On Tap Magazine // August 2018

Drink. Dine. Do. August 2018

Photos: John Gervasi and Shantel Mitchell Breen

DC’s biggest open house, Rooftop Hop, showcased the rooftops of 1221 Van, Dock 79, F1RST Residences, Agora at The Collective, Homewood Suites and One Hill South. Guests enjoyed complimentary bites, beer and wine samplings, and live entertainment while checking out the premier amenities and luxurious rooftops of Capitol Riverfront’s apartments and hotels.

TABLE OF CONTENTS WHO IS ON TAP?

AUGUST 2018: VOL 20 NO 10 D.C. GETS UNITED Audi Field is finally here! The brand new stadium located in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is home to D.C. United and recently signed soccer star Wayne Rooney. To commemorate the first game for these new additions, we recapped the night and look forward to what both add to the District. We also profiled five city creatives including Studio Theatre Literary Director AdrienAlice Hansel, Full Service Radio’s Jack Inslee, Primrose owners and power couple Lauren Winter and Sebastian Zutant, mixologist Paul Gonzalez, and drummer Isabelle De Leon. These five are just a few of the city’s prominent influencers in their respective fields.

This month, we delved into the world of rum, but if you’re more of a beer drinker, we also talked to local retailers about what you should try during the fall season. August offers a robust musical calendar for the DMV, and we caught up with Ben Folds, Cake and Heart’s Ann Wilson before their upcoming shows. Lastly, our resident Beach House fan girl crossed a big one off her bucket list by interviewing her favorite band in this issue.

Drink. Dine. Do. August 2018

On the cover: D.C. United’s Wayne Rooney

Designer: Alanna Sheppard Photo: Rich Kessler

Stage & Screen Events.................................. 4 A Day in the Life: Adrien-Alice Hansel...... 6

n AUGUST ROUNDUP

A Literary Lifestyle Studio Theatre’s Adrien-Alice Hansel

Jack of All Trades

Full Service Radio’s Jack Inslee

CF Foundation’s Young Professionals . . ..... 8 A Day in the Life: Jack Inslee..................... 10 Drink, Dine, Do............................................. 12 Fresh Fountains............................................ 22

n SPORTS D.C. Gets United........................................... 24

n DINING New & Notable.. ............................................ 30 A Day in the Life: Primrose Owners......... 34 DC Burger Battle.......................................... 36

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34

New Era for DC Soccer

Primrose Power Couple

Enter Wayne Rooney and Audi Field

Lauren Winter and Sebastian Zutant

n DRINKS What’s On Tap?............................................. 40 Fall Forecast: Autumn Brews..................... 44 A Day in the Life: Paul Gonzalez. . ............. 48 Did You Know? National Rum Day........... 52 Roll Out the Rum. . ........................................ 54

n MUSIC

54

64

Make Room for Rum

Ever-Evolving Dream Pop

Beyond the Tiki Drink

Baltimore’s Beach House at Anthem

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

jennifer@ontaponline.com

MANAGING EDITOR Monica Alford

monica@ontaponline.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Trent Johnson trent@ontaponline.com

PRINT & DIGITAL DESIGN Nick Caracciolo Devin Overbey Alanna Sheppard KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth tomroth@ontaponline.com

natalia@ontaponline.com

n STAGE & SCREEN

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PUBLISHER Jennifer Currie

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Natalia Kolenko

IN THIS ISSUE

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FOUNDER James Currie

A Day in the Life: Isabelle De Leon.......... 58 Heart’s Ann Wilson...................................... 60 Cake and Ben Folds on Summer Tour.. .... 62 Ever-Evolving Beach House....................... 64 Music Picks.................................................... 66

DIGITAL & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Kayla Marsh kayla@ontaponline.com

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS MANAGER Shannon Darling shannon@ontaponline.com

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS ASSISTANT Katie Seaman katies@ontaponline.com

OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kelcie Glass kelcie@ontaponline.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michael Coleman, Lani Furbank, M.K. Koszycki, Keith Loria, Michael Loria, Haley McKey, Travis Mitchell, Aja Neal, Fareeha Rehman, Courtney Sexton, Alex Thompson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shantel Mitchell Breen, John Gervasi, Michelle Goldchain, Mike Kim, Rich Kessler, M.K. Koszycki, Aja Neal, LAFlicks Photography, Fareeha Rehman, Mark Van Bergh On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2018 by Five O’Clock Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Use or reproduction of any materials contained herein is strictly prohibited without express prior written consent. Go to www.ontaponline.com for more information.

OFFICE

25 Dove St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703-465-0500 Fax: 703-465-0400 www.ontaponline.com CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS www.ontaponline.com/calendar Due by 15th of the month for print issue

VIP Getaway to the Region’s Premier Crab and Beer Festival!

Overnight Accommodations and VIP tickets to a Crab & Beer Lover’s Dream Event on August 19 Get crackin’ and join us for the 9th annual Maryland Tradition, the Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival, an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE extravaganza complete with over 60,000 crabs, lots of beer, arts & crafts, live music, and much more!

Gaylord National Resort’s exclusive VIP Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival Package includes: • One night room accommodations on Friday, August 17 or Saturday, August 18 • Two tickets to VIP Crab & Beer Fun Day which includes: • Souvenir mug and mallet • Unlimited tastes of the beer and wine on-site • ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE Crabs, Corn, Cole Slaw and Potato Chips

GaylordNational.com or call (301) 965-4000 (refer to code D60) Valid Friday (8/17/18) or Saturday (8/18/18). Tax, resort fee and parking additional. Advance purchase required up to three days prior to arrival. Non-refundable rate cancellation permitted up to 72-hours prior to arrival.

Atrium upgrade may be available at prevailing rates. Limited number ofrooms are available for this promotion. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms or conventions. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Advance reservations required. This event is not designed for children; they are welcome but you will find very little of interest to them. Other restrictions apply.

By Fareeha Rehman

THROUGH SUNDAY, AUGUST 5

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

The Story of the Gun Politics aside, what is the history with America and guns?

Mike Daisey offers a comedytinged performance about the controversial conversation. The New York Times-designated “master storyteller” won’t be lecturing you on a specific partisan point. While we’re used to hearing repetitive rhetoric on the gun debate, Daisey’s performative aspect to this topic should offer a fresh conversation to help us all get to the root of America’s polarizing relationship to guns. The show is only available for a week, but this conversation will forever be a hot topic. Tickets are $20-$66. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company: 641 D St. NW, DC; www.woollymammoth.net

Melancholy Play: A Contemporary Farce This refreshing comedy about love isn’t about your typical, gorgeous lead. Yes, everyone is in love with her. But no, it’s not because she’s a bubbly, modellike star. Tilly’s sadness is what makes her so irresistible – no wonder even her therapist can’t get enough. Unfortunately for Photo: Courtesy of www.ripr.org her admirers, Tilly’s emotions turn topsy-turvy as she discovers true joy. Moving beyond physical affections, Sarah Ruhl’s Melancholy Play will show you a surreal kind of love. Tickets are $19-$45. Constellation Theatre Company at Source Theatre: 1835 14th St. NW, DC; www.constellationtheatrecompany.com

THROUGH SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 The Color Purple Based on the 1982 book by Alice Walker, this story has won awards as a novel, film and musical.

Witness the heart-wrenching story of Celie, who is separated from her sister and children for most of her life but finds a way to stay hopeful and in the end, triumphant. Set in early 1900s Georgia, The Color Purple is told through jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, and explores different family and relationship dynamics.

Don’t miss out on the production awarded with a Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. Tickets are $69-$149. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 Hey Frase! A Live Podcast Taping Ever listen to a great podcast and wish you were in on the fun? Hosts Sarah Fraser and Paul Wharton are joined by guests Danni Starr and comedian Rob Maher for this special live taping of Hey Frase! They’ll be trying their hand at standup while recording a hilarious conversation you can relive later on, including their thoughts on pop culture in DC and beyond.

Starr is a radio host on 93.9 WKYS and TLC, and Maher has performed with Kevin Hart and is a regular favorite at DC Improv. Tickets are $25-$30. AMP by Strathmore: 11810 Grand Park Ave. Bethesda, MD; www.ampbystrathmore.com

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 Happy Birthday, LIT! Recover from your Monday blues with lots of laughs from Laugh Index Theatre (LIT) as they celebrate eight seasons of bringing comedy variety shows and improv to DC audiences.

Catch a preview of their new cast as well as performances from their original, seven-yearold comedy team, Hot & Sweaty.

Performances will range in comedic style from stand-up to sketches, and even musical improv.

LIT boasts eight original teams, and more than 60 overall members dedicated to keeping it funny in the nation’s capital. Show your support for local comedy, and if you like what you see, sign up for a workshop. Tickets are $8-$10. Source Theatre: 1835 14th St. NW, DC; www.laughindextheatre.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Passion After their (yes, passionate) love is deterred by military duty, Giorgio and Clara’s relationship must survive through solely letters during the mid-1800s in Italy. Of course, the handsome soldier can’t avoid admiration even away at camp – his colonel’s cousin, Fosca, stays there too.

While longing for Clara, Giorgio befriends Fosca, who suffers from seizures and spends her time solitary, living through the characters in novels. You’ll quickly learn that this isn’t a story about two young people destined to be together. The feeling of passion is a shifting force that can border obsession. This musical explores love and sickness – sometimes to the point that there is no difference. Tickets are $40-$89. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; www.sigtheatre.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16 - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 In The Closet Presented by Rainbow Theatre Project, this world-premiere production crosses time but not necessarily space as we witness the lives of four gay men from various years. This metaphysical comedy delves into the unique stories of an old man, a middleaged man, and younger men who are “where all gay men begin, in the closet,” according to the DC Arts Center’s description. By playwright Sigmund Fuchs, this production of In The Closet will start up the center’s August season. Tickets are $30-$35. DC Arts Center: 2438 18th St. NW, DC; www.dcartscenter.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 Bollywood Boulevard Bollywood films are known for their grand song scenes. In one moment, the stubborn heroine will catch herself eyeing the hero in some mundane – but sweet – action (teaching a child, for example). The next scene finds them both atop a snowcapped mountain as they sing about their mutual, unrequited love. These made-for-movie songs quickly become top hits for weddings and sing-along car rides, and now they’re live onstage with Bollywood Boulevard. The upbeat dance styles against vibrant lights and stage sets will have the whole audience clapping and swaying along. This “journey through Hindi cinema” is based on music and dance from different eras of Bollywood, from 20th-century classics to modern day. Tickets are $25-$55. Wolf Trap’s Filene Center: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

DC TAX

BOOSTS

LOCAL THEATRE DC proves again to be more than just a hub for politics. Out of politics is born art, and theatre just got a major boost according to the Actors’ Equity Association. A sales tax was approved in June by the Council of the District of Columbia to directly fund theatre and arts productions – an anticipated $30 million. Expect an even livelier performing arts scene as local theatres take their productions to new levels in the coming year.

August 16, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Join us after hours for an evening at Ford’s. Explore the museum and theatre and enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with other young arts and history fans.

Meet Ford’s Under 35 staff and learn our favorite parts of the Ford’s Theatre story. Come see this historic site in a brand new light!

This event is $20, and includes two complimentary drink tickets. This is a 21+ event. A valid ID must be presented at check-in in the lobby.

Event Media Partner:

www.fords.org Tickets: (888) 616-0270

Top photos courtesy of On Tap Magazine. Background photo by Carol M. Highsmith. www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2018 | ON TAP

5

A Day in the

Life

By Courtney Sexton

STUDIO THEATRE LITERARY DIRECTOR

ADRIEN-ALICE HANSEL

Photo: Kitty Geoghan

By Haley McKey

I

magine you’re handed a pile of plays.

Hidden among them is the perfect story, waiting to be brought to life.

Finding the next great piece for 14th Street’s Studio Theatre is just one of Adrien-Alice Hansel’s many responsibilities. On Tap sat down with Studio’s literary director to talk about her work, the DC theatre scene and what she enjoys doing in the city.

On Tap: What exactly does being a literary director entail on a daily basis?

Adrien-Alice Hansel: I listen to our artistic director tell me the kind of work he wants to be doing in the next season and beyond, and then I reverse-engineer the process to get us there. I find projects to share with our literary committee, who review and discuss the work we’re considering. I have to understand what Studio is and does, and to understand what work is out there – both in the United States and internationally. I learn the work of many different writers and read their past work. Sometimes, we will even commission a play from a writer. I also do marketing and the initial publicity for each play. It’s a big, amazing job.

OT: Any other facets of the job that are particularly interesting?

AAH: I also work as what’s called a dramaturg, which means that for all of the

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

shows of the season, my associate literary director Lauren Halverson [and I] get to know the play really well. [We get] to know the work of the writer and get deep into the world of the play. A piece set in 1838 but written in 1980 will have a different context now than it did in its initial run, and we have to understand that context.

OT: What makes Studio Theatre such a unique space?

AAH: One great thing about Studio is that we have four spaces with 200 or fewer seats.

It’s a big operation, but they’re all really intimate spaces so being able to hand that to a writer is an amazing privilege. Plays can speak at their own volume here – it can be quiet, it can be loud, it can be exuberant – and that’s one of the really wonderful and exciting things about my work.

OT: What are you looking for in a play that makes it a good fit for Studio?

AAH: Across the season, we’re looking for range. The kinds of work that we’re drawn to and that work well in our spaces are engaged and immediate. They reflect the contemporary world, and they’re somewhat political. We tend to do plays about people who are engaged in their lives and very affected by the outside world.

They’re grappling with big questions. We do both dramas and comedies of character.

We’re looking for plays that give you a ride and leave you with things to talk about.

Our plays will give you a couple of ideas, a couple of perspectives. You’ll have felt your way through arguments on both sides. The “empathy gymnasium” of the theatre is a piece of what Studio does. You’re going to have fun, and you’re going to be up close with the actors on a journey.

OT: You’ve been at Studio for seven years.

How has the DC theatre scene changed in your time there?

AAH: There was and there remains a passion for new work. There have always been great small theatre companies here, and I have definitely seen actors come through and move up. A lot of studios have started commissioning new work.

There’s a sense of DC as a place, and theatre [companies] around the city are examining what it means to be in our nation’s capital in such an interesting intersection of different diaspora and communities.

Increasingly, I see a lot of theaters engaging with questions of difference and inclusion, working to open the eyes of the mainstream theaters to the talent that is here.

OT: Has Studio changed along with the local scene?

AAH: At Studio, we’re asking aggressive questions about who is and isn’t on our

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT A job I want to go to, which is to say, a place where I’m engaged in the questions of our culture right now.

A couple of hours in a coffee shop or offsite to do my reading, writing and thinking.

I have this really great lapsang souchong tea. When I need to really get productive and get things done, it’s my go-to.

A witness – someone to bounce ideas off of. It may even be the audience itself. Feedback and reaction are my gut check and way to measure the impact of an idea.

The knowledge that the email turns off for the weekend. Work hard, rest hard. stages and attending our plays – who used to be in our neighborhood and who isn’t here anymore. There’s a lot of work to do, and I think that plays are the best when the audience is different from each other. The thing that happens in theatre that I haven’t seen anywhere else is that when your audience is a mixed group of people, one group’s response to what’s happening onstage can teach the other.

OT: What plays from Studio’s 2018-2019 season are you most excited about?

AAH: Cry It Out [begins November 14] is about parenting. The main characters are these two new moms, and it’s a very, very funny play about how parenting looks different depending on your class. If I Forget [begins September 12] is set in DC in the early 2000s and is about Jewish identity as well as life in DC – and the 14th Street corridor itself. Queen of Basel [begins next March] is set in Miami and is a new version of Miss Julie by August Strindberg. Each of the main characters have a connection to the Caribbean or South America, and it’s about power, race and desire. And finally, there’s another new work called P.Y.G. [begins next April] about a boy band rock star who hires two musicians from a hip-hop group called Petty Young Goons to toughen up his image, all on reality TV. It’s a play about race, appropriation and the consequences of trying to tell your story.

OT: What do you like to do in DC when you’re not working?

AAH: I have two kids so that dictates a lot of my free time. DC is excellent on so many fronts. It doesn’t have the reputation that it should for its art scene. Big, small, culturally specific – it’s all here. As a parent, so much stuff is free, so you can take your kids to see so much and it’s close to nature. I grew up barefoot in back yards and fields.

You can do that in Rock Creek Park in small ways or go outside the city easily and do that. Everything from the Kennedy Center to the Atlas [Performing Arts Center] is within reach. And as a side note, the coffee shops here are truly top notch.

Photos: Mark Van Bergh

OT: Do you like to go see plays by yourself, or do you prefer to go with other people?

AAH: I don’t have a strong preference. But if you go with me, we will definitely talk about it – but only after when we’re in a private place. I prefer to be incognito.

Learn more about Hansel’s work and Studio Theatre’s 2018-2019 season at www.studiotheatre.org.

Studio Theatre: 1501 14th St. NW, DC 202-332-3300; www.studiotheatre.org

The National Geographic Museum hosted a night of dining, dancing and exclusive exhibit access at Taste of Titanic. The event featured DC’s top restaurants, signature cocktails and live music.

www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2018 | ON TAP

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Introducing the 2018 Class of

Metro D.C.’s Finest

By Beatrice V. Santacroce Development Director of the Metro D.C. Chapter | Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation The Metropolitan Washington, D.C.’s Finest campaign is comprised of the area’s finest rising young professionals. Each class brings a new group of honorees dedicated to developing themselves both professionally and personally while also forwarding the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation’s mission to find a cure for CF. The 2018 class of honorees includes 21 local young professionals who have signed on to expand their philanthropic reach by participating in this unique 16-week program to raise awareness and funds for the CF Foundation. Read a little bit about who they are here and check out the Breathe Easy Bash on August 22 at District Winery in Capitol Riverfront to celebrate their successful campaigns.

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

Mary Kate Blazofsky Blazofsky is an account executive with TransPerfect, a company that provides language and technology solutions for global businesses. She is a graduate of Penn State University, where she supported charities such as THON, Autism Speaks and Out of the Darkness.

Olivia Booth Booth is an associate at KPMG, specializing in public policy consulting. She is a graduate of the Catholic University of America, and recently received her master of public health degree from George Washington University.

A Florida native, Booth is passionate about public health and helping those in her community.

Claire Burgos Burgos works for iHeartMedia as the promotions director for local radio stations DC101 and BIG 100. She graduated from the University of Buffalo and is on track to complete her masters degree in speech language pathology from George Washington University this year. She has volunteered for many local organizations

and feels it is important to give back both personally and professionally.

Sophia Chien Chien is a pharmacy manager for community at a Walgreens pharmacy. She is a graduate of West Virginia University and also from Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy. She has been active in volunteering to promote health, medication reconciliation and immunizations in the community. She is thrilled to be working for a specialty pharmacy and for this opportunity to connect directly with the CF community.

Melanie Dinh Dinh is a registered store manager for the Walgreens pharmacy located in Children’s National Medical Center. She received her doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. She has been very active in the community she serves, fundraising and volunteering for Autism Speaks, Bike for Diabetes and So Others May Eat (SOME). Dinh is excited to focus her efforts to support the CF Foundation mission.

Alanna Dybus Dybus is an account executive for Mosaic, an innovative marketing and advertising solutions company. She is a graduate of Clemson University and received her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. She serves on the events committee of the American Advertising Federation but, after making a personal connection to CF, is taking this opportunity with Metro D.C.’s Finest to make a true impact.

