light and slightly ciders on draught and in bottles at area bars and other natural flavors sweet, with a tart finish. Best accompanied by restaurants, and in bottles at grocery and retail into our ciders.” summer dishes, the flavor is a seasonal release outlets. Or, make the trip to their taproom and and will be available in bottles and on draught orchard in Nellysford. Who knows, you may help through the summer or while supplies last. craft the next Bold Rock flavor. When asked what inspired the new flavor, Shanks explained that, “As the largest regional Bold Rock Cider: 1020 Rockfish Valley Hwy. (Rt. craft cidery in the U.S., Bold Rock stays true to our 151), Nellysford, VA; www.boldrockcider.com
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be bold
opefully you’ve wrapped up your spring cleaning by now, so you can devote all your attention to the outdoors this summer. That means pool parties, day trips to go tubing in nearby rivers and, of course, outdoor music fests. We know you’d never get rowdy enough in the drippy summer heat to put your neighbor in danger with a glass bottle, but there’s always that
one wobbly, angry dude – so most venues discriminate against any liquid wrapped in glass. Fear not. The craft beer revolution continues to progress at breakneck speed, and this summer happens to coincide with a glorious moment in craft history: the can is becoming king. I’m not going to bore you with the details of the decades-old debate between can and bottle advocates, but
Craft breweries in the DMV are on the cutting edge in more ways than just taste and unique styles. When DC Brau hit the city’s streets back in 2009 – the first in the nation’s capital since 1956 when Heurich House went under – they were intent on filling local coolers with city pride. Their signature punchy pale ale and subdued IPA, Corruption Ale (shout out to you, Congress!) are canned and ready-made for anything the outdoors brings your way in the coming months. But other local breweries are now catching up with DC Brau and the canning revolution. Atlas Brew Works’ flagship brews, Rowdy and District Common, are both available in cans and sold locally. And the Eastern Shore’s RAR – or Real Ale Revival – is now widely available in stores throughout the DMV (try their Reaper, which, at 8.3 percent ABV, you may want to be sitting down for). You’d also be wise to hop on a mini-road trip and hit up their Cambridge, Md. brewery, which is walking distance from the Chesapeake Bay and the freshest crabs around. Down in Virginia, Devils Backbone is also getting into the canning business. They came out of the gates with a refreshing 4.7 percent ABV Hefeweizen – the Trail Angel Weissbier – so whether you’re hiking in the Shenandoah or listening to wofty jam bands, make sure to grab an orange or two to accompany your Hef.
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rest assured, cans have their place in the beverage world. They’re easy to recycle. They keep the sun out. And they’re light to carry. So do what my cousin taught me to do back in high school: line your backpack with a few garbage bags brimming with ice, rip open a few cases of canned beer and then crack a can of craft goodness as you enjoy one of the best summers of your life!
No one knows the outdoors better than our brothers and sisters out west, so let’s start this tour in Colorado – a craft beer mecca. Odell Brewing Company in Fort Collins just started canning their Loose Leaf Session Ale. It’s only 4.5 percent ABV, which means you’ll be able to sip it all day and keep standing until the stars come out and you leave the fest for a friend’s backyard BBQ. Oh, and their remarkable canning setup is cranking out more than 300 cans per minute, so I don’t think we’ll be suffering any Leaf shortages this summer.
You wanna turn a head or two at a cookout this summer? Grab a four pack of Sam Adams’ new nitro cans. Nitro was made famous by Guinness, but we’re Americans, damnit! Just like the original Boston Tea Party way back in the day, the Boston Beer Company is taking an idea from across the pond and making it vastly better. They’re currently available in three varieties: Nitro White Ale, Nitro IPA and Nitro Coffee Stout. You’ll wow anyone when you pop one and the heady foam bubbles up. These are better for a park concert than a festival, because once you pop it, you’re advised to immediately pour it into a glass.
DC Location’s
May
BREWERY EVENTS Let’s face it. It’s summertime and you likely checked your brain at your office door on Friday before catching a happy hour. We’ve got you covered. If you don’t know what you – or your BBQ hosts – are in the mood for, just scoop a variety pack of CANundrum by Oskar Blues. It includes four of their staple Dale’s Pale Ales (which in its signature blue and red can often passes as a Pepsi at any place that discourages BYOB), four tasty yet muted Mama’s Little Yella Pils and four powerful Old Chub Scotch Ales. You can’t go wrong no matter what direction your taste buds direct you.
Sure, glass bottles are debatably better – or, at the very least, easier to consume – when you’re close to your own fridge, but this is the season to get outside and embrace all of the DMV, nature and whatever your wacky friends throw your way. Besides being easier to enjoy at outdoor venues, craft beer cans have made monumental strides this season. Why not show your appreciation, and cutting-edge style, by ditching the glass and grabbing a sixer next time you hit the local beer store? Oh, and don’t forget to pack plenty of water, too. It’s gonna be a hot one. Don’t be that wobbly one at the fest.
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5/2
SAISON ON TAP
5/11
$10 SAISON AND FRITES PAIRING 5-7 PM
5/18
CRAFT BEER WEEK BREWER’S DINNER 6-6:30 PM
5/25
SPRINGTIME HAPPY HOUR 5-7 PM
Frites come with 3 sauces: garlic aioli, habanero ketchup and curry mayo.
The Bierdo “Lets Get Beer’d!” By Nick Hardt
G
reeting Bierdos! May I point you to DC’s newest Belgian hotspot? The Sovereign is a brand spanking new beer destination in Georgetown. The Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s Beer Director, Greg Engert, who is “known for his award-winning beer lists at Birch & Barley, ChurchKey, Rustico and more…is now curating and creating a Belgian beer list unlike any other at the Sovereign alongside a menu of classic Belgian cuisine from Executive Chef Peter Smith.” Don’t believe the hype? You better believe it, buster. As Flavor Flav says: “Yeahhhh boy!” It’s time to try some Belgian brews a little closer to the Virginia line, just across the river in my old college stomping grounds – only much classier than $3 Bud Lights and Jäger in the Georgetown scene of my youth. It’s a destination perfect for dates and fine drinking. “With 50 drafts and 200+ bottles (in a dark and romantic, 131seat, two-story bar), the beer program [features] the work of Belgian brewers who embody the standards, techniques and innovative spirit that underpins the fabled Belgian brewing culture…showcasing the widest array of drafts and bottles from the very best Belgian brewers.” Temperature-controlled taps and coolers keep every beer at the appropriate serving conditions, and the staff works hard to ensure that the excellent bar, brunch and dinner fare (the menu features rustic, ingredient-driven Belgian dishes, drawing from French, German and Dutch cooking traditions) pairs well with the extensive wine and cocktail selections. I had the Drie Fonteinen Beersel Lager (a crisp, unfiltered, bready kellerbier lager with residual bitterness, 5.2 percent) and the Thiriez Extra (a rich and hoppy European collaboration golden ale, 4.5 percent), and they were outstanding. Throw in the crispy fried bitterballen and other European-style bar snacks, and you literally feel like you’re overseas and getting the real deal experience.
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Photos: Joy Asico
Experience it for yourself! Here’s what the folks at the Sovereign wanted me to share with you about what their beer menu includes: • The deliciously dry offerings of De la Senne, De Ranke and Kerkom, among others • Singular farmhouse ales, including those of Blaugies and Thiriez • Balanced, complex and bold Belgian strong ales, including those of De Dolle and De Struise • The work of Trappist Monastic producers such as Achel and Rochefort • Authentic Lambic from Belgian brewers and blenders, including Cantillon, 3 Fonteinen, Girardin, Tilquin and De Cam • Up-and-coming Belgian brewers, including Sainte-Hélène, Alvinne and Jandrain-Jandrenouille • The best international producers of Belgian-style ales, such as Dieu du Ciel (Quebec) and Toccalmatto (Italy), alongside selections from American brewers like Jolly Pumpkin, Prairie, Crooked Stave and Jester King
The Sovereign: 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; 202-774-5875; www.thesovereigndc.com
Have a beer for the Bierdo to try? Drop him a line at nick@ontaponline.com.
bEHIND THE bAR
By Monica Alford
Photo: Monica Alford
Photo: Monica Alford
Jesus Boada Vargas
Betty Woodward
The 31-year-old hails from Lanham, Md. and has 10 years of experience behind the bar.
The 33-year-old bartender and H Street resident has been with Oyamel for three years.
On Tap: What makes MXDC’s margarita list unique? Do you have a few favorites? Jesus Boada Vargas: We make our own lime juice, and also our own MXDC cordial with a cinnamon flavor. My two favorite margaritas [are] the Habanero, with a nice kick of spicy to it, and our Blackberry Cilantro Margarita because of the contrast of flavors presented by the ingredients.
On Tap: What brought you to Oyamel? Betty Woodward: It’s important to me that I believe in the product and the team, and I was looking for that when I interviewed with Oyamel. I’d never met a more passionate group of bartenders and chefs, and they inspired me to want to be better and to be a part of their family. It didn’t hurt that I was obsessed with the guacamole and tacos, either.
Bar Manager at MXDC
OT: What about your sangrias? What’s in the ingredients list? JBV: We feature two sangrias on the menu: the red, full-bodied classic sangria and the lighter, warm weather white sangria. We use fresh juices such as mango puree, orange and pineapple. We also use St. Germain and hard liquor, and infuse the final product with fruits to rest overnight. OT: Walk us through the palomas menu. JBV: Palomas are one of the most famous drinks in Mexico. They are a very refreshing cocktail with a little of bit of citrus and soda, but the unique and best thing about our palomas is that we make our sodas in-house with the freshest ingredients. OT: Will you be serving anything special for Cinco de Mayo? JBV: Small nacho plates for $5, beer buckets with five Mexican beers, Dos Equis, Corona or Sol for $21 all day, and happy hour from noon to 9 p.m. OT: Are there any off-menu drinks that you love making? JBV: Mojitos, caipirinhas and any kind of espresso shooter.
MXDC: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.mxdcrestaurant.com
Lead Bartender at Oyamel
OT: What new craft cocktails will make their debut this season? BW: Miguel Lancha, ThinkFoodGroup’s Cocktail Innovator, and Oyamel’s bar team are in the middle of research and development for our seasonal menu change. You can expect to see lots of bright, seasonal flavor profiles. OT: How do you help customers navigate your expansive spirits list? BW: The trick is to figure out what the guest is looking for, although sometimes they don’t even know themselves. Ask questions and even if you don’t know everything, be a part of their experience. OT: How does Oyamel strike a balance between authentic Mexican libations and original twists on those classics? BW: It’s important that everything we do is inspired by authentic Mexican flavors. You’d be surprised by the number of hours and days that go into making sure every single cocktail is true to the culture of both Mexico and Oyamel. OT: What’s your favorite way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the city? BW: I love hosting a big group of friends on my day off. Every year, I spend hours cooking Mexican food and mixing up margaritas so that my friends can taste authentic Mexican food.
Oyamel: 401 7th St. NW, DC; www.oyamel.com
Jesus’s Pick:
Betty’s Pick:
• • • • •
• • • •
French Margarita
Photo: Monica Alford
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Salt Air Margarita
Tequila reposado Orange juice Fresh lime juice Grand Marnier Two dashes of Chambord
On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: Monica Alford
Milagro Tequila Silver Combier L’Original Fresh lime juice Simple syrup
• Salt air: water, fresh lime juice, kosher salt, Sucro
SPIKE your cocktail
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photo: Courtesy of El Centro D.F.
Justin Webster Bar Manager at El Centro D.F.
