On Tap Magazine // September 2017

Drink. Dine. Do. 09.17

REDSKINS RETURN CORNERBACK

JOSH NORMAN

BACK TO

SCHOOL CLASSES FOR

CREATIVES

BOURBON

+FOOD

PAIRINGS

+

REDSKINS VP DOUG WILLIAMS WHERE TO WATCH FOOTBALL SNALLYGASTER 2017

LOCAL

HIP-HOP

ARTISTS

OWN YOU R FUTURE

Monthly Payment Starting From $1,874* Receive Up to $10,000 in Closing Cost Credit*

Live just a short walk from the Glenmont Metro station, and experience an urban lifestyle that’s limited only by your imagination. Choose your personalized townhome with a garage, terrace and 4 finished levels today. It’s time you rewarded yourself with your own home.

Modern townhomes from the mid $400’s.

Tour the new Barton and Oakley models today!

G R A B L I F E BY T H E R A I L S

W I N C H E ST E R H O M E S . C O M / M OV E 2 M O R E

To schedule a tour or for more information, contact New Home Specialists Amy Dooling and Dawn Martin.

(301) 273-7525 | NewHomes@whihomes.com 2429 Glenallan Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20906 | Open daily from 11am to 6pm

*$10,000 in closing cost credit (actual amounts may vary) on select homesites. Excludes finished showcase and model homes. To receive the incentive, you must enter into a purchase agreement for an eligible homesite between 8/15/17 and 10/15/17. Closing cost credit may not be combined with any other promotion or offer and is not available in realtor or broker transactions. The closing cost credit may not be exchanged for any other incentive and may not be applied to the purchase price of the home. The closing cost credit is applied upon close of escrow and is not redeemable for or payable in cash. Any unused portion of the closing cost credit will be forfeited. Federal and state taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. This is not an offer to lend. Rates effective 8/9/17 and are based on a 45-day rate lock for FHA financing. Loan scenario assumes $459,900 purchase price, loan amount of $451,569 (including financed FHA UFMIP) and $9,801 in points and fees. Owner occupied purchase with 720 credit score. 5-year adjustable rate mortgage with an initial rate of 2.875% (6.318% APR) and payment of $1,873.53 (excludes taxes, insurance, HOA and other fees, so the actual payment obligation will be greater). The rate may adjust after 60 months and every 12 months thereafter with a 1% maximum initial adjustment. The rate cannot change more than 1% each subsequent adjustment period. The fully indexed rate is 3.23% and the maximum interest rate is 7.875% (8.893% APR) which would yield a P&I payment of $3,274.19 (excludes taxes, insurance, HOA and other fees, so the actual payment obligation will be greater). Financing provided through TRI Pointe Connect, LLC MD Lenders License #21610, VA Broker License #MC-5903, NMLS 1250459. Available only for owner-occupied homes and non-broker transactions. Subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited. Conditions and restrictions apply. See www.winchesterhomes.com/move2more and visit the New Home Gallery for more details. The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Not an offer of sale. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Photographs or renderings reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only.

Photographs or renderings of people do not depict or indicate any preference regarding race. Conditions and restrictions apply. Winchester is a registered trademark and is used with permission. MHBR No. 57. © 2017 Winchester Homes Inc., a member of the TRI Pointe Group. All rights reserved.

On Tap Presents the

6thAnnual

Wiener 500

DACHSHUND DASH FOR CHARITY! RACE PROCEEDS

BENEFIT HRA

SIGN YOUR DOG UP NOW!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

1-5PM YARDS PARK 355 WATER STREET SE, DC

#WIENER500

LIVE MUSIC COLD BEER HOT FOOD WANT TO RACE YOUR DACHSHUND? SIGN UP AT WIENER500.COM $25 per dog to race, proceeds of race will be donated to HRA. All breed contests are free of charge and do not require pre-registering. All dogs must be leashed when not racing and current on vaccinations. Unruly dogs will be excused.

Must be 21+ to consume alcohol, no outside alcohol allowed.

Table of Contents who is on tap

September 2017: Vol 19 No 11 The Return of Fall Summer is almost over, and if you’re like us, you can’t wait for hot, muggy days to disappear and all of fall’s best qualities to return. We’re talking about football season, as college and professional teams march back onto the gridiron in search of greatness, plus Oktoberfest celebrations, Bourbon Heritage Month, unique classes for creative minds, and a sneak peek of fall music festivals, concerts and theatre productions. Read our interviews with Redskins cornerback Josh Norman and team VP Doug Williams, and our picks for where to catch pro and college games. We researched the tastiest bourbon and food pairings, chatted with biergartens and other local beerhead havens about Oktoberfest festivities, and looked into this year’s Snallygaster lineup. We may not be heading back to school, but we recommended some of our favorite creative classes offered in the DMV. And in the performing arts world, read about the burgeoning local hip-hop scene, Grammy winner Fantastic Negrito, Xenia Rubinos at Rosslyn Jazz Fest and The Arsonists at Woolly Mammoth.

Design: Alanna Sheppard Photo: Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Founder James Currie Publisher Jennifer Currie

jennifer@ontaponline.com

Managing Editor Monica Alford

monica@ontaponline.com

Assistant Editor Trent Johnson trent@ontaponline.com

Print & Digital Design Alanna Sheppard alanna@ontaponline.com

Nick Caracciolo KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth tomroth@ontaponline.com

Digital & Advertising coordinator Kayla Marsh

In this Issue

kayla@ontaponline.com

n Stage & Screen Stage & Screen Events........................... 4 The Arsonists at Woolly Mammoth. . ... 6

n September Roundup

20

8 Back to School

A Day in the Life with

Classes for creatives

Redskins VP Doug Williams

Classes for Creatives.. ............................. 8 Drink, Dine, Do...................................... 10

n Sports Did You Know? Local Football.. .......... 18 Redskins VP Doug Williams................ 20 Redskins Cornerback Josh Norman.. 24 Where to Watch DMV Football.. ......... 28 Rowing in the DMV . . ............................. 30

n Dining Recap: DC Burger Battle......................32 New, Notable, No Longer.................... 36

24

40

Redskins’ Josh Norman

Bourbon & Food Pairings

Grinds toward greatness

When bourbon is your entreé

n Drinks When Bourbon Is Your Entreé............ 40 Behind the Bar....................................... 42 What’s On Tap?...................................... 46 Snallygaster Returns............................ 52

n Music DMV Hip-Hop on National Rise..............54 Xenia Rubinos at Rosslyn Jazz Fest.......56 Fantastic Negrito at Merriweather........58 Music Picks....................................................62

52

54

Snallygaster Returns

DMV Hip-Hop Scene

Beastlier than ever

Gains national recognition

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Events & promotions manager Shannon Darling shannon@ontaponline.com

Events & promotions ASSISTANT Elizabeth Elder elizabeth@ontaponline.com

OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kelcie Glass kelcie@ontaponline.com

Contributing Writers

Michael Coleman, Lani Furbank, Kayla Marsh, Kaitlyn McQuin, Reem Nadeem, Nicolas Rodrigo, Courtney Sexton, Jean Schindler, Alex Thompson

Contributing Photographers

Gevar Bonham, Shantel M. Breen, Kayla Marsh, Jessica Meyers, Devin Overbey, Mark Raker, Drü Thomas, Mark Van Bergh On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2017 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. 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

POOLSIDE TASTE OF ROCKVILLE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 FROM 2-5 PM Enjoy complimentary fare from Paladar Latin Kitchen,Union Jack’s British Pub & Botanero Corona, Corona Light & Pacifico Music from DJ Chazon

WWW.DALEYPARTY.COM Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.

8010 Gramercy Blvd Rockville MD 20855 301-501-5734 | daleyshadygrove.com

Stage & Screen Events

By Kaitlyn McQuin & Reem Nadeem

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

Sinbad on his trek across time and imagination, and encounter Scheherazade and heroes of Arabian folklore as you journey through these timeless stories. The evening will be reawakened through contemporary folkloric dance styles that are sure to ignite your senses. Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, and adapted for the stage by Robert Kauzlaric, Neverwhere dives into the world of fantasy, monsters and angels after the discovery of an injured woman rocks Richard Mayhew’s monotonous world. His life soon takes unexpected twists and turns as he’s reminded of how interesting the world can be…if you know where to look.

Various dates and showtimes. Tickets are $20-$40. The Paul Sprenger Theatre: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 DC Shorts Film Festival If you’re a fan of film and supporting local artists achieve their dreams, this event is for you. If you’re not a fan of either one of those things, then you can’t sit with us. The DC Shorts Film Festival and Screenplay Competition is one of the largest showcases of short film in the U.S. Handpicked out of 1,500 submissions, only 130 of films have been selected, and you can see them all. With the mission to bring a world view to DC, you’re sure to find something you love in this showcase of short films selected from 31 nations and brought directly to you. Various dates, showtimes and ticket prices.

DC Shorts Film Festival: Various locations; www.dcshorts.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Bellydance Evolution’s Fantasm – Odyssey of Dreams Drift away into a world of fantasy at the Birchmere. Follow

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Native Gardens We all love a good drama, especially if it isn’t our own. Arena Stage’s Native Gardens is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in argumentative, one-upping, battle-of-the-neighbor fun, and all from the comfort of your seat! What happens when an incredibly pregnant woman and her hotshot lawyer husband move next door to DC natives with a penchant for prized lawns and build an obstructive fence that puts the Butleys’ yard in jeopardy? The clash of privilege and power, of course! Where do you draw the line, or the fence, so to speak? I guess you’ll have to show up and find out for yourself. Various dates and showtimes. Tickets start at $56. Kreeger Theatre at Arena Stage: 1101 6th St. SW, DC; www.arenastage.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes If you’ve ever wondered if Westley is as dreamy in real life as he is on film or if any drama went down between Buttercup and the crew for having to be immersed in lightning sand take after take, now’s your chance to find all of that out, and more.

Join Cary Elwes as he shares tales from filming, answers audience questions and most likely says “As you wish,” so the nerds in the crowd (i.e., me) can obsess over his love for his lady, compare their current partners to Westley and then feel deprived. Or something like that. Anyway, it’ll be a hit!

Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$55; VIP $125. Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. Bethesda, MD; www.strathmore.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

“I don't say he's a great man....

But he's a human being

The Wild Party Queenie and her lover Burrs get the party started in their Manhattan apartment, but a stranger in attendance named Black ignites the flames. Featuring gospel and vaudeville numbers and laced with the sounds of jazz, this musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for heat. Winner of the 2000 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, The Wild Party is sure to be just that. Various dates and showtimes. Tickets are $25-$55. Constellation Theatre Company: 1835 14th St. NW, DC; www.constellationtheatre.org

and a terrible thing is happening to him.

So attention must be paid.”

–From Death of a Salesman

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 The Lover and The Collection This one is for audiences who like to fill in deliberate gaps and create their own interpretations. The inimitable Shakespeare Theatre Company will be performing two Harold Pinter plays, famous for their ambiguity.

In The Lover, a man and a wife prepare to commit adultery.

In The Collection, a man confronts his wife's possible lover. Filled with silences and dialogue that only multiplies doubt, these two classics are sure to keep audiences debating and wondering long after the curtain closes. Showtimes and dates vary. Tickets start at $59. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre: 450 7th St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org

directed by Stephen Rayne

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Clue at Union Market Drive-In You know the board game where you fought with your brother about who would be Colonel Mustard and discovered he was the one who killed you with the candlestick and left you for dead in the kitchen?

I do. If you’ve ever wanted to watch this notorious board game come to life, here’s your opportunity. Starring our favorites from the 80s, this murder mystery/comedy hybrid is sure to be a hoot and a holler, because, surely, someone will die. Will it be you? Friday at 7:15 p.m., with lots opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Union Market: 1390 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com

Sept. 22-Oct. 22, 2017 Under 35 Night! Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Get $20 tickets with code* UNDER3518 Join us for complimentary drinks after the show.

Event Media Partner: Discount code also good for Tuesday-Friday performances throughout run.

*

www.fords.org

Tickets: (888) 616-0270 Photo of Craig Wallace, Thomas Keegan, Kimberly Schraf and Danny Gavigan by Scott Suchman. www.ontaponline.com | September 2017 | On Tap

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by

Trial Fire Woolly Mammoth Presents

The Arsonists

By Reem Nadeem

T

he roof, the roof, the roof is on fire. What are you going to do about it? Catchy beat now stuck in your head aside, this is the moral dilemma audiences will face at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company’s production of The Arsonists, an adaptation of Max Frisch’s 1950s comedy.

In DC through October 8, the classic play tells the story of Betterman, or Biedermann in the original, which translates to “everyman.”

Betterman is an upper middleclass business owner and respected citizen. When two people make their way into his attic, Betterman’s manners tell him to do his civic duty and be a Emily Townley (left) and Sue Jin Song (right) in The Arsonists Photos: Ben Gunderson polite host.

With the motivations of the arsonists remaining ambiguous, the But when these two not-so-mysterious guests make it increasingly play leaves room for interpretation. Director Michael John Garcés says clear that they intend to burn down Betterman’s house and the city he thinks Frisch himself would have pushed back a little on correlating as well – using Betterman’s home to store their drums of gasoline – The Arsonists directly with any particular movement in history.

Betterman finds himself oscillating between not believing they’ll “I think [Frisch] was writing about how society can allow the almost actually do it and thinking he’s too respectable to fall victim to flames. willful participants…or at least their blindness allows them to be active Rather than skewering people who commit evil, The Arsonists paints participants in the destruction of their society,” Garcés says. “Because a picture of complicity through complacency. Betterman isn’t a hero of the constraints of politeness and wanting to believe everything’s nor an outright villain – he’s just an everyman who hopes minding his going to be okay and all of the things that we do to keep the world own business will save him from the violence and chaos of the world. together – I think that makes it a relevant play always, really.”

Woolly Mammoth Artistic Director Howard Shalwitz will be playing Leaving the period open to interpretation is what keeps the play the role of Betterman, his first performance in about seven years. so relevant, but that’s not to say there aren’t uncanny resemblances According to Shalwitz, Betterman’s dilemma raises questions audience between the original play and today’s political climate. One of the members may be battling in their own lives.

skewering people who commit evil, The Arsonists paints a picture of complicity through complacency.

Rather than

“I think he’s a truly human character who is trying at every point to figure out how to do the right thing,” Shalwitz says. “He doesn’t succeed, but I think the audience should identify with his attempt to figure out how to stand up to the evil that walks through the door.”

The Arsonists is often interpreted as a critique of the rise of Nazism and Communism in Europe. But relating the play directly to a certain historical period or movement may not give enough credit to Frisch – or to people’s capacity for complacency.

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

arsonists reveals that he’s the son of a coalminer, a key segment of the population during the 2016 election in the U.S. The other arsonist, originally scripted as a man but played by a woman in Woolly’s adaptation, is a little more ambiguous as a member of the middleclass.

“We’re actually having a lot of dialogue about what [the arsonists’] motivations are and what their political alignment is, so sometimes the actors and the director have to fill in the interior story that’s not literally there in the text,” Shalwitz says.

Akeem Davis (left), Peter Howard (center) and José Joaquín Perez (right) in The Arsonists

Even though today’s social

and

political climate often feel like watching someone toss a lit cigarette into dry California woods in slow motion, this production is meant to be a

provocation to reflect rather than a statement.

Even though today’s social and political climate often feel like watching someone toss a lit cigarette into dry California woods in slow motion, this production is meant to be a provocation to reflect rather than a statement. No one wants to attend a performance that feels like a sermon, and the team at Woolly Mammoth are certainly not delivering one. “[Frisch] talks about the goal of theatre as being to provoke conversation [and] struggle in the mind of the audience, but not to lead them or dictate to them any kind of specific meaning,” Shalwitz says.

And the play will give audiences a lot to think about, even if it doesn’t take a specific side or discuss a certain historical period.

“The conversation that we want to provoke is: what are the possibilities of intervention?” Shalwitz continues. “What alternative steps could Betterman have taken? If you choose to intervene today in what’s going on, how could you do it? We’ll be inviting a lot of people to contribute to that dialogue as well.”

A great performance prompts conversation, and the Woolly Mammoth team won’t leave audiences without an outlet. On September 12, audiences can attend the Burn Party. For a $20 ticket, you can enjoy a preshow party complete with cocktails, spicy snacks and ample opportunity to argue about interpretations of the play.

Performances of The Arsonists run from September 5 to October 8 at Woolly Mammoth. Showtimes vary, and tickets start at $20 and can be purchased online.

Wednesday, October 18 Friday, October 27

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company: 641 D St. NW, DC 202-393-3939; www.woollymammoth.net www.ontaponline.com | September 2017 | On Tap

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is in

Session

on

By Courtney Sext

A

h, September. Time for everyone who attempted to escape the humidity for the summer to return to the city. Time for football and crab cakes. Time for Oktoberfests and biergartens. And yes, time for school.