Elizabeth Ebeling Ebeling (please call her Liz!) is a field systems specialist for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

She earned dual degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park and has been working for the Foundation headquarters office for more than two years. While she is close to the Foundation’s mission, she has been eager for an opportunity to truly connect with the local CF community and jumped on the chance to do so when nominated to participate in the Finest program.

Hani Fanous Fanous served as a cystic fibrosis clinical researcher at Children’s National Medical Center from 2014-2018, and has now accepted a pediatric pulmonary fellowship at Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami, FL. While Fanous has been involved with the CF community for a number of years, he is happy to be able to serve them in a different way by participating in Metro D.C.’s Finest and staying connected to his hometown.

Nick Framarini Framarini is a senior loan officer at Envoy Mortgage. He is a graduate of James Madison University and an avid soccer player, volunteering for youth programs and active duty military. He has a passion for helping others and wants to further that by making a difference in the lives of those living with CF. Michael Gallagher Gallagher is a senior analyst for the Real Estate Resource Group (RRG). He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, and was the men’s lacrosse team manager for four years. He has close ties to people living with CF and has been supportive of the Foundation for a long time, but is honored to have been nominated to be a Finest participant this year.

Manuel Gauto Gauto is a development operations engineer for Solute Consulting and is a graduate of George Mason University (GMU). He is in the process of completing his master’s degree, also from GMU. He attended Bishop Denis

J. O’Connell High School, where he started supporting CF awareness at a young age through their SuperDance annual fundraiser.

He is still active in their alumni group and knows that being nominated for Metro D.C.’s Finest is the natural next step for him to continue to support the CF Foundation.

Aaron Goldberg Goldberg is the vice president of employee benefits for USI Insurance Services. He is a graduate of Towson University and was captain of the rugby team. He has volunteered in the past with the Special Olympics, JDRF, Autism Speaks, Playworks DC, the American Red Cross and Moveable Feast. CF awareness is a cause that is very close to him and he is looking forward to his next philanthropic endeavor.

Samantha Harper Harper is a field direct fundraising associate for the American Red Cross. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and also completed her master’s degree from the School of Advanced International Studies program at Johns Hopkins University. She has received recognitions from the National Speechwriters Association, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and received the Heinz Endowment Writing Grant. She is also part of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority and is excited to continue to support the CFF mission beyond college.

Anna Heiserman Heiserman is an associate with Scheer Partners, a commercial real estate firm. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and was part of the Leadership Montgomery Emerging Leaders program in 2017. She currently serves on the committee of the NextExecs of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce. She is excited to take her leadership experience to the next level by supporting CFF through the Finest program.

Shannon-Marie Miglarese Miglarese is a loan officer assistant at Envoy Mortgage. She is very active in the equestrian community and has served on several youth boards for various area horse shows. She has had several leadership roles but is looking forward to contributing to this worthy cause in her community.

AJ Mitchell Mitchell is a business development executive for BF Saul Insurance company. He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and is currently a youth ice hockey coach. He is a member of several networking groups but was nominated by the Finest Committee

Chair to participate in Finest and jumped at the chance to truly make a difference in the lives of others.

Brittni Morris Morris is a technology senior consultant for Deloitte Consulting LLP. She is a graduate of Purdue University and an avid college sports fan as well as die-hard Chicago sports fan.

She has been recognized many times in the workplace for various accomplishments but wanted to further her impact by becoming more involved in the DC community.

Jackie Price Price is a former treasury analyst for Lidl grocery company. She graduated from Radford University and remains active in her sorority alumni network. Price was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth and has overcome many health obstacles but is stronger than ever today. She has been dedicated to raising awareness for the disease since she was a child participating in Great Strides and is thrilled to be able to continue to do so on a brand-new platform with Finest.

Trey Saunders Saunders is an associate for Southern Lighting Company. He is a graduate of James Madison University. He has a family connection to cystic fibrosis and wants to use his sales skills to promote CFF awareness to help one day find a cure.

Stephen Witkowski Witkowski is a data analyst for Management Concepts, Inc. He is a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University and received a master’s degree from the University of Maryland.

Witkowski has been passionate about helping others for a long time and is excited to participate in Finest to truly make a difference.

Andrew Wright Wright is an executive communications liaison for Johnson Murphy and Associates, LLC. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and obtained a masters of public policy degree from George Mason University.

His company has been a supporter of various CFF events so he has been able to participate in many different experiences and is excited to really support the cause he has become close to over the years.

Learn more about the Metro D.C. Chapter of the CF Foundation and the upcoming Breathe Easy Bash at www.metrodc.finestcff.org.

www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2018 | ON TAP

9

A Day in the

Life

By Courtney Sexton

FULL SERVICE RADIO’S

JACK INSLEE

By Courtney Sexton

W

e could be corny and say he’s a Jack of all trades, but indeed Jack Inslee is working hard to raise the bar in a variety of creative arenas in DC. After launching and then producing Heritage Radio out of New York City for several years, Inslee made his way to the District to team up with the masterminds behind the LINE Hotel to bring Full Service Radio to life. Inslee operates the live radio station out of the hotel’s lobby and brings guests and hosts from all cross sections of the city to a space where they can broadcast “the real DC” to the world. Inslee feels the station is starting to take on a life of its own, which is what he has hoped from the beginning. He likens himself to a traffic director, “trying to elevate what’s already happening in DC and what all the awesome hosts here do in their lives.”

When he’s not on-air at Full Service or traveling to promote DC’s creative community, Inslee can be found curating stages at Bonnaroo, DJing at Velvet Lounge, collaborating with local musicians, and hanging at Jimmy Valentine’s and Songbyrd, ever plotting new projects. And like the true DC convert he’s quickly become, he finds much-needed – though rarely gained – quiet time in the nooks and crannies of Rock Creek Park. We picked Inslee’s brain about Full Service Radio and his other ventures, and how he keeps a pulse on DC’s creative scene.

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

On Tap: You’re relatively new to DC from NYC. What’s the transition been like?

Jack Inslee: It’s crazy. I’m almost approaching two years in the District and I say this all the time: I’ve become like a DC evangelist.

I’ve basically fallen in love with the city. It continues to surprise me constantly. It’s definitely much smaller [than New York], but there’s more room to breathe and space to think. And I think that the things happening in this creative community here in DC are wildly overlooked and underrated. It’s a special place right now, and a special moment to be in this.

OT: You’ve been working on the muchanticipated – and now lauded – Full Service Radio since before the LINE opened last December. How is it growing and evolving?

JI: I have been overwhelmed by the positive response that the network has gotten in these early stages. We are lucky to have a wildly incredible roster of hosts and collaborators that we’re working with. I couldn’t be luckier than to be in the LINE Hotel too, which is such an exciting space and place in the city.

The energy here is just incredible. That public interaction is everything. But frankly, I’m not happy yet. It still feels like preseason to me.

I’m never really completely satisfied, but that’s kind of what keeps things moving forward.

I’m trying to improve every day.

Photos: Pierre Edwards

OT: Do you have people walk into the radio station off the street and ask what you’re doing?

JI: Oh yes, constantly – for better or worse.

All the radio shows stream live into the [hotel] rooms as well as on the Internet, so sometimes we’ll have a guest come down just having listened to a live broadcast and they get to interact with the host and the guests.

There’s this real-time response that’s really neat and exciting.

OT: How frequently do you bring new shows on board? Do you have a goal to reach a certain number per week?

JI: I get flooded with so many requests and I want to embrace that enthusiasm. I don’t want to turn people away. I want to be a person that says “Yes” and welcomes those people in, but we’re definitely at capacity. We launched with 33 shows a week and we still have all of those shows. Come fall, we’ll have a handful more that will come on. My ears are always open for new ideas. At the very least, I want to accept every pitch and idea that comes in.

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Cold brew coffee with a tiny splash of milk and simple syrup A solid (even if messy) “to do” list Tea Tree Therapy Toothpicks, mint-flavored Memes, jokes, good tweets – anything that makes me genuinely laugh and smile throughout the day Relaxing music for a stressful day, energetic music for a shamefully lazy day OT: Outside of Full Service Radio, are you still DJing and making music?

JI: I definitely stay busy with travel, DJing and producing music. A really exciting project that I’m over the moon about is a new album I made with Odetta Hartman called Old Rockhounds Never Die, coming out August 10.

Odetta is an Americana artist and I do experimental electronic production and manipulate her voice and all kinds of weird things. It’s like this f--ked up, futuristic cowboy/soul kind of thing. I’m also working with some other DC musicians, and always DJing around town here and there. And I travel around and interview people in other cities [including visits to the LINE in Austin and L.A.] as well to bring it back to Full Service Radio. [We’ll be] doing little pop-ups in those cities and then finding ways to bring DC stories to those cities to expand our reach.

OT: You are a big part of DC’s art and music communities, but you also have a history in food. How does it influence your life these days, especially being at the LINE? JI: It’s definitely become a real passion of mine over the years, and I think DC is starting to become known as a food destination as well. [James Beard Award-winning Chef] Spike [Gjerde] brought in [legendary Chef] Alice Waters as a guest on his show, so the food programming on Full Service is actually fairly robust and exciting. It’s one of the few places

where policy conversations make it into the mix. And I do generally really draw from good food. Maketto is the first [place] I really fell in love with when I moved here. It’s like okay, I can get some really spicy bone marrow broth and some designer street clothes on sale? Cool. Yeah, that’s where it’s at. I just think that space is like a beacon for the city.

OT: You’re clearly excited about the creative scene in DC, but what concerns you most?

JI: DC seems to be really concerned with DC all the time. Often times, it can end up feeling like a silo here where it’s just everybody talking to each other. I just wish people would get out more and reach out to people in other places more. That kind of goes against this whole community thing that makes DC super special, so it’s not to say abandon that. But to put it in blunt terms, there’s this weird inferiority complex or something. When people feel like they’ve hit the outer walls of DC, rather than just getting down about it, [people should] push past them. It’s something I’m always trying to fight against and help people with.

OT: Who are some of the people in DC you think we should keep an eye on?

JI: Sir E.U and Tony Kill. They just put out an album called African American Psycho, and I think they’re both geniuses and they have been doing exactly what I was just talking about. They were just in L.A. and they’re pushing past the boundaries of the city. They’re crazy experimental and waving their own flag and I can’t say enough good stuff about that album.

To me, that’s the stuff that’s giving me inspiration and part of why I love this city so much.

Learn more about Inslee and Full Service Radio at www.thelinehotel.com/full-service-radio.

The LINE Hotel: 1770 Euclid St. NW, DC 202-588-0525; www.thelinehotel.com/dc

LOOK WHAT POPPED UP IN ROSSLYN! OPENS AUGUST 8

www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2018 | ON TAP

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All Drink, Dine, Do event listings are provided by the venues hosting them.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1

Photos: Mike Kim

Charlo Greene Book Signing Join in on “Becoming A Cannabis Entrepreneur,” a community discussion forum where we invite special guests share how they turned their passion into profitable and sustainable cannabis businesses. Along with their stories, they’ll share industry insights, answer questions, and share actionable steps for you to take to become a cannabis entrepreneur. 6-8 p.m. Tickets $20. WeWork Apollo: 810 7th St. NE, DC; www.charlogreene.com

The Wharf’s Saturday night dance series featured dance instruction and demos by the DC Rawhides followed by a boot-stomping show from the Wil Gravatt Band.

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

Women Behind the Lens Women Behind the Lens will show selected works

by German filmmaker Lotte Reiniger. A foremost pioneer of silhouette animation, her works include retellings of famous fairy tales including Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella. Preceding Walt Disney by over a decade, her work utilized a multi-plane camera system to achieve a layered effect in her films.

During this event, a series of short films by Reiniger will be presented. 6-8 p.m. Tickets $5.

Carriage House Gallery: 1921 Sunderland Pl. NW, DC; www.heurichhouse.org

WEDNESDAYS, AUGUST 1, 8, 15 and 22 Wednesdays at The Wharf It’s not the most average day of the week anymore. Wednesday at The Wharf presented by Landshark Lager is a free summer concert series that brings live music to Transit Pier every Wednesday. No matter your musical tastes – rock, folk, reggae, funk, pop – The Wharf has a performance for you, though you don’t need to be a fan already to enjoy the tunes, views and food and drinks at Cantina Bambina. Music acts in August include Pebble to Pearl, Monster Band, Dixie Power Trio and 19th Street Band. 6-8 p.m.

The Wharf: 900 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com

summer where DC meets in

Join us for sunny days and spectacular waterfront sunsets at The Wharf, featuring a fantastic lineup of waterside activities and special events.

MAY 5 Running of the Chihuahuas MAY 18 Bike to Work Day Pit Stops MAY 19 Blessing of the Fleet

JUN 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Waterfront Workouts JUN 2 Saturday Night Dancing: Swing JUN 3, 10, 17, 24 Sunday Brunch JUN 6, 13, 20, 27 Wednesday at The Wharf JUN 9 Pride on The Pier JUN 16–17 DC Jazz Fest JUN 21 Corona’s Lightest Day

JUL 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Sunday Brunch JUL 4 4th of July Patriots’ Party JUL 7 Soccer & Sangria Saturday Night Dancing: Country Line JUL 11, 18, 25 Wednesday at The Wharf JUL 14 All-Star Game Salute JUL 28 Shark Bites & Brews

AUG 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Wednesday at The Wharf AUG 4 Saturday Night Dancing: Salsa AUG 5, 12, 19, 26 Sunday Brunch AUG 18 Glow in the Dark Kayaking AUG 25 Capital Dragon Boat Regatta

SEP 15 Police & Firefighters Appreciation Picnic

Download the District Wharf App

Dates, times, and performances are subject to changes and additions.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 Pancakes & Booze Art Show As the nation’s premier pop-up art show, the Pancakes & Booze Art Show provides art lovers an opportunity to explore more than 500 pieces of artwork created by some 100+ artists local to DC’s unparalleled art scene. Alongside an immensely wide variety of pop art, fine art and photography, showgoers can sip on some craft beer or signature cocktails while consuming free pancakes over and over again. 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Tickets $15-$18. Penn Social: 801 E St. NW, DC; www.pancakesandbooze.com

THURSDAYS, AUGUST 2, 9, 16 and 23 Rock at The Row at Pentagon Row Hot bands and cold beer return to Pentagon Row for the annual Rock at the Row series. The summer series will feature a pop-up bar with ice-cold craft brews and wine, plus a rotating restaurant partner with delicious eats available for purchase every Thursday.

Admission to the concerts is free, so ring in the weekend at Pentagon Row with live music, food and drink every week from 7-9 p.m.

Pentagon Row: 1201 S. Joyce St. Arlington, VA; www.pentagonrow.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 Cloth and Community: A Medicinal Meal An evening of food, art, and good company. Come eat a vegan meal made by chef Paula Mantilla out of bowls designed by Emily from Em and Em Pottery, and drink tea prepared by April from Antler Alchemy. Eliza from Lil Bits Cloth will instruct you how to reuse

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all food and tea leftovers to custom dye your own personal silk napkin to take home.

Participants will learn all about how to dye cloth with kitchen ingredients and how these plants are used medicinally.

Each person will leave with a belly full of great food and tea, a bowl from Em and Em pottery, a healing serum from Pax Apothecary, and their own hand-dyed silk bandana. 7:30-10 p.m. Tickets $55. Femme Fatale: 4620 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.femmefataledc.com

FRIDAYS, AUGUST 3, 17 and 31 Budweiser Music Series at Nationals Park Every Friday home game, the best place to pregame is at the Budweiser Terrace inside the ballpark. As the Nationals warm up to play at 7:05 p.m., head to the Budweiser Terrace pregame show for live music from local bands such as Scott Kurt & Memphis 59, As If and Hand Painted Swinger, and enjoy ice cold beer. Purchase Nationals tickets at www.mlb. com/nationals/tickets. 5-7 p.m.

Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, DC; www.washington. nationals.mlb.com

FRIDAYS, AUGUST 3, 10, 17, 24 Friday Night Concerts at Yards Park Spend your Friday night relaxing at Yards Park in Capitol Riverfront. Spread a blanket and enjoy a night of hits from different bands each Friday like Trailer Grass Orchestra, Party Like It’s, La Unica and the United States Navy Band Country Current. The concerts are free and the stage is located on the boardwalk. Ice-cold Corona beers and wine will be available onsite at the outdoor tented

ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

bar! Must be 21+ (no outside alcohol). 7-9 p.m. Yards Park: 355 Water St. SE, DC; www.capitolriverfront.org Fridays at Fort Totten Summer Concert Series The Fridays at Fort Totten Summer Concert Series is every Friday through August 31.

Come out and enjoy delicious bites from the week’s featured food truck and amazing live music from bands like The Ron Holloway Band, Justin Trawick & The Common Good, Deacon Izzy and The Congregation, and La Unica. There’s a new band and tasty food truck each Friday.

We hope to see you there. In partnership with The Modern at Art Place. 6-8 p.m. The Modern: Corner of South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street in NE, DC; www.fridaysatforttotten.com Jazz in the Garden Concert Series The National Gallery of Art’s 2018 Jazz in the Garden lineup features acclaimed musicians presenting a wide variety of jazz styles: swing, funk, hip-hop, Latin, go-go, ska, Dixieland, blues and more. The gallery will invite visitors to find a seat among the monumental works of art in the Sculpture Garden and enjoy one of the city’s favorite summertime activities. 5-8:30 p.m. Free to attend. National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden: Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets in NW, DC; www.nga.gov Rosslyn Cinema & Pub in the Park Every Friday this summer in Gateway Park, bring blankets or low chairs and a group of friends and enjoy a night under the stars with your favorite movies such as Argo, Lethal Weapon, The Lion King and more. Movies start at dusk, but the fun starts at 5 p.m. with games and Pub in the Park, where you can grab a

glass of beer, wine or homemade sangria at Rosslyn’s mobile pub brought to you in partnership with Mobile Event Bars. You can also enjoy some popcorn from Popped Republic and food from local food trucks. This event is kid- and dog-friendly. Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 Arcadia Open Volunteer Day Join for a morning of farm work alongside Arcadia staff and farmers. Learn about sustainable agriculture by participating in it.

Come get your hands dirty, learn about sustainable agriculture, and help grow vegetables for neighbors who have a hard time getting access to affordable nutritious food. You’ll weed, hoe, plant, sometimes even harvest at Arcadia Farm at Woodlawn -- acres that once belonged to George Washington himself. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Must register, but donations are accepted. Arcadia Hilltop Farm: 9000 Richmond Hwy. Alexandria, VA; www.arcadiafood.org The Inaugural DC Bike Fair Capital Bikeshare and the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) will be hosting the first ever DC Bike Fair. The Bike Fair is a family-friendly block party where residents can come to experience and learn about all of the bikesharing options currently available in their community by participating in interactive demos and mini bike rides to learn about how they all work.

There will be a bike obstacle course, a community bike ride, music, a raffle for a free bike, prizes and more. The Bike Fair will take place from 12-4 p.m.