The 26-year-old Adams Morgan resident has been with El Centro D.F.’s 14th Street location for six months. On Tap: What’s the best drink on the El Centro menu to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Justin Webster: [Our] Traditional Margarita, which will be $6 on Cinco De Mayo. OT: What’s the process behind making the house-infused tequilas? JW: Find your favorite 100 percent agave tequila. Choose your favorite fruit or vegetable, remove the leaves, rind, seeds, etc. and cut the contents up into a container with the tequila. Store in the fridge and let everything sit for about two to three days. Be sure that you’re tasting the tequila every day to double check that it’s got the right flavor profile. OT: What’s the story behind the “Destination Oaxaca” selection? JW: The “Destination Oaxaca” menu was created after our chefs went on a culinary tour of the area experiencing the region’s amazing food culture. After the trip, the chefs worked together to create a menu inspired by the cuisine and culture. OT: What sets El Centro’s spirits apart from those offered at other local Mexican restaurants? JW: El Centro offers a diverse selection of over 250 tequilas, including blancos, reposados, anejos, premium, micro and infused. Because of our very diverse and large list, we offer a vertical tasting, which features tequilas made with different aging techniques, and a horizontal tasting comparing three tequilas made by different distilleries.
El Centro D.F.: 1819 14th St. NW, DC; www.richardsandoval.com/elcentrodf
Justin’s Pick:
Red & Smokey • • • •
Guests enjoyed plenty of crackin’ at this all-you-can-eat Crawfish Boil with corn, potatoes, sausage and Abita beers. Photos: Cristina O’Connell Photo: Courtesy of El Centro D.F.
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El Silencio mezcal Chili ginger Hibiscus Fresh orange slice as garnish
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By Tess Ankeny
With winter finally behind us and a long season of warm days and sunshine ahead, it’s time to start planning all your outdoor activities, concerts and parties (and the accompanying beverages, of course). It’s no secret that canned beers are a convenient choice for all your outdoor gigs, but there are options yet for all the wine lovers out there. Many reputable producers have started using eco-friendly and convenient packaging – from screwcap closures to boxes and cans – which means you can now find convenient wines that are also delicious. Check out these wines that are easy to transport, easy to open, easy to find and above all, easy to enjoy.
The wine: Conte Ferdinando Guicciardini’s Vino Rosso Toscana IGT ($30-$35/3-liter box) What it tastes like: Boxed wines have always been convenient, but it’s all the better when the wine inside is actually good, too! This Sangiovese blend from Tuscany is bright ruby red, with smooth tannins and notes of red cherry and dried cranberries, and floral and earthy hints on the finish. It’s simple and light, and a hard-to-beat value at $30 for a 3-liter box. It’s great sipped solo or paired with Photo: Tess Ankeny meats or veggies fresh off your backyard grill. Where to find it: At various Whole Foods locations (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) and DCanter – A Wine Boutique (545 8th St. SE, DC; www.dcanterwines.com)
The wine: Union Wine Company’s Underwood Pinot Noir ($7.99/375 ml can) What it tastes like: Keep it casual and sip out of the can, or pour it into a glass – either way, you’ll enjoy this Oregon pinot noir’s silky texture, lively acidity, and aromas and flavors of black cherry, ripe raspberry, plum, baking spices and cocoa. The wine is light but flavorful and pairs with a variety of foods, from simple cheese and charcuterie to more hearty fare. Pack a few of these Cola-sized Photo: Courtesy of Union Wine Co. cans to enjoy alongside a picnic on the venue’s lawn while you listen to your favorite band. Where to find it: At various Whole Foods locations (www. wholefoodsmarket.com)
The wine: Leo Hillinger’s Secco Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé ($8/187 ml mini-bottle) What it tastes like: This Austrian bubbly is soft and fruity, with lively acidity, tongue-tickling bubbles, and notes of ripe strawberries and red raspberries. This little single-serving bottle with an easy twist-off cap makes a perfect favor for bridal showers or bachelorette parties. Or just keep a bottle in your purse for sparkling wine emergencies. Photo: Courtesy of Leo Hillinger Where to find it: At DCanter – A Wine Boutique (545 8th St. SE, DC; www.dcanterwines.com)
Photo: Kali Ciesemeir
The wine: Rebel Coast Winery’s “Sunday Funday” White Blend ($18.99/750 ml bottle) What it tastes like: This aptly named sipper is a California blend of 90 percent steel barrel chardonnay, eight percent sauvignon blanc and two percent viognier. This isn’t your big, buttery, oaky wine: it’s crisp and fruity, with tons of juicy flavors of pineapple, pear and lime. It’s so easy to sip it’s a little bit dangerous, and the screwcap closure makes it even easier to open up a second bottle. Photo: Courtesy of Rebel Coast Winery Where to find it: At Screwtop Wine Bar (1025 N. Fillmore St. Arlington, VA; www.screwtopwinebar.com)
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The wine: Alloy Wine Works’ Grenache Rosé ($11.99/500 ml can; 15 percent off while supplies last) What it tastes like: Not only is the can cute, this California Grenache rosé is really tasty: it’s both creamy and refreshing, with flavors of grapefruit, guava, flowers and wild strawberries. Pack it in the cooler and sip while you lounge in the sand with your feet in the ocean. The 500 ml can size is ideal for two to share, or for one to… Photo: Courtesy of Field Recordings not share. The other Alloy Wine Works canned wines (chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon) are also worth checking out. Where to find it: At Union Market’s Cordial Fine Wine & Spirits (1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.cordialwine.com)
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S
ummer starts NOW. It is said that Memorial Day is the “unofficial start of summer,” but we beg to differ. When the calendar turns to May, the DC area explodes with a frenzy of festivals and outdoor fun. Following is a list of highlights, from free outdoor concerts to road trip-worthy adventures. The entire list will be online all summer, and we’ll be adding to it as new info comes in, so be sure to visit www.ontaponline. com for updates. As always, the listings are provided courtesy of the event organizers or culled from online postings. Please check event websites before heading out the door, as ticket pricing is often tiered and lineups are subject to change. Have fun!
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DC JazzFest is a highlight of the concert season at Yards Park.
ARTS, CULTURE & FUN SUNDAY, MAY 1 Fiesta Asia Silver Spring DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING, MD. Fiesta Asia Silver Spring is branded as our kickoff event for May. Happenings include live performances, open market exhibitors, interactive displays, AsiaMoves dance lessons and more. Join us on the first day of May, and get a taste of Fiesta Asia. Our Maryland fair will enchant and entertain you all day long! 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.fiestaasia.org
On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: Courtesy of DC JazzFest
FRIDAY, MAY 6 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 12
SATURDAY, MAY 7 SUNDAY, JUNE 5
Farragut Fridays GOLDEN TRIANGLE, DC. Farragut Fridays are a full day of getting outside in the Golden Triangle. Starting at 9 a.m., drop in for an outdoor “office” that includes free Wi-Fi, tables and chairs, and games to get your creative juices flowing. At noon, the picnic in the park begins. Grab a bite to eat, play lawn games (corn hole, foosball and table tennis) play with puppies and listen to live music. Then, head back after work for the Golden Cinema movie series. Pre-show fun starts at 7:30 p.m., movies are at dusk from May 20 to July 22. This year’s movie theme is “Hail to the Chief” and features Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Manchurian Candidate, Dave and more. The day is free. Get the complete schedule at www.goldentriangledc.com.
Virginia Renaissance Faire SPOTSYLVANIA, VA. The Virginia Renaissance Faire opens for its 15th year on Saturday, May 7 for five weekends of historical fun and merriment. Set on the grounds of Lake Anna Winery, the Faire is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $10 and free for children five and under. The Faire features live music and shows and over 70 merchants with food, crafts, games, clothing and art. A blacksmith offers custom work and demonstrations. Plus, don’t miss the Tavern with live
40+
LOCAL BREWERIES
150+ MARYLAND BEERS
SATURDAY• MAY 14, 2016
CARROLL CREEK • DOWNTOWN FREDERICK
Food Trucks Live Music
entertainment or the wine tasting and sales kiosk with local Lake Anna Winery wines. www.varf.org
SATURDAY, MAY 14 SUNDAY, MAY 15 Bethesda Fine Arts Festival BETHESDA, MD. Live rock, jazz and reggae music! Walk through the festival and enjoy looking at unique jewelry, clothing and furniture that’ll be on display. Then stop by the restaurants to enjoy pizza, sandwiches and ice cream. Free. www.bethesda.org
SATURDAY, MAY 21 SUNDAY, MAY 22
$40 General Admission / 1:30pm entry $60 BAM Bus / transport + 12pm entry TICKETS AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE ONLY
WWW.MDCRAFTBEERFESTIVAL.COM #MDBEER
© 2016 NEW BELGIUM BREWING, FORT COLLINS, CO & ASHEVILLE, NC
BI K E S , B E E R & B E M U SE M E N T
WASHINGTON DC YARDS PARK
5/21/16 RSVP at newbelgium.com/dc @newbelgium_dc #tourdefatdc2016
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Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival RESTON TOWN CENTER, VA. Join us in celebrating the 25th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival. Since 1991, the nonprofit Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) has produced the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, rated one of the best outdoor art festivals in the country. The festival is free and open to the public, although $5 donations per adult in support of GRACE are encouraged and appreciated. Festival attendees will enjoy viewing inspiring and innovative art in a wide variety of media and styles; interacting directly with artists from around the country; and exploring their own creativity in the Family Art Park, featuring free face painting and balloon animals. The festival will also include the performing arts, with innovative dance performances sponsored by the Reston Community Center and other musical entertainment presented throughout the weekend. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday. www.restonarts.org/ fineartsfestival2016
SUNDAY, MAY 22 Fiesta Asia Street Fair NW, DC. The 11th annual National Asian Heritage Festival’s signature event, the
Fiesta Asia Street Fair, features more than 1,000 performers on five stages representing more than 20 cultures for nine consecutive hours. Live performances by musicians, vocalists, dancer, martial artists; Pan-Asian cuisine; a shopping bazaar; kid-friendly interactive activities; talent competition, cultural parade, Bollywood street dancing, exhibits of traditional and contemporary Asian crafts and beer from around Asia. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. www.fiestaasia.org
FRIDAY, JUNE 10 SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Celebrate Fairfax! FAIRFAX, VA. This festival features concerts on nine different stages, with performances by Plain White T’s, the B-52s and Living Colour. There’s also a petting zoo, carnival rides and plenty of great food. Each night of the festival ends with a fireworks show. Fairfax Government Center. $10-$15. www.celebratefairfax.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Capital Pride Festival NW, DC. Drag performances, beer gardens and headliners Meghan Trainor and Charlie Puth at DC’s largest annual one-day event! Celebrate the LGBT communities of DC with your favorite cocktails, beers and wines. Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets NW, DC. Free. www.capitalpride.org
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 SUNDAY, JULY 10 Smithsonian Folklife Festival NATIONAL MALL, DC. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is held outdoors on the National Mall in Washington, DC during the last week of June and first week of July. This year, the festival will take place between Fourth and Seventh Streets, north of the National Air and Space Museum, from June 29
Take Metrobus and Metrorail to the...
DCJAZZFESTIVAL JUNE 10 –19, 2016 2016 DC JazzFest celebrates the International Language of Jazz
A citywide festival presenting 90+ bands, 300 artists, 60+ venues including Yards Park, The Kennedy Center, The Hamilton Live, area clubs and restaurants, and National Parks venues. Maceo Parker • Regina Carter • Steve Coleman and Five Elements • Kurt Elling • Makaya McCraven & the Marquis Hill Blacktet • Harold Mabern w/Eric Alexander • Steve Turre • Etienne Charles Joey DeFrancesco • Greg Osby • Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles • Ben Williams • Ernest Ranglin Allyn Johnson • Cymande • Orrin Evans • Michele Rosewoman & New Yor-uba • Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra • Matthew Shipp/Bill Cole • George V. Johnson • The Lafayette Suite feat. Laurent Coq and Walter Smith, III • Nasar Abadey • Lena Seikaly • DC JazzFest Salutes Howard University Jazz at The Kennedy Center feat. Benny Golson, Cyrus Chestnut, Greg Osby & more.