The District has bid farewell to our summer interns and welcomed back the scores of students from all over the world enrolled in the 70 or so colleges within 50 miles of Washington. But it’s not just university pupils hitting the books, as it were. DC ranks as the most educated city in America according to a 2016 Washington Post article, and it appears that many residents are lifelong students in a wide variety of subjects.

Outside of the traditional education realm, several organizations and cooperatives around the DMV offer opportunities that cater to our collective desire to keep learning more about everything from dead languages to literature and liquor to macramé – and to have some fun while doing it. Read on to check out just a few of the many ways you can get your learn on this fall.

Photo: Courtesy of Global Language Network

Photo: Courtesy of IVY

GLOBAL LANGUAGE NETWORK

IVY: THE SOCIAL UNIVERSITY

The GLN is unique in DC’s educational scene because it’s a nonprofit organization with a mission to “use language as a tool to help fix our world.” Founder Andrew Brown says the organization achieves its mission by “empowering individuals through language education and communication.”

“We basically tapped into the idea that regardless of their background, everyone needs and relies on communication,” Brown says. “So that’s our goal, helping people become better communicators. And the first step in that is speaking the other person’s language.”

GLN offers classes in more than 60 languages at minimal cost, made possible by the fact that teachers and instructors are largely volunteers who “are excited about the language and culture and want to share it,” Brown says. The network also focuses on leadership-building skills for those volunteer instructors.

While you can take common language classes like French, Spanish and Italian through GLN, the organization is the only one in the country that teaches Burmese, and this fall will be the only to teach Balochi. So, even if you’re not looking to try your tongue at Nepali, enrolling in any of GLN’s classes helps to keep diverse languages, and in turn their cultures, alive.

IVY is geared toward 25 to 45-year-olds who are seeking both networking opportunities outside of work and educational stimulation beyond their time in school – so basically the average Washingtonian. Gaining membership in IVY isn’t as exclusive as the Ivy League, but you can’t just walk in, either. Each prospective member is interviewed prior to joining to ensure they are committed to supporting the ideas and goals of fellow members with a passion for lifelong communal growing and learning.

“We host events, talks and excursions focusing on politics, business, arts and culture, and seminars in personal growth,” says communications director Tyler Marcus. IVY has chapters around the country, so the experience is somewhat different in each city. In DC for example, 20-person dinners with thought leaders in various fields are balanced by river tubing in Harper’s Ferry and volunteer projects with groups like Upwardly Global, which helps immigrants and refugees on their career paths. Marcus is excited about a members-only private dance performance by the Washington Ballet happening this month.

“Our goal is to create opportunities for members to socialize and meet new people, but to do so while learning something that they didn’t know before,” he says.

www.thegln.org

www.ivy.com

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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

LITTLE ACADEMY Founded by Chris Maier and the rest of the crew who bring the monthly Little Salon events to various locations around DC, Little Academy – “for DC’s curious class” – is a series of one-off workshops that take place in bars and encourage participants to flex their mind muscles while maybe also trying to impress a date.

Taught by local subject area experts and enthusiasts, the classes are one night each, last for two hours and cost $20 to attend. This summer’s Little Academy curriculum included such course titles as “Kissed by a Rose: The Gender Politics of the Bachelor,” “Charting Our City: Mapping the Secrets of Hidden DC” and “American Lyrics, American Spirits: Poets and the Drinks that Fueled Them.”

If these strike your mind’s fancy, keep an eye on the Little Academy website for information about upcoming fall classes.

Photo: Little Academy’s Facebook page

KNOWLEDGE COMMONS

Photo: KCDC’s Facebook page

www.littleacademydc.com

THE LEMON COLLECTIVE

Photo: Jeffrey Martini

Launched in 2011, Knowledge Commons is one of DC’s first communal learning organizations. KCDC started as an art project out of Anacostia’s Honfleur Gallery, and has since grown into DC’s “neighborhood experiment in teaching and learning.”

The goal of KCDC is to “form community through common interests and skills,” and over the past six years, it has offered more than 700 classes for free. Most classes are single one to three-hour sessions, but more long-form courses are on the table as well. The organization encourages volunteers who want to teach to submit proposals for “classes so wacky that no formal institution would ever offer them, except maybe Oberlin.”

What does that look like? Well, some past and current titles might give you an idea: The Economics of Space Exploration; Future Funk Ready: DCPL Music Resources for Funk and Beyond; Exploratory Jogging: Chasing Waterfalls; It’s Alive! Brewing and Bottling Your Own Kombucha; and Explain Yourself! A Critical Look at Our Identities through Social Media Posting, just to name a few.

The all-around classy and cool ladies of The Lemon Collective, formerly The Lemon Bowl, have cultivated a community and physical space that is part shared workspace, part DIY skill-building and part creative entrepreneurship experiment. Cofounder Linny Giffin, a fiber artist and interior decorator, says when scheduling classes at the Collective, she and the rest of the team “try to keep it open so that our lineup appeals to who we are.”

“We’re 30-something women whose interests are all over the place – in a good way,” Giffin says.

The Collective hosts workshops that vary from craft to business classes, like marketing, podcasting, journalism and astrology.

“We try to invite people who are experts in their field to come and teach,” she adds.

Giffin is excited about a current renovation of the space, allowing the group to “fit more people and reach out to new teachers to keep making it exciting and fresh.” Keep an eye out for the crystalhealing workshop coming up this fall.

www.knowledgecommonsdc.org

www.wearethelemoncollective.com www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 | ON TAP

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Join National Geographic for special monthly happy hours that feature live stories from Nat Geo explorers and interactive activities.

Tickets start at $20.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

THUR, SEPTEMBER 21

GALÁPAGOS Known for inspiring Darwinʼs theory of evolution by natural selection, the unique and diverse species of the Galápagos Islands are facing new challenges to adapt. On this Nat Geo Night, discover the remarkable islands—and the threats they face— with marine ecologist PELAYO SALINAS DE LEÓN and Emmy Award– winning filmmaker GREG MARSHALL.

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

HAPPY HOUR | 5:30 - 8:00 PM

PHOTO: PELAYO SALINAS DE LEÓN

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Live! Concert Series on the Plaza From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment in a cool, open-air atmosphere. Through September 29, enjoy free lunchtime performances featuring world-renowned entertainers in a variety of flavors, such as reggae, country, Latin jazz, go-go and mariachi.

There is plenty of outdoor seating so take the Metro, grab lunch from the food court and spend the afternoon grooving.

12-1 p.m. Free admission.

Ronald Reagan Building: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.itcdc.com Tysons Corner Glow Series: Cornhole It’s time for Tysons Corner to #GlowUp. That’s right, DC Fray is expanding, and they're bringing

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

the coolest concepts to Tysons Corner with the Fall Glow Series.

They're kicking off with one of your favorite outdoor activities – cornhole. Join them for the Glow Cornhole Tournament at VALO Park. It’s just like playing cornhole in your backyard, only glowing with more awesomeness. 6:30 p.m. $100 per team of 10. Valo Park: 7950 Jones Branch Dr. McLean, VA; www.dcfray.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Cocktails + Craft: Hemingway Daiquiris and Finding Your People Attend a collage workshop where you'll share stories about the journey of finding your people in DC. Learn how to make a Hemingway daiquiri, featuring locallymade ingredients and enjoy the basics of collage making.

You'll go home with your own vision board to inspire you to get out there and find your

Experience Gaylord National’s VIP Das Best OktoberFest Package and Enjoy Traditional German Music, Food and Beer.

Experience the Das Best OktoberFest in National Harbor, Maryland with this exclusive VIP Package. Enjoy live music, VIP access, a one-night stay at Gaylord National Resort and more!

Gaylord National Resort’s exclusive VIP Das Best OktoberFest Package includes: • 1-Night Room Accommodations on September 30

• Souvenir Tasting Glass

• 2 One-Day Das Best OktoberFest VIP tickets for Saturday, September 30

• Unlimited All You Care to Taste Beer, Wine and Schnapps Sampling

• Specialty VIP Beer Samplings

• VIP Access from 11am – 5pm

GaylordNational.com or call 301.965.4000 ( refer to code YQ7 ) **Valid September 30 2017. Limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Applicable tax, resort fee and parking additional. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Limit (1) one resort credit per stay. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations required. Other restrictions apply. Rates are per room, per night, double occupancy and based on availability at time of reservation.

17-GN-2407GN On Tap Oktoberfest 2017 Print Ad.indd 1

6/28/17 3:28 PM

people. Please bring along something that represents you and the types of friends you're hoping will come into your life. 6-8 p.m. $45. Steadfast Supply: 300 Tingey St. SE, DC; www.steadfastsupplydc.com Phillips After 5: Treat Yourself After a busy summer, treat yourself to a calming evening at the Phillips. Listen to the relaxing sounds of Tabla for Two, participate in a meditation class with Take Five Meditation, or Zen out with mindful coloring and drawing. 5-8:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $10-$12. Phillips Collection: 1600 21st St. NW, DC; www.phillipscollection.org Pups in the Park: Nationals vs.

Phillies Back by "pup"ular demand.

Purchase a discounted ticket for you, your family and your favorite family pet. Proceeds from your pup's ticket will benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. 7:05-11:05 p.m. Dog tickets cost $10, owners' tickets cost $30. Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, DC; www.mlb.com Tasting Club: Chocolate You may not be surprised to learn that chocolate’s botanical name, Theobroma cacao, means “food of the gods.” A heavenly food indeed, with its velvety-smooth mouthfeel and rich, intense flavor. Nothing compares. Become a true chocoholic. 7-9 p.m. Tickets cost $45. Workhouse Arts Center: 9601 Ox Rd. Lorton, VA; www.workhousearts.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 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 your daisy dukes, grab your cowboy hats and flannel because it’s time to saddle up to the best bars on U Street. 2-10 p.m. Tickets cost $15-$30. DC Country Crawl: U Street in NW, DC; www.dccountrycrawl.com

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DC Wine Fest The much-loved fall edition of the DC Wine Fest returns at a new venue. Sample premium varietals from some of the best wineries, all while music performers keep the party lively during this all-day, all-night wine experience. 12-10 p.m.

Tickets cost $35. National Union Building: 918 F St. NW, DC; www.dcwinefest.com The Hand-Crafted Mixologist Take your cocktail party to the next level. In this oneday workshop, learn how to create special, signature drinks sure to wow your guests and friends. This is a great class for groups, friends and couples. 7 p.m. Tickets cost $45. Workhouse Arts Center: 9601 Ox Rd. Lorton, VA; www.workhousearts.org Honey Groove Fest Honey Groove is a festival that celebrates LGBTQ performing artists, visual artists, creatives and entrepreneurs. The festival features performing artists, DJs, live painting, vendors, food trucks, 2,000 attendees, buttons and lots of twerking. 2-10 p.m. Tickets cost $60. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.honeygroovedc.com VinoFest Wine and Music Festival The fourth annual VinoFest Wine and Music Festival presented by City Winery returns to DC. Enjoy tastings of 40-plus wines and cocktails from Ivy City distilleries during a concert headlined by electro-funk duo Chromeo and soul singer Allen Stone, all while chowing down on bites from favorite restaurants like Ivy City Smokehouse and Timber Pizza.

2-10 p.m. Tickets are $49-$150.

VinoFest: 1350 Okie St. NE, DC; www.cityvinofest.com Shark Bites & Brews Get ready for an afternoon of wild fun along the waterfront.

Ride the mechanical great white shark, sample a pint or two in the waterfront beer and wine garden, and listen

On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

to some of the area’s best live music while exploring the many other games and activities at The Wharf. 3-6 p.m. Free to attend. Gangplank Marina Park: 600 Water St. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Early Fall Opening Mix and mingle with artists, curators and fellow museum patrons at the opening of six new exhibitions. Free parking in the Katzen Arts Center garage.

New exhibitions include: "Tethered to the Cradle: Kinetic Work by Christopher Carter" on view in the sculpture garden; large-scale narrative paintings in "William Woodward: The Seven Deadly Sins" and more.

6-9 p.m. Free admission.

American University Meseum at the Katzen Arts Center: 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; www.american.edu Harper Macaw Factory Tour The tours provide an in-depth overview of the company, sourcing and the entire chocolate-making process in DC. Tours last about one hour and include a chocolate tasting at the end. It is recommended that all guests be over eight years old for safety reasons and due to the degree of technical content covered. Tours are on a first-come-first-served basis for guests who do not reserve a spot in advance online. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Harper Macaw: 3160 Bladensburg Rd. NE, DC; www.harpermacaw.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Adams Morgan Day Now in its 39th year, Adams Morgan Day is DC's longest running neighborhood festival.

Adams Morgan Day 2017 will be a family-friendly celebration with music, art and activities for all ages. Residents and visitors alike are welcome to meet our neighborhood businesses, artists and service

organizations. 12-6 p.m. Free admission. Adams Morgan Day: 18th Street in NW, DC; www.adamsmorganday2017.com Takoma Park Folk Festival Since its inception in 1978, the Takoma Park Folk Festival has been a community affair, organized by volunteers from the Takoma Park area. Seven stages of music and dance showcasing folk across countries and music of all eras, plus art and crafts, community tables, kids' activities, international food and more. 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Free admission. Takoma Park Middle School: 7611 Piney Branch Rd. Takoma Park, MD; www.tpff.org

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Georgetown Sunset Cinema: Erin Brockovich This summer's lineup honored Women in Film by featuring iconic movies with strong female leads and story lines, from comedies to inspirational dramas. Grab a blanket, bring a picnic and head to the beautiful Georgetown Waterfront Park to view films with the panoramic backdrop of the sunset, Potomac River and Key Bridge. 7 p.m. Free admission.

Georgetown Waterfront Park: 3303 Water St. NW, DC; www.georgetowndc.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Storytelling Boot Camp Look at your past in a new way, find the funny in your life experiences, command an audience, overcome stage-fright and make new friends in Story District’s one-day boot camp. This class helps students discover and perform stories based on their real-life experience. The 101 course culminates in a stage performance for family and friends. 6:30-8 p.m. Free admission with RSVP. Story District: 3329 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.storydistrict.org

EVERY CLIMB DESERVES A REFRESHING FINISH

©2016 COORS BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 90s Bar Crawl Remember AIM? Remember the Ninja Turtles? Remember when you were cool, back in the 90s?

As if! Here’s a chance to redeem yourself. Relive the glory days at the 90s Bar Crawl. Lace up your LA Gears, slap on your bracelets and saddle up your Furbies. Let’s take on Washington DC, 90s style. The nation’s largest 90s event will take place this fall. A ticket will get you a signature bar crawl cup, a “welcome” beer at registration, drink specials at numerous DC bars, 90s music at participating establishments and an amazing crowd of 90s kids celebrating the best of the 90s. 2-5 p.m. Tickets start at $20.

90s Bar Crawl: Various bars in DC; www.90sbarcrawl.com Barbecue Boot Camp with Pitmaster Andrew Evans Classes highlight the wideranging possibilities of cooking on a grill or in a smoker. On the menu: smoked chicken wings and ribs, served with beans and slaw. Evans will guide you through the entire process of cooking ribs – from choosing the best cut to glazing. He will use at least two different methods for cooking ribs: the classic Texas Crutch and the “hot and fast” approach.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tickets cost $85. Hill Center DC: 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC; www.hillcenterdc.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 15th Annual King Street Art Festival The King Street Art Festival transforms the city’s historic main street into a world-class outdoor art gallery. Festival booths will line King Street between Washington and Union streets, featuring over six blocks of artwork by more than 200 artists. At this community festival, art enthusiasts discover spectacular paintings, life-size sculptures, jewelry, photography, ceramics and

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more, offering extraordinary art for every taste. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday. Free admission. King Street: 480 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.artfestival.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 The Color Run 5K Your dreams are about to get more colorful, DC. Step into a world where anything is possible, unicorns are real, and foam clouds make everything better. 9 a.m. Tickets cost $49.99. National Harbor: 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; www.thecolorrun.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 DC Trivia Night Test your local DC knowledge at Trivia Night. Gather your team or play solo and prepare to give your brain an entertaining workout for the chance to win awesome prizes. 7-10 p.m. Free admission. Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garden: 1216 18th St. NW, DC; www.saufhausdc.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 VetsAid VetsAid, the first annual concert to support veterans and their families, is sponsored by Grammy Award winner Joe Walsh. Charitable partners that will benefit from this year’s concert include Operation Mend, Hire Heroes USA, Warrior Canine Connection and Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, among others.

Performers include Zac Brown Band, Gary Clark Jr., Keith Urban and Joe Walsh. Concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $54-$154.

EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir. Fairfax, VA; www.vetsaid.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 CHALK4PEACE Show the world what peace means to you. Join the group as they draw the world together with chalk. All are invited. Come meet team CHALK4PEACE, who will all

On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

be there to encourage a more peaceful world through art.

