Drink. Dine. Do. 12.17
GAME CHANGER
WIZARDS ANALYST KARA LAWSON
KING OF
KITSCH
JOHN WATERS
MOZART IN THE DISTRICT
NOSEDA LEADS NSO
DANCE THIS MESS AROUND B-52’S CINDY WILSON
COCKTAIL COUNTDOWN DC’S ULTIMATE
Advent Calendar
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NYE IN THE CITY SHOP MADE IN DC LES MIS AT NATIONAL THEATRE
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photos: Mark Van Bergh
Shorts & Sips at The Modern at Art Place included complimentary cocktails from top DC mixologists and the best short films from the DC Shorts Film Festival. Partners included Oyamel, Fig and Olive, 801 Restaurant, Nocturne and Room 11.
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CPAA Productions Ltd. presents The Guangdong Song & Dance Ensemble Wenhua Award-Winning Chinese Dance Drama
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“A Stormy Sea of Love and Song”—The New York Times
A Perfect Gift
FEB 2 & 3 | 8:00 PM
FEB 3 & 4 | 2:00 PM
THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS • EISENHOWER THEATER TICKETS: $30-$110 | 202-467-4600 | kennedy-center.org FEB 7
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THE MERRIAM THEATER AT THE KIMMEL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Table of Contents who is on tap
December 2017: Vol 20 No 2 Cocktail countdown As the holidays approach and festivities abound, we decided to come up with the ultimate Advent calendar for unique cocktails to try in and around the city. We also highlighted festive drinking opportunities for adults who want to get in the holiday spirit, and caught up with bartenders crafting one-of-a-kind libations. Our December issue marks a particularly exciting month for interviews, including the B-52’s Cindy Wilson; the National Symphony Orchestra’s new conductor, Gianandrea Noseda; Washington Wizards Color Analyst Kara Lawson; and Baltimore’s iconic king of kitsch, John Waters. Plus, features on National Theatre’s Les Misérables, local band Foreign Air, destination brewery Tröegs, an in-depth look at the Wizards’ 2017-2018 season thus far, and the brand new, all-local Shop Made in DC. And don’t miss our comprehensive rundown of New Year’s Eve parties in the DMV. Happy holidays! Featured Drink: Snake in the Grass Featured Venue: Dirty Habit
Photography: Aubrie Pick Design: Alanna Sheppard
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 Les Misérables at National Theatre. . ... 6 King of Kitsch John Waters................... 8
n Sports
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6 Les Misérables at National Theatre
King of Kitsch John Waters
Wizards Analyst Kara Lawson . . .......... 12 Wizards Season Update. . ..................... 16
n December Roundup A Day in the Life.................................... 10 Drink, Dine, Do...................................... 19 New Year’s Eve Events.. ........................ 24
n Drinks
12
34
Wizards Color Analyst
Cocktail Countdown
Kara Lawson
DC’s Ultimate Advent Calendar
Did You Know? Local Libations. . ........ 30 Six Boozy Holiday Activities............... 32 DC’s Cocktail Advent Calendar.......... 34 Behind the Bar....................................... 38 Tröegs’ Holiday Offerings. . .................. 40 What’s On Tap........................................ 42
n Dining New, Notable, No Longer.................... 44
n Music Foreign Air’s Fast Rise................................48 Mozart in the District.................................50 The B-52’s Cindy Wilson............................52 Music Picks....................................................54
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Mozart in the District
Dance This Mess Around
Noseda Leads the NSO
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The B-52’s Cindy Wilson
On Tap | December 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Events & promotions manager Shannon Darling shannon@ontaponline.com
Events & promotions ASSISTANT Katie Seaman katies@ontaponline.com
OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kelcie Glass kelcie@ontaponline.com
Contributing Writers
Lani Furbank, Natalia Kolenko, Keith Loria, Michael Loria, Kayla Marsh, Travis Mitchell, Jean Schindler and Alex Thompson
Contributing Photographers
Mark Van Bergh, Shantel Mitchell Breen, Krystina Gabrielle Photography, Kayla Marsh, Devin Overbey, Mark Raker and Jean Schindler 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.