Free to attend. DC Bike Fair: 2241 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, DC; www.godcgo.com

the 2 annual mcpaw party You are cordially invited to

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P R E S E N T I N G

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“the great gatsby” Join us for the best roaring twenties party of the year as an elite member of Jay Gatsby’s legendary West Egg Parties William F. Bolger Center - Franklin Ballroom 9600 Newbridge Drive | Potomac, MD 20854 Saturday October 13, 2018 | 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm Silent & Live Auctions Live Music, Cocktails, Dinner, Dancing Special Guest and More! : Costumes Encouraged, Black Tie Optional

dress code

dogs are welcome to attend

ticket prices Sale ends September 1

Early Bird Tickets:

Regular Tickets:

Single: $160

Young Professional (under 35) $125

Couple $240

Single $185

Table of 8 $1,100

Couple $300

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Table of 8 $1,400 (with name recognition)

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MCPAW is the dedicated non-profit partner of the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. Our Mission is to: Benefit the animals residing at MCASAC prevent animals from ending up in shelters Promote positive relationships between animals and people in Montgomery County

Call Celine Ryan or go online to purchase tickets: celine.ryan@excelservices.com 301-984-4400

Or purchase online: https://2ndannualmcpawparty.eventbrite.com

Saturday Night Dancing at The Wharf The Wharf’s Saturday night dance series sizzles when Salsa with Silvia and Sin Miedo join at The Wharf. Learn some Latin dance moves with one of Salsa with Silvia’s instructors, then spend the evening moving to the beat of Sin Miedo. Free to attend, no advance registration required. 7-9 p.m. The Wharf: 900 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com

features watermelon flavored beers on draft, watermelon punch bowls of sangria and even a watermelon eating contest. The winner will receive a $25 gift card to City Tap and a $25 gift card to Pennsylvania 6.

11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free entry, email Lisa at info.dupont@citytap.com.

City Tap House Dupont: 1250 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.dupont.citytap.com

Sneak Attack DC Sneak Attack DC, a place where sneaker enthusiasts come together, is back with another edition, but with many more cultural experiences. Beyond the traditional buy/sell/trade convention, there are aims to build an innovative sensory experience of the lifestyle hypebeasts admire through art activations, community involvement, interactive DJ performances and even a very special movie screening. All ages event. 12-7:30 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20. Sneak Attack DC: Location TBD; www.snkattk.com

Grow Your Own Cocktails Join Slow Food DC at District Hardware’s beautiful location at the Wharf to learn how to start your own container herb garden, followed by tips from One Eight Distilling on how to make awesome cocktails from the herbs you grow.

District Hardware will provide instruction on sun and water needs, types of soil, which herbs grow best together, and how to deal with pests. Once your plant is at home in its new container, One Eight Distilling will show you how to make killer cocktails with the herbs you’ll grow.

1-2:30 p.m. Tickets $17. District Hardware: 730 Maine Ave. SW, DC; www.districthardware.com

sPACYcLOUd Grand Opening Tati Kolina and Kyla Hempress Hill are excited to announce the opening of their first flagship location. The ethical core of sPACYcLOUd is built on self expression, love and positivity.

Its visual aesthetic breathes from the world of break dancers, hip hop artists, street artists, skateboarders, motorcycle riders and other free spirited and creative individuals. 11-2 a.m. RSVP is free, but early bird and dinner tickets cost $35-$45. sPACYcLOUd: 2309 18th St. NW, DC; www.spacycloud.com National Watermelon Day Join City Tap House Dupont in celebrating all things watermelon on National Watermelon Day. This event

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 5

Moorenko’s Ice Cream Factory Tour and Tasting Susan Soorenko’s vision behind Moorenko’s Ice Cream is simple: find the best ingredients, make something fabulous. She keeps it simple, as her ice cream begins with the highest quality local dairy products available, and then involves the additions of fresh fruit, nutritious nuts and a crazy outstanding chocolate. 2-4 p.m. Tickets $30.

Moorenko’s Ice Cream Factory: 8810 Brookville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.lesdamesdc.org Soufflé Making Class Walk through the steps to making this iconic dessert with a master souffle maker.

ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

You’ll cover everything from mixing the ideal soufflé base to proper techniques for whipping egg whites and folding them into the batter. Leave with all the essential tips for baking perfectly risen soufflés that are sure to delight and impress all your future dinner guests. 1-4 p.m. Tickets $100. The Channel: 950 Maine Ave. SW, DC; www.dcchannel.com Yoga in the Fun House at the National Building Museum The Museum is partnering with Snarkitecture to design the 2018 Summer Block Party exhibition.

The yoga class is accessible to all levels, and your ticket includes both the yoga class and a pass to the NBM, which is valid until September 3rd, 2018. 10 a.m.

Tickets $20. National Building Museum: 401 F St. NW, DC; www.nbm.org

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7 Tunes in the Triangle Summer Concert Series: Justin Trawick & The Common Good Stop by Milian Park with your friends, family and/or pets for the last free summer concert at Mount Vernon Triangle with Americana group Justin Trawick & The Common Good. 6-8 p.m.

Free to attend. Milian Park in Mount Vernon Triangle: 499 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; www.mvtcid.org Yappy Hour at Jackson 20 Calling all pups! Join us at Jackson 20’s courtyard with your furry friends and enjoy happy hour for you and puptails for your best friend! All dogs welcome. 4- 7 p.m. Free to attend. Jackson 20: 480 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.jackson20restaurant.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8 Secrets of the Southern Table Join RIS Restaurant and Virginia Willis as she takes you through the Secrets of the Southern Table: A food Lover’s Tour of the Global South. Throughout the evening, Willis will regale guests with many stories of her years as a TV kitchen director for Martha Stewart Living, Bobby Flay and Nathalie Dupree. She will also delve into how and why she wrote this newest cooking book.

The night includes a four-course meal. 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets $85.

RIS Restaurant: 2275 L St. NW, DC; www.lesdamesdc.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 Crab Feast: All-You-Can-Eat Maryland Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar will serve all-you-can-eat Maryland blue crab and a choice of two sides for $49 per person.

Along with sides, there will also be beer buckets for $15 and wine by the bottle for $32.

12-6 p.m. Tickets $49. Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar: 223 Independence Ave. SE, DC; www.sonomadc.com Evening at the Embassy of Haiti On this night, the Embassy of Haiti welcomes you to a special cultural celebration with Haitian food, refreshments (with rum), diplomats, music, dancing and much more. Celebrate a Thursday evening in Haiti as you step on foreign soil to sample a country rich in culture and history. 7-10 p.m. Tickets $50. Embassy of Haiti: 2311 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; www.merevents.com

The Boat Life ad.pdf

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

Urban Elegance Presents: Do The Right Thing A Rooftop Day Party The summer is heating up so Do The Right Thing and meet the folks behind Urban Elegance on the rooftop for booze and bites, with beats by DJ Paul Howard.

5-9 p.m. Tickets $10-$15. Mason & Rook’s Rooftop Bar: 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW, DC; www.masonandrookhotel.com

2018 Around The World Cultural Food Festival This year, the event is taking you on a day trip around the world and present you the cuisine, culture and traditions of over 40 countries participating on the event. This year’s participating countries presenting their ethnic food in the festival are Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, El Salvador, Greece, Guam, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Lebanon, Nigeria, Peru, Serbia, Thai, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, U.S.A, Vietnam and Yemen. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. VIP Tickets $35. General admission is free. Cultural Food Festival: Freedom Plaza in NW, DC; www.twitter.com/DCCulturalFest

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 Latin Heritage Fiesta A celebration of the Latin Heritage! From great Food, to arts and crafts and especially cultural dance performances, this festival will be a huge party filled with lots of fun for the entire family.

Over 60 artisans and crafters, independent consultants and small businesses are coming together for the day. Food vendors will delight you with traditional foods and performers will entertain you. 2-8 p.m. Free to attend. Veterans Plaza: 1 Veterans Pl. Silver Spring, MD; www.facebook.com/ChicEventsDC

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 Movie and a Meal To celebrate the Italian Holiday of Ferragosto, Via Umbria’s August edition of Movie and a Meal will be Il Sorpasso (1962). This beautiful, yet hilarious film follows two strangers as they decide to have a spontaneous adventure over the Ferragosto holiday, one of Italy’s biggest annual vacations.

One of the best examples of Commedia all’Italiana, or comedy Italian-style, this film is riddled with surprises and laughs that will keep you on the edge of your seat while Chef Liam’s cooking will leave you nothing but satisfied.

7:30-10 p.m. Tickets $33. Via Umbria: 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com

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DC Mojito March Enjoy eight versions of the classic rum cocktail, all included in the price of a ticket, as you explore eight of DC’s best bars during an all day mojito adventure. There will also be food specials, mojito specials, event photos and includes some proceeds going to local charities. 12-9 p.m. Tickets $65.

DC Mojito March: Various locations; www.crafthospitality.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 Sundresses & Mimosas The new and improved Sundresses & Mimosas features an updated brunch menu.

With bottomless brunch until 4 p.m., where there will be a full buffet and all you can eat seafood. Followed by a day party from 4-9 p.m. with great DJs, great music, great hookah, food and more. Sundresses & Mimosas is the place for young professionals that want to taste great food and experience a great time. 12-9 p.m. Tickets $30-$40. 1230 Restaurant: 1230 9th St. NW, DC; www.1230dc.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 20 SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival at National Harbor The ninth annual Maryland tradition of the Chesapeake Crab, Wine & Beer Festival is an all-you-care-to-taste extravaganza complete with over 65,000 crabs, over 50 beers and wines plus a few spirits, arts and crafts, live music, family fun and so much more. Find out what over 37,000 people have come to enjoy. Get tickets to either session: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. or 5-9 p.m. Tickets $39-$119.

The Plateau: 300 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; www.mdcrabfest.com

ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

season approaches. Very often, wineries open up their cellars and grounds to the public and some even hold dinners for guests, all in celebration of a bountiful harvest. Cork & Fork will celebrate wines from the regions where the harvest parties are globally known for being experiences of a lifetime.

3-6 p.m. Tickets $5. Cork & Fork: 1522 14th St. NW, DC; www.corkandfork.co

DC Brau’s Crab Festburger Monumental Extravaganza DC Brau and the Quarterdeck are teaming up for this epic annual crab-crackin’ get down.

This crabfest has become a staple of DC Beer Week, a calling card of summer in DC. As you know from past years, this event always sells out so do not wait to get your tickets. 5-10 p.m.

Tickets $50. Quarterdeck: 1200 Fort Myer Dr. Arlington, VA; www.quarterdeckarlington.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 Harvest Festival Every wine region becomes a hive of wine-related activity and parties as their harvest

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22 Rosslyn Farmers Market: Grill & Chill Come out to Rosslyn’s weekly FRESHFARM Farmers Market on Central Place Plaza for a special “Grill & Chill” event featuring a local chef grilling up summer snacks on site, and ice-cold beer and wine at the pop-up bar. Brent & Co. brings the jams with a combination of rock, country, reggae and pop music from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Don’t miss the summer festivities in Rosslyn!

2:30 - 6:30 p.m. Free to attend. Central Place Plaza: 1800 N. Lynn St. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org

SUNDAY AUGUST 26 Modern Art Tour at National Gallery East Wing Professional museum tour guide Stephen Mead takes you through the National Gallery of Art’s East Building, where you’ll explore modern

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES 2018

New Time

7-9pm at Yards Park | 355 Water Street SE New

Right on the Boardwalk!

4th Street

3rd Street

y Ave

Jerse

1st Street

Half Street

8/3 Practically Einstein

Rock

Tingey Street N Street

Nationals Park

8/10 Party Like It’s

Pop Hits

Water Street

Yards Park

ac

om Pot

Ave

Anacostia River

8/17 La Unica

Latin Rock 8/24 U.S. Navy Band

“Country Current”

Country/Bluegrass Beer & Wine Available Onsite

(must be 21+ no outside alcohol)

yardspark.org | capitolriverfront.org | @CapitolRiverfront | @YardsParkDC | #CapRiv

Navy Yard

and contemporary art during this two-hour tour. He’ll walk you and talk you through the stories of Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. View 40-plus pieces of modern art and learn what the message of each might be and get to know the artists behind them. 2-4 p.m.

Tickets $20. National Gallery of Art East Building: 150 4th St. NW, DC; www.nga.gov

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28

Photos: Mike Kim

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23

Each Wednesday evening this summer at The Wharf, enjoy waterfront views and live music on Transit Pier presented by Landshark Lager, with food and drinks at Cantina Bambina.

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

DC Burger Battle at Hill Country Backyard Barbecue at the National Building Museum Eat Burgers. Battle Hunger.

It’s the 2nd Annual DC Burger Battle to benefit SOME (So Others Might Eat) on Thursday, August 23 from 6-9 p.m. DC’s best burger makers are coming together at the Hill Country Backyard Barbecue to get their grills going and you’re invited. Your event admission includes burgers from each restaurant, complimentary beer, live music and games.

You’ll be able to drink all you-care-to-enjoy Budweiser and other great beers and wine, and enjoy burgers from Due South, Hill Country, Rebellion, Stoney’s on L, Blackfinn, Hard Rock, B Penn Quarter, Bullfeathers, Capital Burger, Sign of the Whale and Penn Commons. Don’t miss out on great live music, lawn games, a fun photo booth and more. Vote for DC’s best burger and help us raise money for SOME! Must be 21+ to attend. 6-9 p.m. Tickets are just $30 all-inclusive. Hill Country Backyard Barbecue at the National Building Museum: 401 F St. NW, DC; www.dcburgerbattle.com

Belgian Supper Club: A New Recipe Meal Kit + Cooking Class Experience A blend of Belgian culinary school immersion + meal delivery service, Et Voila’s new Belgian Supper Club meets once per month at the Palisades Belgian Bistro for an interactive cooking demonstration and tasting of the monthly dish, and a tutorial of a new culinary technique

by Chef Claudio Pirollo. After the demonstration, guests are given a meal-box to take home and make the Belgian meal at home. August’s meal is duck leg confit with orange sauce. 6-7:30 p.m. Tickets $65. Et Viola!: 5120 MacArthur Blvd. NW, DC; www.etvoiladc.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30 Test Kitchen: Kombucha 101 Join Craft Kombucha in the Test Kitchen for an introduction to the world of kombucha! You’ll have the chance to ask all your burning questions about kombucha and learn how to make your own brew at home.

Each ticket includes everything you need brew your very first batch: a fermentation vessel, SCOBY (the culture used to make kombucha) and starter.

6-8 p.m. Tickets start at $50.

Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com

Fresh Fountains

By M.K. Koszycki

DC heat got you down? Feast your eyes on some of the District’s most iconic fountains and maybe even dip a toe in a few of the city’s kid-friendly water features, because we’re all kids at heart during the dog days of summer, right?

7th Street Park Fountain, District Wharf 700 Wharf St. SW, DC

While you can often find little ones dashing through District Wharf’s water feature, all are welcome to partake in the fun. And don’t be afraid to take a seat on one of the plastic rocking horses either.

Bartholdi Fountain, U.S. Botanic Garden 100 Maryland Ave. SW, DC

Designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, also the talent behind the Statue of Liberty, this massive water feature stands at 30 feet tall.

Its original home was Philadelphia, and the gorgeous structure now rests on the grounds of the U.S. Botanic Garden. Stop by and admire this Gilded Age stunner on your next garden adventure.

Canal Park Fountain, Capitol Riverfront 200 M St. SE, DC

Canal Park is a sustainable community hub open yearround but is especially vibrant in the summer due to its built-in, ground-level illuminated water features. Take a dash through the water on your walk to Nats Park or people watch on one of the many benches or colorful chairs.

Photo: Courtesy of www.land-collective.com

The Court of Neptune Fountain, Library of Congress 68 1st St. SE, DC

Neptune and figures of the Tritons touting their conch shells keep watch over this Library of Congress fountain.

It’s especially stunning at night, with lights adding to the majestic nature of the bronze Roman statues.

District Square Fountain, District Wharf 100 District Sq. SW, DC

While not for sitting or splashing around in, this elegant fountain is a welcome sight for those perusing District Wharf’s shops and restaurants on a beautiful summer afternoon.

Dupont Circle Fountain 1 Dupont Cir. NW, DC

Flanked by benches, trees and plenty of shade, this marble memorial fountain is smack dab in the middle of Dupont Circle’s many bars and restaurants. On the weekends, you can often find events, live music and more taking place near the iconic structure.

Photos: Aja Neal and Fareeha Rehman

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

Check out the fresh new look at

resh, new look! fwww.OnTapOnline.com our mission: to bring you the best of what’s on tap in the DMv area

events

THe coolest things to do

eats Georgetown Waterfront Park 3303 Water St. NW, DC

Try walking through the space in this arching fountain without getting soaked or go all-in on a hot day.

Located right on the water in Georgetown, it’s the perfect (free!) post-dinner and drinks pit stop.

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Summerhouse Fountain, U.S. Capitol Building

West Front Lawn, Senate side of the U.S. Capitol Building in SE, DC If you’re craving respite from the tourist-filled grounds of the National Mall, look no further than Summerhouse. This shady grotto has a water feature inside with seating for more than 20 people, tucked away on the outskirts of the U.S. Capitol Building.

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Tivoli Fountain, Columbia Heights 1445 Ogden St. NW, DC

This colorful fountain is nestled among the shops and restaurants in Columbia Heights. You can sit on one of the surrounding benches to cool off after a shopping spree or sprint through it if you’re feeling adventurous.

Water Feature, Yards Park 355 Water St. SE, DC

This cascading water feature is a great spot to fully splash around in or just admire on your next visit to Capitol Riverfront.

It’s surrounded by lots of grassy park space, so you can even settle in for a sunny picnic.

Sources: www.aoc.gov/capitol-grounds/senate-fountain www.atlasobscura.com/places/summerhouse www.capitolriverfront.org/yards-park www.georgetownwaterfrontpark.org/park-features/fountain/ www.redtri.com/dc/d-c-best-fountains-for-summer/ www.thehill.com/capital-living/cover-stories/164069-a-hidden-gemwww.usbg.gov/bartholdi-fountain www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dupont_Circle_Fountain www.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Court_of_Neptune_Fountain www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2018 | ON TAP

23

D.C. United players celebrate win

Photos: Rich Kessler

By Michael Coleman When Wayne Rooney trotted onto Audi Field for the first time in D.C. United’s home opener against the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14, a sold-out crowd of 20,504 erupted in raucous cheers.

Making his American Major League Soccer debut, the 32-year-old British soccer legend looked sharp, drilling crisp, efficient passes and notching an assist to Paul Arriola, who scored two goals in the home team’s 3-1 victory.

Afterward, a smiling Rooney sat before a throng of reporters in the club’s gleaming new interview room and declared himself proud of his new club and the new stadium. But he also laid down a challenge to his D.C. United teammates for the weeks and months ahead.

“It was a great atmosphere,” said Rooney, who knows a thing or two about atmosphere after representing England in three World Cups and claiming five Premier League championships with the fabled Manchester United club. “It’s a great stadium that’s built for atmosphere, but we have to create the atmosphere on the pitch. We can’t expect the fans to come in and make noise if we’re not exciting them. It’s our job to excite them.

“For the fans and the players, it was a big game,” Rooney added.

“Now, we’ll enjoy tonight’s victory and get ready for the next game.”

The Audi Field home opener at Buzzard Point, just a stone’s throw from Nationals Park, represented a new chapter in D.C. United’s storied history, which includes 13 titles, four MLS cups and a long wait for a home of their own.