For tickets, artists and complete schedule, visit DCJAZZFEST.ORG PLATINUM AND GOLD SPONSORS
The DC Jazz Festival®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization, is sponsored in part with major grants from the Government of the District of Columbia, Muriel Bowser, Mayor; and, in part, by major grants from the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, The Mayo Charitable Foundation, CrossCurrents Foundation, The Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation ,and with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts; and by the City Fund, administered by The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region. ©2016 DC Jazz Festival. All rights reserved.
to July 4 and July 7 to 10. The festival is free of charge. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special events taking place most evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. www.festival.si.edu
THURSDAY, JULY 7 SUNDAY, JULY 31 Capital Fringe Festival VARIOUS LOCATIONS, DC. Unique poetry, puppetry and wild dance performances! With countless performing groups, there’s bound to be something for everybody with risk-taking art and non-traditional acts. www.capfringe.org
FRIDAY, JULY 15 SUNDAY, JULY 17 Artscape BALTIMORE, MD. Fashion designers, outdoor sculpture and art cars! America’s largest free arts festival will also feature the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and other incredible live music. Free. www.artscape.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 MONDAY, AUGUST 22 Comcast Outdoor Film Festival ROCKVILLE, MD. It’s for charity! Free outdoor movies on the largest screens in the country. Experience the old-school feel of a drive-in theater while helping to raise funds for a great cause. Free. MCPS Board of Education parking lot. www.filmfestnih.org
Saturday, September 5 - Sunday, September 6 Virginia Scottish Games THE PLAINS, VA. You can wear a kilt! One of the few places outside the Commonwealth where you can experience authentic Scottish culture and traditions, including spectacular highland dancers, bagpipes, adorable Scottish dogs, cool British cars and
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sheep herding. $20-$30. Great Meadow - The Plains, Va. www.vascottishgames.org
CONCERT SERIES WEDNESDAYS Rockin’ the Block Concert Series June 1 to August 31 CAPITOL RIVERFRONT, DC. Canal Park presents a new take on the front porch concert. Concerts take place at the Canal Park middle block stage Wednesdays of each summer month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature great bands, food and beverages from neighborhood restaurants, games and more. Find more details at www.captiolriverfront.org.
THURSDAYS
Fox and others, plus a rotating restaurant partner. Admission to the concerts is free, admission to the VIP lounge is $10 and all proceeds are donated to SCAN – Stop Child Abuse Now of Northern Virginia. 7-9 p.m. Go to www.pentagonrow. com for lineup, and purchase lounge tickets in advance at www.tickets.ontaponline.com.
FRIDAYS Herndon Friday Night Live! May 6 to August 26 HERNDON, VA. It’s the 22nd year of hooking folks up with cold beer, hot tunes and fantastic food! Featuring party favorites Go Go Gadget, Burnt Sienna, The Reflex and more, Herndon rocks you through the summer with the best local and regional talent from the East Coast. No concert on June 3, but be sure to check out Herndon Festival instead. Free. www.herndonrocks.com
Bethesda Summer Concert Series
Rockville Town Square Friday Night Live
May 5 to July 28 BETHESDA, MD. Bask in the sweet melodies and the summer air as you catch the music in Veterans Park. Featuring local favorites Cathy Ponton King, Chugalug, Blue Sky 5 and more. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. www.bethesda.org
May 6 to September 30 ROCKVILLE, MD. Live music lights up the Rockville Town Square when local favorites like Lloyd Dobler Effect, Junkyard Saints, Billy Coulter Band and more take to the Dawson’s Market Stage. Plus, enjoy food and drinks from guest restaurants American Tap Room, Mellow Mushroom, Bar Louie and others. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. www.rockvilletownsquare.com
Rock the Row at Pentagon Row July 14 to August 25 ARLINGTON, VA. Hot bands and cold beer return to Pentagon Row for the annual Rock the Row series. Each week a different band takes the stage and a different craft brewery is featured in the VIP lounge. Bands include Kristin and the Noise, Gonzo’s Nose, The Rockets and White Ford Bronco. The VIP lounge will host Virginia craft brewers Devils Backbone, South Street, Mad
On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
Budweiser Music Series at Nats Park May 13 to September 30 NATIONALS PARK, DC. Every Friday home game, the best place to pre-game is at the Budweiser Terrace inside the ballpark. Enjoy cold Bud and Bud Light and hot tunes from the city’s best cover bands. White Ford Bronco, Party Like It’s, Jeff from Accounting and
Dr. FU. Enter to win tickets and check out the lineup at www.ontaponline.com/ baseball.
Friday Night Concert Series in Yards Park May 27 to September 2 CAPITOL RIVERFRONT, DC. The summer comes alive at Yards Park on Friday nights. Blankets are spread, picnics unpacked and the crowd settles in for a great night of live music on the waterfront. Each season’s lineup brings a diverse mix of music ranging from classic Motown (Jimi Smooth) to roots Americana (19th Street Band). The concerts are free and run from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. Music is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. but arrive early to get a good spot, the shows are popular. New this year, the stage will be on the Great Lawn portion of the park, and outside alcohol is no longer allowed. Fear not, a beer and wine bar is located onsite. For information on the shows, visit www.capitolriverfront.org.
Rock The Block #TGIFairfax May 27 to October 28 FAIRFAX, VA. Rock the Block at Old Town Square in Fairfax is back this summer. Each fourth Friday of the month from June through October, walk, run, ride your bike or drive because you don’t want to miss out on Stereo A, The Reagan Years, Rockets, Hackens Boys and more. Food is available for sale. Bring chairs and or blankets to sit on and kids wear swim suits and bring towels for our new spray pad! No pets allowed except service animals. 6:30-9:30 p.m. www.fairfaxva.gov/ RockTheBlock
Park Potomac Concert Series June 3 to July 15 POTOMAC, MD. Welcome to the inaugural Park Potomac Concert Series. Don’t miss great live music and a craft beer garden each week. Bands include Darcy Dawn, 19th Street Band, Lloyd Dobler Effect, Practically Einstein, Sly 45, 7 Deadlines and Justin Trawick. Participating breweries include Olivers, Flying Dog, Heavy Seas, Du Claw, 7 Locks, Milkhouse and Jailbreak. All proceeds from the beer garden go to the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department. Concert is free, beer garden admission is $10. For more information and to purchase tasting tickets in advance, go to www.parkpotomacmusic.com.
Lubber Run Amphitheater Summer Concert Series June 17 to September 18 ARLINGTON, VA. Featuring a diverse lineup melding internationally renowned musicians and regional favorites, Nigerian Afro-Pop pioneer Orlando Julius, regional roots rocker Mary Ann Redmond; Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre, and the Congolese fusion band Mbongwana Star are among those featured in the 2016 Lubber Run Amphitheater Summer Concert Series. Saturday and Sunday concerts are at 8 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. Free. www.arlingtonarts.org
Rio Center Concerts May 6 to September 24 GAITHERSBURG, MD. Every Friday and Saturday night the party is lakeside at the Rio Center. Just outside Union Jack’s enjoy live music from Route 66, Diamond Alley, Mason Dixon, Four Star Combo and more. Free. 6-9 p.m. Get the complete lineup at www.riowashingtonian.com.
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SATURDAYS Adams Morgan Summer Concert Series May 7 to June 25 NW, DC. Live concerts featuring the best local musical talent! Check out the mixture of musical styles including Brazilian jazz, bluegrass, swing, country and rock ‘n roll in an intimate outdoor setting. Corner of 18th Street and Columbia Road in the BB&T Bank Plaza Free. Find more information on Facebook!
Downtown Silver Spring Concerts May 14 to September 24 SILVER SPRING, MD. The Fountain Plaza in downtown Silver Spring rocks on Saturday nights. Enjoy free concerts featuring acts like Jeremy Little, Stone Age Rhapsody, Loose Ends, Bliss and Friends, Distant Thunder and more. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. www.downtownsilverspring.com
Tarara Winery Summer Concert Series June 4 to September 24 LEESBURG, VA. Dance under the stars with good food and wine, and great friends at this summer-long series of musical soirées including Bruce in the USA and Kanye Twitty. $16. www.tarara.com
FOOD & DRINK SATURDAY, MAY 7 The Bloody Mary Festival SW, DC. Enjoy the craftiest and most delicious Bloody Marys from the 14th Street corridor to Georgetown at Blind Whino. You won’t find any plain tomato juice or horseradish concoctions at this event. Enjoy three hours of the DC area’s most creative
On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
and innovative Bloody Marys, created by the finest restaurants and bars in the area. Includes Bloody Marys, bagel bar, cheese tables, tastes of local artisanal food and drinks, music and more. Participating bars include Hank’s Oyster Bar, Bar Pilar, Range, The Heights, Buffalo & Bergen, Barrel, Due South and Old Engine 12 Firehouse Restaurant. 1-4 p.m. $60-$90. www.thebloodymaryfest.com
Of Ale and History Beer Fest MIDDLETOWN, VA. This is the longest running beer festival in Virginia, celebrating its 21st year. There will be more than 70 beers available for tasting including European imports, American craft brews, hard ciders and specialty beers. There will also be live music all day. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $20 advanced tasting tickets are on sale at www.bellegrove.org. Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass, eight beer tastings, access to all vendors, performances and tours of Belle Grove’s 1797 Manor House. At the gate, tasting tickets will be $25. Designated drivers or guests under 21 may purchase admission tickets for $10 and it includes two non-alcoholic beverages. www.bellegrove.org/ calendar/beer_festival VinoFest: Third Annual Wine & Music Festival SE, DC. Calling all wine lovers! On May 7, savor wines from more than 20 unique local and global vineyards, craft beers and specialty cocktails while enjoying live music by Jon Batiste & Stay Human, The Original Wailers and more at Yards Park. VinoFest, the premier wine and music festival, is the ideal spring day, featuring a curated selection of DC’s best bites from Buredo to Milk Bar. VIP and general admission tickets are on sale now at www.vinofest.com. 3-10 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 13 SUNDAY, MAY 15 Mount Vernon Wine Festival & Sunset Tour MOUNT VERNON, VA. You might see George Washington? Ok, so you meet him in costume! Celebrate the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the Mansion and cellar, and live jazz overlooking the Potomac River. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. $36-40. $1,100-$1,200 VIP tables and bottle service. www.mountvernon.org
SATURDAY, MAY 14 DC HOPFEST NE, DC. Hellbender Brewing Company presents the only DC beer festival by and for local brewers. Seventeen local breweries will pour over 20 local craft beers to raise funds for the DC Brewers Guild. Guests will be treated to a complimentary tasting glass, unlimited pours and award-winning fare from Arepa Zone’s food truck. $53.74. 1-4 p.m. Go to www.eventbrite. com/e/dc-hopfest-2016tickets-24820976208 for details about participating breweries.