What a fabulous setting to have this event on the International Day of Peace. 12-6 p.m. Free admission. Busboys and Poets: 2021 14th St. NW, DC; www.busboysandpoets.com Nat Geo Nights: Galápagos Known for inspiring Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, the unique and diverse species of the Galápagos Islands are facing new challenges to adapt. On this Nat Geo Night, discover the remarkable islands – and the threats they face – with marine ecologist Pelayo Salinas de León and Emmy Awardwinning filmmaker Greg Marshall. 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $20. National Geographic Museum: 1145 17th St. NW, DC; www.nationalgeographic.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 and 28 Rosslyn BID Bonfire Concerts Enjoy the sounds of music and lounge by the bonfire pit at Gateway Park West. Seasonal brews, ciders and wine will be available for purchase.

Every week, there will also be a different fashion truck at the event. Have a taste of autumn with delicious warm donuts from Mama’s Donut Bites. On September 21, the Trailer Grass Orchestra will perform, and on September 28, Scott Kurt & Memphis 59 will take the stage. 6-8 p.m.

Free to attend. Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Truckeroo Truckeroo is a monthly festival held at the Fairgrounds that showcases the hottest food trucks in the DC area. Truckeroo is a family-friendly event and features live music, cold drinks, games and more. 4-11 p.m. Free admission. The Fairgrounds: 1299 Half St. SE, DC; www.thebullpendc.com

Rosslyn BID Bonfire Concerts Enjoy the sounds of music and lounge by the bonfire pit at Gateway Park West. Seasonal brews, ciders and wine will be available for purchase. Every week, there will also be a different fashion truck at the event. Have a taste of autumn with delicious warm donuts from Mama’s Donut Bites. On September 21, the Trailer Grass Orchestra will perform, and on September 28, Scott Kurt & Memphis 59 will take the stage. 6-8 p.m. Free to attend.

Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Bridges of Washington by Boat DC's bridges, monuments, and scenery are best seen from the Potomac. This guided tour will depart from Georgetown aboard the Harbour Belle and focus on bridges, past and present, as they contribute to the evolution of DC, its transportation needs and its grand plan. Ticket includes guided tour, light food and beverages. 3:30-6 p.m. Tickets cost $100. DC Preservation League: 1221 Connecticut Ave. Ste. 5A, NW, DC; www.dcpreservation.org History Happy Hour: Culinary Cocktails Pairing food and drink has long been an exciting challenge for creators of both. Join Derek Brown for an exploration of the evolving world of culinary cocktails, where kitchen ingredients meet innovative libations. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., tastings begin at 2:45 p.m. and the panel discussion will begin at 3:30 p.m. Tickets cost $50-$60. National Archives Building: 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.archives.gov

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Annual Turkish Festival Enjoy a full day of free activities that range from

Join us for a day of local craft beer, food, live music and fun.

When: September 16, 2017, indoor/outdoor - rain or shine Where: 14140 Parke Long Ct, Chantilly, VA 20151 Benefits: K9 For Warriors and VAVETS

$10 (online by Sept 15) $15 (at the gate) For tickets and info visit www.msbrewing.com a part of Presented by

Sponsored By

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Participating Breweries

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Saturday & Sunday Brunch

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

lively folk dancing and musical performances to arts and crafts activities for children and adults. Visitors will enjoy other much-loved aspects of Turkey such as its delicious cuisine, traditional coffee fortune reading and a bustling bazaar.

The festival brings together a wide range of artists and more than 25,000 Washingtonians in an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and leads to engaging interactions.

Freedom Plaza: 1400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.turkishfestival.org DC State Fair While the DC State Fair is inspired by time-honored state fair traditions – growing and gardening, animal husbandry, and deep-fried foods – it also honors the things that make DC unique. This means the DC State Fair holds competitions to find the best pupusas, mumbo sauce, and Double Dutch jumpers in the city, puts on a pet parade instead of a pig race, and works with local businesses and organizations that are committed to helping our community thrive. 11 a.m. 8 p.m. Waterfront-SEU Station: 375 and 425 M St. in SW, DC; www.dcstatefair.org Sunset for Dancers When it's nice out, over 100 people gather each Sunday to enjoy music in the most beautiful outdoor setting. It's a great opportunity to learn, practice or watch exciting Latin, Brazilian, French Caribbean and African partner dances.

6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10.

Georgetown Waterfront Park: 3300 Water St. NW, DC; www. georgetownwaterfrontpark.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Black Owned Wine and Spirits Festival Never before has there been an opportunity where AfricanAmerican owned spirit, wine,

and beer brands have been unified in one place for a single common ground. Enjoy a day of live entertainment, craft cocktails and tastings, delicious cuisine, shopping for unique items and more. The festival will also introduce new brands to the market, and present a unique opportunity to taste and experience new wines, beers, spirits and gourmet cuisine. 2-8 p.m. Tickets start at $55. The Showroom: 1099 14th St. NW, DC; www. blackownedspiritsfestival.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Sixth Annual Wiener 500 It's the sixth annual Wiener 500 dachshund dash, DC's funniest Oktoberfest party!

Don’t miss beer, food, live music and of course, the races, shown on a 17-foot jumbotron screen. Get in on all the action by entering your dog to race, with all proceeds benefitting the Humane Rescue Alliance. Race your dogs on our race track – a 50foot piece of AstroTurf – and you could be going home with cash in your pocket.

Registration will begin at 1 p.m. Dogs will race in heats of up to eight dogs each, with a championship race for the winners of each of the heats.

First prize is $150, second place is $100 and third place is $50. Starts at 1 p.m. Free to attend; $25 to register a dog.

Yards Park: 355 Water St. SE, DC; www.wiener500.com

where DC meets the

shark Get ready for an afternoon of wild fun along the waterfront. Ride the mechanical great white shark. Swim like a mermaid. Sample a pint or two in our Waterfront Beer & Wine Garden. And listen to some of the area’s best live music while you explore the many other games and activities at The Wharf.

GAMES

LIVE MUSIC

Mechanical Shark / Shark Races / KanJam / Cornhole

Practically Einstein

CONTESTS

End-of-Summer and Shark-Themed

Mermaid Race / Shark Relay Race /

Beers in the Beer Garden* / Fish Fry and King Ribs BBQ / Lobster Rolls from Red Hook Lobster

Shark-Bite Doughnut Eating Contest PRIZES

Gift Cards from Cantina Marina / YETI Coolers / And More

FOOD & DRINK

*Drink tickets will be available for purchase to consume alcoholic beverages.

WHARFDC.COM All summer activities and waterfront live music are FREE and produced by Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, developers of The Wharf. When complete, The Wharf will feature approximately three million square feet of new residential, office, hotel, retail, cultural, and public spaces including waterfront parks, promenades, piers, and docks. The Wharf is within four blocks of the L’ Enfant Plaza and Waterfront Metrorail stops. Capital BikeShare is conveniently located throughout the neighborhood.

Saturday, September 9 3:00–6:00pm At Gangplank Marina Park 600 Water Street SW

LOCAL

Edition

By Kayla Marsh

1. UVA’s official mascot is the Cavaliers, but students unofficially adopted the Wahoo as its second mascot after opposing fans used it as an insult at a football game. Legend has it that the wahoo fish can drink its weight in water.

3. The Baltimore Ravens have two Super Bowl wins, and the Redskins have three.

2. NFLfamous twins Tiki and Ronde Barber both played at UVA.

4. Virginia Tech has won every game played against UVA since 2004.

7. The Washington Redskins were originally the Boston Braves, but relocated to DC in 1937, where they won their first championship that same year.

5. Steelers linebacker and Virginia native Arthur Moats played football at JMU, and was drafted into the NFL in 2010 to the Buffalo Bills.

8. There are three FBS teams in Virginia: UVA, Virginia Tech and ODU.

10. RFK Stadium was the first major stadium designed for both football and baseball, and home to the Redskins from 1961 to 1996.

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6. Redskins safety DeAngelo Hall played at Virginia Tech and, like Moats, is from Virginia.

9. There are 26 colleges in Virginia with football teams.

Facts courtesy of the following articles: #1: www.dailyorange.com/2016/03/10-fun-facts-about-virginia/ #2: www.news.virginia.edu/content/ronde-barbers-bond-uva-remains-strong/ #3: www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-redskins-rivalry-20161006-story.html #4: www.winsipedia.com/virginia-tech/vs/virginia/ #5: www.jmusports.com/news/2015/11/18/DukeClub_1118155147.aspx #6: www.nfl.com/player/deangelohall/2506108/profile #7: www.247sports.com/Gallery/10-Oldest-Franchises-in-the-NFL-37890708/GallerySlides/179391 and www.iqfb.com/nfl/washington-redskins/ #8: www.sportmapworld.com/map/college-football/usa/ncaa-division-i-fbs-football/ #9: www.prwolfe.bol.ucla.edu/cfootball/LinksList.html#VA #10: www.iqfb.com/little-known-facts/16-fun-facts-about-rfk-stadium-in-washington-d.c./ and www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8464699/washington-redskins-former-home-rfk-stadium-rich-history-espn-magazine

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DOUG WILLIAMS Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Redskins

By Michael Coleman Doug Williams doesn’t have a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame yet, but he’s a bona fide NFL legend nonetheless, especially among Washington Redskins fans. The Grambling State University alum became the first black quarterback to reach professional football’s pinnacle in 1988 when he engineered an upset 42-10 victory against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII, becoming the game’s most valuable player and an enduring reminder of the Redskins’ glory years.

In the quarter-century since Williams retired from football’s playing field, he has remained firmly entrenched in the game, burnishing his reputation as a winner – first as head coach at the college level and then as a scouting director for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2011, Redskins owner Dan Snyder – perhaps aiming to recapture the winning spark that Williams brought to the franchise all those years ago – offered him a job as a talent evaluator in the team’s front office. Williams did well, helping to assemble a solid core of veterans and younger players who improved the team on both sides of the ball.

When former Redskins General Manager Scot McLoughlin left the team under controversy in the off-season, Snyder and Redskins President Bruce Allen decided to eliminate the GM position and elevate Williams to senior vice president of player personnel, a lofty perch that gives him control over critical elements of the front office. During the Redskins’ training camp in Richmond in August, On Tap talked with Williams about his new role and his approach to one of the most unique jobs in the NFL.

On Tap: Your permanent office is a couple of hours away at the team’s headquarters in Ashburn, but today you’re out here under the hot sun watching your team get ready for the 2017 season. How would you describe your new role with the Redskins?

Doug Williams: The good thing about it is we don’t have the title of general manager anymore. A lot of the things [McLoughlin] was in charge of, that’s me now. I don’t deal with the strength coach, I don’t deal with the equipment manager and I don’t deal with the

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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

trainer. But everything else, I’m a part of. My job is to look over the personnel department and make sure we have a great department with the guys in there. And I think we do.

OT: What’s the most important element of an effective front office responsible for assembling a winning team on the field?

DW: Continuity. We’ve been together here for a few years now, and some a little longer, and I think we have a good team. Even with our road scouts and bringing [eight-year

Redskins front office veteran] Kyle Smith up as the new director of college scouting and [16-year Redskins veteran] Tim Gribble as the assistant, we still maintained continuity. We added a couple of new pieces, but we’re kind of like a football team. You bring in pieces to fit the puzzle. My job is to make sure when we are out on the road, whether it’s the road scout or the free agent market scout, we try to find the best talent that we can for this football team. We’ll always be in the market for the best football player.

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Can’t Live Without The good Lord Food and air Family My job OT: As a longtime talent scout, who among the rookies are you most excited about this season?

DW: I’m excited about all of them, but all eyes are going to be on [first-round draft pick and defensive end] Jonathan Allen.

You’ve got [linebackers] Ryan Anderson and Hardy Nickerson. I think Anderson, who had a great career at Alabama, is going to come in and give us some depth. But we’re looking to Jonathan Allen [also a college standout at Alabama] to come in and just be who he is.

OT: When you look at the team as a whole from a scouting perspective, what is the most important piece of the puzzle?

DW: When are you are building a football team, to me, it’s very important to start from inside out. And I say that from the trenches – on both sides of the trenches, whether it’s O-line or D-line. If you can build your offensive and defensive lines, you can work around the other pieces of the puzzle. If you’ve got that offensive line, you give your quarterback a chance to stand up.

OT: Aside from raw physical talent, what do you look for in a player?

DW: Mental toughness, character and passion. You want them coming hard at practice! There ain’t nothing like coming to practice, and you have guys who love to practice because the hardest part of the game is coming to practice. Sunday is supposed to be fun. If you bring that passion

Photo: Washington Redskins’ official Facebook page

Must-Have Items Blue jeans Polo shirts Flip-flops and attitude to the practice field and have great days, you look at those guys and see it.

OT: How do you assess that?

DW: We go in the back room and we watch tapes. It’s about finishing plays. We watch how a guy finishes plays and moves around, and it’s those types of things that inform you as a personnel coach or whatever.

On Tap: What’s the missing ingredient to help the Redskins get back to the Super Bowl?

DW: No doubt about it – it’s getting to the

playoffs. When you get there, strange things can happen. But you’ve got to get there.

We were on the verge last year and we made it the year before, but we’ve got to be consistent. If we can get [over] the hump and get to the playoffs, I think we’ve got the talent to compete with any team in this league.

OT: What does it mean to you to be a Redskins legend and the only black quarterback to win a Super Bowl?

DW: It’s when I come across a guy in his late 60s or 70s and he says, “Man, that day…” They don’t have to say anymore.

I’m fortunate to be that guy. It could have been somebody else, but it was me, and I appreciate that [I] was given the opportunity to do that.

Learn more about the Redskins and the team’s 2017 season at www.redskins.com.

REdskins Essentials A watch to make sure I get to work on time Film A screen A computer and tablets to work with An office Photo: Washington Redskins’ official Facebook page

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

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By Michael Coleman f anyone doubts the Washington Redskins’ decision to make Josh Norman the highest-paid cornerback in the National Football League, it’s certainly not Coach Jay Gruden.

The plain-spoken head coach told On Tap during the team’s training camp in Richmond that despite signing a whopping five-year, $75 million deal in 2016, Norman shows no signs of complacency and routinely works harder than anyone on the team.

“He’s a great player and leader for us,” Gruden said. “When you sign a contract like Josh signed, the other players can take it a couple of different ways. But when they see how hard he works and how hard he prepares before and after practice, and they see him with a soccer ball, his work ethic just rubs off on everybody.”

Wait, what – a soccer ball? Sure enough, when On Tap caught up with Norman after practice, the team’s marquee defensive player nonchalantly dribbled a red, white and green soccer ball off the football field. Asked to explain, Norman smiled and said it’s just another way to improve his football – not futball – game.

“It’s about footwork and disciplining your feet – always having something on your foot moving around,” he explained.

The unorthodox approach and tireless work ethic seem to be paying off for the high-dollar cover corner, and not just at the bank.

Norman made the Pro Bowl in 2015, and despite failing to repeat the achievement in 2016 (at least in part because of a weaker defensive supporting cast), he remains one of the most respected cornerbacks in the NFL. Although he didn’t make the Pro Bowl last year, Norman said he thinks 2016 was his best season yet. Redskins coaches routinely asked the South Carolina native to cover the league’s toughest receivers, including the Giants’ Odell Beckham and the Cowboys’ Dez Bryant.

Norman rarely came up on the losing end of those matchups.

A Coastal Carolina University alum, Norman was once viewed as a marginal pro football prospect. That’s undoubtedly part of why

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Photos: George Tamon

the sixth-year pro is regularly the last guy off the practice field and voracious in the film room, devouring video of opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers in an effort to learn their tendencies and fine-tune his timing and instinct for the ball.

“Wherever I am on a list [of pro cornerbacks], I really don’t care because I rose from the bottom to the top,” he said. “I’m a boss at my position. Just ask the receivers I go against. I’ve been everything you can be as a defensive back, and the only thing that I’m lacking now is a Super Bowl.”

Photos: Courtesy of the Washington Redskins

Winning a Super Bowl, of course, is the ultimate goal in the NFL. So, what do the Redskins – who made the playoffs in 2015 and then missed them in 2016 – have to do to not only get back to the postseason, but ultimately attain football’s holy grail?

“We have to play sound, disciplined football with everybody doing their job,” Norman said. “It’s the offensive line coming off the football, the defensive line playing with gap integrity [filling gaps in the offensive line], linebackers coming downhill [rushing toward the ball carriers], and safeties and corners breaking on the ball. Those are the key components of winning any football game, and if we focus on that, we’ll go far.”

Norman also warned his teammates against complacency.

“We have to always outwork ourselves and our opponents,” the 29-year-old player said. “We can’t have that lull, that lax, in our brains where we say, ‘This is just a game,’ and we can roll over and just win by a field goal or seven points. We have to treat every game as if it was our last, and by having that mentality and being aggressive, we’ll be fine.”

Speaking of being aggressive, Redskins Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky plans to use the blitz more this season, allowing Norman to play off the ball and take advantage of his natural instincts.