The soccer club contended with a grueling, four-month road schedule as it awaited the opening of the stadium in July. According to D.C. United Coach Ben Olsen, it was worth the wait. Olsen took a quiet walk around the stadium before the home opener to soak up the significance of the moment.

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

Audi Field

on the scene

On Tap enjoyed a sideline view of Audi Field’s debut in the Capitol Riverfront at D.C. United’s home opener. Aside from the new digs, fans also enjoyed seeing Wayne Rooney take the field for the first time.

Photos: Rich Kessler

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

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25

“This is one of the great nights in D.C. United history, and we’ve had some good ones,” Olsen said after the game. “After four months on the road, to play the way we played, score goals and be entertaining was just a great night for the organization.”

The new stadium, which cost nearly half a billion dollars, delighted enthusiastic D.C. United fans who have endured years of subpar soccer conditions at RFK Stadium, a crumbling relic built for American football – not soccer. Audi Field’s sleek and modern design, stellar sightlines, and upscale concessions put it among the very best venues for soccer in the United States and perhaps the world.

Arriola, a small but speedy 23-year-old forward for D.C. United, had a hint of awe in his eyes as he described what it was like to play in the new stadium.

D.C. United’s Paul Arriola

Arriola said Rooney immediately makes D.C. United a better team with his leadership on the field and in the locker room.

“He’s a very humble guy on and off the field,” Arriola said. “But on the field, you can see his quality. The way he plays really suits a lot of our players. We’re still trying to get the chemistry together and it will take time, but he just wants to get in here and work and win. That’s the type of player we need right now.”

For his part, Rooney said he’s ready to write the next chapter in his storied career.

D.C. United’s Wayne Rooney

“It was awesome,” he told On Tap. “To look up and see the fans right on top of you – you can look up and stare them right in the eyes. The fans obviously deserve this place, to come to a beautiful field and stadium, and it gives us confidence to go out there and perform.”

Aside from Audi Field’s opening, D.C. United’s biggest move this season was the acquisition of Rooney. The father of four and global soccer legend signed a reported $13 million contract for two-and-ahalf years, with D.C. United holding an option for an additional year.

Rooney is the only player to score 200 goals and provide 100 assists in the British Premier League, and is now the highest paid player in MLS history. After the home opener, Olsen reinforced what a great decision the big contract was for his team.

“We saw what Wayne is: a high-quality, elite soccer player,” Olsen said. “He didn’t lose possession, made some key passes and got on the end of a few balls in the box. This is what he’s going to do for us. With his character, he’s here to help the team get better on and off the field.”

Olsen added that to put it simply, he just makes the right plays.

“There’s a lot of value in that, making the right play in the moment.

We’re still a young team, so he can help with the soccer aspect and the mentality he brings with his experience. That’s the exciting part about this. We’re lucky to have him.”

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

“I have said this since I committed to the club: I want to win, and I am vocal on and off the pitch,” Rooney said. “I’m vocal with the coach, vocal with my teammates and we speak [about] which we think is the best way to win a football match. I think the most important thing is communication, not just for myself but for the players, and the players know that.”

Rooney acknowledged that some of his younger, less experienced teammates may be a bit intimidated by his success on the global soccer stage, but he stressed that he is now one of them.

“I am a D.C. United player,” he said. “I am exactly the same as these players and I want to win. What I can bring is my desire to win, and that’s every day on the training pitch and every game.”

Learn more about D.C. United’s 2018 season at www.dcunited.com.

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

on the scene

Soccer fans united at sports bar Across the Pond in Dupont Circle, where they enjoyed the World Cup finals watch party, food, drink specials and great company.

Photos: Mike Kim

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

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27

Poca Madre

Photo: Greg Powers

By Lani Furbank On Tap keeps locals in the know about the hottest new food and drink spots around town and the top culinary happenings of the month. Read on to get the inside scoop on what’s new and notable in the DC area.

NEW

Photo: Courtesy of Gravitas

Gravitas Open: July 3 Location: Ivy City Lowdown: Matt Baker’s sophisticated tasting menu restaurant has literally been years in the making. The chef has taken the former Pappas Tomato Factory and transformed it into an urban oasis where minimalist fixtures, mossy accents and

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

hanging terrariums are juxtaposed with original 1940s brick, windows and steel beams. This antique character is what drew him to Ivy City in the first place, along with the opportunity to help weave the fabric of a burgeoning community. Gravitas is the first tasting menu restaurant to hit the neighborhood, with a selection of 15 dishes – half of which are vegetarian – that can be mixed and matched to create a custom tasting of four, five, six or seven courses. Baker says he wanted a restaurant that allowed him to dream up and serve manicured, experimental dishes.

That’s evident in courses like a gruyère agnolotti decorated with a fried ash chip reminiscent of webbed sea coral. Baker focuses as much on sourcing as he does on experimenting, pulling ingredients almost exclusively from the Mid-Atlantic region. In the coming weeks, he will debut a rooftop bar and garden supplying produce like tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini and more.

The bar program features spirits and brews from the restaurant’s Ivy City neighbors, used in drinks that incorporate seasonal vegetables. The wine list is comprised of mostly food-friendly options to facilitate pairings with a wide spectrum of flavors.

1401 Okie St. NE, DC; www.gravitasdc.com

Photo: Erika Kauder

La Vie Open: July 12 Location: District Wharf Lowdown: Social Restaurant Group is expanding their portfolio, which already includes Provision No. 14 and Pamplona, among others, to include a posh waterfront restaurant, bar and event space. The vast fifth floor venue boasts panoramic views of the river through floor-to-ceiling windows in the main dining room, and has three more spaces, each with a distinct vibe. The Conservatory bar and lounge is covered in climbing greenery and matching plush upholstery. The Chandelier Room is, expectedly, adorned with a display of 15 of the hanging fixtures. Finally, the Ledge is a sprawling waterfront terrace. The menu nods to the riverfront location with coastal fare like seafood towers, spreads, house-made

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pastas, mussel pots, whole branzino, and mainland fare like steak frites and a decadent burger. Drinks follow suit with spritzes, shareable cocktails and plenty of bubbly. 88 District Sq. SW, DC; www.laviedc.com

Photo: Rey Lopez

San Lorenzo

Photo: Greg Powers

Poca Madre Open: June 19 Location: Chinatown Lowdown: To say Poca Madre is Victor Albisu’s passion project would be an understatement. After closing his South American grill, Del Campo, Albisu and his team poured their hearts and souls into its replacement. Poca Madre is a sincere homage to Mexico, celebrating the country’s history, culture, agriculture and cuisine.

The menu is, simply put, an exploration of contemporary Mexican dining. But every aspect, from the sourcing to the recipes, tells a deeper story. Dishes include flashes of influence from the various periods of colonization by Europeans and the far-reaching trade routes that brought Southeast Asian spices and herbs to the country. Many ingredients are imported from Mexico to support local farmers including sea salt, grasshoppers, cocoa nibs and dry maíz that is cooked, soaked, scrubbed and ground to form tortillas, which are cooked to order. The resulting product is unlike any tortilla I’ve had before: deeply flavored, crispy yet soft and enticingly aromatic. The small plates and entrées put creative twists on traditions, like a corn risotto that conjures the flavors of elote and a shrimp and cuttlefish ceviche with flat noodles made from the two types of seafood. Drinks rely heavily on the spirit made from the plant featured in Poca Madre’s logo and décor, with a liquid nitrogen-frozen margarita and a take on a Mai Tai that uses mezcal and cantaloupe seed orgeat. The space is accented by suspended greenery, a mirror carried over from Del Campo’s bar and a striking piece of artwork that clearly communicates the team’s view on immigration: a depiction of a freestanding open door on the U.S.-Mexico border modeled after a real-life installation from 1988. 777 I St. NW, DC; www.pocamadredc.com

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Open: June 25 Location: Shaw Lowdown: Chef Massimo Fabbri, known and loved for his cooking at Tosca and Posto, opened his own restaurant in Shaw in honor of his family and the cuisine of his home in Tuscany. The spot is named for Fabbri’s favorite neighborhood in Florence, and his son, who is named after the patron saint of cooks. The menu is succinct and simple, with classic Tuscan recipes and a few salutes to his time at Tosca. Start with antipasti like tuna carpaccio, panzanella or fried squash blossoms, and be sure to sample the fresh pastas. My favorite was the tortelli stuffed with robiola and black truffle complemented by a porcini mushroom sauce. Entrées range from sautéed scallops to a grilled T-bone steak for two. To finish, there’s a selection of traditional desserts like panna cotta and fruit crostata. The bar serves both signature cocktails and unaltered Italian favorites, as well as beer and wine. Though the space is narrow, the surrounds are cozy and inviting, with Art Deco Murano glass pendants, brick peeking through distressed plaster and Florentineinspired patterned tiles. San Lorenzo: 1316 9th St. NW, DC; www.sanlorenzodc.com

NOTABLE

Photo: Jessica van Dop DeJesus

Test Kitchen Tuesdays Date: Tuesdays during the summer Location: The Oval Room Lowdown: For Chef Bryan Moscatello at The Oval Room, the new Test Kitchen Tuesday series is the perfect outlet for culinary

creativity. Each Tuesday, he creates a three-course menu that showcases unusual ingredients, cutting-edge techniques and out-of-the box dishes, all within a chosen theme. Previous Test Kitchen menus have covered ideas like “Memories of a Jersey Shore Clam Bake,” “The Parents Are Away So It’s Breakfast for Dinner,” and “Who Cooked Roger Rabbit,” with dishes ranging from a lobster burger to a take on steak and eggs with beef tongue and a quail egg. The menu is available at the bar or on the patio every Tuesday for $45 per person. There is also an optional $25 drink pairing. 800 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.ovalroom.com

Photo: Courtesy of simoneink

Wandering Oasis Date: Now through fall Location: Various locations around DC Lowdown: DC’s Mixtress, Gina Chersevani, has taken her show on the road. She recently debuted Wandering Oasis, a 27-foot traveling cocktail truck, at various locations around the District. The truck is covered with giant banana leaves and tropical birds and supplies drinkers with frozen and draft cocktails like a hibiscus lemon daiquiri, citrus sour margarita, grapefruit crush and bourbon mint tea.

Every drink on the menu is 16 ounces and costs about $9. The menu of drinks will rotate each weekend. The truck’s planned stops are TBD, but it will definitely make a few cameos at Nats Park over the next few months. Follow Chersevani and her cocktail truck’s DC stops on Twitter at @MIXTRESSdc.

A Day in the

Life PRIMROSE POWER COUPLE

LAUREN WINTER AND SEBASTIAN ZUTANT Photo: Bill McNavage

By Alex Thompson

L

auren Winter and Sebastian Zutant are the real definition of a DC power couple, and they are far, far away from politics. Winter is the studio head for Edit Lab at Streetsense, and the creative mind behind a slew of the District’s most eye-catching restaurant layouts.

Meanwhile Zutant has risen the ranks in area restaurants, leading the wine program at Proof and beverage resurgence at Rasika and opening popular spots Komi in Dupont and Red Hen in Bloomingdale. Now, the husbandwife team has joined forces to open French bistro and wine bar Primrose in Brookland, the up-and-coming neighborhood they call home. From the light and whimsical décor and disarming appeal to the unique natural wine selection and insanely talented French chef, Primrose is once again putting this couple at the top of their game. On Tap interviewed the duo on their inspiration for the charming neighborhood spot, upcoming projects and their must-haves (an obscenely priced espresso machine is on the list!)

On Tap: What brought about the concept for Primrose? Was it a specific influence or feeling of something missing in the area?

Sebastian Zutant: Originally, it was going to be a Mediterranean or Moroccan-influenced restaurant with a wine bar aspect, but I was having a hard time verbalizing my own concept, which seems odd. And then I was just thinking about it, and thought, “I’m a

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

sommelier, and no one does wine better than France and no one does food or cheese better.” The fashion is pretty dope, so I said to Lauren, “What about French?” and she was all about it too, so we changed the concept.

Lauren Winter: I’ve always thrived on discovering what is missing in neighborhoods and pairing restaurant/bar owners with areas that might suit them. Opening a restaurant among the already established neighborhood restaurants and bars of Brookland was a recommendation from a friend who owns a nearby restaurant, saying our concept would be a welcome addition.

OT: Why Brookland and what does Primrose bring to the neighborhood?

LW: Brookland has always been special to us because our kids go to school in that neighborhood and we recently moved there to be close to the school. We think the natural wine focus and French food fills a gap in Brookland. The corner lot was ideal and having operable windows on two sides was the main draw to the space. The size, location and space just seemed too perfect for what we wanted, so we couldn’t pass it up.

SZ: We love the neighborhood. We live there – it’s quirky and super artsy with funky houses and the people that live there are super neat.

We just wanted to bring a cool neighborhood wine bar and bistro [to the area]. Ultimately, our goal was to open a little wine bar, but fortunately the space is larger than a wine

bar. We are trying to keep it humble [with] a neighborhood vibe, so anyone feels they can walk in any time of day or night and grab a glass of wine and pâté and be on their way or stick around and relax.

OT: What is the daily grind like for you all?

LW: Sebastian does the day-to-day in the restaurant with our amazing management team. I still hold my day job in the design world and try to do some upkeep for the restaurant on the weekends relative to the furniture, lighting and plants. With two little boys, keeping our private lives busy, it’s important to balance out home and work life.

OT: What makes Primrose stand out from other wine bars? What is distinct about it?

SZ: I would argue right off the bat that the physical presence of the place is very different. Lauren really knocked this one out of the park. Everyone focuses on the feathers and chandeliers, but for me, it’s that turquoise back bar that sets it apart. You walk in and it’s a breath of fresh air in terms of overall design. And 90 percent of our wine list is natural – the grapes are grown organically . [It is] minimalist winemaking to its cleanest core that doesn’t take anything out of the wine. And our chef definitely sets it apart. He was at The French Laundry [in California] a couple years ago and cooked at Daniel [in NYC] for a year and has some serious chops.

SEBASTIAN’S MUST-HAVES A really good wine key Fernet-Branca amaro Properly temped wine refrigerators A stereo system that only functions on one channel, so I can literally plug in my phone and press play An espresso machine that I spent an ungodly amount of money on, and my partners and wife were like, “Wtf?” and I said, “This thing is amazing, and it will keep me running forever.”

LAUREN’S MUST-HAVES Respect for different types of people and personalities A familial atmosphere with great lighting Wine poured at the proper temperature A maintenance program Plenty of laughter, like the loud belly laugh or snort that you sort of get embarrassed about (but not really)

LW: Sebastian has always looked to push the envelope, offering wines that are reasonable priced and accessible. I think the most unique aspect is that we feature the Lightwell Survey Wines that Sebastian and his partners make locally.

OT: Sebastian, how does Primrose play a role in the evolution of wine drinking in the area?

SZ: I think we are in the chat when it comes to best wine bars in the city. It’s a fun, small crowd of wine bars and we all vibe together and know each other. My style is very different than everyone else’s – totally left of center. I’m selling a sauvignon blanc that is nothing like a sauvignon blanc. It’s funky and really rich. I have a fun staff that gets really nerdy and excited about wine who thinks that is so cool, and I educated my staff to educate the consumer. Our approach is more about information and changing people’s minds.

OT: Lauren, tell us about the fantastic design of Primrose and how it came about?

LW: The space was naturally light and airy, so there was no way to fight that with anything dark or heavy. We pulled a lot from our visit to France – items like the entryway with the restaurant’s name and logo – and the zinc bar was a must-have statement piece that we fell in love with when in little Paris bistros. There are other items that aren’t specifically French, but a nod to French design: the ostrich feather chandeliers, the floor-to-ceiling graphic wall covering and tiles in the restroom, and the Haint blue bar, which was pulled from the French side of New Orleans porches.

OT: Any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

SZ: Lightwell Survey will be doing a collaboration with Right Proper Brewing, where we will take the yeast from the wine and age one of the beers on it and then do a riesling/beer mash-up. Expect that to come out some time in September. And we’ve got some other projects in the works but can’t talk about that just yet.

Oktoberfest is around the corner!

Join us

September 19th 5:30-7:30pm

as we kick off the season with a

FESTBIER Tapping Party!

Navy Yard, Rockville and Tysons Locations!

Patio Now Open!

Navy Yard

100 M Street SE | Washington, DC | 202.484.2739

Learn more about Primrose at www.primrosedc.com.

Primrose: 3000 12th St. NE, DC; 202-248-4558; www.primrosedc.com

www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2018 | ON TAP

35

THIS IS

SOME BURGER BATTLE

By Trent Johnson

Photos: Shantel Mitchell Breen

W

hen you think summer, many images come to mind. From beaches to barbecues, the warmest season brings with it outdoor adventures and meals to be had. Two constants for most folks during the middle months are beers and burgers, and luckily for you, DC Burger Battle is slated to host its second annual event on August 23.

Meat and beer lovers will gather at the Hill Country Backyard Barbecue lawn at the National Building Museum as 10 restaurants battle burger vs. burger to see who reigns supreme. This year’s participatants are b DC Penn Quarter, Bullfeathers, Blackfinn Ameripub, The Capital Burger, Due South, Hard Rock Cafe, Hill Country Barbecue Market, Rebellion, Sign of the Whale and Stoney’s on L. While this event is meant to get people out and celebrating the weather, the DC Burger Battle also acts as a benefit for the nonprofit organization So Others Might Eat (SOME), which provides food, clothing and health care to impoverished people in DC. “We know there’s about 7,000 people experiencing homelessness in Washington, and the number of people living in poverty is more than that,” says Kate Wiley, SOME’s marketing and communications manager. “We provide crucial services for people to help get by and improve their quality of life. We hope people are excited and motivated by our great cause, and we appreciate the support.”

Aside from the contributions from proceeds, SOME is also excited to gain more traction with young professionals. For them, the added exposure makes participating in events like these a no-brainer because if people can find out more about them, they may be more likely to get involved.

“We’re excited to be able to share what we do with a whole new audience,” Wiley says. “We just want to get our name recognition out there, and we’re able to provide a description of a multitude of services that are talked about onstage.”

Though SOME provides a serious contribution to the residents of the District, even Wiley is excited to simply enjoy the outdoor weather in late August.

“I think there was a lot of enthusiasm around [last year’s] event and being able to have a good time but also support a good cause,” she says. “It’s gratifying for us to be a part of an event like that.”

The second annual DC Burger Battle takes place on Thursday, August 23 from 6-9 p.m. Tickets include burger samples and allyou-care-to-enjoy Budweiser. Tickets cost $30. Learn more at www.dcburgerbattle.com.

Hill Country Backyard Barbecue at the National Building Museum 401 F St. NW, DC; 202-556-2050; www.dcburgerbattle.com

BURGER BATTLERS b DC PENN QUARTER

BLACKFINN AMERIPUB

Last year’s first-place finisher and Burger Battle champion, b DC Penn Quarter offers a variety of burgers at their locations including some non-beef varieties. “Our featured burger will be the same as last year, the Classic B Cheeseburger, with meat, cheese and bread, keeping it simple and focusing on what’s important: the beef,” says general manager Brian Beauregard. 801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC www.burgersbeerbourbon.com

A serious competitor, Blackfinn Ameripub brings real ingredients by real people, and their menu always delivers a competitive burger.

Though they don’t get wild with the ingredients; they focus on a traditional style, and the flavor is always present.