Mad Fox’s Spring Bock Festival FALLS CHURCH, VA. Kick off the beer festival season with us outdoors in the market square! Sample a wide variety of award-winning Spring Bock and other seasonal beers from our brewery and others around region. Enjoy live music and great food as you sip and celebrate spring! Noon to 7 p.m. As always admission is free, and we will feature activities for kids. Get your tickets in advance and don’t wait in line when you arrive! www.madfoxbrewing.com
Passports are picked up at any of the three entry points, and are awarded a stamp with a taste at any participating restaurant. Three stamps earn the attendee an entry into the raffle for prizes announced at the end of the day. 1-5 p.m. www.tastetheworld.fentonvillage.org
Maryland Craft Beer Festival FREDERICK, MD. Celebrate your favorite Maryland breweries at the Maryland Craft Beer Festival! Over 30 brewing companies will present 175+ unique, finely crafted ales and lagers. This festival features live music, exhibitors and a variety of food offerings prepared to partner perfectly with these craft beers. At Carroll Creek Linear Park. Noon to 5 p.m. www.mdcraftbeerfestival.com
SUNDAY, MAY 15 Taste of Arlington ARLINGTON, VA. The 29th annual Taste of Arlington transforms Wilson Boulevard and neighboring streets into a family-friendly street festival with dining, music and entertainment for all ages. This annual festival features the cuisine of more than 50 Arlington restaurants, two concert stages, an expanded Beer and Wine Garden with Deschutes Brewery’s Street Pub, a 5K race benefiting Girls on the Run, a BarkPark and a KidZone. Noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are now on sale and you can buy discounted tickets on the BallstonConnect Mobile app. www.tasteofarlington.com Taste The World in Fenton Village SILVER SPRING, MD. The 6th Annual Taste the World in Fenton Village is the DC area’s largest restaurant crawl featuring over 30 different restaurants representing food from around the world. Free, attendees come explore the eclectic neighborhood of Silver Spring while purchasing tastes at restaurants for $2-$5.
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SATURDAY, MAY 21
Italian Ice, Stella’s Popcorn, Mesob on Wheels, Captain Cookie, Java Crusier, featuring the Big Cheese. Sample food from Founding Farmers, Zoe’s Kitchen, Sugo and Elevation Burger. For more info, go to www.parkpotomac.com. All proceeds from the beer garden go to the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department. Virginia Wine & Craft Festival FRONT ROYAL, VA. Grab a drink and hit the caves! Relax and enjoy shopping for handmade crafts, live music, games and lots of wine from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free entry; $25-$30 wine tasting. www.wineandcraftfestival.com
Tour de Fat SE, DC. Tour de Fat is New Belgium Brewing’s traveling celebration of all things bicycle, honoring mankind’s greatest invention. Born in Colorado to increase awareness and participation in cycling as a sustainable form of transportation, Tour de Fat has grown into a national rite of passage for cycling advocates and bon vivants alike. The day-long event is free, yet all donations and proceeds from beer and merchandise sales go to DC area non-profits. Everyone 21 and older can sample new and classic favorites from New Belgium, including the brewery’s flagship brew, Fat Tire, New Belgium’s latest year-round offering, Citradelic Tangerine IPA, and selections from the acclaimed Lips of Faith series. At Yards Park. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.bit.ly/NBBDC Park Potomac Festival POTOMAC, MD. Come enjoy free fun for the whole family! Live music from Lovely Rita. Bring the kids for the petting zoo, face painting and balloon twisting. Beer Garden featuring seven different local craft breweries and wine. Local breweries include Flying Dog, Du Claw, Heavy Seas, Jailbreak, 7 Locks, Milkhouse, Olivers. Participating food trucks include Peruvian Brothers, Carmen’s
On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
SATURDAY, MAY 21 SUNDAY, MAY 22 Wine in the Woods COLUMBIA, MD. Sharpen your palate by attending wine education seminars, while enjoying exceptional food and works offered by invited chefs, artists and craft artisans. Symphony Woods Park. $20 to $40. www.wineinthewoods.com
SATURDAY, MAY 28 SUNDAY, MAY 29 Caribbean Wine Festival MT. AIRY, MD. Island life without the trip! Open your palate to different wines with your souvenir wine glass or take a guided winery tour. Linganore Wine Cellars. $22.50-$30. www.linganore-wine.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 4 SUNDAY, JUNE 5
Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival COCKEYSVILLE, MD. Great Grapes! has grown to be Baltimore’s premier casual
Maryland wine festival with hundreds of wines available for tasting at Oregon Ridge Park. Hundreds of thousands of guests have enjoyed the Festival as an escape from the urban jungle. Noon to 6 p.m. www.uncorkthefun.com
Vintage Virginia CENTREVILLE, VA. Since 1982, Vintage Virginia has offered an opportunity to taste from nearly half of Virginia’s homegrown wineries, from the oldest and the largest to the smallest boutiques and exciting new players, at Bull Run Special Event Complex. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.vintagevirginia.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Americana Beer Fest LEESBURG, VA. Good beer. Great cause. Enjoy an ideal summer day celebrating craft beer and music at Americana Beer Fest, the newest craft beer and arts festival taking place at the scenic Morven Park in Leesburg, Va. Support our veterans while sampling more than 180 styles of craft beer from 60+ local, regional and national breweries. Enjoy live music from Trampled by Turtles, Wild Child, Possessed by Paul James, and Roosterfoot. The festival will also include a food truck rally, an artisan market, life-sized lawn games, as well as a series of culinary and beer-centric panels, demos and workshops, making Americana Beer Fest the ultimate day for the ultimate beer lover. 2-7p.m., VIP and general admission tickets are on sale now at www.americanabeerfest.org.
Breaux Vineyards Cajun Festival PURCELLVILLE, VA. Taste Louisiana fare without traveling the distance! Delicious Cajun food with enjoyable wine-a-ritas and rockin’ live music is featured at this annual celebration of our Cajun heritage. $12-$20. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.breauxvineyards.com Brew & Bourbon Classic BALTIMORE, MD. The Brew and Bourbon Classic is a fun-filled afternoon of beer tasting, bourbon sipping and, of course, pulse-pounding Thoroughbred racing at Pimlico Race Course. Over 60 different beers and bourbons will be poured as the races unfold. Great food and music will round out the day. 1-6 p.m. www.brewandbourbonclassic.com
bourbons on tap. There is BBQ galore as this festival contains some of the best vendors onsite. The amazing BBQ selection includes pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chicken sausages and more. You can also enjoy seminars in the tasting theater, special hot sauces, cool exhibits and a cigar tent for all guests. There’s also live rock and blues music all day and great bluegrass on the Main Stage. Come and see what the excitement is all about! $35-$90 for general admission; $29 for designated drivers. If you can’t make the festival, don’t worry! The fun comes to Leesburg on Saturday, September 17. www.beerandbourbon.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 18 SUNDAY, JUNE 19
FRIDAY, JUNE 17 SATURDAY, JUNE 18 Taste of Reston RESTON, VA. Taste of Reston, produced by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, is the largest outdoor food festival in the area and was voted “Northern Virginia’s Best Food Festival” in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 by Virginia Living magazine. Join us this June at the Reston Town Center for two days of restaurants and community vendors, live entertainment on three stages, the Family Fun Zone and our Wine ‘n’ Dine area. Friday from 3-11 p.m. and Saturday noon -11 p.m. www.restontaste.com
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*Live Well
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RESTON TOWN CENTER
FRI JUNE 17: 3PM-11PM * SAT JUNE 18: 12PM-11PM
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Wi ne Northern Virginia Summer BrewFest CENTREVILLE, VA. The 9th annual Northern Virginia BrewFest, presented by Mad Fox Brewing Company, returns to the Special Events Center at Bull Run Regional Park. The two-day event will feature seasonal beers, meads and ciders from more than 45 regional breweries, educational programs, live music, corn hole, and more. Noon to 7 p.m. General admission and VIP tickets are available online at www.novabrewfest.com.
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BANDS + DJs WINE ‘N DINE
COOKING DEMOS WINE PAIRINGS TASTINGS
Voted “Best Food Festival” in Northern Virginia By Virginia Living Magazine!
PINNACLE SPONSOR
SATURDAY, JUNE 25 PRESIDENTIAL SPONSORS
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. Unlimited beer and bourbon tastings and the new shrine of swine! Admission buys you a souvenir glass so you can enjoy an all-you-care-to-taste sampling of the 60 beers and 40
Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival BALTIMORE, MD. This is the 3rd annual Maryland tradition! The festival is an all-you-can-taste extravaganza complete with
HOST SPONSORS
Tickets on Sale at
www.RestonTaste.com /restontaste
/restonchamber www.ontaponline.com | May 2016 | On Tap
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over 30,000 crabs, lots of beer, arts and crafts, live music, family fun and so much more! Find out what over 22,000 people have come to enjoy. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Rash Field. The fest comes to National Harbor on August 27. www.mdcrabfest.com
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 SATURDAY, JULY 16
Screen on the Green
Movie Nights MONDAYS
Red, White & Brew Festival SE, DC. Raise a toast to the red, white and brew at this annual all-you-care-to-taste beer and wine event. 1-9 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.drinkthedistrict.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 25 SUNDAY, JUNE 26
24th Annual Giant National Capital BBQ Battle NW, DC. Kick off summer at America’s BBQ Party, the 24th Annual Giant Barbecue Battle. Pennsylvania Avenue will be smokin’ with rock, reggae, jazz and blues from 30 bands on three stages. Enjoy free BBQ and grilled food samples in the Taste of Giant sampling pavilion while witnessing America’s best eaters onstage at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest. Other activities include free wine samples at Barefoot Beach, the military chef cook-off, celebrity chefs, lots of interactive exhibits and America’s national BBQ championship contest. The battle has received numerous awards like “One of America’s most prestigious and entertaining BBQ competitions” by USA Today. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 14th Streets. www.bbqdc.com
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2016 Capital Ale House National Beer Expo RICHMOND, VA. The 3rd annual Capital Ale House National Beer Expo is a national destination craft beer and food experience featuring premium craft beer from Virginia and around the U.S. and highlighting Richmond, Virginia’s (RVA) culinary excellence. Please join us from July 13-16 in RVA for 15+ amazing craft beer and food events. Noon - 10 p.m. Tickets and more information at www.nationalbeerexpo.com.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 Kegs and Corks Festival ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD. Head to the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds for a beer and wine festival with great music, good food and fun, plus unlimited samples of craft beers and Maryland wines. Noon to 6 p.m. www.kegsandcorksfest.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Crystal Screen August 15 to September 26 CRYSTAL CITY, VA. This year’s Crystal Screen is devoted solely to Star Wars, with plans to show episodes one through seven of the epic series. Plaza at 1850 S. Bell St. Free. www.crystalcity.org
TUESDAYS Adams Morgan Movie Nights May 17 to June 14 NW, DC. Adams Morgan Movie Nights showcase a broad range of films from classics to award-winning contemporary and animated features. This year’s lineup includes Inside Out, Rebel Without a Cause and Pretty in Pink. The series is held at one of the best outdoor movie watching venues in the city – the plush new soccer field at Marie Reed School in Adams Morgan, where terraced seating is built into the hillside overlooking the screen. Best of all: the movie nights are free! 8-10:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ adamsmorganmovienights/
July 20 to August 10 NATIONAL MALL, DC. There’s no better way to enjoy film than outdoors, surrounded by friends and beautiful sunsets. This year’s lineup includes North by Northwest and Back to the Future. National Mall, between 7th and 12th Streets. Free. www.hbo.com/screenonthegreen
THURSDAYS Canal Park Movies June 2 to August 11 SE, DC. From cult classics to the latest Academy Award winners, the people spoke and the movies will be shown! Join the Riverfront community for free movies at Canal Park on Thursday evenings, from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Mean Girls to The Martian and Creed. Free. www.capitolriverfront.org
FRIDAYS Rosslyn Cinema: Incredible Journeys June 3 to August 26 ROSSYLN, VA. Head to Gateway Park for this year’s Rosslyn Cinema Outdoor Movie Festival on Friday nights, featuring fare from food trucks and local restaurants, plus a glass of beer or wine at the mobile bar prior to show time. Eat, Pray, Love, Casablanca and Up are part of this year’s “Incredible Journeys” theme. Free. www.rosslynva.org
WEDNESDAYS NoMa Summer Screen Arts & Ales: Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival HYATTSVILLE, MD. Check out 100+ exhibiting artists, Maryland breweries, food trucks and vendors, and live entertainment at Arts & Ales. Noon to 6 p.m. www.hyattsvillearts.com
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June 1 to August 17 NW, DC. Enjoy a picnic and a flick under the stars, just blocks from the NoMa Metro station. Princess Bride, Life of Pi and Jurassic Park are among this year’s picks. Loree Grand Field at 2nd and L Streets. Free. www.nomasummerscreen.com
Music Festivals (Please note that most festivals at Merriweather Post Pavilion or Jiffy Lube Live are not listed here, but instead will appear in our regular music calendar over the next several months).