“I like being aggressive,” Norman said. “I play a style of defense that knows this aggressive blitzing mentality. It causes multiple turnovers and big plays. We’ll see how it plays out in the games.”

When Norman isn’t studying film, or practicing with his teammates, he can often be found working with his charity Starz24, a reflection of his jersey number. The charitable, nonprofit organization works with youth in underprivileged communities to encourage healthy and active lifestyles, while providing good role models and mentoring. Norman launched the charity during his three-year stint with the Carolina Panthers, and relocated it to Washington when he took a job with the Redskins three years ago.

“When I first got drafted, my hometown [of Greenwood, South Carolina] was dealing with some pretty grim statistics,” he recalled. “We were

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

pretty high up there with violent crimes and other negative statistics that prompted me to do something about it.”

Norman said he knew he wanted to address some of the heaviest issues faced by the Greenwood community.

“We are newly active in the DC area, as we just launched publicly in DC. There are challenges that come with any region. There are pros and cons, but I see the entry into the DC market as an exciting next step for us.”

The celebrity football player said Starz24 is more meaningful to him than he can explain.

“I believe that [for] those who are given much, much is required,” he said. “It means something when I am able to help do my part to better the lives of others. That’s what it’s all about, and that’s what I’m all about.”

Learn more about Starz24 at www.starz24.org, and the Redskins’ 2017 season at www.redskins.com.

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WHERE TO WATCH DMV FOOTBALL

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By Kayla Marsh

ootball season is back! It’s time to rock our oversized jerseys, grub on the best American bar food, and hang out with a crowd to support our favorite college and NFL teams. The DMV has endless options for where to catch the game, but we’ve narrowed it down to 10 spots on our radar this season. Read on to learn about these spots and their drink specials, high-quality TV setups, team allegiances and more.

Penn Social

Photo: Courtesy of Penn Social

10 TAVERN Drink specials: $5 craft pints, $5 cocktails, $4 domestic drafts/bottles, $6 wine Teams: All DC and Maryland teams This new, upscale sports bar is entering its first NFL season, and the 10 Tavern team is hoping the flood of Caps fans that took advantage of over 30 TVs during hockey season turns into an excited football crowd this fall. 10 Tavern is all about happy hour, which goes practically all day, from 11:30 a.m. to 7:10 p.m., and includes $5 craft pints and cocktails, and $4 domestic drafts and bottles. The Chinatown spot recently participated in the DC Burger Battle at Hill Country Backyard Barbecue, so it’s no secret that the food is high quality. The bar is still working on updating its food specials menu. “We are a scratch kitchen sports bar, we don’t have your typical bar food,” says general manager Jackie Carlton.

707 G St. NW, DC; www.10tavern.com

10 Tavern

Photo: Courtesy of 10 Tavern

BLACKFINN AMERIPUB

CHAMPPS

Drink specials: $22-$30 draft towers, $18 Guinness Blonde buckets (six bottles), $3.50 Miller Lite drafts, $4 Dos Equis drafts, $4 Blackfinn Amber drafts, $5 Heineken drafts, $5 Sam Adams drafts, $5 Angry Orchard drafts, $6 Bacardi drinks, $7 Belvedere and Red Bull drinks Teams: University of Tennessee, Northwestern University, Appalachian State, Miami Dolphins

Drink specials: $5 cocktails, $5 craft beer of the month

Blackfinn’s set-up is ideal for watching football. “You cannot turn your head and not see a TV,” says Blackfinn’s Kam Khazai. They’re great beer specials pair up nicely with a quality menu too., making it “the perfect combination of cheap beer and quality eats!” The bar itself is one big football fan and its mixed fan-base makes it so that there’s always someone to cheer with. For certain big games, the crowds can get large and rowdy in the best way possible.

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

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Arlington’s biggest bar features 50 TVs altogether, with five big screens that will always be showing a local team’s game. For any and all football fans, Champps makes it easy to watch the game with sound by going to the designated area that has your team’s game on. The stadium-style seating offers over 300 seats, including two outdoor patios and a 43-seat bar. Though the football-themed food and drink specials menu has yet to be finalized, bar manager Sean Auld says Champps is the place to be because of the fun atmosphere and events, including watch parties and karaoke.

1201 S. Joyce St. C-10, Arlington, VA; www.champps.com

City Tap House

The Prospect

Drink specials: 32-oz. stein of Victory Homegrown Lager or Victory Seasonal for $10

Drink specials: $5 Jameson, $5 draft beers Team: Redskins

Get cozy in DC’s laidback “man (or woman) cave.” Surrounded by cozy rustic décor, City Tap House makes it easy to watch any game that’s on, whether you’re sitting in the dining room or the bar area. Lots of hotel guests and brunchgoers swing through City Tap, so you can expect the food and dining experience to be top-notch. You’ll definitely see a lineup of different jerseys at the bar, making it a perfect place for some friendly competition. “Between the multiple televisions/games and our knowledgeable staff on beer, food and football, we hope to create a fun experience,” says City Tap’s Lisa Cascone.

901 9th St. NW, DC; www.citytap.com

This U Street location takes Monday night football very seriously, serving an authentic dish from the home team’s city every week, as well as The Prospect’s award-winning wings. Though the bar is “hail to the Redskins first,” according to general manager Anthony Joines, you can still find Patriots, Steelers and even Cowboys fans catching their team’s game on one of the 45 HD TVs. Joines says this neighborhood spot encourages rivalries, and “it’s a magical thing to see so many different kind of NFL jerseys sitting next to each other.”

1214 U St. NW, DC; theprospectdc.com

Mason Inn Drink specials: Change daily Teams: Ravens, Falcons, Panthers, Steelers, Green Bay Packers Glover Park is home to Mason Inn, the official DC bar of the Baltimore Ravens. This bar is one of a kind, with fans of everything from SEC college football to East Coast NFL teams there to catch the game, including the occasional Redskins fan. Mason Inn shows every SEC game on Saturdays, and will focus on fantasy football this season by setting a few TVs to RedZone. “One thing that sets us apart is our entertainment license,” says owner Corey Lockett. “We can have a live band onstage while you are cheering on your team. For example, for New Orleans-based teams, we can have a brass band during halftime or play through commercials.” Drink specials are always changing, but guests can expect some kind of themed punch or shot available as a special.

2408 Wisconsin Ave. NW; www.masoninndc.com

Penn Quarter Sports Tavern Drink specials: $12 Miller Lite pitchers, $14 Yuengling pitchers, $16 Blue Moon pitchers, bucket specials (six beers for the price of five) Food specials: Half price food options from 7 p.m. to close Teams: Broncos, Seahawks This classic sports bar has the best of both worlds, with an outdoor café including high-top tables, an outdoor patio (covered and heated with three TVs showing games), and a full bar on both the first and second floor. There’s not one bad seat in the house with DIRECTV on 35 TVs. “Football at [Penn Quarter] is a legendary party,” says general manager John Scherr. “Come see for yourself.

Our TV setup is second to none.” Don’t miss out on the party atmosphere and game day drink specials at Penn Quarter.

639 Indiana Ave. NW, DC; www.pennquartersportstavern.com

Penn Social Drink specials: $4 Miller Lite and Blue Moon, and $5 rotating local craft draft Welcome to DC’s “Sunday football melting pot.” Penn Social keeps game day fun with 15 screens, including 11 12-inch HD projectors, one 22-inch HD projector and four HD TVs. The Penn Quarter staple shows every game on its screens, making it a go-to bar for fantasy leagues. Although it’s not team specific, don’t miss a chance to win Redskins tickets throughout the season. “The ambiance at [Penn Social] is casual and fun,” says Penn Social General Manager Sara Norman. “We keep it light. But we're serious about our gridiron.”

801 E St. NW, DC; www.pennsocialdc.com

Public Bar

Photo: www.publicbar.co

Public Bar Drink specials: $2 off beer, wine and cocktails (Monday through Friday from 4-8 p.m.)

Teams: Raiders, Ravens, Redskins This Dupont Circle bar is home to over 50 TVs – including the largest HD projection screen in DC – and also has the highly sought-after NFL package, making it easy to please sports fans who come to kick back. Though drink and food specials are always changing, there’s guaranteed to be beer specials and wings for game day. Watch a game on any of the three levels, whether it’s on the rooftop, in the lounge or right inside at the bar. Ravens and Redskins fans are always welcome, and friendly rivalries are encouraged, but Public Bar is home to the DC Metro Raiders Booster Club, who takes over the lounge level whenever the Raiders are playing. Bartender Abby Dubose notes that Public Bar is definitely a chill spot. “People are comfortable here, and it's clear,” she says. “You can scream and jump and go crazy, or you can kick back and relax all at once, and it's fine and fun.”

1214 18th St. NW, DC; www.publicbar.co

Union Jacks Rio Drink specials: Pitchers and buckets of beer Team: Redskins Gaithersburg’s mega-pub has all the goods when it comes to watching your favorite football team, preferably the Redskins.

With over 20 TVs, including four on the patio, Union Jacks Rio is able to play different games so one side of the bar can watch the Ravens while the other can catch the Skins.

While this bar has a general population of Redskins fans, it’s still a friendly atmosphere. “Why wouldn’t you come here?” asks general manager Rob Whetzel. “We’ve got the biggest amount of space with the most TVs in this area.”

9811 Washingtonian Blvd. Gaithersburg, MD; www.unionjacksrio.com www.ontaponline.com | September 2017 | On Tap

29

in the DMV

Members of DC Strokes’ novice program practice on the Anacostia River

Autumn in the District is perhaps the most stunning season in our city, conjuring up vivid images of fall foliage and breathaking views of the Potomac River. But there is nothing quite like being out on the water, gliding past sightseers, with the singular sound of four oars pulling in complete unison as your sole focus. Whether you’re in search of a new sport or just want to enjoy the view during one of many fall regattas, read on to get the inside scoop on the DMV’s rowing community. We caught up with six rowers to get a sense of why people fall in love with the sport, why it’s so popular in the DMV, and how newbies or returning rowers can get involved.

Alexandria Community Rowing Club Jennifer Bright, Rower

OT: Why do you row?

JB: I love the community of rowers. This sport brings together men and women from so many disciplines. The common factor is love of the sport and commitment to pursuing the perfect stroke.

OT: What’s unique about the ACBA? JN: The Potomac River [is] considered [a] hotbed for rowing and paddling.

The Anacostia Community Boathouse has placed the Anacostia River on the map.

OT: Any opportunities for rowers this season?

JB: Starting in November, ACR will begin the winter training program. Community members [can volunteer or compete on] February 17-18 at the MidAtlantic Erg Sprints, the second largest indoor rowing competition in the world.

OT: How can we get involved?

JN: Check out one of our three clubs who host a wide array of programs. All three host on-thewater programming from March through November: Capital Rowing Club, DC Strokes and Prince William Rowing Club.

Learn more about ACR at www.rowalexandria.com, and February’s MidAtlantic Erg Sprints at www.ergsprints.com.

Anacostia Community Boathouse Association Jennifer Ney, President

On Tap: How has the DMV’s rowing community changed in recent years?

Jennifer Bright: The variety of rowing clubs and programs has grown over the last decade, and residents in the DMV can find a program that fits their skill level, competitive interest, time and location needs.

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Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Freedman

On Tap: What makes rowing both challenging and rewarding?

Jennifer Ney: Rowing is the ultimate team sport. It demands both power and finesse to achieve boat speed. Rowing demands balance, synchronicity and coordination, and every member of the crew must work together. I love the challenge.

ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Learn more about ACBA at www.anacostiaboathouse.org.

have a competitive men’s and women’s team. Finally, Capital offers a “Your Team” rowing for private rowing sessions.

OT: What do you enjoy most about being in the CRC community?

HS: Capital is as much a social club as it is a rowing club: both a.m. and p.m. meet for happy hour and plan other social events both at the boathouse and throughout DC. Many good friendships and even a few weddings have emerged as a result of rowing with Capital.

Learn more about CRC and the next Learn to Row session on September 30 at www.capitalrowing.org.

Capital Rowing Club Heidi Scalzott, Learn to Row Rep On Tap: Tell us about CRC’s Learn to Row program.

Heidi Scalzott: The next [Learn to Row] class session begins September 30.

OT: What other programs does CRC offer?

HS: Rowers who have some experience but haven't rowed in awhile sometimes feel more comfortable joining intermediate rowing. Capital also has sculling classes, an adaptive rowing program and a juniors’ program. For more experienced rowers, we also

DC Strokes Rowing Club Brian Forehand, President On Tap: What is DC Strokes’ mission?

Brian Forehand: We are the oldest LGBTQ+ rowing club in the world. Inclusion is an important part of our mission, and we welcome gay and straight rowers of diverse backgrounds. DC Strokes was founded on the belief that everyone should have access to the sport of rowing and its many benefits.

OT: Has the club made any changes recently to promote inclusivity?

BF: This season, DC Strokes proudly adopted our “Statement of Inclusion and Transgender & Non-Binary Identity Policy” that reinforces our support and advocacy for all LGBTQ + Ally athletes, and creates a safe and supportive environment for transgender and non-binary individuals at a time when we startlingly see the rights of these individuals infringed upon throughout the nation.

Northern Virginia area, we have amazing water to row on and a big diversity of residents who work hard and are looking for a way to be fit, have fun and relax in the great outdoors. We love to teach people to row, compete in regattas, relax on the peaceful Occoquan Reservoir and have fun off the water with social activities.

OT: How do we join?

BF: We welcome individuals of all levels – no prior experience necessary! We offer two Learn to Row sessions. Folks with at least one year of prior experience are welcome to join our competitive program or our club program.

RowSource

Learn more about DC Strokes at www.dcstrokes.org.

Prince William Rowing Club Al Wilson, President On Tap: Any PWRC events this fall for beginners?

Al Wilson: Come check out one of PWRC’s free Learn to Row events! We'll give you a tour of the boathouse and a history of our club, teach you the basics of the rowing stroke using a rowing machine, then give you an opportunity to try rowing on the water with some of our members. We plan to offer one Learn to Row on September 17.

OT: Any other opportunities to get involved in the coming months?

AW: In November, our annual membership meeting will be open to the public, and we welcome all who are interested in learning more about our club and about getting involved in the sport of rowing.

OT: Why would you recommend PWRC to local rowers?

AW: Here in the DC and

Learn more about PWRC and the Learn to Row event on September 17 at www.pwrc.org.

Rachel Freedman, Founder On Tap: What inspired you to launch RowSource?

Rachel Freedman: My goal was to create a resource for athletes who came into the sport later in life, did not have a high school and/or college rowing pedigree, and did not have their sights on training to make the national team.

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OT: Tell me about your experience rowing with Capital Rowing Club.

RF: I learned to row with Capital Rowing Club in 2001 at age 23, and remained a member of its morning club program for seven years.

OT: What about with DC Strokes?

RF: I stepped into a dedicated coxswain role and from the first practice I attended in 2010, I knew this team was different.

And a kind of different I wanted to be a part of.

OT: Different how?

RF: DC Strokes has influenced my ever-growing understanding and support of the LGBTQ+ community. I’ll never forget the first time one club member asked me, “So, how do you identify?” and I was clueless about what she meant. No more. I’m thankful to Strokes for helping me become a passionate, outspoken ally.

Check out www.RowSource.com for more information on all things rowing.

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703-739-0777 www.theismanns.com 1800 Diagonal Road - At the King Street Metro www.ontaponline.com | September 2017 | On Tap

31

Recap: DC BUrger Battle Eat Burgers. Battle Hunger.

By Trent Johnson

Photos: Shantel Breen

ith summer nearing its end, I can’t think of a better send-off than the DC Burger Battle. On August 24, at the Hill Country Backyard Barbecue space at the National Building Museum, nine restaurants gathered with tents, grills and a tremendous amount of meat to compete for the title of “DC’s Best Burger.”

The grand finale of the Buds and Burgers program, the Burger Battle capped off a summer of beer and burger specials and benefited local nonprofit SOME (So Others Might Eat), helping the poor and homeless in the District. Guest sampled delicious burgers from Due South, Hill Country, Bullfeathers, Blackfinn, Stoney’s on L, 201 Bar, b-DC Penn Quarter, Hard Rock Cafe, Rebellion and 10 Tavern, and enjoyed ice cold Budweiser beer.

The competition was fierce, and the featured burgers offered distinct variations including turkey burgers, barbecue toppings, bacon jam and numerous kinds of gourmet cheese. By the end of the evening,

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

attendees had picked their winner: b-DC Penn Quarter. Second place finisher was 201 Bar, and tying for third were Rebellion and Bullfeathers.

“It’s the quality of the meat, not what you cover it up with,” b-DC Penn Quarter’s Brian Beauregard said. “We grind it in-house at our restaurants twice a day. We do a lot in-house, and that makes a difference when you take a bite.” When asked about the battle, he said “we like getting out in the community, and it’s an easy event to be part of.”