1620 I St. NW, DC; www.blackfinnameripub.com

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

2nd Annual

DC BURGER

BATTLE

Eat Burgers. Battle Hunger.

YOU tell us who makes DC’s best burger!

Proceeds benefit SOME (So Others Might Eat)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 | 6-9pm Hill Country Backyard Barbecue 401 F St. NW at the National Building Museum

$30 includes burger samples & all-you-care-to-enjoy beer.

www.dcburgerbattle.com

PLUS LIVE MUSIC, GAMES AND MORE

Must be 21+ please enjoy responsibly.

BACKYARD BBQ

IS BACK! BEER COCKTAILS BBQ LAWN GAMES LIVE MUSIC AND MORE!

ry ng Museum’s west lawn eve Held at the National Buildi - Sunday! g and all day on Saturday Wednesday - Friday evenin

HILL COUNTRY LIVE Get into the spirit of Texas nightlife with live Americana music!

UPCOMING SHOWS:

AUG/12 AUG/17 AUG/18

HEATHER GILLIS BAND GANGSTAGRASS BLASTERS

401 F Street NW | www.hillcountry.com

BULLFEATHERS With a name like Bullfeathers, you know this eatery means business.

Their approach to burgers is not to be taken lightly; with a number of signature styles, variety is always an option at Bullfeathers.

410 1st St. SE, DC; www.fb.com/BullfeathersDC

THE CAPITAL BURGER Touting what they call “luxury burgers,” the Capital Burger offers a myriad of options at their brick-and-mortar site including their famous Capital Burger, featuring caramelized onions, Wisconsin Grand Cru gruyère and shallot aioli. 1005 7th St. NW, DC; www.thecapitalburger.com

DUE SOUTH A returning competitor from last year’s edition, Rusty Holman says they are still fine-tuning their burger for this year’s battle. “We will start with a high-quality brisket and chuck blend beef patty.” If you like meat on top of your meat, Due South might be for you.

301 Water St. SE, DC; www.duesouth.com

HARD ROCK CAFE Known for their décor and memorabilia adorning the restaurant, Hard Rock also serves up a fantastic burger. Last year’s burger featured a Budweiser beer sauce, look for something creative this year too.

999 E St. NW, DC; www.hardrock.com

HILL COUNTRY BARBECUE MARKET Though they don’t have a burger on their regular menu, the hosting Hill Country Barbecue grilled exquisite patties last year. While their expertise may lie in barbecue, the burgers from Hill Country at the DC Burger Battle will leave you wanting them when you visit the restaurant. 410 7th St. NW, DC; www.hillcountry.com

TunesIN in TUNES The Triangle THE TRIANGLE 6:30 pm–8:30 pm

at Milian Park (Mass Ave & 5th St.) • Thursday, July 21: The Oxymorons at Milian Park (Mass Ave & 5th St.) 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM • Tuesday, august 2: Alison Carney

Aug 7: Justin Trawick • Thursday, august 18: Justin Trawick Special concert and family activities for National Night Out at 5th & K Parking Lot at Milian Park

STOP BY WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, ANDyour PETSfriendS, FOR Stop by with FREE and SUMMER family, petS for free Summer CONCERTS concertS

REBELLION DC As their website says, this restaurant values American history, and when delving into the archives of our country, great burgers make frequent appearances. Count on Rebellion to carry on the tradition of churning out this delicious American favorite.

1836 18th St. NW, DC; www.rebelliondc.com

SIGN OF THE WHALE Even though they deliver a mean crab dip and lobster bisque, Sign of the Whale is also purveyors of several burger styles including their namesake Whale Burger, which includes a patty served in between two grilled cheese sandwiches. 1852 M St. NW, DC: www.thewhaledc.com

STONEY’S mvtcid.org @MVTCiD

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Stoney’s delivers a plethora of options at their DC location including the Stoney’s Burger, One Eye Burger and other classic variations. Be sure to try their special sauce. 1433 P St. NW, DC; www.stoneys-dc.com

THIS BUD’S FOR YOUR BURGER

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY © 2018 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® Lager Beer, St. Louis, MO

Anheuser-Busch: Budweiser

Production Job# 303518

Project Name: Trim Size: Bleed Size: Live Area: Scale/Final Size:

Item Number: PBW2018032 Date/Round: cs Operator: Closing Date: 6.21.18 Publication:

Bud - TBFY Burger 7.5" x 10" none" 7.25" x 9.75" 100%

Creative Job# XXXXXX

By Trent Johnson

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

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1 My Imaginary Girlfriend at Lost Rhino Brewing Company Join Lost Rhino Brewing Company for the release of their My Imaginary Girlfriend IPA. The brewery will have special pricing, giveaways and an opportunity to show off your gaming skills. There is a limited amount of M.I.G. available in cans at the brewery – only 300 cases are available.

Festivities start at 1 p.m., free to attend.

Lost Rhino: 21730 Red Rum Dr. Ste. 142, Ashburn, VA; www.lostrhino.com Summer of Sour Series: De Leite The Sovereign is thrilled to pour six drafts from one of their favorite lesser-known brewers in Belgium: Brouwerij De Leite.

Highlights include Cuvée Jeune Homme, a perfectly balanced bitter-sour gem, and Cuvée Soeur’ise, in which a base tripel is soured with lacto then rolled into wine barrels with whole sour Polish cherries for six months. They will also have some Fils a Papa V, a strong ale aged in Bruichladdich Scotch barrels. 5-11 p.m. Free to attend. The Sovereign: 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.thesovereigndc.com Unibroue Beer Dinner Featuring salmon tartare, filet mignon and house made cheesecake, Granville Moore’s is offering a wonderful food lineup for the Unibroue beer pairing. All guests will receive the official Unibroue cookbook and glassware. Unibroue is located in Chambly, Quebec and is world-famous for their adaptation of traditional Belgian ales of the Trappiste varieties and food pairings with traditional French and Belgian cuisine. 7-10 p.m. $60. Granville Moore’s: 1238 H St. NE, DC; www.granvillemoores.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 CyberBrews Join for an evening of networking, conversation and drinks with industry

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peers. We’re talking all things cyber and folks from the Fifth Domain’s awardwinning editorial team will be there to chat with you. Oh, and beer, of course. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free to attend. Tysons Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA; www.tysonsbiergarten.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 Lost in the Wilderness at ChurchKey ChurchKey will tap six exceptional beers from the two hard-to-find West Coast brewers. Headlining the list is a rare keg of the Lost Abbey Falling Rock, brewed for legendary beer bar Falling Rock Tap House’s 21st anniversary. This special brew is a blend of a sour blonde ale with nectarines, a cherry-infused sour red ale and a tequila barrel-aged beer. There is no admission fee for this event. All beers will be priced individually by the glass and in 4-oz. tasting pours. 4-11 p.m. Free to attend. ChurchKey: 1337 14th St. NW, DC; www.churchkeydc.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 DC Country Crawl The DC Country Crawl is the largest, wildest and rowdiest country-themed bar crawl in the city. Put on your boots and Daisy Dukes because it’s time to saddle up to the best bars on U Street. With admission, you’ll receive a signature country mug, rowdy party favors, cover free access to the U Street corridor’s best venues, specials, pictures and a raffle entry for prizes. DC Country Crawl: Various locations on U Street in NW, DC; www.projectdcevents.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8 Guided Cider Tasting The District’s newest cidery, Capitol Cider House, is opening up on a Wednesday for a special treat: a grand tasting with the cider maker. You’ll learn about how cider is made and get a tour of the production area. The best part: you’ll be able to taste 10 MidAtlantic ciders. Following the tasting, the

venue will remain open for those wishing to partake in the rest of the menu. 6-9 p.m.

Tickets $20. Capitol Cider House: 3930 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.capitolciderhouse.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 Port City Beer Event Featuring King Street Bluegrass and Big Timber Join Port City Brewing Company at Union Stage for this free event featuring an extensive tap list of the brewery’s best beers, plus a full menu. The event will also feature music from King Street Bluegrass, a traditional blues/folk band from DC, and Big Timber. Drinks at 5 p.m., music at 7 p.m.

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

MONDAY, AUGUST 13 Summer GAINs: 5K and Beer Tasting Start your week off with a Monday evening run from Port City Brewing Company, now back to runs every Monday evening.

Runners meet at the brewery tasting room before heading out for a one, three or five-mile run (it’s an out-and-back route so really, it’s as long as you care to make it).

It’s a pleasant route through a park, then picking up a paved path along Holmes Run. 6:30-9 p.m. Port City Brewing: 3950 Wheeler Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.portcitybrewing.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 8th Annual Cask Night at District ChopHouse Don’t miss the eighth annual cask night at District ChopHouse featuring “Casks and Classics.” This tasting event features 20 local casks, abundant ChopHouse food offerings and a professional glass. 6-11 p.m. $50 per person. District ChopHouse and Brewery: 509 7th St. NW, DC; www.districtchophouse.com

Join us Saturday, September 22 for craft beer, food, live music and fun.

When: September 22, 2018, 12-6pm, indoor/outdoor - rain or shine Where: 14140 Parke Long Ct, Chantilly, VA 20151 Benefits: K9 For Warriors

For tickets and info visit msbrewing.com/ffxbrewfest #ffxbrewfest #LocallyPoured Presented by a part of

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 Paint Your Glass Off At this beer-themed Paint Your Glass Off party, you will receive two glasses to paint (pilsner or stein), a glass of beer, all the supplies needed to paint your glass off, chances to win prizes, music, and of course, the opportunity to purchase amazing, delectable, scrumptious and savory food at happy hour prices. 1-3 p.m. Tickets $35.

Brew Republic Bierwerks: 15201 Potomac Town Pl. Woodbridge, VA; www.brewrepublic.beer Pizzeria Paradiso Summer Fest This season’s beer fest will take place at Pizzeria Paradiso’s Dupont Circle location,

which includes the spot’s lovely patio.

Enjoy unlimited pizza and beer, included in ticket purchase for the four-hour event.

The summer fest will also feature a draft line of rare and exception beers from several breweries. 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tickets $80.

Pizzeria Paradiso: 2003 P St. NW, DC; www.eatyourpizza.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 5th Annual Battle of the Barrel Ages Brought to you by Boundary Stone Public House, local brewing legends DC Brau, Atlas, 3 Stars and Right Proper square off in a battle royale of barrel-aged beers. A panel of judges as well as the popular vote from the public will decide which brewery wins

the coveted dedicated draft line for an entire year. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Boundary Stone: 116 Rhode Island Ave. NW, DC; www.boundarystonedc.com Tap Challenge at Dacha When talking about a new Double IPA on tap, Dacha Beer Garden thought, “Our beer club members could help!” This week, Dacha will feature three mystery Double IPAs and ask customers which one tastes best. Buy a flight and vote for which beer you think should be the beer garden’s newest tap line.

4-10:30 p.m. Free to attend. Dacha Beer Garden: 1600 7th St. NW, DC; www.dachadc.com

10th Annual

DC Beer Week The week-long celebration of the DMV’s craft beer scene is back once again. Presented by the DC Brewers’ Guild, the 10th annual DC Beer Week is set to run from Sunday, August 19 to Sunday, August 26. Throughout the week, local breweries, restaurants, bars and community partners are set to offer unique tastings, collaborations and events. Taste delicious brews and learn all about the world of craft beer at educational seminars.

Below is just a taste of what you’ll see, as events are still being planned for the week. Be sure to check out www.dcbeerweek.net for more information as the dates draw near.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 DC Brewers’ Guild/City Winery Lager Fest Lager Fest is an event planned by the local brewing community to showcase this region’s best lagers for your enjoyment. This event will bring together more than 30 craft breweries for an afternoon of refreshing lager-style beers, pilsners and related summer favorites, including hard-to-find brews. The event will also feature live music from some of your favorite local bands. 1-5 p.m. $40. City Winery DC: 1350 Okie St. NE, DC; www.dcbeerweek.net

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 DC Beer Week: The Art of Beer Phil Runco of Brightest Young Things will moderate a panel discussion about the current state of art, design and the beer industry. This event will focus on the work that goes into the designs featured on the labels, posters and logos of area breweries.

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Learn more about the process of art design in the beer industry while drinking some local brews. 6-8 p.m. Tickets $15. Carriage House Gallery: 1921 Sunderland Pl. NW, DC; www.heurichhouse.org

of the region’s top breweries, cideries and meaderies along with friends of the block from across the country. 5-9 p.m. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26

DC Brau Brewing/Jameson Game Night at the Eleanor DC Brau and Jameson will host a Wednesday evening party at the newly opened Eleanor to celebrate their caskmates partnership. 5-11 p.m. The Eleanor: 100 Florida Ave. NE, DC; www.eleanordc.com

Fire Works Pizza 8th Anniversary Bash and Solidarity Pig Roast Celebrate Fire Work’s anniversary and DC Beer Week 2018 with a solidarity pig roast.

Chef Thomas will be firing up the grill and serving roasted pig, street corn and potato salad, plus enjoy live music, drink specials, prizes and giveaways. Be the first in Virginia to taste the DC Brewers’ Guild collaboration, Solidarity Pilsner, in cans. The price of a ticket gets you all-you-can-eat, plus one can of Solidarity Pilsner, Right Proper Brewing Raised by Wolves or Atlas Ponzi IPA. 12-8 p.m. $20 per ticket. Fire Works Pizza Arlington: 2350 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.fireworkspizza.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 5th Annual Brewers on The Block Don’t miss out on brews, food, music and more. Buffalo & Bergen and Suburbia are proud to announce the fifth annual Brewers on the Block at Union Market’s Suburbia, bringing together more than 20

FALL FORECAST

By Aja Neal and Fareeha Rehman Swig the last gulps of refreshing summer sours and get ready for fresh autumn brews recommended by some of our favorite local retailers. If you’re not too pumped about pumpkin ales, there are plenty of other familiar flavors brewed or sold locally – from sweet beers with hints of pecan, yams or coffee to malty Belgians and crisp brut IPAs. And don’t worry, you won’t have to give up sours completely, with some fall-forward fruit options on the horizon. Learn more about what’s hot for fall from these beer experts.

Photos: Aja Neal

Julie Drews and Beth Helle Co-Owners, The Brew Shop

On Tap: What beers are you looking forward to stocking in fall?

Beth Helle: One thing we love to do in the fall is create our own pumpkin patch, which is our own in-house, mixed six different pumpkin beers. It allows customers to have their pumpkin fix and to try a bunch of different ones without committing to a full six-pack.

OT: Which local brands are popular sellers in the fall?

Julie Drews: Port City’s Oktoberfest is always a big hit. Old Ox does a can, which is somewhat unique.

BH: Three Notch’d always does well. They always hit us up with amazing seasonals. Their seasonal gose will be pomegranate during [fall]. It’s fun to see the sour trend continuing over the fall. I’m sure that it’ll continue to be popular with the changing of fruits for the season.

OT: What brands will you have on tap?

BH: We always have a dedicated sour line, and that will continue all year. We’ll be shifting our fruited sours to more fall-forward fruits. I also think we’ll have an opportunity to play around with more brut beers versus true sours. As we move into the cooler weather, we can play around with a little more funk on that sour line.

The Brew Shop: 2004 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.arlbrew.com

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Photos: Fareeha Rehman

Erika Goedrich

Owner, Craft Beer Cellars OT: When people think fall, they often think pumpkin. Is there another top flavor people overlook?

Erika Goedrich: 3 Stars’ Southern Belle imperial brown ale is yearround now, but that’s a good fall drink. Abita comes out with a pecan harvest at that time. There are different pecan beers available that I think are good for that time of year.

OT: Is there a summer beer that you think people can still enjoy in the fall?

EG: I feel like DC summers go into the fall, so are you going by weather or calendar year? [Laughs] I drink lagers and pilsners yearround – for me that’s great. The Old Pro from Union [Craft Brewing] is a gose that our customers can’t seem to get enough of. That one’s technically a summer seasonal. It goes until September I think; it’s a gose-style, which is a salt-forward sour. Again, people are looking for that year-round.

Craft Beer Cellar: 301 H St. NE, DC; https://dc.craftbeercellar.com

Photos: Fareeha Rehman

Sean Michaels and Josh Whisenant

Tristan Walton

On Tap: What Bruery flavors are on-trend for fall?

Sean Michaels: We actually have fall beers we carry year-round. We use a lot of yam and spices like cinnamon – a lot of the beers for fall are darker.

Josh Whisenant: I don’t think we have a specific “every fall we produce this beer” apart from The Bruery’s flagship beer, which is called Black Tuesday and comes out every October.

On Tap: What are some hot sellers for fall?

Tristan Walton: I’m always a big fan of the traditional German Oktoberfest – Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner. Those are always the biggest sellers for me, the traditional styles.

Society fulfillment associates, The Bruery Store

OT: What is your favorite fall beer crafted by The Bruery?

JW: We have so many different beers that come in every month. I really do like Autumn Maple; I think it’s a wonderful beer. It’s easy to drink and it’s not super heavy.

SM: I would probably go for the So Happens It’s Tuesday or [something] with coffee. It’s just a heavier, darker style that kind of gives you that fall feeling. But don’t get me wrong – you can drink it year-round.

Store manager, Schneider’s of Capitol Hill

OT: What about the best summer-to-fall flavor transition?

TW: You can do like a nice amber, like Chin Music from Center of the Universe [Brewing Company] is a good one. So, [beers] keeping in the amber themes.

OT: Your personal fall favorite?

TW: During the fall, I always enjoy a good Schlafly pumpkin [ale].

Schneider’s of Capitol Hill: 300 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC; www.cellar.com

The Bruery: 513 Morse St. NE, DC; www.thebruery.com

Shawntel Pike

Assistant manager, Total Wine Alexandria On Tap: Tell us about your favorite fall seasonals.

Shawntel Pike: I like a lot of the more Belgian-style dark beers. Hardywood will start putting out some really nice stuff [for fall]. They do some nice Belgian-style, and they will start doing some barrel-aged, darker stuff in the fall, but they’re still on the lighter side now. I like their peach one now. I like fruity flavors for fall; I don’t think people really look for them, but I like them. Blackbeard’s Breakfast by Heavy Seas is really good – it’s very dark and boozy.

OT: What are some of your best-selling beers?

SP: I know we do really well with the pumpkin beers. They’re really popular, but those will die off around Thanksgiving. As far as the rest of the fall beers, they’re just all over the place depending on what people are looking for. Schlafly flies out of here.

OT: What do you feature in the growler station during the fall?

SP: I try to feature different beers all the time because we don’t want to do the same beers over and over – people get burnt out that way. We tend to have a couple of IPAs on tap.

We’ll have a couple of darker beers like a stout or a porter. We normally keep a sour on tap, and we’ll do a couple of pale, golden wheat-style ales.

Photo: Aja Neal

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Total Wine Alexandria: 6240 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA; www.totalwine.com

CIDER

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BOLD

A Day in the

Life MASTER MIXOLOGIST

PAUL GONZALEZ Photo: Trent Johnson

By Trent Johnson

T

he concept of a passionate person is often talked about at parties and in cover letters, but it’s rare to meet someone in the flesh who truly embodies the phrase. For me, the sense of confidence and wonder that local mixologist Paul Gonzalez holds for the drink industry is uniquely infectious and authentic, and one of a litany of reasons we decided to pick his brain about his role in the local mixology scene.

On Tap: How did you get into the drink industry, and mixology specifically?