presents FREE Outdoor Concert Series Live Bands Every Friday! Old Town Herndon 777 Lynn Street (behind the Herndon Municipal Center)
6:30 - 10:30 pm
Sponsors
2016 Music Schedule May
6 13 20 27
Go Go Gadjet The Rockets Split Decision + Darcy Dawn & Company The Reagan Years
June
3 10 17 24
Herndon Festival (No Friday Night Live!) Gonzo’s Nose Burnt Sienna Fish Out of Water + The Jerx
July
1 8 15 22 29
Turtle Recall + South Bay Kristen & the Noise Crazy in Stereo + Six to Midnight The Reflex Herr Metal + Dr FU
August
5 12 19 26
Sam Grow + Delta Spur Love Seed Mama Jump For the Win The Vigilantes
Gold Sponsors Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield MainStreet Bank MetroStar Systems Tim Nachazel/Investin Topgolf Zoomph D Banzon Design Party DC Events Queenb Creative The Breeze of Herndon (Restaurant & Sports Bar)
Silver Sponsors Arts Herndon Egan, Berger & Weiner, LLC Erie Insurance – Pugh Agency HRI Associates LeapPoint Mindy Thunman (KellerWilliams) Bronze Sponsors Adams-Green Funeral Home All-American Landscaping Canine Carousel Circle Glass Dr. Finley’s Family Eyecare
For more information, visit www.HerndonRocks.com
Food, Beer & Wine Available
Flynn Realty Associates Freedom Bank Fulton Bank Griffin-Owens Insurance Group Herndon Dairy Queen Law Office of Shane Murphy Linda Sells Herndon (Pearson Smith Realty) Meadows Farms Nurseries Mid-Atlantic Power Northwood Construction Stitely & Karstetter, CPAs Tri-Tek Engineering
@herndonrocks
SATURDAY, MAY 21 Preakness InfieldFest BALTIMORE, MD. Get ready for the running of the Preakness Stakes with this year’s festival featuring two stages, the MUG club and unique attractions all day. Headliners include The Chainsmokers and Fetty Wap. Pimlico Race Course. $105. www.preakness.com
year MMFest welcomes Louts, Galactic, Trampled by Turtles, The Infamous Stringdusters, Dumpstaphunk, Big Something and more to the stage atop Wonderland Mountain. ACE Adventure Resort. www.mountainmusicfestwv.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 3 SUNDAY, JUNE 5
WMZQ Fest BRISTOW, VA. Country fans, unite! Get country with Miranda Lambert, Kip Moore, Brothers Osborne and more. Jiffy Lube Live. Tickets start at $30.25. www.livenation.com
The Capital Jazz Fest COLUMBIA, MD. Come see New Edition, En Vogue and King, plus up-and-coming jazz and soul music artists, at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Ticket prices vary. www.merriweathermusic.com
Saturday, September 3 - Sunday, September 4
THURSDAY, MAY 26 SUNDAY, MAY 29
FRIDAY, JUNE 10 SUNDAY, JUNE 19
Appaloosa Festival FRONT ROYAL, VA. The Appaloosa Festival, DC’s annual roots music and camping festival, is Labor Day Weekend, in Front Royal, VA. Headliners include Scythian, The Black Lillies, Mipso, Marie Miller, Humming House, Socks in the Frying Pan, Six-String Soldiers, The Accidentals and Lowland Hum. Festival host Scythian was named Best DC Band by Washington City Paper. The Black Lillies dominate Americana radio, while Mipso’s latest debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass. Humming House was a Huffington Post Top 15 of 2015 Festival Act, and Socks in the Frying Pan was #1 New Band in Ireland. The Accidentals are a Billboard Top 7 Breakout Act at SXSW, and Lowland Hum played NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. Six-String Soldiers played Conan and Marie Miller performed alongside Aretha Franklin, and Andrea Bocelli. The Appaloosa Festival, family-friendly, is at Skyline Ranch Resort, in the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Military discounts, children under 13 free. www.AppaloosaFestival.com
Delfest CUMBERLAND, MD. With acts like the Del McCoury Band and Tedeschi Trucks Band, you’re sure to find yourself in bluegrass bliss. Also, learn from the some of the best musicians in the business at Delfest Academy! The four-day adult pass starts at $185.50. www.delfest.com
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SATURDAY, MAY 28 MONDAY, MAY 30 Rockville Hometown Holidays ROCKVILLE, MD. Enjoy several dozen live performances from rock ‘n’ roll and reggae artists, plus marching bands, floats and more at the Memorial Day Parade. Rockville Town Center. Free. www.rockvillemd.gov
THURSDAY, JUNE 2 SATURDAY, JUNE 4 Mountain Music Festival NEW RIVER GORGE, WV. Mountain Music Festival is an annual celebration of the best outdoor adventures West Virginia offers with live music to match. Situated on a 1,500 acre outdoor adventure resort in the New River Gorge, W. Va., Mountain Music Festival brings the spirit of Appalachia to life through its two greatest exports - music and wilderness. This
On Tap | May 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
DC Jazz Festival SE, DC. A citywide festival presenting 90+ bands, 300+ artists, 60+ venues including Yards Park, the Kennedy Center, the Hamilton Live, area clubs and restaurants, and National Parks venues, the festival presents a selection of the jazz genre’s most acclaimed and emerging artists, and provides enhanced exposure for the rich treasure trove of musicians from the Washington, DC area. Artists featured in this year’s festival include: Grrls Rule, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Eddie Plmieri, Igmar Thomas & Revive Big Band with Talib Kewli, Maceo Parker and many more. A highlight of the festival is the three day Jazz in the Yards weekend at Yards Park June 17 to 19. www.dcjazzfest.org
Saturday, June 11 Heavy Seas Blunderbuss Music Fest BALTIMORE, MD. Heavy Seas is proud to present Baltimore harbor’s largest summer music festival: Blunderbuss Music Festival! Featuring Robert
Randolph and the Family Band, Boom Box, Big Something, Cris Jacobs, Sweet Leda and more. www.hsblunderbuss.com
Thursday, June 16 Sunday, June 19 Firefly DOVER, DE. Your favorite summer weekend is around the corner! Artists include Mumford & Sons, Kings of Leon, Florence and the Machine, Deadlaus, Ellie Goulding, Disclosure, Blink 182, Death Cab for Cutie, Tame Impala, M83, A$AP Rocky, Major Lazer, The 1975, Of Monsters and Men, Chvrches, Two Door Cinema Club, Ludacris, The Neighbourhood, Earth, Wind and Fire, Group Love, Porter Robinson, Fitz & the Tantrums, Fetty Wap, Flogging Molly, Vince Staple and many more. Camping passes available. www.fireflyfestival.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Silver Spring Blues Festival SILVER SPRING, MD. An allday blues block party with two stages, a fountain to cool off in, and plenty of places to eat and shop at the music-filled celebration. Downtown Silver Spring. Free. www.silverspringblues.com
Saturday, June 18 Sunday, June 19 Vine Rewind Festival MT. AIRY, MD. Linganore Wine Cellars and Red Shedman Brewery are opening the gates to a weekend of fun. If you love music of the 70s, 80s and 90s, beer and wine, this is the festival for you. There’ll be plenty of vendors with crafts and food, and a relaxing outdoor atmosphere. Performances
from The Reflex, Guys with Thin Ties and more. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Special pricing for Dads and Vets. Get all ticket info at www.linganorewines.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 25
Starr Hill IPA JAMBEEREE CROZET, VA. Starr Hill Brewery’s IPA JAMBEEREE is a festival celebrating India Pale Ales and live music in Virginia. The event will be held at the Hangar Park, across from Starr Hill Brewery & Tap Room. Attendees will sample over 50 different IPAs from more than 15 Virginia breweries, featuring rare and exclusive offerings from Starr Hill, as well as partake in interactive exhibits with local hop growers. A showstopping lineup of live music performances complete the ultimate Starr Hill experience alongside food trucks, games and proceeds to benefit a local non-profit organization. www.jambeeree.com
FRIDAY, JULY 15 MONDAY, JULY 18 DOAH FEST LURAY, VA. Doah Fest is a four-day celebration held on a private farm between the banks of the Shenandoah River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Doah is more than just a music festival. It’s a chance to unplug and connect, to share positivity and happiness with a community of beautiful and optimistic people. Starting Friday afternoon the bands kick off and begin to fill the farm with great music. Jam, reggae, rock, bluegrass, indie and more on two stages by the river. Unlike any other festival, Doah allows you direct access to the Shenandoah River. Jump in cool off and relax. www.doahfest.com
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 SUNDAY, JULY 31 FloydFest FLOYD, VA. It’s a Dreamweavin’ week at FloydFest 2016. This world music festival set in the scenic Virginia Blue Ridge features Greg Allman, Warren Haynes, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers and many, many more. Single, multi and camping passes available. www.floydfest.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
Lake Anna Winery
(703) 508-5036
ComePlay@VaRF.org
Hot August Festival COCKEYSVILLE, MD. Leftover Salmon and Railroad Earth are festival favorites, but added to this lineup are local sensations Thievery Corporation. Gates open at 11 a.m., tickets are currently at $59. www.hotaugustfestival.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 LOCKN’ FESTIVAL ARRINGTON, VA. Jam band fans, it may not get better than this. Two nights and four sets of Phish, two nights of Ween, My Morning Jacket, Tedeschi Trucks Band and more, the stellar lineup is only matched by the stellar setting in the mountains of Virginia. Tickets for both GA and camping passes are available. www.locknfestival.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Sonic Circuits Festival NE, DC. Washington DC’s annual festival of cutting edge contemporary music that defies genres experimental music that you won’t experience elsewhere. www.dc-soniccircuits.org
www.ontaponline.com | MAY 2016 | ON TAP
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By Michael Coleman here’s no disputing that DC – the birthplace of go-go music – can bring the funk. But in case anyone worried that DC was resting on its funky laurels, the city now devotes an entire day to the art form. This year’s third annual Funk Parade is set for Saturday, May 7. And once again, tens of thousands of revelers are expected to descend on the U Street corridor for a day of music, dancing, roller skating, visual art and other funky pursuits. Event organizers say they expect the 2016 Funk Parade to draw more than 70,000 people – almost triple the number that attended the inaugural event in 2014. The day-long party includes a fair in the U Street neighborhood from noon to 7 p.m., the parade itself from 4-5 p.m. and a free music festival at about a dozen U Street nightclubs from 7-10 p.m. The actual parade goes for six blocks, from the Howard Theatre at 6th and U Streets to the Lincoln Theatre near 12th and U Streets. Justin Rood, a native Washingtonian, came up with the concept of a funk parade more than three years ago after having a vivid dream that drummers, dancers and others were making a joyous ruckus near the corner of his apartment building by the intersection of 13th and U Streets. He awoke wondering why no one had established a funk parade to celebrate the music that gives DC its heartbeat. Rood soon
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Photos: Courtesy of Funk Parade
decided to do it himself, and tells On Tap that the Funk Parade is a chance for everyone to make some noise of their own. “Engaging attendees in the day’s experiences has always been central to the event,” says Rood, who co-founded the Funk Parade with Chris Naoum of Listen Local First, a group that supports local music. “This isn’t a spectacle to watch. It’s a celebration to join.” To that end, the creative minds at Deloitte Digital in DC volunteered to design an app called Boombox for this year’s festival that will allow Funk Parade participants to play music that syncs with the drummers, horn players and other musicians in the parade. “If you don’t know how to play an instrument, or don’t have one, but you have a phone, you can download the app and play or bring your Bluetooth speaker and play it off the speaker,” Rood explains. “The app will sync you with whoever else is playing nearby so it’s all being played in concert.” Kokayi – a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer and emcee – is among dozens of local artists playing on stages around this year’s event. Other participating musical acts include Rare Essence, Funk Ark, Empresarios, Congo Sanchez, Nappy Riddem, Fort Knox Five and many more. This year, Kokayi asked fellow DC residents to submit sound clips to him from around the city. He received almost three dozen entries, including a Harley Davidson tailpipe roaring downtown and church
bells chiming in Logan Circle. Kokayi then turned all of the distinctive noises into four different songs, each representing a quadrant of the city. He says Funk Parade is a chance to celebrate what’s unique about DC, and each other. “I look at the Funk Parade as a preservation of the history of DC culture,” Kokayi tells On Tap. “The fact [is] that DC is one of the only cities that [has] its own indigenous music form, and if we celebrate that form, then it makes the Funk Parade worthwhile. It’s making sure we maintain the culture of what makes us an original type of city.” The theme of this year’s Funk Parade is “ROLL YOUR FUNK,” which highlights “the city’s roller-skating heyday, its current cycling culture, skateboarding and more.” Rood says event organizers established a participatory art project working with “style skaters” from the 1970s who are still skating today. “We’re just going to have a whole afternoon of roller skating and fun,” he says. “We’re also doing an online component, pulling pictures of DC from the 1970s and putting them online.” When asked why the Funk Parade has grown so rapidly in just a few short years, Rood says the event “meets a need.” “It’s just a lot of fun – and it’s free – and that attracts people,” Rood says. “The experience that people have at Funk Parade is different than almost any other public event in that it brings people together to celebrate what they love about the city. We’re really trying to celebrate DC.”