Though everyone was there to support a good cause, participants couldn’t help being a tad competitive when it came down to the taste of their food.

“It’s good exposure for our restaurant,” Rebellion owner Brian Westlye said.

“Obviously, chefs are all competitive, even when they tell you they’re not. It’s a lot of fun to hang out on a beautiful night with all of your peers.”

The night also featured the musical talents of the Trailer Grass Orchestra and Justin Trawick and The Common Good. They kept the party going all night with folk and bluegrass renditions of popular hits.

The night represented a microcosm of the American summer season: burgers on the grill, cold beer and great music to sing along to. Luckily for those involved, there was extra incentive to cooperate because of the cause, and the smiles formed along the way.

“It’s fun, it’s just fun,” 201 Bar Chef Michael Ellish said. “I like to see what everyone else is doing rather than just sitting in the kitchen in your own world. I like to see what other people consider a burger. It’s very universal, but it’s super rustic. It’s American.”

Thanks to all of our partner restaurants for your time and amazing food!

on the scene

For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.

10 Tavern Burger: Ten Tavern Burger www.10tavern.com

2nd

201 Bar Burger: The 201 BarBQ Burger www.201bar.com

1st

b-DC Penn Quarter Burger: Classic Mini Cheesburgers www.burgersbeerbourbon.com Blackfinn Ameripub Burger: T-Bird Slider www.blackfinnameripub.com

3rd

Bullfeathers Burger: Boss Hog Burger www.bullfeathersdc.net Due South Burger: Pastrami Bacon Slaw Burger www.duesouthdc.com

Photos: Shantal M. Breen & Devin Overbey

Participants

DC Burger Battle

“We like getting out in the community, and it’s an easy event to be part of.”

Hard Rock Cafe Burger: Budweiser Cherry Chutney www.hardrock.com Hill Country Barbecue Burger: Pit-Smoked Pimento Burger www.hillcountry.com

3rd

Rebellion Burger: Los Chicos Locos www.rebelliondc.com Stoney’s on L Burger: Boss Hog Burger www.stoneysonl.com

DC Burger Battle 2017 featured samples of burgers from Due South, Hill Country, Bullfeathers, Blackfinn, Stoney’s on L, 201 Bar, b-DC Penn Quarter, Hard Rock Cafe, Rebellion and 10 Tavern.

www.ontaponline.com | September 2017 | On Tap

33

on the scene

For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.

Photos: Shantal M. Breen & Devin Overbey

DC Burger Battle 2017 was in full swing at Hill Country Backyard Barbecue with Budweiser and samples of burgers from Due South, Hill Country, Bullfeathers, BlackFinn, Stoneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on L, 201 Bar, b DC Penn Quarter, Hard Rock Cafe, Rebellion and 10 Tavern. Attendees enjoyed music from Justin Trawick and The Common Good and Trailer Grass Orchestra. All proceeds benefitted SOME (So Others Might Eat).

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

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The Source’s stir-fried squid ink noodles

By Lani Furbank On Tap keeps locals in the know about the hottest new food and drink spots around town, the top culinary news of the month and recent closings. Read on to get the inside scoop on what’s new, notable and no longer in the DC area.

NEW

Lumpiang Shanghai

Photo: Courtesy of Bistro 1521

Bistro 1521 Open: July 31 Location: Arlington Lowdown: This new restaurant from Jo-Jo

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On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Photo: Scott Suchman

Valenzuela and Manny Tagle is feeding the DMV’s passion for Filipino food. Bistro 1521, named for the year Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines, serves up home-style dishes made by Filipino cooks.

Valenzuela likens it to food you might enjoy if you were invited to eat at a Filipino family’s dinner table. Staples include sisig (grilled chopped pork ears and pork belly), lumpiang Shanghai (deep-fried chicken spring rolls), ukoy (deep-fried veggie fritters with shrimp) and various iterations of pansit (noodle salad). Valenzuela and Tagle are also branching out with their own takes on karekare (ox tail in peanut sauce) and mechado (braised beef short ribs). The backdrop for the cuisine is a spacious, 220-seat dining room (formerly Applebee’s), with a large bar and additional seating for 300 on the outdoor patio. As a barkeep, Valenzuela was most excited about the drink menu, which puts the focus on Filipino beers and cocktails made with Filipino flavors like jack fruit, tamarind and white pepper. I was enamored with the Rizal, a Rickey variation made with Edinburgh Gin, spiced guavacalamansi soda and lime. 900 North Glebe Rd. #100, Arlington, VA; www.bistro1521.com

Falls Church Distillers Open: July 8 Location: Falls Church Lowdown: Falls Church is now home to the first new distillery to open in Fairfax County in over 80 years. Father and son duo Michael and Lorenzo Paluzzi are behind the craft distillery and restaurant hybrid. Michael’s Italian heritage provided a strong background in wine and liqueur production, while Lorenzo learned the art of fermentation and distillation during his time at Longwood University studying biochemistry. Now, Lorenzo handles the distilling, while Michael, with his decades of experience in IT sales, handles the business.

Their compact but sophisticated distillery pumps out bourbon, vodka and gin, with plans to expand to rum and fruit brandies in the coming months. These spirits are available for sale in the official ABC store onsite, which doubles as a tasting room.

Distribution will expand to local bars in the near future. On the other side of a wire wall, the restaurant offers Italian wines, draft beer and Italian small plates, sandwiches and entrees made from Michael’s grandmother’s recipes. 442-A South Washington St. Falls Church, VA; www.fcdistillers.com

House-made tortillas

Photo: Courtesy of Fox Loves Taco

Fox Loves Taco Open: Late August Location: Brookland Lowdown: Jena and Matt Carr, the owners of Little Red Fox, say they practically live on breakfast tacos, so it makes sense that the crowd-pleasing dish is the star of their next endeavor. Fox Loves Taco aims to be a playful neighborhood staple, with plenty of seating, a family-friendly atmosphere, and affordable food and drink. Their beverage menu features Coava Coffee from Portland, Oregon, with espresso drinks, pour-overs and drip coffee, as well as aguas frescas like watermelon basil and horchata. There are plenty of tacos to choose from, with many vegan and vegetarian options including the cauliflower chorizo taco with carrot and jalapeño slaw and salsa verde, and the migas taco with scrambled eggs, tortilla strips, hominy, cheese and hot sauce. The flour tortillas will be made in-house, while the corn tortillas will be sourced from Moctec, a local tortilleria. Of course, Little Red Fox’s pastries and pies are also on offer. 716 Monroe St. NE, DC; www.foxlovestaco.com

Cold sandwiches at ThinkFoodLab

ultimate goal is to launch each concept permanently after perfecting the menu and service. The first restaurant to call the lab home is Pepe, the group’s casual Spanish food truck. The test menu includes crispy pan de cristal sandwiches, satisfying salads, zesty gazpacho, patatas bravas and creative soft serve flavors like leche merengada.

These items will be available until Executive Chef Joe Raffa decides Pepe is ready for its permanent debut. In the meantime, I’ll be coming back again and again for the addictive Pepito Ternera sandwich, with flat iron steak, roasted peppers, caramelized onions and cheese. 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.thinkfoodlab.com

NOTABLE The last few months have marked some big changes in popular restaurants across the region. Here are a few new chefs and menus to check out.

BLT Steak Location: McPherson Square Lowdown: This power dining steakhouse appointed Michael Bonk as the chef de cuisine in July. Bonk’s resume includes Vidalia, Sonoma and most recently, The Pig. In his new role, he plans to focus on whole animal butchery, off cuts and house-made sausages.

1625 I St. NW, DC; www.bltrestaurants.com

Blue Duck Tavern Location: Georgetown Lowdown: The Park Hyatt’s Michelin-starred restaurant brought on Daniel Hoefler as the chef de cuisine in August. He’s worked at restaurants around the world, including the Mesa and Tizian restaurants at the Grand Hyatt in Berlin and Traiteur at Park Hyatt in Dubai. He hopes to add international influences to Blue Duck Tavern’s locallysourced menu. Guests can meet Hoefler at the communal Chef’s Table dinner on the garden terrace on September 29. 1201 24th St. NW, DC; www.blueducktavern.com

Photo: Rey Lopez

ThinkFoodLab Open: July 11 Location: Penn Quarter Lowdown: José Andrés and his team are angling to dive further into the fast-casual restaurant scene, so they’ve created a test kitchen to try out their new concepts.

The space, called ThinkFoodLab, hosts a rotating series of pop-ups that will evolve based on feedback from customers. The

Bourbon Steak Location: Georgetown Lowdown: Drew Adams was tapped as executive chef at Michael Mina’s steakhouse.

Adams’ has cooked at Marcel’s, Plume and Rose’s Luxury, and the Maryland native will now showcase his style of modern cuisine influenced by traditional techniques at Bourbon Steak. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.bourbonsteakdc.com

Bob & Edith’s Alexandria 5918 N Kings Hwy. Alexandria, VA www.bobandedithsdiner.com Cookie Dough & Co. 7101 Democracy Blvd.

Bethesda, MD www.cookiedoughandco.com Four Oaks and Sidecar (inside Washington Hilton) 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC www.hilton.com Honeyfish 1615 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD www.honeyfishpoke.com La Limena Grill 765 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD www.lalimenarestaurant.com Lei’d 8032 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA www.leidpoke.com Roti in Pentagon City 1211 S Fern St. Arlington, VA www.roti.com Zenebech Injera 2420 18th St. NW, DC www.zenebechdc.com

NO LONGER Avocado Café in Georgetown Bowl’d in Arlington Grapeseed in Bethesda Hail & Hog in Ashburn Lovely Yogurt on U Street Maki Shop at Logan Circle

www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 | ON TAP

37

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Location: Shaw Lowdown: After a research and development trip to Oaxaca, Espita’s new executive chef, Robert Aikens, will unveil his new menu of Mexican cuisine with a twist in September.

Aikens has previously cooked at Rainbow Room and El Vez in New York. 1250 9th St. NW, DC; www.espitadc.com

The Source by Wolfgang Puck Location: Penn Quarter Lowdown: After eight years cooking at The Source, Russell Smith took over as executive chef in May. In July, Smith updated the menu to include new vegetarian dishes like crystal chive dumplings and Malaysian jackfruit curry, as well as meat and seafood options like honey-glazed ma-la chicken and stir-fried squid ink noodles.

The team just won a RAMMY award for Service Program of the Year. 575 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.wolfgangpuck.com

Vermilion Location: Old Town Alexandria Lowdown: Thomas Cardarelli joined Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s farm-to-table spot as executive chef the end of May, and launched a new menu in July. Highlights include hand-rolled pastas, heirloom tomato pie, and a nightly tasting menu and wine pairing. Cardarelli came to NRG from Chef Michael White’s Altamarea Group. 1120 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.vermilionrestaurant.com

Via Umbria

In-Network with most PPO insurances

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On Tap | SEPTEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Location: Georgetown Lowdown: Georgetown’s Italian market, café and event space snagged Liam LaCivita (of the recently shuttered Bar Civita) as their executive chef in July. LaCivita and his pastry team have debuted specialties such as fresh doughnuts, cannoli and house-made breads and cheeses. 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com

When

Bourbon is Your

Entreé

A bourbon cocktail is poured at Bourbon in Adams Morgan

Photo: Courtesy of James P. Woods

By Jean Schindler The leaves are turning and school is starting, which means it’s National Bourbon Heritage Month (obviously). There is no better way to celebrate than by swapping out that overplayed bottle of rosé at dinner for a glass of the gorgeous golden dram. Sounds too disruptive? Only because you are not doing it right.

“With wine parings, it’s typically about the food first,” says James P. Woods, owner of Bourbon, a bar and restaurant in Adams Morgan. “With whiskey, it’s different. Whiskey is the entrée.”

Amen, James.

Still feeling tentative in your decision-making skills? Try these (very) loose guidelines around proof and age to get started.

If your favorite “entrée” is a younger, lower-proof bourbon (80 proof is the legal minimum), the lower alcohol content will allow it to share table space with more delicate favors like fish and shellfish, as well as cheese and fruits.

Move up to a slightly older (say, a seven to nine-year-old), 90ish-proof bourbon, and the flavors become more pronounced. In this range, pairings work best with seared poultry, smoked pork and game – as well as older and moldy cheeses, and robust fruits. Try apple pie, a slice of aged cheddar and a couple fingers of Wathen’s Kentucky Bourbon.

Once you start pouring an older, 100-proof bourbon, you’re in

steak and chocolate territory, since those flavors have the cajones to play ball with the booziness and tannins in the glass.

Anything over 100 proof? That’s a standalone course – either the heat of the alcohol will be overwhelming, or it will be so divine that pairing would be sacrilege. If you have a 15-year-old Pappy, it deserves all your attention.

There is a creamy exception to the high-proof guidance: gelato, and very smelly cheeses. Fold a couple tablespoons of a non-divine bourbon into gelato; the tsunami of cold, creamy fat beloved by hipsters is able to cut into the fire of the booze and tease out its subtleties. And stinkysock cheeses, like Époisses, are made more manageable by the hotness of the alcohol, mingling with the bourbon to create a strange umami high.

The next set of considerations involves the bourbon recipe, or mash bill. All bourbon is at least 51 percent corn (and it is usually closer to 70 percent). Along with corn, a little barley provides much-needed enzymes, and then a mix of wheat and rye determines the finished flavor profile.

This is what happens.

Rye forward: These are spicier, peppery bourbons – try Four Roses Single Barrel or Basil Hayden. The brightness of the pepper pairs well with heavier dishes involving beef or chocolate.

Knowing your bourbon’s age, proof and mash bill is

not enough.

You need to sip it, commune with it, meditate on it.

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The Bourbon Chocolate Bar features brownie, caramel mousse and peanut butter

Photo: Courtesy of Bourbon Steak

ONE Great Day of Fall Fun!

Wheat forward: Higher amounts of wheat result in softer, more approachable bourbons – think Maker’s Mark, or the much-coveted Pappy Van Winkle. Their smoothness contrasts nicely with spicier foods, such as mustard-based BBQ sauces.

These are very general guidelines. Ultimately, there is only one voice you need to heed.

“If you listen to the bourbon, it will tell you what it should be paired with,” instructs Torrence Swain, the head bartender at Bourbon Steak in Georgetown. “Bourbons with strong undertones of vanilla go really well with fruit, for example. You just have to put the same level of diligence into pairing bourbons as you do with wine.”

Cole Burger, the lead bartender at Blue Duck Tavern, agrees.

“Like red wine, it’s best to pair similar attributes when aligning bourbon with food,” he says.

Knowing your bourbon’s age, proof and mash bill is not enough. You need to sip it, commune with it, meditate on it. What flavors speak to you? What voices do you hear in your head? Many bourbons have an undertone of dried fruit, “like candied raisin or apricot,” notes Woods.

“With dried fruit, proteins are going to pair well,” Woods says. “Off the shelves at Bourbon, that might mean something like Woodford Double Oak or the Henry McKenna 10-Year.”

Meanwhile, for peppery and smoky bourbons, Burger directs Blue Duck Tavern diners toward the grill, while “the sweeter, more carameltoned [bourbons] make a delightful dessert accompaniment.”

Dessert is a common theme. Woods says pairing whiskeys with dessert is his “favorite thing,” while Swain sends Bourbon Steak diners in a very specific direction.

“We have the Bourbon Chocolate Bar [brownie, caramel mousse, peanut butter] paired with a robust bourbon – we select a cognacfinished, nine-year-old, high-rye bourbon from DC’s own One Eight Distillery [“Untitled”] – and it is out of this world,” Swain says. “It’s like they’re holding hands.”

Does building your own bourbon-food pairings seem more alluring now, but still daunting? Then these are three places to start your adventures. Each has a fantastic bourbon collection presided over by wise bartenders to guide you in your decisions. Go forth and enjoy responsibly.

Blue Duck Tavern: 1201 24th St. NW, DC; www.blueducktavern.com Bourbon: 2321 18th St. NW, DC; www.bourbondc.com Bourbon Steak: 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.bourbonsteakdc.com

RESTON TOWN CENTER RESTON, VA Saturday, October 7 | Noon - 11 PM Live Entertainment ALL Day with Cover/Party Bands!

NEW! CRAFT BEER ALLEY

While the Flavors of Fall Festival has a FREE admission, you can upgrade your festival experience with a ticket into the Craft Beer Alley & VIP Lounge. $15 in advance ticket ($20 at the gate) offers you (3) three 5 oz. tastings from our craft beer vendors, the opportunity to chill in our VIP Lounge with our DJ and a up-close chance to join in our back by popular demand activities like the Stein Hoisting contest and MORE! Check our website for full beer on tap list.

Sunday, October 8, Start time 8:15AM

Get off the couch and debut your Halloween costume to get ready for the Pumpkin 5k & Kids’ Pumpkin Dash!