Paul Gonzalez: I’ve always been in the food and beverage industry. I’m the oldest of the four kids in my family so when I was younger, that made me my grandmother’s sous chef and that’s kind of where my flavor sensibilities started growing. I worked in the industry through college, from server to bartender, and it was one of those things where you need the experience to get hired but can’t get experience unless you work. I would work for free until you gave me a job.

OT: Was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew this is what you are meant to do?

PG: When I got out of college, I was doing tons of stuff. I was cutting down trees, doing construction and working some office jobs because I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I landed

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MIXOLOGY MUST-HAVES A strong team A positive outlook Good liquor Jiggers on this because I always loved what I was doing in this industry, and I always kept it in my back pocket. Even after long weeks, I wanted to get behind the bar and see my friends. If everyone is there, why be anywhere else?

OT: At what point did you know moving from Norfolk to a bigger market like DC was the right move for you?

PG: I knew I needed to move and continue growing. One of my good friends moved to DC and I would go back and forth to help with his catering company. By luck, one of his roommates happened to be running the bar program at Zaytinya. I started talking to him at one of the events we used to do, and when he found out I was driving up from Norfolk, he told me if I wanted to come up to DC full-time, he’d hire me there. So I literally came up on a Thursday, interviewed, got hired and then moved my stuff up that weekend.

OT: What was your first experience in a bigger market like?

PG: I worked for ThinkFoodGroup for about three years, and I learned a ton from

them. A lot of it was their philosophy on hospitality. On the drink side, they focused heavily on flavors, so it wasn’t just, “Make me an Old Fashioned or a sazerac,” but they’d give us this flavor and that flavor, and challenge us to make something with it. That process makes you hone in on what each spirit tastes like and why.

OT: After that, you landed a gig with the wildly popular Drink Company’s pop-ups. How did that move come about?

PG: I bounced around for awhile and basically interned at a few places in the area I really wanted to work for. Columbia Room was one of those places, as I had friends there. I was pretty annoying about wanting a job with them, so I worked there for free, and it kind of burnt me out. [Laughs] But as soon as they had an opening at Southern Efficiency, they let me know I was in the running. At the time, whiskey was my weakest subject, but I leaned into it and told them directly, “I came to DC to get better, this is my weakest area and that’s why I want to work here,” and the rest is history.

OT: You recently worked at The Gibson, which was described as a “dream team” of mixologists by the Washington City Paper. Was this as fun as it sounds?

PG: It was really, really cool. I’ve had a blast working with The Gibson crew. It was one of those things that just kind of snowballed.

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT My girlfriend My puppy, Puppy the Vampire Slayer Passion for anything you do Good food Good drinks

My good friend Ed Lainez took over the bar program and after running into him, he told me who he was bringing on and I immediately was like, “Can I join?” Everyone there was super talented – we just checked our egos at the door and had in-depth conversations about drinks. We just wanted to get them right.

OT: Your next project is back with Drink Company at Eaton Hotel’s new bar. How far along is that?

PG: The whole hotel concept is super guest interactive. The bar will be a speakeasy-esque cocktail bar. We like the boozy drinks, but there will also be light, easy sipping beverages. I believe in the three-drink philosophy, where there’s three varietals of every type of cocktail. We want people to have a good time, but the goal is to make a memory and make it last. We’re shooting for a mid-August or September opening.

OT: In the meantime, you’ve been bouncing around and freelancing at different places. Is this just to learn and pick up new skills?

PG: I took this time to work with people who inspire me and who I want to learn from. I see all these awesome people running awesome programs, and I want to go work with them and pick their brains.

There aren’t many industries where you can do this. One example is Hank’s Cocktail Bar up in Petworth. Jessica Weinstein is the beverage director for all of the Hank’s [locations], and she’s someone I’ve known for a long time now. You can see that she has her own style and [has made her own] footprint on elevated cocktails, but she’s taken all of the pretension out of it.

OT: What is your process for working on drinks? Do you have a concept and then work on it alone, or do you take ideas to others?

PG: It’s a little bit of both. The team works on ideas at least once a season. For instance, I’ll tell Jackson Crowder, co-manager at the Eaton Hotel’s bar, and then on the next day we both have off, we’ll hammer out variations of whatever concept. Then we’ll take those to the big meeting, and maybe one or two – or none – make it. Drink Company’s system is one of the best I’ve seen because they’re very open to ideas and collaboration.

OT: Now that you’re moving into a managerial role and you’re the one giving tips and advice to younger people in the industry, what’s your long-term plan?

PG: It’s the same thing it’s been since I did my first interview in DC: I want to have my own bar in five years. I think I said that three years ago, so I have to start making moves. [Laughs] This is such a great city for it, and I would love to do something like that here.

For updates on Eaton Hotel, visit www.eatonworkshop.com/hotel.

Follow Gonzalez on Instagram at @paullyygee.

Eaton Hotel: 1201 K St. NW, DC 202-289-7600; www.eatonworkshop.com/hotel

ST. ELDER

GREYHOUND 1½ oz Vodka ½ oz St. Elder Natural Elderflower Liqueur 3 oz Grapefruit Juice Grapefruit wedge & Rosemary sprig

Shake ingredients with ice & strain into a rocks filled glass.

Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig.

For more recipe inspirations visit St-Elder.com | @DrinkStElder ©2018 Produced & Bottled By St. Elder, Ltd., BOSTON, MA. 20% Alc/Vol (40 Proof)

PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2018 | ON TAP

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BEHIND THE BAR

By M.K. Koszycki

Rum is so much more than the liquor component of a piña colada. We chatted with three local experts about the vibrant world of rum and tiki, and the best drinks their spots have to offer in honor of National Rum Day on August 16.

Photos: M.K. Koszycki

OWEN THOMSON

GAVIN NAZARETH

On Tap: Tell me about the different rums featured on your menu.

Owen Thomson: Rum is one of the most varied spirits in the world because no other spirit is produced in as many places. It’s made from sugarcane – most are made from molasses – and you’ll find a few producers making it from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice. There’s a whole manner of ways people try to classify rum, and the easiest way that I was taught has to do with colonial pieces: there’s English, French and Spanish.

On Tap: Your menu features a wide array of rums, and a key to what rums are similar to other types of liquors. What inspired your expansive, detailed menu?

Gavin Nazareth: A lot of people aren’t into rums and don’t know what good rums are. If you’re a bourbon drinker, there are rums that we have that will closely mirror a bourbon flavor. Obviously, rums are a little sweeter than bourbons or whiskeys or scotches that might have a bit of a bite to them.

OT: How do you decide which style of rum goes in which drink?

OT: Tiki has a pantheon of classic cocktails that call upon certain styles of rum, but more interesting is the fact that most of them call on multiple rums. So rather than a drink needing two ounces of Jamaican rum, you might have three different rums in a tiki drink, which creates a drink you really can’t get anywhere else.

OT: Can you tell me about the flights you offer?

GN: We encourage people to try our rum flights because you get to taste different flavors. They’re only half-ounce pours – that way, you can get a flight or two and still be okay. You can do a Spanish, English, aged or spiced flight.

Owner, Archipelago

OT: What’s your favorite drink on the menu and why?

OT: I always enjoy the Mai Tai. It is obviously an old school drink that people who don’t even work in tiki learn how to make. It was my introduction to this style of drink, so figuring out our Mai Tai blend was one of my favorites.

OT: What sets Archipelago apart from other bars that heavily feature rum-based drinks?

OT: We are the only tiki bar in the area. This time of year, you’ll see a lot of tiki menus or people will flip their outdoor bar for a summer tiki menu. A lot of people switch to rum this time of year, but we do it all year. Tiki is only partially about the drinks. It encompasses the whole vibe, [including] the décor. If you don’t have that, you don’t have a tiki bar.

Archipelago: 1201 U St. NW, DC; www.archipelagodc.com

THE JUNGLE ROOM EXPERIENCE Rhum agricole Blue Curaçao Soursop Cachaça Apricot Lemon

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Bartender, Paladar Tysons Corner

OT: What are some of the big differences between rum styles?

GN: Spanish and English styles are boiled down, so they’re close to a honey or molasses. Once you have that concentrated flavor, you add water and yeast to it. The French style is different – it’s almost like a gin. You take out the sugarcane juice and add yeast, and they’re more on the botanical side. Spanish and English are more bold and sweet, with a nice buttery finish.

OT: What’s your favorite rum drink?

GN: We showcase a different rum every month, and this month we’re doing the plantation series. Plantation rums are from Barbados.

They age them in Barbados and then bring them to France for an additional step. We have something called the Plantation Jungle Burn where we use pineapple plantation rum, fresh juices [and] campari, so it has a really nice finish.

Paladar Tysons Corner: 1934 Old Gallows Rd. Vienna, VA www.paladarlatinkitchen.com

PLANTATION JUNGLE BURN Plantation pineapple rum Pineapple juice Simple syrup Lime juice Campari

BRENDAN MULLIN Bartender, Bar Charley

On Tap: Tell me about the rum drinks you feature on tap.

Brendan Mullin: We have two cocktails on tap, and a whole tiki menu that contains a lot of our rum drinks. One we have on tap right now is called It’s Not a Mai Tai, It’s Our Tai. It’s white rum, curacao, pineapple, orange – a lot of tasty tropical flavors.

OT: What are your favorite drinks on the tiki menu?

BM: The Frog Smoking a Comically Large Cigar is massive, fun and has a ridiculous garnish in it, and has a blend of mezcal and rum. Our Zombie is also fantastic, but my favorite cocktail is the classic Mai Tai. In my opinion, that’s the best American cocktail. It’s a great way to try different rums.

OT: What about the non-tiki rum-based drinks?

BM: On our house cocktail menu, we have the You Can’t Do That on Television that has three different types of rum. One [rum] is infused with jalapeño and [the cocktail] also has a pistachio orgeat, so it’s kind of a riff on a Mai Tai. You Can’t Do That on Television was a show on Nickelodeon back in the day, and the drink is green and looks like slime and is reminiscent of the 90s.

OT: What food pairs best with tiki or tropical drinks?

BM: The best thing on our food menu to have next to our rum drinks is the pupu platter. It has a bunch of different food options like pork belly, wagyu beef skewers, half-smoke pierogies and crab tater tots.

Anything that’s salty and has a tropical flavor to it will go really well with a sweeter tiki drink.

OT: What sets Bar Charley apart from other bars with tiki menus and large rum selections?

BM: I’d say just how comprehensive we are. People ask us if we’re a classics bar, a tiki bar or a wine bar. The answer is “Yes” across the board. We have a great wine selection, we have classics and we’re creative on our own. We can also do tiki!

Bar Charley: 1825 18th St. NW, DC; www.barcharley.com

YOU CAN’T DO THAT ON TELEVISION Havana Club rum Clément V.S.O.P. Chacho Dry curaçao Lime juice Pistachio orgeat

Cheers to leaving the holiday party planning to us!

It’s never too early to get a head start on planning your holiday event. Good news: We have a team of party-planning enthusiasts who will be there from the beginning to the big day!

Learn more at PaladarLatinKitchen.com www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2018 | ON TAP

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National

RUM Day

1. National Rum Day is celebrated annually on August 16.

By M.K. Koszycki

2. Rum mixed with lime juice was used as a scurvy prevention technique by sailors in the Royal Navy.

4. Early colonists consumed 12 million gallons of rum annually.

3. The rum sour originated on the island of Barbados and was originally served in a conch shell.

5. Slaves on a Caribbean sugarcane plantation invented rum in 1620 when they realized that molasses could be fermented into alcohol.

6. Staten Island is home to North America’s first rum distillery, founded in 1664.

7. Mount Gay in Barbados is the oldest still-running rum distillery, dating back to 1705.

9. Ever the versatile spirit, rum gained popularity as a hair cleanser and strengthener in the 1800s.

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12. Rhum with an “h” refers to the French style of rum distilling, made from fresh-pressed sugarcane and marked by its deep contrast to traditional types of rum with earthy, vanilla flavors and a dry finish.

ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

8. It’s widely believed that the name “rum” is derived from “saccharum,” the Latin word for sugar.

10. Bacardi holds the title for the world’s largest rum distillery.

11. Almost every Caribbean island has its own unique style of rum, and 80 percent of the world’s rum supply comes from the islands.

13. If you’re in the market for something strong, look no further than Wray & Nephew Overproof. At 63 percent, this Jamaican rum has the highest proof in the world.

Facts courtesy of the following articles: #1: www.rumday.com #2-4: www.pussersrum.com/logbook/rum-fun-facts-and-trivia/ #5-10: www.bustle.com/articles/67145-18-rum-facts-to-get-you-ready-for-your-boozy-island-inspired-spring-break #11, 13: www.wanderlustandlipstick.com/blogs/wanderlushdiary/2013/07/30/fun-facts-about-rum-in-honor-of-national-rum-month #12: www.caribbeanandco.com/10-rum-facts-that-every-budding-rum-connoisseur-sh

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7/17/18 11:30 AM

ROLL OUT THE

R

RUM

By Travis Mitchell

um is one of the most nuanced spirits, both in its craft and taste.

Regional differences mean there’s a bottle of rum for just about every palate.

Too often, rum’s potential is restrained behind the bar, as it’s used for little more than boozing up tropical coolers best suited for cutting through tripledigit heat indexes. Those tiki-style drinks can be fun and refreshing, but they also leave the rum itself as afterthought, masked among layers of syrupy juices and sodas.

“I think a lot of spirits professionals will second me on this,” says Matt Strickland, head distiller at District Distilling on U Street. “I think the biggest problem is that rum is viewed as sweet, cheap and not very serious.”

Refusing to let rum live with this basic reputation, a growing chorus of bartenders are ditching blenders and pineapple wedges in favor of sophisticated cocktails that showcase rum’s natural flavors. Here are five cocktails in DC designed to highlight rum’s true colors.

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

Photo: Courtesy of EatBar

CROWN OF LOVE

THE MIGRATION

at EatBar

at Kith/Kin

2 oz. Plantation O.F.T.D. Rum

0.75 oz. cynar

0.25 oz. rhum sirop

0.75 oz. Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum

2 dashes Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters lemon peel rim This rum cocktail is based on Arcade Fire’s song “Crown of Love,” according to EatBar Spirits Manager Brian McGahey. “‘[The song] captures the essence of crazy mad love,” he says. “It is a fitting name for this cocktail, which combines the intensity of a molasses-based dark rum that is a blend of Guyana, Jamaica and Barbados rums bottled at 69 percent alcohol, blended with a bit of rhum sirop from Martinique.”

EatBar: 415 8th St. SE, DC www.eat-bar.com

0.75 oz. Gosling’s Black Seal Rum 0.75 oz. Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino The Kith/Kin bar team draws on two types of dark rum for its Manhattanstyle riff, a recipe it originally credits to Ben Long of Reliable Tavern in DC’s Petworth neighborhood. The drink gets extra treatment here, spending two months aging in used Mount Gay Rum barrels before being served.

The result is a smooth, sippable cocktail with notes of charcoal and oak that bartender Dimitre Darrocan says imparts a whiskey-like flavor – one that’s miles away from tiki.

Kith/Kin at InterContinental Washington DC: 801 Wharf St. SW, DC www.kithandkindc.com

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE, BUT IF YOU DO IT RIGHT ONCE IS ENOUGH. – MAE WEST

Photo: Courtesy of Quill at The Jefferson

Photo: Ardent Vibe

Photo: Karlin Villondo Photography

FULL MOON PARTY

LA FIN DU MONDE

A SPOT IN THE SHADE

at Quill

at District Distilling

at Columbia Room

1.5 oz. Mount Gay Rum

1.5 oz. aged Buzzard Point Rum

3 oz. clarified watermelon juice

2 oz. Thai tea apricot mix

0.75 oz. lemon juice

1.5 oz. Bly Rum

0.25 oz. fresh lemon juice

.075 oz. grenadine

0.325 oz. fresh lime

0.25 oz. curacao

0.25 oz. Keepwell Carolina gold rice vinegar

“One of the biggest misconceptions about rum is that it’s not as versatile as other spirits, and that all rum tastes the same,” says Quill bartender Sophie Szych.

The upscale hotel bar, which also serves a Hamilton-inspired rum cocktail, takes advantage of that flexibility by using Thai tea in its Full Moon Party.

“The addition of condensed milk adds creamy roundness to the sharpness of the apricot,” Szych says.

Quill at The Jefferson: 1200 16th St. NW, DC www.jeffersondc.com

T 56

“When I approach a rum cocktail and it isn’t going to be tiki, I tend to look at classic serious cocktails in the canon, things like a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned,” Strickland says. “Subbing rum in for whiskey is the easiest thing to do, but you can get much more adventurous than that.”

“This is a refreshing summer cocktail inspired by a picnic,” says Columbia Room Head Bartender Suzy Critchlow.

“We are using Bly, a new white rum from the folks that make Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka in Pennsylvania.”

Strickland is reviving this long forgotten rum cocktail (it originally appeared in the 1908 cocktail book World Drinks and How to Mix Them by William Boothby) in his distillery tasting room and using his distillery’s new barrel-aged rum as the base.

The cocktail is part of the awardwinning bar’s four-course summer tasting menu. If a seat at the intimate bar is too much of a task, Critchlow says the drink can be easily made at home and even batched up into a punch for sharing.

District Distilling: 1414 U St. NW, DC www.district-distilling.com

0.5 oz. rich simple syrup

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

hese cocktails represent just a small number of bartenders in and around DC that are challenging how we drink rum and use it in cocktails. Notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, molasses and spices are being highlighted in drinks that range from from revised takes on stirred classics to light and fruity sippers that balance sour and sweet. So next time a rum craving hits, put down the umbrella drink and consider something more suitable for a dimly lit cocktail bar than a sunny beach.

ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

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each other. Those things are really valuable and hard to teach in a classroom.

in the

OT: What drew you to the drums?

IDL: One of our favorite movies [growing up] was Selena, and it’s even more precious now because their story was very similar to ours. Their dad loved music and started them young, playing in this family band. I just remember that scene where he’s trying to get Suzette to play the drums and she’s adamantly protesting and she’s like, “Girls don’t play the drums.” And for some reason, I took that as, “Oh, I’m going to play the drums now and prove everybody wrong and show people that girls can play the drums.” So that was one of the reasons why I wanted to pursue it.

Life DC DRUMMER

ISABELLE DE LEON

By Courtney Sexton

E

ncouraged by family, Isabelle De Leon has been playing music since she was four and the drums since she was seven. But hers is not a story of a child prodigy forced into a life of performance at any cost. De Leon has talent in spades, and she marches to the beat of her own drums. As an early teen, De Leon found a deep connection in writing music. She has since made it her mission to use the power of music to inspire and heal, and she does it in hundreds of different ways. On any given day, you can find her jetting from one gig to another, running jam sessions, teaching music lessons, serving as an ambassador to the DC music community and being the kickass lady drummer in a rock band.

At 27, De Leon has already played major venues including the Kennedy Center and DAR Constitution Hall, is the recipient of countless music scholarships and recognitions – including a stint as a Strathmore Artist in Residence – and still finds time to rock out with local synth-pop bands Prinze George and Paperwhite, and funk/soul band Lionize. Even with her many accomplishments, the local musician remains humble. On Tap caught up with De Leon to learn more about her “constant learning journey” and how the musician incorporates her life experiences into the music she plays.