Learn more about Funk Parade at www.funkparade.com.
www.ontaponline.com | May 2016 | On Tap
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By Michael Coleman When Cage the Elephant entered the studio last year to work on their fourth album, Tell Me I’m Pretty, the band wielded a not-so-secret weapon: Black Keys guitarist and Grammy-winning producer Dan Auerbach. The Grammy-nominated rockers opened for the Black Keys in 2014, and after a series of backstage discussions, guitarist Brad Shultz asked for Auerbach’s help in the studio. The band didn’t aim to radically alter its heavy, swirling rock sound honed over the course of three critically acclaimed previous albums, but the result of last year’s Nashville sessions with Auerbach showed Cage the Elephant pushing in some different sonic directions. “We were trying to strip back and keep ourselves from piling too much unnecessary stuff on the tracks, which allows the bare bones of the song[s] to be a little bit more present,” Shultz told On Tap about the band’s latest album during a break on their 41-city U.S. tour. “One of the deciding factors in going with Dan was just our talks and our like-mindedness when it came to production. One of the things we talked about was just our love for direct guitar, without noise pedals and other special effects.” Although electronica and hip-hop sometimes seem to dominate the forward-leaning edges of today’s musical landscape, Shultz thinks there is still a place for guitar-driven rock ‘n’ roll, evidenced not only by Cage the Elephant’s success, but also by up-and-coming acts such as The Orwells, Twin Peaks and others. “As far as guitar music goes, I think it’s actually thriving,” Shultz explained. “There are just a lot of bands that haven’t surfaced [to] the mainstream yet.” He’s always viewed rock ‘n’ roll as more of an embodiment of an attitude – “a reckless kind of attitude toward music and a free spirit kind of thing, no matter what kind of music it is.” “If you listen to a band like LCD Soundsystem, it might be kind of electronic, but they are just as rock ‘n’ roll as anything out there.”
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Photo: Ira Chernova
Cage the Elephant will make its first headlining appearance at Merriweather Post Pavilion on May 15 with Portugal. The Man and Broncho on the bill. Shultz said he hopes that he and his bandmates can avoid a mistake they made nearly a decade ago while playing the nation’s capital.
“We were playing DC, opening for Queens of the Stone Age, and we pulled onto the wrong road and got swarmed by, like, a SWAT team,” he recalled with a laugh. “We were pulling down the drive of Homeland Security with an unmarked van and trailer. We were at gunpoint when we got out of the car. We thought maybe they were trying to bust us for weed or something.” Shultz said a bit sheepishly, “When they figured out what was going on, they very sternly turned us around and got us out of there.” Barring any major security incidents for the band on the way into town, Cage the Elephant fans should be in for an energetic show. “Every time we play DC, we have a great time. We’re excited to come back and headline.” Catch Shultz and the rest of the band at Merriweather on May 15. Tickets run $29.50-$45.
Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; 410-715-5550; www.merriweathermusic.com
Music’s hot, beer’s cold & the week’s almost over july TEN AND THE NOISE 14 KRIS 21 GONZO’S NOSE 28 THE ROCKETS 30 257TH ARMY BAND august N YEARS 4 REAGA 11 3AM TOKYO CO E FORD BRON IT H W 18 25 CR AZY IN STEREO RF RDAY NIGHT PE SPECIAL SATU
ORM ANCE:
Pentagon Row Summer Concert Series
EVERY THURSDAY • 7-9PM
VIP LOUNGE: ROCK OUT LIKE A ROCK STAR TICKETS $10 • Tickets available at ontaponline.com or at the door Proceeds benefit SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia
Conveniently located off I-395 at the corner of Army Navy Drive and South Joyce Street in Arlington, VA. Property of Federal Realty Investment Trust | FederalRealty.com | NYSE: FRT
CRAZY EAS PARKIN Y G: USE O
UR PAR KING APP AN D FIND SPOT FA YOUR ST AVAILA BLE
ON ITU NES
Real. It’s how we roll at the Row.
By Jon Kaplan Photo: Courtesy of Wolf Trap
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros burst onto the scene in a big way with their 2009 hit single “Home.” Most people figured that frontman Alex Ebert was actually Edward Sharpe, but lately he’s been trying to get away from that identity. In preparation for the band’s May 25 show at Wolf Trap, Ebert spoke to On Tap about the new album, his “new” identity and his DC memories.
OT: What inspired you to write and record your Bernie Sanders song, “Feel the Bern”? AE: I just like the man. He is to politics what we are to pop music. Idealistic, unkempt and all about the people. He gets derided as unrealistic and pie in the sky, but the reality is that that’s what any revolution gets derided as in its infancy.
On Tap: Your new album, PersonA, was just released last month. What is different about it from your previous records? Alex Ebert: It’s a much more distinctly personal album, I think. It’s also a lot heavier and I suppose somewhat darker.
OT: I know you are very passionate about your non-profit, Big Sun. Can you explain what it does and what the goals are moving forward? AE: Thanks for asking – it’s all about establishing co-ops and community land trusts across the country. The community land trust model is the most powerful tool we have to combat the effects of economic inequality. It empowers communities and curbs the dismantling of culture and displacement of people that comes with institutionalized gentrification. OT: You wrote some critically-acclaimed scores for J.C. Chandor’s most recent films. Do you have plans to do more film scoring in the future? AE: No plans at the moment, but I do love doing it. Especially with J.C.
OT: What’s up with the “Edward Sharpe” part being crossed out on the album cover? Does this represent a new chapter for the band? AE: It does represent a new chapter. It also represents that the band as a whole participated much more in the music making and songwriting. But it also represents the fact that there was never an Edward Sharpe – and that the concept of carrying a persona around with me is only truthful if referring to my life away from the stage. I wear my mask with you all and your masks away from the stage – but not on it. OT: How has your music been influenced by moving to New Orleans? AE: I don’t think any musician can get away from being influenced by New Orleans. Something about the place just imbibes you with the very spirit of music.
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OT: Since we are a DC area magazine, we were wondering if you had any memorable stories or shows from the DMV? AE: When I think of DC, I think of Ethiopian food, bicycling around in giant packs going to see Inception and the drummer from my first band quitting in the dressing room of the 9:30 Club because someone ate his turkey burger. Catch Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on Wednesday, May 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$50.
Filene Center at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; 703-255-1900; www.wolftrap.org
PRESENTS THE :
Saturday,
SPRING F E ST I VA L
May 21st 1- 5 PM
at Park Potomac Place: 12505 Park Potomac Ave. (Montrose Rd & I-270)
FREE on-site Parking
(2 underground garages and surface parking)
SAMPLES FROM:
FREE FUN FOR ENTIRE FAMILY! Live music from Lovely Rita Bring the kids for Squeals on Wheels petting zoo, face painting + balloon twisting Beer garden featuring 7 breweries and wine
SPONSORS/PARTNERS:
MAGAZINE
ALL PROCEEDS FROM BEER GARDEN BENEFIT THE ROCKVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
LOCAL BREWERIES: [subject to change]
FOODTRUCKS:
Flying Dog
Peruvian Brothers
Du Claw
Carmen’s Italian Ice
Heavy Seas
Stella’s Popcorn
Jailbreak
Mesob on Wheels
7 Locks
Captain Cookie
Milkhouse
Java Cruiser, feat.
Olivers
The Big Cheese
INFO: parkpotomac.com Lisa Wood
LWood@foulgerpratt.com
IN THE MIX
hen On Tap learned that DJ Ayes Cold’s five years of experience as a DJ in the DC area have been influenced by a lifetime of hearing exciting sounds by forward-thinking musicians worldwide, the cause for her growing appeal became quite obvious. If headed to a festival in the DC area this summer, she’ll likely be playing a set, and you’re certainly in for a treat. Born Ayesha Chugh in Chicago, DJ Ayes Cold has actually lived in numerous places during her life, including the DMV, which she currently calls home. She attributes her upbringing in locales as diverse as California and India to her parents being “mobile people.” This “mobility” ultimately led her to discovering music – namely playing the piano for roughly a decade as a child – as a “hobby and source of comfort” as her transient childhood pushed her to develop hobbies in lieu of long-lasting childhood friendships. The diversity of her early tastes is impressive. Classical music, classic rock icons The Doors and Eric Clapton, modern rock names including Nirvana, INXS and Guns N’ Roses, and soul pioneers Prince, Seal and Sade all found their way into Ayes Cold’s ears
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at an early age. She believes this “shaped her ear” of inspiration for the progressive house and hip-hop culture-inspired and bass-heavy global sounds she currently spins.
Also, the DJ’s parents working in the tech industry allowed her to become a keenly aware early adopter and adapter to the spread of more forward-thinking underground music via Internet downloading services like Napster and LimeWire. This influence has made its way into her work at present. In her sets today, there’s just as many sounds familiar to pop-ready Spotify listening playlists as there are underground hits culled from SoundCloud searches for African, Caribbean or South American indie dance producers.
By Marcus Dowling
She’s gearing up for an extensive summer festival lineup, adding to her repertoire of live performances. Last year’s warm weather months included the Broccoli City Festival, Trillectro and the H Street Festival, and she’s fresh off the heels of a U.S. tour as one-third of agit-pop indie darling MIA’s one-time touring drummer Kiran Gandhi’s all-female electro-organic bass and dance trio, Madame Gandhi. She describes the balance between being both a solo act and in a band as “motivating and inspirational,” as well as “a treat for showcasing her wide cultural knowledge and awareness of the world.” As with all things DJ Ayes Cold, there’s an awareness of her understanding of the “then,” “why,” “how” and “who’s listening and dancing” regarding the music she’s playing that makes her work truly significant. “The audience and I bounce off of each other,” she says. “I require the energy of an audience to keep me going. A great night [in the club] includes that feeling where people are connecting with what I’m playing and I’m giving them moments, minutes, seconds and hours where hopefully I can spiritually uplift them.”