Register online at www.RestonFlavors.com

PRE-ORDER! FOOD/BEER TICKETS AND CRAFT BEER ALLEY/VIP LOUNGE TICKETS!

24 tickets for $20 Craft Beer Alley/VIP Lounge $15 in advance includes three craft beer tastings.

www.RestonFlavors.com www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 | ON TAP

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BEHIND THE BAR

By Trent Johnson and Reem Nadeem

September is the perfect time of year for hoisting German beers in beautiful fall weather. As you make the transition from summer ales to fall brews, celebrate all things Oktoberfest at these three stellar biergartens.

Photos: Trent Johnson

Shana Steele

Natalie Craver

On Tap: What makes German beers special?

Shana Steele: The [German Beer] Purity Law, which was passed over 500 years ago. It says that you can only have certain ingredients in it, and that’s hops, water and other core ingredients. You aren’t adding a lot of extra stuff into it.

On Tap: What’s the vibe like on your patio?

Natalie Craver: We keep it really lowkey. We always have some type of entertainment going on, but I feel like people come here because they can hear themselves think, and relax [and] unwind from work.

Events Manager, Sauf Haus Bier Hall

OT: What’s your go-to German beer?

SS: I love the Weihenstephaner Vitus. It’s a spiced beer, and it has banana notes in there. My palate is a little sweeter, so I really enjoy that one. It’s also one of the beers that has a higher ABV on the menu, so people tend to go toward that one.

OT: How is Sauf Haus celebrating Oktoberfest?

SS: We’re going to have live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

We’re going to have Sausage Fest Sundays, where we’re going to grill a bunch of sausages. We also just got the NFL ticket, so it’s going to be great for football season. Basically, we’ll have sausages, beers and NFL [games] out on the deck, which is going to be a lot of fun.

OT: Why should we check out the rooftop deck?

SS: [It’s] super chill, fun and sunny. We have the only year-round, weatherproof, retractable biergarten in DC, so we’re open year-round. We have TVs out there and we do live music, so it’s a really fun, communal vibe.

Bartender, Courthaus Social

OT: How do you choose which beers to offer?

NC: It all depends, as we like to keep it local. We do support all of the breweries, but we specifically like to support Virginia, and support them as far as our food and beer. It just depends what styles are in season.

OT: What’s your favorite fall beer?

NC: My personal favorite is the Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier. It’s a classic German-style, so that’s one I go to. I do like the pumpkin-style beers, which a lot of people either love or hate. My personal favorite would probably be the Punkin’ Ale from Dogfish Head.

OT: What are your Oktoberfest plans?

NC: We’re still in the works for that, but we do plan on launching our Blocktober Fest. That’s going to be the weekend of September 16 in [our] courtyard area where we’ll have live music, German food and a grill out there, so we’ll do some bratwurst and schnitzel.

Natalie’s Pick

Hofbräu Hefeweizen Shana’s Pick

Weihenstephaner Vitus Sauf Haus Bier Hall: 1216 18th St. NW, DC; www.saufhausdc.com

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Courthaus Social: 2300 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA www.courthaussocial.com

3rd Annual Oktoberfest September 16th - October 15th Pig Roasts: 8/16, 10/7 & 10/14 Bier Steifel (boot) Giveaways: 9/23 & 9/30 Live Entertainment: 9/17, 9/25, 10/9 & 10/15

September 16th 3rd annual Oktoberfest Kickoff Ceremonial tapping of the first Oktoberfest bier keg at noon and a pig roast. $39 gets you roast pig, two sides, apfelstrudel and 1L of Oktoberfest bier.

September 17th German Folk Music Live German folk music from Die Drei in our biergarten under our Oktoberfest tent!

Photos: Courtesy of Owen’s Ordinary

Greg Engert

Beer Director and Managing Partner, Owen’s Ordinary

On Tap: How is Owen’s Ordinary similar to a German biergarten?

Greg Engbert: Owen’s Ordinary is a neighborhood tavern, and it’s complete with a state-of-the-art craft beer system. The windows open and extend onto the patio, so the bar services the patio just like it would at a biergarten. We’re tapping [the beers] indoors and then handing them through the window. It’s a really cool outdoor drinking experience.

OT: Do you notice an increased interest in German beer during the fall?

GE: [As Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s] first Maryland location, we still have a huge focus on the Maryland beers, but we’ve also made it a focus to feature a nice array of German-style brews. I think there’s a renewed interest in those because of Oktoberfest, but at Owen’s we have 10 or so on perpetually, because we want to showcase the full variation of that style.

OT: What’s your connection to German beers, and what is your favorite aspect about them?

GE: German beers are remarkable because of their complexity and simplicity at the same time. They’re balanced and nuanced, and even though they tend to be lower alcohol and drinkable, they give you something for every occasion. You can sit there and drink those beers endlessly in a social setting, or you can examine them for taste.

OT: What Oktoberfest events can patrons to look forward to this month?

GE: We’re planning a series of fun events at the garden throughout the fall. We’ll be turning the taps over to breweries, and we’re always looking to host programs in the venue throughout the fall. Every weekend, we feature different German beers at the garden while offering our normal selection. We also offer 20-oz. mugs on the weekends, and people can actually purchase those beers.

Greg’s Pick

Kellerbier UngespundetLager Hefetrüb

1216-b 18th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036 www.saufhausdc.com | 202-466-3355

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Owen’s Ordinary: 11820 Trade St. North Bethesda, MD www.owensordinary.com

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 establishments 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 some of what’s coming up at a few of these fine establishments.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Lager Series: Rauch Märzen Release Party Join Port City for the release of the latest edition of their lager series: a Rauch Märzen. A brilliant copper in color, the beer showcases a German malt character, including a judicious amount of traditional beechwood-smoked malts that impart an appetizing, savory smokiness. The Borinquen Lunch Box food truck will be in the lot starting at 5:30 p.m. The Walkaways will be providing the jams in the beer garden starting at 7 p.m. Full event is from 3-10 p.m. Free admission. Port City Brewing Company: 3950 Wheeler Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.portcitybrewing.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Amps and Ales Craft Beer and Music Festival Loud beer and even louder music: Amps and Ales combines the electricity of rock ‘n’ roll with a handpicked selection of America’s best craft beers at Prince George’s Stadium, home of the Bowie Baysox. In its first year, Amps and Ales is lining up seven of the region’s most thunderous bands with over 25 highly acclaimed breweries offering over 50 beers on tap. Enjoy live performances from the People’s Blues of Richmond, Higher Hands and more, plus beer offerings from breweries such as Heavy Seas, Flying Dog, Jailbreak and more. 12-8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$30. Prince George’s Stadium: 4101 Crain Hwy. Bowie, MD; www.ampsandales.com Brews, Booze, & Bites: An American History Food Festival Lounge on the lawn and sample the best of local bakers, brewers, chefs, confectioners and distillers, while grooving to DC’s best – some would say only – Prohibition-era jazz band, the Foggy Bottom WhompStompers, playing favorites from the 20s and 30s. Enjoy victuals and beverages

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

chosen with an eye to Tudor Place history and the region’s culinary traditions. Every artisanal, high-quality mouthful is included in a single all-inclusive ticket, also covering traditional outdoor lawn games and other entertainments. 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $30-$35.

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden: 1644 31st St. NW, DC; www.tudorplace.org District Oktoberfest Participants enjoy one premium, 12-oz.

Oktoberfest beer at each venue they visit, included in the ticket price. You also get $4 specials liquor pairings and additional Oktoberfest beers, food specials and the most fun you can legally have in one day.

Chinatown’s best venues will be ready for you. 12-9 p.m. Tickets are $50. Check-in from 12-3 p.m. at 10 Tavern: 707 G St. NW, DC; www.districtoktoberfest.com Fairfax County BrewFest Join the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce and Mustang Sally Brewing Company for the second annual BrewFest.

Come enjoy a day of local craft beer, food and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit K9s For Warriors and VAVETS. The BrewFest will also include six Fairfax County breweries, multiple food vendors, live music all day and brewery tours. 12-6 p.m. $25-$35.

Mustang Sally Brewing Company: 14140 Parke Long Ct. A-C, Chantilly, VA; www.dulleschamber.org Hoppy Oktoberfest Join Mad Fox Brewing Company as they turn their Market Square into an Oktoberfest biergarten, showcasing a large selection of hoppy beers from some of Virginia’s finest breweries as well as traditional German Oktoberfest beers. Expect live music, great food and fun for the family. Dogs are welcome as long as their humans are wellbehaved. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets are $25-$55.

Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 W Broad St. I Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com

RhinO’fest Join Lost Rhino Brewing Co. and Lost Rhino Retreat as they host the RhinO’fest 2017 beer festival in Brambleton Town Center.

They’ll be tapping their Gold Medal winning RhinO’fest Märzen Lager for the season, as well as featuring various tents with unique beers from their Genius Loci sour beer series and beers that they have brewed in-house.

Expect live music from Big Al’s Truck, familyfriendly activities, and local food vendors and authentic German style fare. 12-6 p.m.

Free admission. Lost Rhino Retreat: 22885 Brambleton Plz. Suite 100, Ashburn, VA; www.lostrhinoretreat.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Art-toberfest Join Palette 22 for their first annual Arttoberfest with Three Nothch’d Brewing.

Your ticket includes admission to the event, and special pricing on select cocktails and Oktoberfest beers. Appetizers and complimentary platters of globally inspired cuisine will be in full effect as you watch live demonstrations from local artists with the opportunity to take home your favorite original work of art. 6:30-10:30 p.m. $20-$25.

Palette 22: 4053 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; www.palette22.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Yoga On Tap at Lost Dog Cafe Upward facing dogs, downward facing dogs – do it all at Lost Dog Cafe on Columbia Pike. Join in for an intimate Eat.Yoga.Drink. experience, as they flow, drink and nibble tasty bites at the cafe. This vinyasa yoga class is limited to 10 yogis and is perfectly suited for all levels. The ticket includes a yoga class, a post-yoga beer/house wine/nonalcoholic beverage of choice and a sample of your favorite Lost Dog snacks. BYO mat. Namaste and cheers. Tickets are $20. 6-7 p.m. or 7:308:30 p.m. Lost Dog Cafe: 2920 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA; www.eatyogadrink.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Brew Republic Bierwerks Oktoberfest It’s Oktoberfest in the Republic. They’re bringing the worldfamous German beer festival from Munich to Woodbridge. Join them for great beer, delicious German-inspired food, traditional music, cool vendors and fun, both in the tap room and their expanded outdoor biergarten. They’ll also be hosting a marzen competition, featuring several locally brewed marzenbiers (Oktoberfest lagers) from several local breweries. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tickets start at $24.99. Brew Republic Bierwerks: 15201 Potomac Town Pl. Woodbridge, VA; www.brewrepublic.beer Second Annual Sip & Savor Sip & Savor is a celebration of local craft beer, wine, cider, food and music in support of the city’s homeless population. Come for unlimited food and beverage samples from many of the Capitol Hill area’s best restaurants, breweries, cideries and wine stores. Enjoy music performed by local artists as you bid on great silent auction prizes, and enjoy the photo booth and yard games. All proceeds support CHGM’s services to the homeless and at-risk communities. 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $25-$55. Eastern Market: 225 7th St. SE, DC; www.sipandsavor.chgm.net

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Historic Homebrew: Oktoberfest at Hill Center Lost Lagers takes you back in time with the history of pale, golden and amber lagers. Covering historical recipes from Bavaria, Vienna and America, join Pete and Mike as they demonstrate how to brew gut lagerbier. They will fast-forward to today to discuss the pale, corn, amber and dark lagers they brewed with DC Brau, Lake Anne Brew House, Devils Backbone and Lost Rhino. With beer for sampling, Lost Lagers will walk you through the steps of brewing München bier, as well as American corn and dark lagers. Pretzels will be served and the history of lager brewing in America and Munich will come alive as you drink history. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tickets are $60-$85. Hill Center DC: 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC; www.hillcenterdc.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Mansion House Whiskey Tasting Come for a unique and intimate evening with old and new friends to taste extraordinary whiskeys paired with delectable food, harkening back to the days when the Green family ran the Mansion House Hotel on the property. This event includes an evening tour of the Carlyle House, four whiskeys and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Local historian Rich Gillespie will share stories of the Civil War in Virginia, and guide you on your whiskey tasting journey. 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $100. Carlyle House Historic Park: 121 N. Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA; www.novaparks.com Oktoberfest: Euro Beer & Sausage Fest Join Tysons Biergarten as they showcase 25 top-shelf beers from Germany, Belgium and Austria. Come meet representatives from each brewery, learn about the breweries and beers, and take home some awesome gifts. Like always, their festivals will be filled with games, live music, contests and loads of prizes. 1-6 p.m. $20-$30. Tysons Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike Tysons, VA; www.tysonsbiergarten.com

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Photo: The Brig’s Facebook page

The Brig

with

The Brig &

Gordon Biersch

By Nicolas Rodrigo

It’s that wonderful time of year known as Oktoberfest! Strap up your lederhosen, grab your stein and head to these two Capitol Riverfront spots.

Ryan Roller General Manager, The Brig On Tap: What’s the appeal of biergartens?

Ryan Roller: I think when you come to a biergarten, you expect a certain kind of friendliness – not just from staff, but from patrons as well.

With larger tables in the garden, you are more likely to sit next to and across from other smaller parties and be more social.

OT: Do you keep outside weather in mind when selecting beers?

RR: When I select beers to put on tap, or in cans and bottles, I don’t think of what I would like to drink. Instead, I try to keep in mind what our customers would like. Now that we’re coming into the fall, we can start coming back with some of the medium-bodied IPAs, and as it gets colder, we’ll put on a porter or two.

OT: How often do you add new brews? Are you always looking?

RR: We usually change at least one tap once a week, if not more than that. We changed out three beers this week alone. We are always looking for new beer, and the breweries come down all the time. They bring down four or five direct sales reps a week to have us try out new stuff.

CALLING ALL BEER LOVERS!

continued...

OT: What events or beer releases do you have planned around Oktoberfest?

RR: The goal right now is to have a couple different beers lined up that haven’t hit the market. One of the ones we’re waiting on is Flying Dog Oktoberfest.

OT: What sets The Brig apart from other biergartens in the city?

RR: I think a lot of it is the location that we’re in. A lot of people refer to us as the “secret biergarten” due to the smaller foot traffic we receive compared to other biergartens. For the most part, we get a lot of people that come in here and are surprised that we’re here. We try to keep our prices a little bit lower because of where we are; we want to make this the neighborhood spot.

The Brig: 1007 8th St. SE, DC; www.thebrigdc.com

Visit Us on Facebook or at TheGreeneTurtle.com ANNAPOLIS, MD

177 Jennifer Road Next to Crown Plaza 410-266-7474 @TheGreeneTurtleAnnapolisMD

GAMBRILLS, MD

2383 Brandermill Blvd.

Waugh Chapel Towne Center 410-451-7544 @TheGreeneTurtleGambrillsMD

BURTONSVILLLE, MD

15660 Old Columbia Pike Burtonsville Town Square 301-421-4012 @TheGreeneTurtleBurtonsvilleMD

PASADENA MD

20 Magothy Beach Road Near the Y in Pasadena 410-437-0075 @TheGreeneTurtlePasadenaMD

Happy Hour Monday - Friday: 3-6 pm

Photo: Gordon Biersch’s Facebook page

Logan McVaugh General Manager, Gordon Biersch

Drink Specials $ 5 Select Appetizers Flatbreads Deviled Eggs Chips & Queso Spin Dip Potato Skins Chicken Tenders

Gordon Biersch Navy Yard Location

52 TVS + 27 DRAFTS = EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT SEASON

On Tap: How do you determine the flavor profile for Gordon Biersch brews?

Logan McVaugh: We have some things that are staples for us, and others we choose for qualities like light body and drinkability. Flavors like citrus really complement the weather and make it easier to drink a beer.

OT: Are there certain beers you’re excited to debut for Oktoberfest?

LM: Yes, we have our traditional FestBier, which is our biggest beer of the year. It’s our traditional Oktoberfest beer that’s very popular; I think it’s our highest-selling seasonal beer. We will be tapping that at our tapping party on September 20.

OT: What makes Gordon Biersch’s biergarten a great fall spot?

LM: We usually open our [biergarten] for big events. We do things a little differently where we focus on quick service. It makes it easier for customers to get their own beer, hang out and play corn hole. You’re outside relaxing, but at the same time you are still connected to the restaurant, so it’s the best of both worlds.

Gordon Biersch: 100 M St. SE, DC; www.gordonbiersch.com

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A BY

BR OU G

YOU L O TO C

Y LL

HT

RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED BY

AVAILABLE AT YOUR

By Alex Thompson

Photos: Courtesy of Neighborhood Restaurant Group

One of the greatest craft beer festivals to hit the East Coast, Snallygaster will make its epic return to Yards Park on September 23.

Whether you’re a craft beer geek or novice, this is an event you do not want to miss.