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

Photo: Elijah Jamal Balbed

On Tap: You’ve played all over the country.

What keeps you in DC? Isabelle De Leon: I’m from Montgomery County, so not far. I’ve always loved the city, and it was always a dream of mine to move here and be more immersed in the scene. It’s great because the music scene is very active so there are a lot of opportunities to perform and meet other musicians. What’s cool about being here is that DC is a much smaller city but there’s still a lot happening, and I feel like I can be part of creating something here versus where it’s already oversaturated.

OT: You started out playing music at a young age with your family. How did your relationship with music develop as a child?

IDL: It was always a family thing. My whole family played music. My dad was the one who taught us music when we were really young. He was teaching us all piano, guitar and bass. When I was seven, he brought home a drum set and taught me some basic things. At that point, he started asking each of us which instrument we wanted to take lessons for. I think he had a vision for what to steer us each toward. Our whole family played at church every weekend, and that was where we really learned about music theory, chord structures, arrangements and how to play in an ensemble – the nuances of improvising, taking cues and listening to

OT: It can be hard to make a career out of your passion. How did you make music both for you?

IDL: When I was really young, I didn’t know any other female drummers except [Santana’s] Cindy Blackman, who I idolized and still do. I realized that I was in a very unique position being a woman on a maledominated instrument, and also being a woman minority in the music industry. I realized there was a power in that, in being able to inspire young girls to go out for things that people were telling them they couldn’t do. In a way, that’s really what my mission is. It’s one of the reasons why I feel like I can’t ever quit, necessarily. I yearn for that kind of figure I can look up to myself, and if I can be that for someone else who needs a role model, I would love to be that person for them.

OT: How does being a Filipino woman in this space affect what you do within the creative industry in DC? IDL: Being a female drummer already sets me as a minority, and that’s something I’ve experienced my whole life. But one thing that I didn’t realize until I was much older was what my identity was and who I was.

We grew up primarily around white people and because of that, I felt in a way more connected to American culture even though I know I don’t look “American.” But in Filipino circles, I didn’t feel like I fit in, in a way. That same kind of conflict came out when I started studying jazz music and participating in the DC music scene.

OT: What challenges have you faced breaking into the local jazz scene?

IDL: Right now, I’m trying to get better at and play jazz, funk and soul music that’s oriented around really groovy drumming. There was an instance recently where it came to my

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Backpack with: a change of clothes, computer, drum sticks, practice pad and toiletries.

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LIVE MUSIC

Coconut La Croix: I love seltzer because it’s kind of a little treat, and a fun way of staying healthy.

Mazda3 Hatchback: My car needs to be a hatchback to fit my drums, and to get around late [at night], post-public transit.

Phone for: Maps for getting around, checking out music, practicing with a metronome app, taking drum videos and a calendar for keeping track of my life.

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Vanilla ChapStick: If I go anywhere without it, I have to buy a new one. attention that some people either roll their eyes at me when I come and play or they kind of judge me because according to them, I didn’t grow up in the “church” so I don’t really have a gospel background. That was hurtful because first of all, it’s not true. Also, music is supposed to be about camaraderie, sharing and connection. People who get hateful like that, or just bitter, defeat the purpose of what we do.

OT: You recently started a regular jam session at Pearl Street Warehouse. Is that a jazz series?

IDL: It’s called Southwest Soul Sessions. It’s not specifically jazz per se. I actually started the jam session with Elijah Jamal Balbed, who’s also an accomplished musician here, and our goal with the session was to bridge all of our music communities in DC. I’ve done a lot of work in the rock and pop scenes, and he’s very heavy in the jazz, R&B and go-go scenes.

We realized that together, we would have a vast network of people and we really wanted to bring all of them together. The great thing about jam sessions is that you’re playing with people you may have never played with before and may never again. But in that moment, you’re just trying to create something that’s different and bring all of your influences to the table. We really wanted it to be like a dance party too, and Pearl Street Warehouse is perfect for that.

OT: You are very accomplished and constantly working on different projects. What keeps you focused and awake?

IDL: I’ve always known what my goals are. They’re pretty big, but I also have some that are more tangible like to be Beyoncé’s drummer. [Laughs] One thing that my mom taught me early on was to write down your priorities and goals and make lists of steps that you can take to get there.

I make sure I check in with myself pretty regularly. My overall goals have been the same since I started to really pursue music, and I always keep that in the back of my mind. It’s really important to always remember your “Why?” It’s also important to take a break every once in awhile. There are days where I don’t do anything music-related.

OT: What do you enjoy doing on those days away from the music scene?

IDL: I really enjoy movies. I love being adventurous and trying new things, whether it’s an activity I’ve never done or something like bowling or just going on a walk in a park. I love cooking and catching up with friends. Relationships are really important to me, so I try to make sure I stay in touch with the people who are important and make time for them. I also really love shopping. I don’t mind spending money to beautify my room, because I’m creating music there and it needs to be a place of inspiration and a beautiful place that I can relax in and enjoy. My room is pretty decked out and full of plants.

Follow De Leon on Instagram at @isabelledeleon_ and on Facebook at @IsabelleDeLeonMusic. Learn more about her Southwest Soul Sessions with Balbed at www.pearlstreetwarehouse.com and sign up for drum lessons with her at www.7drumcity.com.

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59

n O t r a e Lots of H

Ann

s ’ n o s Wil um

b l A t s e Lat a

By Keith Lori

Photo: Kimberly Adamis

eart is one of the most popular rock bands of all time, with a catalog of hits like 70s and 80s radio staples “Alone,” “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda” and “These Dreams,” among many others. These classic rockers have sold more than 35 million records on the strength of Ann Wilson’s iconic voice and her sister Nancy’s exceptional guitar work.

While the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers are currently on hiatus, Ann Wilson is concentrating on her solo career this summer. She’s set to release a new album in mid-September and is now on tour with Jeff Beck and Paul Rodgers in what the trio is calling the Stars Align Tour.

“Touring for me is exciting as it ever was, and I still love it just as much as I ever have,” Wilson says. “This show is about the mastery of Jeff Beck, the incredible bluesy voice of Paul Rodgers and what I’m doing, so people can be rest assured they will go away humming.”

The tour makes a stop at Wolf Trap on August 20, though Rodgers will be MIA with only Wilson and Beck performing at the Filene Center.

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ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

“The expressions these artists left in these songs are really great work.

They need to be passed down in an oral tradition, sort of like cave drawings.

They need to be left for generations to dig.”

“I’m not going to be harking back to the Heart stuff almost at all,” Wilson says of her upcoming set. “I only have one Heart song planned on the night. I’ll basically be covering the songs on my new record and doing songs that I have written over the last few years. It’s going to be really different but a lot of fun.”

Even though some fans may be disappointed that there’s not more Heart tunes being played, Wilson expects everyone to still enjoy her performance as most will be familiar with many of the songs. She feels it’s more important to support her new record than to draw from Heart’s discography.

“What I wanted with this [tour] is to be able to be shown as a singer. So far, we’ve done one show on this tour, but we got a fantastic response. I of course pay tribute to Heart by doing the one song, but I wanted to be brave and live on the edge and do new stuff.”

Wilson’s new release, Immortal, is named after the concept of the album, which is a tribute to some of the legendary musicians who are making the band in rock ‘n’ roll heaven even stronger.

“One of the criteria [for the album] was that all of the artists had passed on in the last few years,” she says. “The expressions these artists left in these songs are really great work, with great lyrics and great poetry. They need to be passed down in an oral tradition, sort of like cave drawings.

They need to be left for generations to dig.”

With 10 tracks, Wilson pays homage to some of her favorite artists on songs that aren’t usually the first ones associated with the late musicians. For instance, her tribute to George Michael is with the song “A Different Corner” from his Wham! days, while she chose “Luna” to honor Tom Petty.

“I didn’t want to just go and cover a bunch of hits. My main theme was to honor the artists, so I went back through their bodies

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“I’m never going to become old and stale and do the same thing over and over.

That’s not who I am.” of work and found songs that really resonated with me, and it was really satisfying. I wanted to get really personal with the artists’ work.”

Of all the artists, she knew Chris Cornell the best, and honors him with the song “I Am the Highway.”

“I really love that song, and I wanted to bring it into a slightly softer acoustic mood without going all acoustic. I even play a flute solo in it. I just wanted the song to have a swing and be something people could feel ‘up’ about. The song itself is part of [Cornell’s] heart, and a wonderful song.”

Other tunes on the album include “A Thousand Kisses Deep” by Leonard Cohen, “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse and “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore. All three offer genres a little different than Wilson is usually associated with.

“I let the songs tell me what to do. The Cohen song is almost jazz and the Winehouse tune is almost gothic chamber music, so it’s definitely different for me. I welcome that and relish that. I’m always trying to push my boundaries out.”

Wilson is already thinking about what comes next after her tour ends.

She’s formulating and developing an idea for an interactive storytelling tour and will continue writing when the mood hits her.

“I’m going to continue experimenting and moving ahead as long as I continue to enjoy it all,” she says. “I’m never going to become old and stale and do the same thing over and over. That’s not who I am.”

Catch Ann Wilson with Jeff Back at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center on Monday, August 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35-$75, and can be purchased at www.wolftrap.org. Learn more about Wilson at www.annwilsonofheart.com.

Wolf Trap’s Filene Center: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA 703-255-1800; www.wolftrap.org

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61

By Trent Johnson Artwork: Trent Johnson

Nothing is probably going to kill [my career], so I get to be less and less responsible really, and it serves me well. It’s what they call in U.K. politics a backbencher. It makes for a creative career that’s fun for me.”

This unpredictable path wouldn’t be as riveting to watch from the outside if not for his prolific nature in releasing When Ben Folds rolls through Merriweather Post Pavilion on August 18 projects and music. on his co-headlining tour with Cake, he’ll be nearing his 52nd birthday “I don’t really have an answer. I don’t think I’m particularly with 30-plus years of music business experience under his belt. Lots of superhuman.

You’ll be doing one thing, and it’ll sit on the musicians play their music for decades, and while it’s impressive to have shelf for awhile, and then it’ll come out together with another the wherewithal to endure any extended stretch in a creative field, Folds project. Right now, I’m writing a book, so I’m spending my time is unusual in how he uses his reputation. He takes risks, he gets scared on that and then I’ll go to next thing.” and he keeps pushing forward.

Slated to be a biography full of advice for musicians, Folds says “It’s a big, organic mess,” he says. “Sometimes, I get really interested he’s gotten into a good groove with the switch from writing lyrics in something and pursue it. You never know the best thing to do, but to penning prose. the common thread in the whole thing is I follow what I’m interested “There’s an adjustment for sure, because when you have what in. That can be very different day-to-day, and I have to live with it. seems like unlimited real estate, you have to find your pace and it Sometimes I’ll be interested in something and agree to a future show, takes a little bit of time. I think it’s true that you never learn how and then in six months, I’ll be like, ‘What the hell?’” to write a book, just the one you’re on. Right now, I’m cranking out This “What the hell?” feeling isn’t new for Folds. In fact, it’s what 3,000 words a day.” motivates him at this point in his career. This is the reason he agreed As for more on what the words are about, Folds puts it simply with, to satirize himself on the FX show You’re the Worst, and the reason “We’re all interested in a good journey, no matter what part you’re on.” he’s done bizarre covers like “Bitches Ain’t Shit” over the course of his career. His range in musical interests is boundless as he Learn more about Ben Folds at www.benfolds.com. bounces from rock band to piano soloist to orchestra composer.

But before he jumps headfirst – or onstage – for new projects, he’s a little scared.

“Now I have to arrange all these weird things [for the show] and it’s exciting. It’s a slightly scary tour, and it doesn’t have to be big things – it can be small things.”

Folds is not a risk-averse artist based on his collaborations – William Shatner and Weird Al Yankovic among them – to the Cake hasn’t released an album since 2011’s Showroom of Compassion, genres he finds himself dabbling in. Part of his confidence in but the five-man group hasn’t exactly been sitting around twiddling their floating from idea to idea comes from his longevity in the thumbs. Instead of spending time in the studio, they’ve made their way industry, which he says grants him more opportunities to be around the world touring – a lot. a little off the wall.

“I think we like playing music,” lead vocalist John McCrea tells On Tap. “I’m “I get more leeway every year,” he says. “After awhile, definitely a better live performer than I was when I first started – not anything they’re like, ‘He wants to try that? F—k it, let him do it.’ theatrical, not doing tricks, but actually playing my instrument and singing.

Ben Folds Breaks Boundaries Because He Can

Cake Keeps Touring to Make Cake

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What I don’t enjoy is traveling through space endlessly in buses and cars and airplanes. I think most people romanticize touring if they haven’t actually been traveling for two years straight.”

Despite the constant Mad Max, road warrior lifestyle, the band has found times for breaks. It’s during these moments that McCrea is able to break away and pen music. He’s not sure what will and won’t be on the band’s future releases. In the past seven years, he’s accumulated an enormous amount of songs on the shelf, waiting to be recorded when the band finds time.

“It takes a lot longer to record material because you’re doing it sort of in between the paying job,” McCrea says. “It’s like a weird hobby. I don’t know many people who can really record on the road, because you play until late at night and then you pass out, get up early and drive all day. It’s what we have now.”

McCrea has hundreds of incomplete songs, and potentially “hundreds and hundreds of fragments.” The ratio he uses in this interview is 1:9, as in for every song he takes to his fellow band member, one makes it to the next stage.

“I pretty much bring finished songs to the band. What they help me with is figuring out arrangements, baselines and guitar riffs.

Sometimes I’ll add on stuff later.”

As a writer, he doesn’t fixate on the fragments, and instead chooses to leave them where they lie as newer, fresher ideas come to mind. In some cases, years pass before he regains the inspiration to revisit a particular “fragment.”

“It’s a feeling,” he says. “It’s intuitive when to revisit [a song]. I think it ends up sounding better if I just move on to another song. If I hit a wall, I think it sounds forced to pretend that the wall is not there. I know a short fiction writer who just couldn’t finish a story and left it there for five years. Then he came back to it and it was easy.”

Cake has a history of turning songs written by other musicians into hits as well. With the band’s unique style involving the fusion of spoken-word singing, rock and folk guitar riffs, and a generally laidback attitude, the band’s covers of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” sound like independent works rather than rehashes.

“I think it’s more likely we do a country album [instead of a cover album], which would itself contain covers on it,” McCrea says. “I think that would be a lot of fun for us and the cool thing about playing other people’s material is that it’s a chance to inhabit someone’s thought process. I think that’s probably true of writing fiction. Like learning a song, it allows you to intuit someone else’s thinking, which is wild.”

With another tour on the horizon, there’s no telling when McCrea and his bandmates will huddle into a studio to record another album.

Luckily, they’re still out there endlessly touring, and Cake is soon to inhabit the same space as Ben Folds.

“I think it’s probably the worst thing if you go to a concert or a festival and everyone is playing the same drum beat at the same time,” he says. “The human brain just sort of turns off when things sound too similar.”

Learn more about Cake at www.cakemusic.com.

Keep your human brain on and see Ben Folds and Cake at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Saturday, August 18.

Tall Heights will open. Tickets start at $45.

Doors at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.

SUMMER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

TROMBONE SHORTY, GALACTIC, PRESERVATION HALL, AND MORE!

THE REVIVALISTS

DAWES

GAVIN DEGRAW PHILLIP PHILLIPS

ZZ WARD

AUG 19

AUG 17

SHOVELS & ROPE JOSEPH

AUG 31

AUG 23

HANSON STRING THEORY

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER

AUG 4

WITH FRANCESCO TURRISI AUG 11

BRYAN ADAMS

JEFF BECK

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

RHIANNON GIDDENS

ANN WILSON OF HEART

AUG 5

AUG 20

ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO’S REMAIN IN LIGHT FEMI KUTI AND THE POSITIVE FORCE

ZIGGY MARLEY STEEL PULSE TRIBAL SEEDS

AUG 7

SEP 1

DISNEY’S BROADWAY HITS

IAN ANDERSON PRESENTS

WITH WOLF TRAP ORCHESTRA AUG 9

4U - A SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION OF PRINCE

FEATURING BROADWAY STARS LIVE IN CONCERT

LYLE LOVETT & HIS LARGE BAND AUG 10

JETHRO TULL

50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR SEP 7

WITH WOLF TRAP ORCHESTRA SEP 8

Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy.

Columbia, MD; 410-715-5550; www.merriweathermusic.com

www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2018 | ON TAP

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INSIDE THE EVER-EVOLVING DREAM POP WORLD OF

By M.K. Koszycki

Photo: Shawn Brackbill

On the day we’re scheduled to chat, Victoria Legrand of Beach House is called to jury duty. Even masters of their craft with incredible work ethic are not immune to the tedious call of bureaucratic obligation.

When I interview Legrand a week later, the vocalist-keyboardist for the Baltimore-based dream pop duo speaks with enthusiasm and insight into everything we cover in our conversation. It was supposed to be a brief 15-minute call, but when I tell her that Beach House is my favorite band, she’s quick to continue our conversation and tells me to ask her anything I really want to know. For someone at the helm of one of the dreamiest bands in the world, she is refreshingly kind and down to earth.

With bandmate and guitarist Alex Scally at her side, the pair crafts ethereal, enigmatic songs with incredible consistency. Beach House is responsible for a colossal catalog, with seven albums and nearly 80 songs to date. Depression Cherry and Thank Your Lucky Stars were released a mere two months apart in 2015, and the band’s B-Sides and Rarities compilation was announced barely two years later. Their seventh album, unpretentiously titled 7, arrived this May. Legrand and Scally embarked on a world tour for 7 in July – with an upcoming stop at The Anthem planned for August 25 – and they’re allowing fans to select the top three songs they want to hear most at the

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show they’re attending.

Much like the rest of the creative endeavors the pair’s pursued over the course of their 14-year career, it’s an ambitious concept. And with 77 songs to their name, the fan requests are no small feat – but it’s something they’ve been waiting to enact for some time.

“Alex came up with that idea three or four years ago – time flies,” Legrand says. “It’s something that he’d been toying with as Album art: Courtesy of Sub Pop Records a way to get to know our audiences more in every city. You’ll see the list of what songs are being requested over others, and it’s very fascinating. It’s a way for fans to interact with us, so it’s not just this one-sided relationship where it’s like, ‘Band plays onstage in front of audience! Take it!’ It was based off some very innocent ideas on how to make things a little bit more fun and interesting.”

The band’s meticulous approach to everything they do as musicians becomes more evident as Legrand and I discuss the imagery surrounding 7. For previous records like 2010’s Teen Dream, the band crafted a music video for each song. But with 7, they drew heavily from the black and white visuals in the style of op art – the use of black and white geometric shapes to create striking optical illusions – and the iconography of Andy Warhol’s Factory. Each song has its own op art video that marries audio to visual.

“The black and white really connected with the music and was an inspiration for the record,” she says. “I think that we wanted the op art to be something that people would identify with for 7, and it seems to be working.”

Musically and aesthetically, it definitely is. Their label, Seattle stalwart Sub Pop Records, released colored vinyl editions of 7 that sold out the same day the record came out. The album itself received rave reviews and has already clocked in high on many early album of the year lists. Legrand breaks down the cover of 7 for me – a dizzying array of op art, black and white clips, holographic elements, and a woman’s obscured face – all of which she provided creative direction for alongside Post Typography, a design house based in Baltimore.