Learn more about DJ Ayes Cold at www.ayescold.com.
PRESENTS THE :
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
FRIDAY NIGHTS JUNE + JULY
at Park Potomac Place: 12505 Park Potomac Ave. (Montrose Rd & I-270)
FREE on-site Parking (2 underground garages and surface parking)
SPONSORS/PARTNERS:
DATE:
BANDS:
LOCAL BREWERIES:
6/3
Darcy Dawn
Olivers
6/10
19th Street Band
Flying Dog
6/17
Lloyd Dobler Effect
Heavy Seas
6/24
Pratically Einstein
Du Claw
7/1
Sly 45
7 Locks
7/8
7 Deadlines
Milkhouse
7/15
Justin Trawick
Jailbreak
$10 ADMISSION + SAMPLES
[subject to change]
URBNmarket added: 6/3 + 7/15 (3:30-8:30 PM) 6/4 + 7/16 (11-5 PM)
TICKETS.ONTAPONLINE.COM
ALLMAGAZINE PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE ROCKVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
INFO:
parkpotomac.com
Lisa Wood
LWood@foulgerpratt.com
By Michael Coleman and Jon Kaplan
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 NRBQ vs. Los Straitjackets When Mexican surf rockers Los Straitjackets hit the stage in their Lucha Libre masks and snazzy dark suits wielding space-age guitars, the audience knows its onto something unique. But sartorial gimmicks aside, Los Straitjackets play some ferociously tight rock ‘n’ roll. Meanwhile, NRBQ – the New Rhythm and Blues Quartet – hails from Kentucky and has been making upbeat, skilled music for more than three decades. Rolling Stone hailed their 2014 release, Brass Tacks, as having “the fun, zest, humor and flat-out rock that has defined the band since their birth decades ago.” $25-$35. Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club: 7719 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, MD; www.bethesdabluesjazz.com
THURSDAY, MAY 5 Delta Spirit’s Matthew Logan Vasquez With his band Delta Spirit on a temporary hiatus, lead singer Matthew Logan Vasquez decided to dip into his own personal stash of songs and record a solo record. Good thing he did – the album is a gem. Vasquez crafted a collection of often moody and ruminative songs that chart the singer and songwriter’s growth into marriage, fatherhood and increasing responsibility. The musicianship is top-notch, with lots of chiming guitars and subtle tempo shifts. $15. DC9 Nightclub: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
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Dweezil Zappa Frank Zappa’s son has carried on the family tradition – not just of playing music, but of playing intricate, whimsical, sometimes silly stuff. Dweezil has spent years learning his dad’s tunes, but is also a composer in his own right. On this tour, he plays his own music, drawing from his newest release, Via Zammata. With openers Reformed Whores. $35. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com
FRIDAY, MAY 6 Santigold Philly’s own Santigold (Santi White) has been releasing innovative albums since her 2008 debut, Santogold. She mixes new wave and 80s pop, drawing from artists like Devo, James Brown and Fela Kuti, to make a sound all her own. Now she’s back out on tour celebrating her newest album, 99¢. $28. The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com
MONDAY, MAY 9 Old 97’s & Heartless Bastards Rhett Miller has ably led the Texas-based Old 97’s through 20+ years in
the studio and on the road. The band’s 2014 release, Most Messed Up, demonstrates that their “cowpunk” spirit is still alive and well. Meanwhile, Erica Wennerstrom’s powerful vocals provide the perfect match for the bluesy, classic rock sound of the Heartless Bastards. Having honed their musical chops over a decade of relentless touring and recording, the Ohio natives are one of the most reliable touring bands on the road today. $30. 9:30 Club: 915 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
TUESDAY, MAY 10 The Cowards Choir Andy Zipf, who has been writing and playing intense, moving music in the area for over 10 years, has taken a new name: the Cowards Choir. At this show, Zipf will be releasing his new full-length album, Name The Fear – his first release under the new name. There will also be an accompanying visual score by William S. Davis of Small Creatures. The Duskwhales open the show. $12-$20. Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com
THURSDAY, MAY 12 Titus Andronicus New Jersey punk rockers Titus Andronicus bring their No Faith / No Future / No Problem tour to Washington this month on
FRIDAY CONCERT SERIES 2016 Friday Night Series 6:30-8:30 at the Yards Park | 355 Water Street SE 5/27 6/3 6/10 6/17 6/24 7/1 7/8 7/15 7/22 7/29 8/5 8/12 8/19 8/26 9/2
Jimi Smooth For the Win The Reflex DC JazzFest Jah Works B Street Band Jeff From Accounting Texas Chainsaw Horns Sam Grow Band Sly 45 Justin Trawick Lovely Rita 19th St Band Lloyd Dobler Effect Almost Journey
Motown Current Hits ‘80s Pop Jazz Reggae Springsteen Tribute Current Hits Americana Country Party Pop Americana ‘80s & ‘90s Hits Americana Rock Pop Journey Tribute
Beer & Wine Available On-Site at the Corona Light Bar! (must be 21+, no outside alcohol)
yardspark.org | capitolriverfront.org | @yardspark
SATURDAY, MAY 14
live muSic fOrever
IOTA Club & Cafe Open mOn-fri 5:00 pm
Sat, Sun, mOn-HOl 10:00 am
may=====www.iotaclubandcafe.com
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su 01 chuck prophetw/ michael fracasso 8:30$20 m 02 matt tarkacd release w/ derek evry 8:30$10 th 05 the suitcase junket 8:30$12 f 06 winterpills w / luray 8:30$12 sa 07 the dawn drapes 8:30$10 w/ peyote pilgrim w/ dear creek su 08 eddy faulkner w/ jason kutchma 8:30$10 iota poetry series 6-8 pm $free th 12 erin mckeown +heart harbor7:30$15 f 13 two ton twic w/ plank stompers 8:30$12 sa 14 collider w/ milo in the doldrums 8:00$10 w/ mitchel evan and the mangrove w/ kid claws su 15 small houses 8:00$10 m 16 bachelor boys band 8:00$free th 19 a n e v e n i n g o f b a w d y b l u e s 8:30$15 mary shaver - laura baron - janine wilson f 20 on the bus 8:30$10 sa 21 parsonsfield w/ lowland hum 8:30$12 su 22 bobby thompson project 8:00$10 tuesdays free lgBtuesdays hh discounts ’til 9:00 8:00|sign-ups 7:30/10:00 wednesdays free open mic
2832 wilson blvd arlington va
@ I O TA b a c k a l l e y follow for opening day
Chopteeth Hailing from the DC area, Chopteeth is a 12-piece Afrofunk powerhouse, drawing on Fela Kuti’s pioneering Afrobeat sound. Chopteeth has been winning Wammies for years in DC, and they deserve each one. Their live show will be peppered with Afrobeat classics, as well as original compositions. $20-$30. AMP by Strathmore: 11810 Grand Park Ave. North Bethesda, MD; www.ampbystrathmore.com
SUNDAY, MAY 15 The Avett Brothers Roots rockers the Avett Brothers return to the scene of their 2014 sellout date on May 15 with a special guest, singer-songwriter Brett Dennen. Banjo player Scott Avett and guitarist Seth Avett formed the Avett Brothers with standup bassist Bob Crawford in 2001. The Avett Brothers and Dennen will both be touring in support of forthcoming albums. Tickets start at $39.50. EagleBank Arena: 4400 University Dr. Fairfax, VA; www.eaglebankarena.com
Music Picks
Buckcherry The band that launched a million lap dances with the heels of last year’s release of their exuberant fourth album, The the sleazy but undeniably Most Lamentable Tragedy. The 90-minute, 29-song, five-act rock opera catchy song “Crazy Bitch” is includes covers of Daniel Johnston and The Pogues and marks a new still making new music and high in the evolution of the band. Titus Andronicus plays with a manic rocking venues across the intensity that belies the tightly-crafted songs underneath the noise. country, even if their formula La Sera –the project of Katy Goodman (ex-Vivian Girls) and Todd hasn’t changed much. Wisenbaker (Ryan Adams) – opens. $20. 9:30 Club: 915 V St. NW, DC; Buckcherry plays blazing, www.930.com gritty guitar rock that makes you miss the (old) days of Gun N’ Roses and Motley Crue. Buckcherry recently dipped its toe into country when lead singer Josh Todd recorded a duet with Gretchen Wilson, FRIDAY, MAY 13 but expect a whole of lot of big hair and head banging when they We Are Scientists play the Tally Ho in Leesburg. $30-$35, or $70 for VIP. Tally Ho: 19 The quirky Brooklyn by way West Market St. Leesburg, HAppy HOur 5 pM -VA;7www.tallyholeesburg.com pM of California rock duo We Are BeeR & BeV DeALS & hALf-pRIceD AppS Scientists have a stronger HAve A pArTy AT IOTA Emily Henry following in England than & pARtIeS: I O tA I N f O @ m A c . c O m BOOkINg Local singer- songwriter Emily in the U.S., in large part Henry, a Vienna native, will because British radio still celebrate the release of her plays modern indie rock. We first EP, Matchsticks, at IOTA. Are Scientists could boost i oTOt a c l u -bOff a nTHe d cbeATen a f e . cpATH oHenry m plays folk-influenced their homeland appeal with April’s release of Helter Seltzer, a sonically dOwn eArTH indie pop, and her voice rich and lyrically compelling new album. The first single, “Buckle,” is a WILSON BLVD ARL VA USA has been compared to Joni power-pop rocket ride that will leave the chorus buzzing in your head Mitchell and Patty Griffin. This long after the first listen. $18. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; all-ages early show starts at 4 www.rockandrollhotel.com p.m. and also features Natalie York and Kevin de Souza. $10. IOTA Club & Cafe: 2832 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.iotaclubandcafe.com
Gourmet smashers the season is starting soon
2832
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Photo: Chad Kamenshine
Club & Cafe @IOTA IOTAbackalley
MUSIC PICKS
Photo: BFA
Sweetlife Festival
May 5/6 5/7 5/13 5/14 5/20
Klepto Radio Swell Daze The New Thirty TBD The Reagan Years 5/21 Advanced Party Solutions 5/27 Alter Ego! 5/28 One Fine Mess
9811 WASHINGTON BLVD GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877 240.780.7139 UNIONJACKSRIO.COM
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“It’s all about the experience,” says Sweetgreen Co-Founder Jonathan Newman about the annual Sweetlife Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion. This year’s lineup includes Blondie, the 1975, Halsey, Flume, Vince Staples and Grimes, plus up-and-comers like Thundercat, Shamir and Wolf Alice. The festival also offers concertgoers fare from DC area restaurants, food trucks and farms to curate the best in food experiences for a true taste of the “sweet life,” according to Newman. He says there’s something for everyone’s musical tastes at this year’s festival, from singer-songwriters to hip-hop artists. “For us, the ‘sweet life’ is about unique combinations that inspire, and that is why having a diverse lineup all in one place is very important.” General admission tickets are $100. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www. merriweathermusic.com
TUESDAY, MAY 17
Rogue Wave A potent combo of indie, pop, and electronic influences come together to propel Rogue Wave’s sixth studio album, Delusions of Grand Fur, to a new level for the band. Zach Rogue and longtime bandmate and collaborator Pat Spurgeon recorded and produced the album themselves, which gave them time to experiment and create together. $16 in advance; $19 at the door. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www. blackcatdc.com