Dubbed the District’s “beastliest beer festival,” Snallygaster pays homage to craft beer like nothing you’ve ever seen, with over 400 craft beers and ciders on tap

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ON TAP | SEPTEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

simultaneously from over 150 different breweries expected for its sixth year running.

And while the sheer number of craft brews on draft is incredible, the truly impressive feat is that each beer served at Snallygaster is hand selected and procured by Neighborhood Restaurant Group Beer Director and Partner Greg Engert. The result is a wide array of some of the rarest and most unique beers that you

won’t find anywhere else in the city.

“This is not something that happens in a day,” Engert explained to On Tap. “My assistant beer director Tim Liu and I work on this pretty much year-round because we are always scouring the scene for new brewers to introduce at the festival.”

And this year, Engert says the beer lineup is the best list they’ve ever had by far, including

the introduction of 40 new out-of-market brewers who normally can’t get into the DC market.

New local brewers to keep an eye out for this year include Baltimore’s Diamondback, and Richmond’s The Answer and Triple Crossing, with more to be announced on the event’s website. New breweries from the national scene this year include Hill Farmstead from Vermont, Other Half Brewing Company from Brooklyn, and Casey Brewing and Blending from Colorado.

“The particular [beer] selections are really outstanding,” Engert added. “To find that many compelling, rare and just ultimately delicious beers in one place is unparalleled.”

Along with the amount of beer, Snallygaster is increasing in every other aspect of the festival. Guests can expect 30 percent more space and double the food offerings with local restaurants and chefs on hand, plus food trucks and more games and activities. And the festival’s music component is getting a bump, with three amazing local bands and DJs scheduled to perform throughout the afternoon.

The event, hosted by Neighborhood Restaurant Group, serves as the largest annual fundraiser for Arcadia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more equitable and sustainable local food system in the region. Arcadia’s demonstration farm in Alexandria hosts thousands of school children each year, teaching them about sustainable farming practices and healthy eating.

“Arcadia is near and dear to our hearts,” Engert said. “Our founder [Michael Babin] started Arcadia back in 2011, and they do incredible things for the local food culture here in the DMV region.”

Engert said Arcadia’s team organizes and orchestrates a number of mobile farmers markets, bringing locally grown food into underserved, low-income neighborhoods and community school lunch programs, which makes the food both accessible and affordable.

“They also work in training lots of veterans for farm work, which is something special for them.”

Festival-goers have two options for tickets: general admission or “The Cyclops” at $35 each, and VIP admission or “Jabberwock” at $65 each. General admission includes 30 food and drink tickets and a sweet 2017 Snally mug, while the VIP admission includes all the above, and early admission to the event at 11:30 a.m.

Those looking to brunch and pregame before the event can head over to nearby Bluejacket, which will be open early. And festival organizers encourage all to take public transportation via the nearby Navy Yard Metro station, or Uber or Lyft.

Snallygaster is on Saturday, September 23 from 1-6 p.m. at Yards Park.

To purchase tickets and for more information, including an updated beer list, visit www.snallygasterdc.com.

SOPHISTICATED GOURMET FOOD. AUTHENTIC GERMAN LAGERS. PERFECTLY CRAFTED. Gordon Biersch Navy Yard 100 M Street SE, Washington, DC 202.484.2739

Snallygaster at Yards Park: 355 Water St. SE, DC; 202-465-7080 www.snallygasterdc.com www.ontaponline.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 | ON TAP

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By Trent Johnson Hip-hop produced in DC offers something unique: its influences. Between go-go music – the very distinct and native soundtrack of the District – and the political culture of the nation’s capital, local artists pull from a litany of experiences that are largely nonexistent outside of the city’s sphere of influence.

Popular DC native Wale incorporates go-go music in his style, and 2006’s “Dig Dug (Shake It)” exploded in the DMV, putting him on the national map. The waves reverberated far and wide, an unstoppable ascension to fame for the artist, culminating in worldwide tours, record deals and numerous business ventures.

Chaz French says he was a huge fan of Wale growing up, inspired by his use of the DC’s go-go. He’s one of many young rappers from the DMV promoting the area through the genre.

DC has yet to rival the number of famous names that hip-hop hotbeds Los Angeles and New York City produce, but Wale brought eyeballs to the area – and some young rappers are taking advantage of the attention.

“It’s getting there, and it’s going to take a few more artists to get it to that level,” local hip-hop artist Phil Ade says. “I don’t think we’ve had another artist that’s gotten to the level of Wale yet. I think it’s going to take a few more years of building and growing.”

Ade and French both cited the local competitiveness as a potential reason for the lack of hip-hop megastars from the DMV. Both used the term “crabs in a barrel,” referencing the feeling that artists in DC are on their own, shuffling about through the area with few instances of assistance. Like the limelight problem though, Wale is changing that attitude and lending a hand to them both.

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“The one thing about DC and the DMV is that everyone is very territorial,” Ade says. “People in the inner city and neighborhoods have beef with people across the street. A lot of that attitude carries over to the music scene, and they don’t want to f--k with people from different areas. But that’s changing a little recently, as people like Wale start to make music with others.”

One example of this type of collaboration is the relationship between DC native Parabellum Raps (Leaton White) and producer DJ Average (Kyle Stewart), the two members of emerging group Milk$. The pair have embraced each other’s differences in the name of producing music, and the sound is drenched in DC influences despite their contrasting backgrounds.

“Our city has its own style of music that originated here and has always been something to be proud of,” White says. “DC also has its own hip-hop scene that has evolved tremendously over the years, and it’s surreal to think that I’m a part of that. The

Phil Ade

Photo: Phil Ade’s Facebook page

Milk$

Photo: Milk$’s Bandcamp site

history of DC, my childhood experiences, the street language and vocal accent of each quadrant in the District, and the reputation of my city all influence my music heavily.”

Stewart says that although he grew up listening to hip-hop, he never thought he would make it himself per se.

“I started really collecting and digging for records – a cappella, instrumental – just seeing what I could mix and mash,” he says.

“The DC influence is relatively new. I didn’t know about go-go music until I moved here. It’s crazy going back and revisiting classic albums from the 90s and early 2000s.”

As the road to collaboration becomes more accessible for young artists in the area, the DMV continues to churn out talented rappers.

Chaz French and Phil Ade have both toured nationally – Ade with Wale earlier this year and French at Broccoli City Festival, as well as signing with Capitol Music Group.

Though both are emerging as bona fide headlining acts, neither made it to this level without a tremendous amount of hardship.

French’s first taste of rapping was at a talent show, and Ade honed his stage presence during college in Alabama as part of a go-go band performing for one or two dozen in the audience. Despite this, the two have found encouraging success.

“Don’t leave any stone unturned,” Ade says. “Don’t have too much pride and ego to do something or try something. If you have music [and] you feel it’s good, get in front of the crowd.”

With these two touring the country and constantly achieving new sounds with their local influences, and newer acts like the Milk$ duo on the rise, the area is well on its way to national prominence.

And while recognition in the national hip-hop scene is exciting, it’s not necessary in the end, because the DMV will always be a unique

home for the artists it helps cultivate.

“Of course [DC artists] have our separate lives and [our hip-hop] is new for most people,” French says. “There will be a time when we might have to sit down and push it to the next level, but a lot of people are cool with it being the way it is. DC is just DC anyway. We’re just us at the end of the day. We have what it takes to separate ourselves from those other places, and there’s nothing wrong with that either.”

For more information about these hip-hop artists’ tours and releases, visit their websites.

Chaz French: www.truecolorsproject.com Milk$: www.milkdollarsign.bandcamp.com Phil Ade: www.facebook.com/philademusic

Chaz French

Photo: Chaz French’s Facebook page www.ontaponline.com | September 2017 | On Tap

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By Reem Nadeem The onset of Labor Day brings back-toschool shopping, the shuttering of public pools and an unofficial end to summer. But that doesn’t have to mean an end to outdoor fun. The Rosslyn Jazz Fest has provided a space for people to gather, dance and listen to music for free for the past 27 years.

This year’s festival on September 9 promises to be the entertaining and unique community experience it has always been.

According to Mary-Claire Burick, president of the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, that’s exactly what the festival is – a community experience.

“It’s not a concert or a nightclub setting,” she says. “It’s a real community event. You are putting your blanket down next to your neighbor – chatting, dancing, and hopefully meeting new people and having a good time.”

The family-friendly event, just a short walk from the Rosslyn Metro, has continuously brought big names in music to the area,

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Photos: Shervin Lainez

and this year is no exception. Josh Stoltzfus, director of cultural development for Arlington Arts, says the process of picking performers is no small endeavor.

“We seek to present a diverse lineup of artists in jazz and jazz-influenced genres, with particular emphasis on those who are utilizing the themes, technology and aesthetics of contemporary culture in order to honor jazz tradition while seeking to build on and expand on that tradition,” he says.

This year’s lineup includes Joe Keyes and The Late Bloomer Band, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Soul Rebels, and Xenia Rubinos. With this diverse, dynamic lineup of musicians, you’re bound to hear something that resonates. Brooklyn-based Xenia Rubinos’ music explores issues like identity and history, all while keeping you dancing.

Pinning Rubinos’ sound down to one genre would do her musical fluidity a disservice, but you can hear notes of soul, punk, funk, R&B and more. Her diverse interests and tastes are

the reason her sound can’t be pigeonholed.

“I like a lot of different music, and I’ve listened to a lot of different music throughout my life, so I just gravitate toward what makes me most excited and curious,” Rubinos says.

Despite her wandering curiosity – or perhaps because of it – Rubinos often uses music to explore her own identity as an AfroLatina in the United States, even though she didn’t always have access to that kind of vocabulary.

“So, in a way, it’s all about my identity and I guess it always will be tied to that,”

she continues. “I’m also really curious about where I come from and researching my family history, my personal history and inventing what I don’t know. I was a Hispanic girl that grew up in Hartford. I thought I was American, but I kind of never felt American.”

Using art to explore cultural identity and other meaningful topics lends her music an authenticity that’s hard to imitate. It feels even more genuine when you realize that Rubinos often uses her music to laugh, too.

A song called “Mexican Chef” on Rubinos’ most recent album, Black Terry Cat, originally began as a private joke. The song is about the invisibility of people of color in the service industry, even though they’re often in plain sight. That invisibility is even more ironic because the service industry would come to a standstill were it not for that labor.

Using art to explore cultural identity an d other meaningful topics

lends her music an ty that’s authentici

hard to imitate.

Photo: Amanda Picotte

“It was just an observation that I was making, walking around in my neighborhood and seeing the same scene repeated over and over again,” the artist says. “It kind of made me laugh, and I wrote this song originally just as a poem, a joke to myself, but then it ended up becoming this song. And I didn’t think of it, but it really resonated with people because it’s just calling out something that we all know and see.”

That kind of candidness has resonated with her fans all over the world. Despite her success, Rubinos stays true to her roots, always willing to play a free show if it means more people will get to enjoy her music.

With accessibility to such inimitable music, there’s basically no reason not to go to Rosslyn Jazz Fest. But here’s more incentive anyway: there will be food trucks and an expanded beer and wine garden. Don’t miss the festival at Gateway Park from 1-7 p.m. on Saturday, September 9.

Admission is free.

Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA; 703-522-6628; www.rosslynva.org www.ontaponline.com | September 2017 | On Tap

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Musician

on a Mission

By Courtney Sexton

hen he won NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert contest in 2015, Xavier Dphrepaulezz was no stranger to making music. In fact, the then 46-year-old had been doing it his whole life, and nearly given it up. As he croons in his winning entry “Lost in a Crowd,” filmed with one straight angle on him and his band in a freight elevator: “Life it goes fast/Youth is gone/Feeling so lost/Grieve, move on/Stuck in the shadows of a life/That you tried to leave behind.”

But fast-forward to today, and Dphrepaulezz, better known by his stage name Fantastic Negrito, has risen from relative obscurity to Grammywinning fame – recording and releasing the full-length Last Days of Oakland, campaigning with Bernie Sanders, and wrapping multiple international tours both with his own band and alongside the late Chris Cornell (of Audioslave and Soundgarden) along the way.

Fantastic Negrito’s music is raw and unapologetically American.

Inspired equal parts by Robert Johnson and Robert Plant, Dphrepaulezz calls his sound black roots music. With world-weary edged vocals, jazzy piano riffs and 70s swagger blended with traditional soul, he explores the timely and timeless themes of the working poor, trying to make an honest living, struggling with loneliness, addiction and “scary women.”

So what drives a blues artist in the year 2017? Despite a long, rocky road in the business and near-debilitating pre-performance stage fright, Dphrepaulezz says that when it comes down to it, music is why he’s here.

“This is what I do,” he says. “This is what I’m supposed to do. Everyone on this planet has their mission, their contribution. I think we all have our calling, and this is my calling. It’s my contribution as a human being, and it’s never tiring because it’s a mission of love. It’s a mission of giving. And I think people are at their best when they’re giving. I know artists are.”

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Indeed, the realization of Dphrepaulezz into Fantastic Negrito seems fated. The artist grew up in a strict, religious household before moving in and out of foster care and eventually coming of age on the streets of Oakland, California, just as hip-hop hit the scene.

“I don’t think there has been anything that has shifted the landscape as big as hip-hop,” he says. “It was like the alien that landed…kind of like jazz. Like a true, pure, original art form. BOOM.” Dphrepaulezz recalled how racially divided our country was when he was growing up.

“Then I remember white people started listening,” he says. “I’m old enough to remember when MTV would not play black artists. Think about that sh-t. I lived through that. I remember it being like the day before it was green, and the next day it was red. It completely shifted our existence and our understanding of music, and it brought out all kinds of things. It was influential as hell, and it still is.”

“ Fantastic Negrito’s music is raw and unapologetically American. Inspired equal parts by Robert Johnson and Robert Plant, Dphrepaulezz calls his sound black roots music. ” With these sociopolitical and musical shifts as a backdrop, Dphrepaulezz’s own life took many turns – from stints of growing and selling weed, licensing music for TV and film, and working the hustle that ultimately got him signed by Jimmy Iovine, to experiencing the ugly side of the major label industry and a near-fatal car accident that landed him in a coma and giving up on music.

The birth of Fantastic Negrito came not long after the birth of Dphrepaulezz’s own son, for whom he once again picked up a guitar.

His child was calmed by songs that Dphrepaulezz remembered playing in the early days, and it inspired him to start writing again. TV revived the artist’s calling in its current bluesy reincarnation – Dphrepaulezz’s big break came from the opening theme to Amazon’s hit series Hand of God, starring Ron Perlman. Shortly thereafter, his sound echoed from Bob Boilen’s Tiny Desk, part of NPR’s All Songs Considered.

After touring with Cornell and winning the 2017 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and setting back out on tour, Fantastic Negrito isn’t ready to slow down. The artist returned to the States to find his mission even more relevant, and recorded two new songs that address the “disingenuous misleading of people” and bigotry that he sees as infections in our society.

“If we’re a society, if we’re a country, if we’re a family, if something makes us uncomfortable, then god damn it, let’s talk about it,” he says.

“If you’re in a relationship, if it’s something that’s f--ked up, you don’t ignore it. You talk about it. And you get an understanding.”

Negrito hopes the new songs, “Push Back” and “The Shadows,” will make listeners confront those uncomfortable issues.

“Change that is significant and is going to force people to grow, it should be uncomfortable. Artists should challenge people and keep challenging people because that is our job. And when people get uncomfortable with what I’m doing, I’m kind of glad.”

Fantastic Negrito and his band will play Merriweather Post Pavilion on Friday, September 15 with Sturgill Simpson. Tickets are $40-$59.50.

Learn more about Fantastic Negrito at www.fantasticnegrito.com.

Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy.

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

By Trent Johnson and Reem Nadeem

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Japanese Breakfast Described as “experimental pop,” this sound started as Michelle Zauner’s side project, but has since grown into a nationally touring act all on its own. According to Zauner, the name is a juxtaposition of Asian exoticism and American culture, but the subject matter of the music crosses the cultural lines with universal topics such as love and personal discovery.

The music is dark and moody, but can be upbeat and moving, and it’s that versatility which enabled Japanese Breakfast to be one of the best items on the music menu. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13-$15. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

Charlie Worsham and Lauren Calve Country singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Worsham was born in Jackson, Mississippi, where music became his main interest at a young age. He has a keen eye for detail and storytelling that gives his songs of love, nostalgia and the South a sense of place and time; even when he follows convention, he puts his own spin on familiar material.

Worsham favors soul and breezy pop over rock and twang, and that means he burns slow and steady, providing a soundtrack for romantic evenings. Opener and Virginia native Lauren Calve is a singer-songwriter based in DC. Steeped in American roots music, Calve's songs are by turns anthemic and poetic as they move between rousing bluesrock, sweeping folk-driven numbers and delicate balladry.