“You have some psychedelia in there – this hallucinogenic aspect,” she says of the album cover. “There’s bits of chaos in there. Those are some of the themes off the record, especially on a song like ‘Dark Spring,’ which is embodying nature, change, chaos [and] darkness. And then you have glamour and destructiveness. There’s a lot of very cinematic themes throughout the record.”

Cinematic is a word that’s often ascribed to Beach House’s music and unsurprisingly, the band is a go-to for soundtracking movies and TV shows. Their work has appeared in movies such as The Future and the

documentary Ivory Tower. You can hear their songs on shows like The OA, Skins, Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Atlanta and New Girl, to name a few.

“I usually make the decision just purely based on the show – the storywriting and who I think the audience will be,” Legrand tells me. “I tend to love and gravitate toward shows for younger people because I really care about young people emotionally and psychologically. I have a great deal of empathy for people who are just trying to survive in the world. Any shows that are about that, I am always happy to let them use our music.”

Beyond their highly stylized album art and impressive soundtracking credits, Legrand says her band has their sights set on breaking into the world of composing.

“We’re literally just waiting for a person to hire us. I think we just really want someone to just say, ‘Hey Beach House, would you soundtrack my film?’ and we would do it.”

Don’t expect the band’s first foray into composing to be another record though. Legrand views entering that universe as a way to incubate ideas outside of the work she and Scally are used to producing and tap into currently uncharted territory.

“Scoring and soundtracking use totally different parts of our writing process. There’s stuff we would make that probably wouldn’t sound at all like what any of our previous work sounded like. It would be using totally different aspects of our creative writing, which is something that we’re dying to do because we’d be able to develop more of our other unknown creative sides.”

Brimming with creative energy, I can’t help but wonder if Legrand is ever uninspired by the world around her or feels overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly create.

“I personally do burn out and go through great periods of what I call ‘nothingness’ where I am almost forgetting what I do,” she tells me. “I don’t say, ‘I’m a singer, I’m a musician.’ It’s almost like I don’t even identify as that.

It’s more like, ‘I’m Victoria, I’m a human being.’ I do whatever, I’m fascinated by many things. Boredom – or whatever that is, the nothingness – is an extremely important part of the process of then being able to have new things start to creep in.”

It’s clear that Legrand has arrived at a place where she can embrace the nothingness. She tells me about the intense writing and recording and touring for their record Bloom about seven years ago, where she experienced her first bout of burnout brought on by “our own insanity, propelling us forward.” Since then, she’s learned to accept these feelings as part of the ebb and flow of existing in the world as a creative person.

“It’s very normal to feel all of the sudden that you’re not a creative person at all. I might not hear a melody or come up with lyrics or have a story in my mind. But I might be going down a rabbit hole of things that lead me, for example, to develop the ideas for the visual of 7. I was into art and just seeing things. I wasn’t into hearing or listening. I was more into looking. It’s important to accept oneself if you feel like you’re all of the sudden flattened. You’ll come up again – you just have to let that moment be.”

Beach House bring their electrifying new album 7 to The Anthem on Saturday, August 25. Papercuts open. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $38. For more on Beach House, visit www.beachhousebaltimore.com.

The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC 202-888-0200; www.theanthemdc.com

Photos: LAFlicks Photography

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO ACCEPT ONESELF IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE ALL OF THE SUDDEN FLATTENED. YOU’LL COME UP AGAIN – YOU JUST HAVE TO LET THAT MOMENT BE.”

Every Friday evening, the Capitol Riverfront BID features live music from artists like reggae group Jah Works at Yards Park, with ice-cold Corona and wine available at the outdoor tented bar.

www.ontaponline.com | AUGUST 2018 | ON TAP

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By Michael Loria and Aja Neal

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1

Kina Grannis and Imaginary Future High school sweethearts turned singing and songwriting power couple Kina Grannis and Imaginary Future (Jesse Epstein) are bringing their soft acoustic sounds to the Birchmere stage this summer. I expect them to perform a decent amount of duets together (they have quite a few), and a few covers of other popular songs you may know. Grannis, a YouTube success story, has found her own niche in the music industry after being signed to Interscope and becoming independent shortly after. In 2017 Grannis created KG records, a label supported entirely by her fans via Patreon. Her newest release In the Waiting is the first album to debut on the label.

If you’re a fan, especially one that donated to this project, I highly encourage you to come out and experience her new music in person. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25. The Birchmere Music Hall: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 3

Victory After just one listen to her cover of Feeling Good, I can see that Victory Boyd has rightfully earned the comparisons to the great Nina Simone. Her unique blend of folk, soul, and jazz makes for a refreshingly new take on all three genres. The Detroit-born singer/guitarist got her start busking in NYC after her family relocated to a nearby New Jersey suburb. After making waves on social media from a video of her singing recorded by a passerby, her music caught Jay-Z’s eye and she was signed to Roc Nation.

Her newest album The Broken Instrument should serve as an inspiration to any musician that aspires to showcase their art on a larger platform. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $15-$20.

Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

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Sons of Bill The Sons of Bill mean their name in all seriousness. Aside from the bassist and the drummer, they really are the sons of Bill, a theology and Southern literature professor at the University of Virginia.

Their father is also a musician and taught his three boys to sing and play guitar, and they like to talk about how they had to because they had no TV or radio otherwise growing up, but listen to their songs and you’ll hear that his lessons weren’t limited to chords only. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $20.

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

Tiny Cat Dark Music Festival Working Order Records and Black Cat are coming together

to host Tiny Cat Dark Music Festival. What’s so great about this festival, besides the fact that it’s called a “Dark Music Festival” and features acts like Hante., Kontravoid, Crash Course in Science, and more is that 100 percent of the proceeds from tickets sold go to Greater DC Diaper Bank. The nonprofit accepts donations to help get families the supplies they need for their baby, as well as providing personal hygiene products to those in need. Go and rock out for a good cause.

Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets $20-$35.

Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

Stu Larsen & Natsuki Kurai Australian folk guitarist and singer Stu Larsen and Japanese harmonica player Natsuki Kurai recently announced a world tour in support of their latest EP together, Stu Larsen & Natsuki Kurai II, which comes five years after their first together in 2013. The unlikely duo first connected nearly eight years ago when Larsen first adopted his vagabond lifestyle in 2010.

They met in Tokyo, Larsen spoke no Japanese and Kurai spoke

no English, but they connected over music. Doors are at 6 p.m.

Tickets start at $15. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

Takenobu This folk string duo features Nick Ogawa on cello and Kathryn Koch on violin, both of whom have wide ranging credits. Koch is a regular member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Ogawa tours with Kishi Bashi and composes for NPR’s “Invisibilia,” which probably explains the Takenobu style.

They call their music folk, and thought there’s only two of them, their final sound is almost more like an orchestral take on folk, because of the live-looping they do. Doors are at 7 p.m.

Entry is free with a suggested donation of $5. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

Wayne Wonder Bliss Nightclub is throwing an outdoor music festival featuring a live performance from Wayne Wonder, the man who gave us the ever-iconic “No Letting Go” in 2003. In this song’s 15 year existence, there has never been a moment when I’ve heard this song at a party or in a club that the mood didn’t immediately change to summer vacation romance and whoever was next to you when it came on became the love of your life for the next three minutes. I don’t know if he performs often, so don’t miss this. Gates open at 2 p.m.

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Show at 4 p.m. Tickets $30. Bliss Nightclub: 2122 24th Pl. NE, DC; www.blissdc.com

Yung Bae This one is a show which some people never imagined might happen. Yung Bae is an artist who like so many of his future funk contemporaries, e.g. Saint Pepsi, got his start on YouTube and it was unclear whether it would ever go beyond that, but also, like Saint Pepsi, Yung Bae has started to take his show on the road, and that he’s playing Flash shows the caliber of his purely-for-fun, purely-fordancing beats. Doors are at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15. Flash: 645 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.flashdc.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 SUNDAY, AUGUST 5

Summer Spirit Festival The folks at Merriweather have brought together your favorite R&B, rap, hip-hop, and neo-soul artists to celebrate the summer.

There’ something for everybody when you’ve got classics like Erykah Badu, Nas, The Roots and Backyard Band sharing a stage with newer artists like Lizzo, Daniel Caesar, Phony PPL and many more. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. Doors at 1 p.m. Tickets start at $108.

Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy.

Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5

Zigtebra At Slash Run, in addition to great burgers you can often find undersold touring band playing alongside some up and coming DC bands. This time it’s Zigtebra, a dream pop duo from Chicago with sound that’s like a somewhat spookier Postal Service. And playing with them is Stronger Sex, another duo, making experimental electronic.

The show will also feature Lambda Celsius and visionary artist Katie Macyshyn. Slash Run: 201 Upshur St. NW, DC; www.slashrun.com

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Christian Loffler If Christian Loffler couldn’t find the beat, you might find him a bummer. Unlike his German contemporaries coming out of Berlin, Loffler grew up in a remote part of the country and had to teach himself to make electronic music on his own, which he began to do as a sort of escape from and deep dive into his surroundings.

Throughout his music you can hear a sort of melancholy, almost like if Bon Iver remade For Emma, only this time as dance music. Doors are at 4 p.m.

Tickets start at $8. Flash: 645 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.flashdc.com

Juice WRLD Riding off the high of his single “Lucid Dreams” hitting #3 on the Billboard charts, 19-year-old Chicago rapper Jared Higgins (a.k.a. Juice WRLD) will be coming to Echostage. Based on the success of his debut singles added to the ability to hold his own on the freestyle he dropped for HOT 97 back in mid-July, it’s clear that Juice WRLD is poised to make his mark in the rap world. His style lies somewhat in the vein of the sadboi rap that’s been circulating the airwaves as of late, but I’m looking forward to seeing what new elements he can bring to the genre. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30-130.

Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, DC; www.echostage.com

Lunar Vacation This indie quartet is so young and yet has a style that’s so throwback that you might think they’re someone else’s brainchild. And if you only were to see the band’s pictures you might have had enough at that point, but once you hear their music, it’s hard to turn away from something so unabashedly gorgeous. It’s like 90s throwback indie rock with the production values of dream pop bands Wild Nothing or Real Estate. Doors are at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $10.

Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

summer concert series

2018 SCHEDULE

thursday nights july 12 - aug. 23 7-9pm JULY 12 NELLY’S ECHO BAND JULY 19 MATT HUTCHISON DUO JULY 26 MARCELLA DUO AUGust 2 THE ROCKETS AUGust 9 capital sound + Brigadier brass from the 257th army band AUGust 16 KRISTEN AND THE NOISE AUGust 23 “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Marine Latin Ensemble Concert

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9

Rae Sremmurd, Wiz Khalifa Wiz Khalifa recently caught some flak for his hypermasculine take on why straight men shouldn’t eat bananas (hint: they’re too phallic for his liking), but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t support my faves Rae Sremmurd who have never not given us a bop since their 2014 radio debut “No Flex Zone.” The co-headliners will be supported by O.T. Genasis and Lil Skies. Doors at 6 p.m. Tickets $28-$183. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www.bristowamphitheater.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

Alice Bag Comet Ping Pong is another one of those venues around town that’s doesn’t receive enough attention as a music venue. Not only are the pizzas and drinks good, but you can also find some good music. This time it’s Alice Bag, formerly of the Bags and an LA-punk scene legend by this point. The Bags broke up in the 80s, but she’s been Alice Bag ever since and her latest music lacks none of the fury she first earned a name for. Alongside her will be local bands Homosuperior and Faunas. Doors are at 10 p.m.

Tickets start at $15. Comet Ping Pong: 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.cometpingpong.com

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Shakira After postponing a majority of her tour in order to heal her strained vocal chords, Shakira is back in the U.S. for her El Dorado tour, named for her Latin Grammy winning (and Anglo Grammy nominated) 2017 album. Her newest single “Clandestino,” featuring frequent collaborator and fellow Colombian artist Maluma, is a smooth and summery reggaeton-tinged take on secret love. Shakira is a versatile artist who has an incredible resume.

She’s acted in soap operas (and voice acted in Zootopia), served as a judge on the Voice, and had hit singles with both Rihanna and Beyonce on top of her own solo tracks, many of which she had a hand in writing. Plus, you just KNOW she has to do “Hips Don’t Lie,” which you and I both know would be so fun to see and dance to live. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $86-$450. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena.com

Snake, Marshmello, Cashmere Cat, Vince Staples, Phantogram, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and Gunna to name only a few. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. both days. Tickets $99-$274.50. Pimlico Race Course: 5201 Park Heights Ave. Baltimore, MD; www.moonrisefestival.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 18

Rock and Roll Hotel 12th Anniversary To honor more than a decade of existing as a performance space in the renowned H Street Corridor, the DC area venue is bringing together an eclectic mix of artists to perform.

Nothing, nowhere. , Bat Fangs, The Messthetics, The Love Language, and Sparta will be performing all ages sets on separate nights at Rock and Roll Hotel to celebrate. Tickets $15$20. See website for full list of times. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16

Moonrise Fest Even though it’s out in Baltimore, it would be remiss of us to skip over one of the largest east-coast tours to come to this area every summer. Showcasing some of the best EDM, DnB, hip-hop and house acts, Moonrise “touches all corners of the dance floor”. The festival also features art installations and vendors, not to mention performances from Diplo, DJ

Casual War I’m trying to find where the “casual” part of Casual War comes in. In the what they publish about themselves they seem nonchalant, judging from not heavily curated Instagram, or the title of their EP, Demo, but the music’s a different story.

Led by a frontwoman with a voice reminiscent of Nightwish and Evanescence, their take on indie rock can be dark and

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heavy. Doors are at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10. Velvet Lounge: 915 U St. NW, DC; www.velvetloungedc.com

Cup I have to say, this is one of the shows I’m most excited about this month. Cup’s music is a garage punk, very reminiscent of 80s punk music, but with a more angular and experimental approach. The Queens-based band will play alongside DC’s own Bottled Up who continue to rise through DC’s music venues and Ontario-based three piece rock outfit, Bike Thiefs. Doors are at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $10. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17

Trombone Shorty and Galactic I don’t know how much there is to be said about Trombone Shorty that The Anthem didn’t already say by featuring him as one of their first acts. But he’s not the only artist to be featured this night, not even the only one from New Orleans. New Orleans funk jam band Galactic as well as the Preservation Hall jazz band will perform as well, and no doubt there will be some set overlap.

It should be a night of nonstop ecstatic music and outrageous musicianship. John Williams has nothing on this brass. Doors are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Wolf Trap’s Filene Center: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

Vacationer After a four-year hiatus, (I’m doing my best not to say vacation), Vacationer returned in 2018 with his latest record Mindset. The album artwork very much fits the spirit of the music. It pictures the silhouette of a head in profile which get smaller and smaller in concentric circles, or heads rather. It could be read as a topographical map and a matryoshka doll X-ray. It’s dreamy much like Vacationer’s synth and sample heavy tracks.

Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30

In The Whale / Company Calls Colorado-based duo In The Whale is celebrating 7 years of making their high energy blend of garage rock by going on a massive U.S. tour until mid-October. During their time as a band the pair have graced stages at Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, AfroPunk, and Warped Tour (RIP).

Their supporting act Company Calls hails from DC, was formed in ‘08, and shares its name with a Death Cab for Cutie song. Fun Fact: Someone from my old church youth group’s eldest sister is a member of the band, too. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

New Order The incredibly iconic post punk outfit, born like a phoenix out of the ashes of Joy Division, embarks on a short tour this summer and DC is lucky enough to be a stop.

See the band responsible for producing numerous 80s bops and influencing a pantheon of younger artists in the flesh at The Anthem. 8 p.m. show.

Tickets start at $55. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthem.com

Lucki Chicago-native Lucki was on the vanguard of today’s alterna-trap/ mumble rap sound back when he was going by Lucki Eck$ in 2013.

Since then, he’s collaborated with artists like FKA twigs, Chance The Rapper, King Krule and Danny Brown. After a series of setbacks and taking a hiatus from making music in 2018, Lucki is back posting new music on SoundCloud and working on new projects, the latest of which is a series of singles and his DAYS B4 II EP. Though he’s only 21, I can tell he’s an artist that’s confident in his sound and style, and committed to re-distinguishing himself in the genre that many would argue he had a hand in making popular. Doors at 7 p.m.

Tickets $15-$50. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 SUNDAY, AUGUST 26

Crushnpain This show was another unexpected find. Velvet Lounge is known for having great DJs, but often they play downstairs unannounced, but Crushnpain is getting the full billing this time. He’s a DC-based DJ, who from the sound of his shuffling drum and bass and his more deep house sounding tracks, I might have thought to find him at Flash, only he has no Resident Advisor page. But that only means you’ll be ahead of the curve. See him at Velvet Lounge because shortly he’ll get picked up elsewhere. Doors are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Velvet Lounge: 915 U St. NW, DC; www.velvetloungedc.com

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Cyrus Chestnut I’m sure you’ve heard jazz before, and maybe you think once you’ve heard, you’ve heard enough, but seeing it live is another thing, especially seeing someone of Cyrus Chestnut’s caliber. Georgetown’s a trip to get to, but Blues Alley is worth it.

It’s in an actual alley and when you find yourself in the line out the door, you’ll realize you’re somewhere special. Plus, the po’boys are fantastic. Bring some good company, have some good food and watch Chestnut shred in the Oscar Peterson school.

Shows are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Tickets start at $30. Blues Alley: 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.bluesalley.com

ON TAP | AUGUST 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

Slaughter, Beach Dog Modern Baseball came on the scene in 2012 and shortly established themselves as one of the most dominant pop punk bands on the scene. But this is not them, this is the solo project Modern Baseball guitarist and vocalist, Jake Ewald. Ewald released his second record under the name in 2017. It’s less pop and less punk, and a little more straight forward gorgeous indie songwriting, somewhat like a tamed AJJ. Doors are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13.

DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dc9.club

Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Uzi Vert, G-Eazy I’m going to be honest here and say that I was confused when I saw this lineup and was under the impression that G-Eazy was the headliner on this tour. According to Rolling Stone though, these three are co-headlining, which I can accept (even though we all know it should be Lil Uzi or even Ty Dolla $ign off the strength of his features alone). YBN Nahmir, P-Lo and DJ Murda Beatz will also perform at this show, which is sure to be a nonstop party from start to finish. Doors at 6:30 p.m..

Tickets $33-$160. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; www.bristowamphitheater.com

FRIDAYS PRESENTS

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FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS! Aug 3 The Ron Holloway Band Aug 10 Justin Trawick and The Common Good Aug 17 Deacon Izzy and The Congregation Aug 24 La Unica So

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t. NE Galloway S

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Aug 31 Rain Date

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Gallatin St. NE

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Corner of South Dakota Ave. NE and Galloway St. NE

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FOOD TRUCKS, GAMES & MORE! Bring your lawn chair and see you there!

www.FridaysAtFortTotten.com

7 10 OUT OF

IN DC

AGREE MORE TASTE THAN BUD LIGHT

CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY

®

Know Your Beer Promotional Taste Challenge – Jun 15, 2017-May 25, 2018, Washington, D.C. 4,197 participants.

For more information go to millerlite.com/knowyourbeer.

©2018 MILLER BREWING CO., MILWAUKEE, WI • BEER Avg. Analysis (12 fl. oz.) 96 cals, 3.2g carbs, <1g protein, 0.0g fat.