THURSDAY, MAY 19
Derek Evry Derek Evry has been rocking clubs around Arlington and DC for a while now, but that doesn’t mean he’s playing the same old songs all the time. A prolific and
The Hackensaw Boys Virginia natives the Hackensaw Boys have been trudging along the rock ‘n’ roll highway for 17 years, and they’ve just released Charismo, an album they call their magnum opus. This time around, the roots rockers employed a producer, Larry Campbell, who has worked with Bob Dylan and Levon Helm. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
Photo: Marshall Foster
Every Monday
VÉRITÉ VÉRITÉ (Kelsey Byrne) burst on the scene with a viral hit, “Strange Enough,” in 2014. She’s back with a new five-track EP, Living, and a string of tour dates. The indie-pop singer/songwriter sings with intense passion and emotion. $14. Rock and Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www. rockandrollhoteldc.com
gifted alt/pop singer, songwriter and guitarist, Evry is always working on new material, and releasing new tunes all the time. With Turtle Recall and Bells and Hunters. $10. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
Radney Foster Radney Foster might be the best Texas singer-songwriter you’ve never heard of. Foster hails from the same stomping grounds in West Texas as Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Robert Earl Keen, but he’s more contemporary than Gilmore and less self-conscious than Keen. Considered an elder statesman of Texas singer-songwriters, Foster has been a friend and mentor to many younger artists on the Texas scene including Randy Rogers, Jack Ingram, Kacey Musgraves, Wade Bowen, Josh Abbott, Pat Green, Cory Morrow and many others. $20-$22. Jammin’ Java: 27 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, VA; www. jamminjava.com www.dc9.com
8 6 5 6 C O L E SV I L L E R D. , S I LV E R S P R I N G , M D 2 0 9 1 0 MAY 5 MAY 6 MAY 9 MAY 10 MAY 12
MEGADETH, WILSON SANTIGOLD WE BUY GOLD TOUR, DONMONIQUE BRING ME THE HORIZON, ‘68, SILVER SNAKES BABYMETAL: WORLD TOUR 2016 SOLD OUT A DAY TO REMEMBER JUST SOME SHOWS STATE CHAMPS, GUNS OUT AT SUNDOWN
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
FLATBUSH ZOMBIES, A$AP TWELVYY, REMY BANKS A$AP FERG & TORY LANEZ THE LEVEL UP TOUR MAY 19 MADEINTYO MAY 17
MAY 21
FILLMORE FLASHBACK 80’S VS 90’S DANCE PARTY
BIZ MARKIE, HERE’S TO THE NIGHT, THE NEW ROMANCE MAY 25 TRUMP VS BERNIE: THE DEBATE! STARRING JAMES ADOMIAN AND ANTHONY ATAMAN MAY 31 EMBLEM3 WAKING UP TOUR BEFORE YOU EXIT, MEGAN NICOLE
SOLD OUT
THE OUT JUN 3 BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY CELEBRATINGSOLD 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF “THA CROSSROADS” JUN 9 JUN 11 JUN 12 JUN 15 JUN 17 JUN 18 JUN 21 JUN 29 JUN 30 JUL 8 JUL 10
ENANITOS VERDES & HOMBRES G SOLD OUT THE DOLAN TWINS THE TREE HOUSE SCHOOL OF MUSIC THRICE, LA DISPUTE & GATES MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD’S SOULROCKER TOUR, CHALI 2NA
DCLA PRODUCTIONS, LLC PRESENTS
SCARFACE & BUN B FEATURING WHAT BAND, BUN B ZIGGY MARLEY WHITESNAKE, WHITFORD / ST.HOLMES JESUS CULTURE LET IT ECHO TOUR SLIPPERY WHEN WET: A BON JOVI TRIBUTE THE SMOKER’S CLUB PRESENTS
CAM’RON, THE UNDERACHIEVERS, G HERBO, NYCK CAUTION, DON’T SMOKE ROCK
SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
311, MATISYAHU SOLD OUT JUL 28 CHINO Y NACHO, GUACO JUL 30 SCRATCH MANIA 2016, DJ Q-BERT, CHRIS KARNS, TOTAL ECLIPSE, DJ I-DEE, DJ KILLA-JEWEL JUL 23
AUG 13 SEP 7 SEP 10 SEP 27 OCT 30 NOV 7
A BANDHOUSE GIGS TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOWIE MAC SABBATH, CLOWNVIS PRESLEY THE SPECIALS BOYCE AVENUE STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO SONATA ARCTICA, LEAVES’ EYES, OMNIUM GATHERUM
BUY TICKETS AT FILLMORESILVERSPRING.COM TICKETMASTER.COM • CHARGE BY PHONE 800.551.7328
MAY 3
BON QUI QUI IN CONCERT, GROUP 1 CREW
MAY 7–8
FLOW HIP HOP & THE CHURCH: AL B SURE, ANGIE STONE, PETER GUNZ, & FLOW
PRESENTED BY ANJELAH JOHNSON
MAY 14 MAY 19–21
BILLY CONNOLLY: HIGH HORSE TOUR BRIAN REGAN
MAY 22
THE AMAZING TOUR IS NOT ON FIRE
MAY 26
THE MONKEES GOOD TIMES:
JUN 3
MICHAEL CARBONARO LIVE
JUN 17
RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL STARR BAND
JUN 24–25
THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
BABY HOLD ON TO ME INSPIRED BY THE MUSIC OF GERALD LEVERT
JUL 7
YANNI
JUL 13
SLATE POLITICAL GABFEST
JUL 16
MINT CONDITION
AUG 5
THE GO-GO’S, BEST COAST, KAYA STEWART
AUG 7
BRING IT! LIVE
AUG 16
YES: THE ALBUM SERIES
AUG 20
BOB SAGET
AUG 24
SEAL
SEP 12
LITTLE FEAT
SEP 16
CELTIC THUNDER: LEGACY
SEPT 27
IL DIVO AMOR & PASION
OCT 27–28 NOV 5
FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SYMPHONY OF THE GODDESSES - MASTER QUEST
BUY TICKETS AT WARNERTHEATREDC.COM TICKETMASTER.COM • CHARGE BY PHONE 800.551.7328
Music Picks FRIDAY, MAY 20 Debo Band Debo Band are a large ensemble led by Ethiopian American saxophonist Danny Mekonnen and fronted by vocalist Bruck Tesfaye. Since they started in 2006, the band has won critical acclaim for their innovative take on Ethiopian pop music, which incorporates traditional scales and vocal styles alongside American soul and funk rhythms. Their new album Ere Gobez has just been released. $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Tropicalia: 2001 14th St. NW, DC; www.tropicaliadc.com Hard Working Americans Todd Snider made his musical mark as a droll, scruffy singer/ songwriter who chronicled the misadventures of a rogue’s gallery of characters. Snider’s still one of the best songwriters around, and now he’s playing with an all-star rock band featuring Dave Schools and Duane Trucks that gives his sound more of an edge. The Americans’ latest album – a live recording titled The First Waltz – deftly captures the band’s bluesy, improvisational feel. $29.50. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com Hayes Carll After a nearly five-year hiatus, renegade country singer/ songwriter Hayes Carll is back with Lovers and Leavers, his most understated and introspective album yet. His songs still have a shambling, self-deprecating quality, but on his newest album, they seem sung from the next day’s perspective, with maybe a touch of hangover. Hayes has stripped away the brash, boozy bravado to reveal the introspective soul of a poet set to beautifully-tuned acoustic guitars and piano. $17-$25.50. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www. thehamilton.com
SATURDAY, MAY 21 Laurel Canyon: Golden Songs of Los Angeles 19661972 The legendary music scene found in Los Angeles and the Laurel Canyon neighborhood in the 1960s is the focus of this brand new show from Newmyer Flyer. This bill features an all-star lineup of some of the DC area’s most accomplished and exciting young artists, including Margot MacDonald, Luke Brindley, The Sweater Set and Victoria Vox. $18-$27.50. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamilton. com
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MUSIC PICKS MONDAY, MAY 23
EVENTS AND CATERING
Car Seat Headrest Will Toledo – the kid genius behind Car Seat Headrest – recorded 11 Bandcamp albums in college and put forth his first official studio album, Teens of Denial, last fall. The album sees the prolific Toledo moving bedroom pop to something approaching classic-rock grandeur with nods to The Cars, Pavement and Jonathan Richman. Consequence of Sound recently dubbed Toledo the “indie rock savior we’ve all been waiting for.” This month, we’ll see if the talented 23-year-old lives up to the hype. $15. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
Let us bring our neighborhood restaurant to you!! Our food truck is different as we’ll customize our menu to you! For menus and more information, visit www.tortoiseandhare.events, email info@tortoiseandhare.events or call us on (703) 979-1872. FOOD
BEER
LIVE MUSIC
BRUNCH
MAY ENTERTAINMENT 5/5 5/6 5/7 5/12 5/13 5/14 5/19 5/20 5/21 5/26 5/27 5/28 5/29
DJ Paul Surreal Party Like It’s… White Ford Bronco DJ’s Pork & Beans Thunder Buddies Timmie Metz Band DJ Lingo FTW Screaming Monkeys DJ 2Nutz Odeon The Reflex Tommy Gann
ON TAP | MAY 2016 | www.ontaponline.com
THURSDAY, MAY 26 Hall & Oates What can you say about the legendary Daryl Hall and John Oates? From hits like “Say No Go,” which has been sampled by other artists, to “Maneater,” and many others in between, these guys are the real deal. And they are still rocking it. With Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Tickets start at $18.75. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www. livenation.com
FRIDAY, MAY 27
Rooftop Open Daily! weather permitting
2854 Wilson Blvd. 703-276-WOWE (9693) Clarendon Metro Stop (Orange Line) whitlows.com
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Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real The son of American musical legend Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson was born in Austin, Texas and raised in Hawaii. He had a chance to play music with his dad, of course, but also legends like Neil Young and Bob Dylan. His newest album with band Promise of the Real, released in March, is called Something Real. With Fruition. $15 in advance; $17 at the door. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
Alejandro Escovedo with Peter Case Peter Case and Alejandro Escovedo both hail from new wave/punk rock bands that first gained attention in the 1980s. Case was the lead singer of California’s Plimsouls and Escovedo fronted Austin’s True Believers. Both men have since matured into distinguished singer-songwriters, but they’ve also retained their rock ‘n’ roll snarl. The difficult tp categorize Case has been nominated for three Grammys, and cites bluesman Muddy Waters and ragged country crooner Lucinda Williams as two of his favorite singers. The Mexican-American Escovedo brings a street tough sensibility to his intelligent songs of heartbreak and hope. $35. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
JUN 19
RAY LaMONTAGNE THE OUROBOROS TOUR 2016
AUG 23
GOO GOO DOLLS
MEGHAN TRAINOR
TRIBE SOCIETY
HAILEE STEINFELD
COLLECTIVE SOUL
EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS MAY 25
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND
SEP 6 THE UNTOUCHABLE TOUR
BOB DYLAN
MAVIS STAPLES
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JUL 5 + 6
SOJA ALLEN STONE
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HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS
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JEFF BECK & BUDDY GUY
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PHILLIP PHILLIPS
JUL 22
JUN 4
LORD HURON NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS
MATT NATHANSON A GREAT BIG WORLD u CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PRESENTS
DAVID BOWIE
THE BAND PERRY
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AUG 7
LAKE STREET DIVE
DON HENLEY
THE LONE BELLOW
LEON BRIDGES LIANNE LA HAVAS
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JUN 16
I LOVE THE 90’S WITH SALT-N-PEPA & MORE!
OH PEP!
JUN 7
PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO MELISSA ETHERIDGE
SUFJAN STEVENS
WALE
PLUS
SEP 7 + 8
BRING YOUR OWN BREWS AND PICNIC TO ENJOY AT THE SHOW!
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