Her strong, powerful vocal

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style and skillful acoustic and lap steel guitar playing takes inspiration from renowned artists such as Patty Griffin, Bonnie Raitt and Elmore James.

Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15-$18.

Write-up provided by venue.

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

Tei Shi If you like your pop music with hints of 80s and notes of R&B, don't miss the chance to catch this Colombian-Canadian powerhouse. Indie pop icon Tei Shi is bringing her one-of-a-kind pop hits to U Street Music Hall.

This is the kind of music that'll have you dancing all night, even to the slower jams. Show is at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Apocalyptica This one's for all the metalheads who first learned to play music on classical instruments. The Nordic rockers of Apocalyptica will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos. The album reinterpreted Metallica's classics such as “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets” on, you guessed it, cellos. In honor of the album's anniversary, Apocalyptica has added three extra tracks to the lineup. So, whether you're a former orchestra-geek, a Metallica fan or just someone who appreciates cross-genre pollination, "nothing else matters" more than this show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35. Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; www.thelincolndc.com

Record Cafe and Music House: 2475-2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

on the scene

For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Ó As the product of songwriter Gabrielle Smith, Ó is a perfect showcase of the soothing powers of indie music. The idea is to be immediate, soft and natural, and you’d be hard-pressed to discover more bands that blend the three more harmoniously than Ó.

Sonically, the group is often acoustic, which adds to their very laidback sound. Songbyrd will serve as a perfect backdrop to this subtly beautiful group.

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

Tickets are $12-$14. Songbyrd

Beverly If you like dancing to some mellow tunes, then check out this band. Their indie pop songs are a little more alt than pop, but still catchy and totally danceable. It's a little hard to describe their sound, but having been at SXSW 2016, you know this show won't disappoint.

Expect a dreamy, placid sound but finger-snapping tunes.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $10-$12. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

Nick Murphy (Chet Faker) With performances at Lollapalooza, Coachella and even The Ellen DeGeneres Show, one might wonder why Murphy, formerly Chet Faker, has made the switch from a name that brought him so much success.

Well, according to Murphy, a name change feels like musical rediscovery. There's nothing more exciting than an artist expanding their boundaries and reinventing themselves, especially with a performer as unique as this one. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $35.

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

Photos: Kayla Marsh & Devin Overbey

Rosslyn Jazz Fest Featuring a number of talented bands, the Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts are bringing the Rosslyn Jazz Fest back for the best year yet. The 2017 lineup features standouts such as The Soul Rebels, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Xenia Rubinos, and Joe Keyes & The Late Bloomer Band. The annual shindig often invigorates jazz fans in the DMV, as more than 5,000 fans have come out to listen in previous years. With The Soul Rebels headlining, this year’s show is off to a promising start, and they haven’t hit the stage yet. 1-7 p.m. Free to attend. Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org

Fans enjoy free live music from local bands like Uncle Jesse and Monster Band every Friday night home game on the Budweiser Terrace as the Nationals warm up to face their opponents.

www.ontaponline.com | September 2017 | On Tap

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Big Boi OutKast is one of the most famous rap duos of all time; made up of Big Boi and Andre 3000, the two are both iconic stars in the genre, whether together or separate. With recent reports that Andre 3000 isn’t much interested in more OutKast albums, Big Boi has generally done the opposite, pressing forward in the hip-hop game. With his unbreakable flow and deft ability to touch on subjects ranging from politics to marriage, you won’t need the other half of OutKast to truly enjoy this show. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.

Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Del the Funky Homosapien After getting his start in the group Da Lench Mob (founded by his cousin Ice Cube), Del the Funky Homosapien ran counter to the early/mid-90s gangsta rap fixation, providing a different, more politically charged message. Some say it’s “alternative rap,” but it’s still very much hip-hop, as Del’s lyrics are famous in their own right, even appearing on the Gorillaz’s massive hit “Clint Eastwood.” Aside from his animated feature, Del has been producing music for nearly two decades, and is a masterful emcee on the microphone.

Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

Tunes Tunes in in The Triangle The Triangle

NE corner of 5th & K Street 6:30 pm–8:30 pm 6:30 •PM - 8:30 PM Thursday, July 21: The Oxymorons at Milian Park (Mass Ave & 5th St.)

• Tuesday, august 2: Alison Carney Sept 7: Perfectionists Special concert and family activities for National Night Out at 5th & K Parking Lot

Sept 20: Pebble to Pearl

• Thursday, august 18: Justin Trawick at Milian Park

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Nicole Atkins With a throwback style, listening to Nicole Atkins is like going back in time to the years when diners were the best hangouts in town. Pulling from the 50s and the 60s, Atkins has a unique voice raved about by Leonard Cohen – and it’s powerful enough to carry songs, putting any instrumentation firmly in the background. Throughout the ups and downs of her life, Atkins has always found strength in her voice, and in music. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30.

The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

Paramore I think every teen had a phase – unless you were in full-on rebellion mode listening to good 70s rock music – where Paramore was on rotation in the ol’ iPod shuffle. Paramore was like the safe version of an overtly outward angst – a way to stay in tune with pop music while being a little against the world, because the whole image of Paramore was Hayley Williams with her crazy colored hair and black attire. The group has matured since the early 2000s when they connected with teens, and luckily for them, so have their fans. However, this

concert is really for the folks who want to be transported back to the time when they still had lockers and class schedules.

Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $150. Theater at MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Ave. Oxon Hill, MD; www.mgmnationalharbor.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

The Heavy Pets Florida natives The Heavy Pets sound like what you wish the neighbor's loud garage band sounded like. The jam band is bringing their jazzy rock ‘n’ roll to DC this fall, and if you want to hear some finger-snapping, feel-good music, then this show is the one for you. Their combination of catchy lyrics and chill instrumentals will make for a nicely balanced performance.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10-$14. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475-2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

Wild Belle It's hard to do justice to the unique sound of the Chicagoborn siblings who make up Wild Belle. Bumping bass and impossibly danceable tunes combined with lyrics that linger make for a haunting sound not frequently heard in pop. Some of their songs contain elements of funk, ska and reggae too.

Wild Belle was featured on Major Lazer's third album with their collective hit "Be Together,"

a poignant song about an impossible relationship. If you've doubted the existence of music that could make you dance and cry at the same time, Wild Belle is here to make you a believer. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $16-$18. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

with a little more depth than just hitting the club, this show is a great chance to witness an up-and-coming popstar. 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF PINK FLOYD’S ANIMALS W/ EAT YER MEAT

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Arcade Fire Ah yes, the eternally moody Arcade Fire. Most people who like the Canadian band, plus Texan frontman Win Butler, find some sort of nostalgic sense of camaraderie with the lyrics.

Win Butler has a true calling for identifying moments in his life that will resonate with his listeners, and this ability has created a loyal following spurning them to perpetual success. It’s unlikely I have to sell you on this rock staple, as you’ve probably formed an opinion either way, but for what it’s worth, I’ve heard they’re great live. Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $26.

Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena. monumentalsportsnetwork.com

Astrid S Recently named "Norway's next great pop export" by Nylon Magazine, Astrid S is pretty accomplished for a 19-year-old. Her electro-pop hits feature big names like Avicii and Matoma. If you like dancing but want something

OPEN MIC EVERY TUESDAY IN OUR VINYL LOUNGE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

FUNKY DAWGZ BRASS BAND ALBUM RELEASE

Shenandoah Run Described as "folk music with a kick," this nine-piece collective is native to the DC area. Shenandoah Run is known locally for blending traditional and modern folk music and their lively performances – often in front of huge crowds.

Their energetic performances appeal to diverse crowds and are family-friendly. If you want a cheery show with plenty of opportunity to clap along to folk favorites, then this performance is the one for you. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tickets cost $20. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

ADAM WAKEFIELD WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

FUNK YOU & “LET’S FIGHT”

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

LEE ROY PARNELL ALBUM RELEASE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

CHARLIE WORSHAM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

ALL GOOD PRESENTS: PSYCHO KILLERS (TALKING HEADS TRIBUTE) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

CONSPIRATOR FT. MEMBERS OF THE DISCO BISCUITS & RAQ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

THE LAST REVEL & JON STICKLEY TRIO

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

THE HEAVY PETS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

KENDALL STREET COMPANY ALBUM RELEASE SHOW SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

THE SKIP CASTRO BAND WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

DREWCIFER! FT MEMBERS OF RAILROAD EARTH, THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS, GUSTER

Young The Giant There is probably no better venue to discover the alt-rock group's danceable tunes than Merriweather. The California natives are known in the indie rock world for their compelling vocals, catchy beats and electric performances. Remember the emo music you used to listen to on you iPod while riding the bus to school? Young The Giant is like an infinitely more mature, complex version of that.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

POLYRHYTHMICS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

NO BS! BRASS BAND TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

THOMAS WYNN & THE BELIEVERS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

OZ NOY & OZONE SQUEEZE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

SUPER DOPPLER

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

THE BEAT HOTEL & THE ALLMAN OTHERS BAND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

DEAD VS PHISH FT. STEAL YOUR FACE VS SMILER FOR CONTROL FOR SMILERS

www.ontaponline.com | September 2017 | On Tap

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

The Juju Exchange Started by Nico Segal (frequently known as Donnie Trumpet, who is a Chance the Rapper collaborator), this jazz collective draws inspiration from hip-hop, classical and pop music. Behind the genrebending sound is a group of childhood friends from Chicago, using past experience to explore jazzy new territory. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $16-$18.

Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475-2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Daddy Yankee If your middle school days aren't marked by pop, locking it and dropping it to "Gasolina" in the cafeteria-turned-dance floor during school dances, we definitely wouldn't have hung out. The Puerto Rican superstar and reggaeton icon refuses to fall out of relevance, with his most recent hit "Despacito" becoming the most streamed song online just this year. So if you're not about all of these people singing gibberish lyrics during the verses, here's your chance to hear them from the mastermind himself. 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $45. Filene Center at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & GRILL

Alexz Johnson This Canadian singer, songwriter and actor is a prolific artist.

Whether she’s penning songs for a new LP or reciting lines in the mirror for her role in a new film, Johnson keeps herself busy. In September, the talented musician will make a stop in Vienna, delivering her fringe country sound coupled with her masterfully written lyrics. So when you stumble into Jammin Java on this Monday and think to yourself “Have I seen this person?”, the answer is probably yes, but shut up and listen.

Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15-$25. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

AMAZING BRUNCH BUFFET! Saturdays and Sundays

ROOFTOP TIKI BAR Open Weather Dependent

2854 Wilson Blvd.

703-276-WOWE (9693) Clarendon Metro Stop (Orange Line)

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On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Grieves Grieves' hip-hop sounds pretty mellow, but a close listen reveals profound, poetic lyrics. Whether a song is lighthearted or dealing with issues of addiction or poverty, Grieves spits lyrics that are understandable to audiences, even if they're not relatable. His new album, Running Wild, came out on August 25, making this the perfect time to get acquainted with the rapper's newest sounds. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $15. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

September Entertainment 9/1 ........... The Reflex 9/2 ........... DJ Killabeats24 9/3 ........... Tommy Gann 9/7 ........... DJ Pat Premier 9/8 ........... Uncle Jesse 9/9 ........... DJ2NUTZ 9/14......... DJ Killabeats24 9/15......... For The Win! 9/16......... Party Like Its… 9/21......... DJ Lingo 9/22......... The Relatives 9/23......... Under The Covers 9/28......... DJ Jenesis 9/29......... Thunder Buddies 9/30......... Lovely Rita

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Radney Foster The position that Radney Foster enjoys in the country music landscape is remarkable.

Mainstream country music and independent Americana tend to occupy separate orbits. Yet for 30 years Foster has thrived in both as a songwriter, recording artist, live performer and producer. His songs—solo, with Foster and Lloyd and recorded by other artists—have topped the country, Americana, and AAA charts alike. At the same time, he’s earned the respect of his peers and a devoted audience as intent on listening as they are eager to dance.

Write-up provided by venue. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.hamiltondc.com

Polyrhythmics Rich with bold brass and hypnotic percussion, Polyrhythmics latest album, Caldera, showcases the instrumental eight-piece group's impossibly tight grooves and virtuosic musicianship as they tear through a singular blend of funk, soul, psychedelic rock, R&B, progressive jazz and Afrobeat. Calling to mind everything from Antibalas and the Dap-Kings to The Meters and Fela Kuti, Caldera is without a doubt their strongest work to date, merging the infectious power of their live show with a sleek and nuanced studio sophistication. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$12. Write-up provided by venue. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Space Jesus Space Jesus, born Jasha Tull, compellingly self describes his music as "the feeling you get when you travel through a wormhole in a fresh pair of Jordans," and if that doesn't pique your interest, we probably have nothing in common. All jokes aside, having performed at global festivals like TomorrowWorld, Space Jesus has become an important name in experimental music.

Although his unique sound will definitely appeal to EDM fanatics, his hip-hop roots are impossible to ignore. So whether you like your EDM with a hint of lyricism, your hip-hop with a lot of bass, or your shows without a single person standing still, this is the performance for you. 10 p.m. show. Tickets are $18.

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

the wayside as more and more members find solo success, so as a precautionary measure, it may be worth seeing the Mob in September. Show at 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $52. Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, DC; www.echostage.com

Marilyn Manson Manson has had an undeniable impact on pop culture as a scapegoat for everything parents in the 90s didn't like, largely due to his shock-factor lyrics and performances.

Anyone who has actually taken the time to listen to his music knows that Manson is a dynamic, multifaceted artist and perhaps one of the biggest risk takers in modern music. Bring your "Heart-Shaped Glasses," and come ready to hear one of the most important metal icons. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $87.

Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

show. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

Songhoy Blues According to band’s website, the Songhoy people of West Africa are very traditional when it comes to music, but the members of this group grew up idolizing hip-hop, R&B and classic rock. Naturally, the “blues” part in their name gives away their sound, which is unbelievably groovy and firmly cemented in music reminiscent of legends like B.B. King and Buddy Guy. All those guitar licks with the band’s native tongue make for a different experience soaked in familiarities. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

A$AP Mob One of the most notable and popular rap collectives in the genre, A$AP Mob consists of members A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, A$AP Ty Beats, A$AP Ant, A$AP Twelvy and A$AP Nast. Though the first two catch most of the headlines, the entire group gets shine and love from one another up on stage and in the studio.

Hip-hop collectives often go to

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Electric Six Electric Six is a good name, but according to the band’s bio, the original name was “The Sex Stars of 1977.” Can we pause for a second and maybe take a step back? I think that original is undoubtedly superior to Electric Six, but we understand the allure of the bright lights and the strange phobia people have about the word “sex” in Western culture. Plus, the raucous music sounds more like it’s coming from the Sex Stars, as it’s often silly and explosive. That probably read wrong; enjoy the

On Tap | September 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Crystal Castles Any band undergoing a lineup change is expected to experience some ups and downs along the way, but when it’s your frontwoman and lead vocalist, those bumps in the road can be heightened.

Despite the departure of Alice Glass from the group, Crystal Castles (cofounder Ethan Kath and vocalist Edith Frances) have continued to produce pulsating, chaotic songs with their typically sonic distortion.

Though, there are differences, Frances’ voice is a soothing backdrop for the endless wave of digital music. Doors at 8 p.m.

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

Mar k Y C a le n d a o u r rs !

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 All Things Go Fall Classic Foster the People, Young Thug and Galantis will headline the 2017 All Things Go Fall Classic music and food festival, during an all-new, three-day festival experience. The Grammy-nominated band, who broke out with the hit “Pumped Up Kicks,” the boundary-pushing Atlanta rapper and the Swedish electronic super duo lead a lineup of more than 20 electronic, hip-hop and alternative acts performing at the festival that delivers a one-of-a-kind double dose of top-notch musical entertainment and a culinary experience.

Festival starts Friday at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $69. Write-up provided by venue. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com

AT BASECAMP BREWPUB & MEADOWS RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE • LANGHORNE SLIM THE HIP ABDUCTION • BLITZEN TRAPPER L A R R Y K E E L X 2 ( E LECTRIC & A COUSTIC S ETS! ) SUSTO • TYLER CHILDERS • PAUL CAUTHEN • COLTER WALL MUDDY MAGNOLIAS • THE WAY DOWN WANDERERS LINDSAY LOU & THE FLATBELLYS

FEATURING VIRGINIA BANDS FE '

C H A M O M I L E & W H I S K E Y • L O R D N E L S O N • D I S C O R I S QU E WILL OVERMAN BAND • BRYAN ELIJAH SMITH & THE WILD HEARTS GOLD TOP COUNTY RAMBLERS • DHARMA BOMBS

AND REINTRODUCING THE CVILLE ALLSTARS TUCKER ROGERS, JOHNNY STUBBLEFIELD, BUTCH TAYLOR, STEWART MYERS with special guests including John D’earth, Gina Sobel, Erin Lunsford, Travis Elliott, Gary Green, Rob Bedford

Info & Tickets devilsbackbonehoopla.com Lineup Subject to Change

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