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/HOLIDAY
Stage & Screen Events By Trent Johnson
THROUGH DECEMBER 17
THROUGH DECEMBER 24
The Ugly One Can you imagine never gawking at yourself in the mirror? Or the amount of effort friends and loved ones would have to go through to keep you away from one? Not to mention the plethora of reflections you’d have to avoid to amass any real amount of time without seeing and thinking, “Oh hey, that’s what I look like – neat.” Well apparently, the character Lette in this Marius von Mayenburg satire has just discovered that he is, in fact, ugly. Instead of coping with this truth after years and years of pondering how he’s never noticed before, he’s decided to simply hit up a plastic surgeon to create a new face. Not only does it work, but he’s now the most attractive man in the room, and though we don’t know what competition he’s up against, we want to see what’s next for this man who apparently enjoyed life free of all vanity before his transformation. Various times and dates. Tickets $30. CAOS on F: 923 F St. NW, DC; www.caosonf.com
Nina Simone: Four Women This play is the adaptation of a song by legendary singer Nina Simone. The song, titled “Four Women,” explores four separate characters representing different perspectives of African American women. The song was written in 1966 for the album Wild is the Wind, and tackles the plights of women representing African American enslavement, biracial inequality, sexual abuse and generational oppression. Though the song features what is essentially short poems in succession, the play deals with each as fully developed characters, including Simone, who represents the fourth and final woman. Christina Ham’s adaptation also ties the song to the 16th St. Baptist Church bombing, which took place in 1963, and resulted in the deaths of four young girls. With songs and storytelling, this play illustrates the messages still very much alive in Simone’s music, and largely in society itself. Various times and dates. Tickets $71$111. Arena Stage: 1101 6th St. SW, DC; www.arenastage.org
THROUGH December 23
THROUGH DECEMBER 31
Hansel & Gretel “Silence is a virtue.” This saying was coined by Benjamin Franklin when he was deciphering what and what did not add up to a virtuous life. Oh, would the gentleman on the $100 be upset with today’s society, as most people would likely carry around megaphones if it wasn’t an arduous task. What does this have to do with Synetic Theater’s Hansel & Gretel? Well, this play is one of the numerous “wordless” productions the theater features each year. For a story with universal themes like exploration and imagination, Hansel & Gretel is an interesting tale to convey without the help of pithy dialogue between the siblings who find themselves in a wondrous new world.; I’m not sure how they’ll yell “Help” in this rendition. Various times and ticket prices. Synetic Theater: 1800 South Bell St. Arlington, VA; www.synetictheater.org
A Christmas Carol Seriously? Do you really not know the plot of old man Ebenezer Scrooge drinking too much eggnog before falling into a crazy rem sleep that triggers hallucinations in the form of ghosts repping the past, present and future? No. You definitely do; you do because Charles Dickens’ novella has undergone countless adaptations. My personal favorite was Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, where Matt McConaughey plays a notorious a--hole who can’t figure out how to not be a terrible boyfriend, and that’s where the ghosts come in. All jokes about the age-old tale aside, there’s a reason the iconic story has stood the tests of time. If you’re into nostalgia, forgot the plot or simply – and I won’t believe you – have never seen it, there’s no better theater to catch this play than Ford’s. Various times and dates. Tickets $32-$105. Ford’s Theatre: 511 10th St. NW, DC; www.fords.org
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On Tap | December 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 - THURSDAY, JULY 24 Draw the Circle As part of its ongoing series “Transformational Journeys: Inspired Singular Explorations,” Mosaic Theater presents Mashuq Mushtaq Deen’s true story Draw the Circle. The story focuses on his gender transition, and the reactions from his conservative Muslim family. Instead of this performance being from his point of view, Deen’s story is told from the perspectives of his respective family members, uncovering their concerns with the unknown and unconditional love throughout the process. Various times and dates. Tickets $20-$65. Atlas Performing Arts Center: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org
Dissonance Dance Theatre A performance inspired by the ancient Silk Road should represent a massive exchange of ideas. The ancient route, connecting Asia and Europe from 120 BCE to the 1450s, represents the ultimate example in history where cultural ideas and products were swapped for one another. In the case of Dissonance Dance Theatre, artistic director Shawn Short has fused sounds and movements from the East and West to concoct an amalgamation of art that features music from Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble to modern-day super producer Timbaland. Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets $15-$30. Dance Place: 3225 8th St. NE, DC; www.danceplace.org
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 The SantaLand Diaries Luckily for me, I have not had to swallow my pride and don a skin tight green suit to make some extra change for the holidays. However, the same cannot be said for writer David Sedaris, who picks up the moniker Crumpet the Elf while dressed like Will Farrell from Elf at a Macy’s department store gig. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, and offering empty smiles to passersby in search of the latest and greatest hunk of overpriced plastic, Crumpet offered up details behind the scenes at Santa’s workshop. Presumably E!’s True Hollywood Stories passed on this potential documentary because, spoiler alert, Santa is a fictional character, but we still get a chance to hear the goods at Drafthouse Comedy in the form of this adult holiday production based on Sedaris’ experience. Various dates and times. Tickets $20. Drafthouse Comedy: 1100 13th St. NW, DC; www.drafthousecomedy.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 An American in Paris Adapted from the Academy Award-winning film of the same name, this Tony Award-winning musical is making its way to DC. Yes, the setting is Paris, and the story does involve an American, who happens to be a soldier yearning for a new beginning after experiencing the atrocities of war. He stumbles upon a mysterious French girl, and the two begin a journey together, set to classic songs from George and Ira Gershwin. Don’t miss this romantic production from 2015 Tony Award-winning director/ choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. Various times and dates. Tickets $59-$129. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org
www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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Photos: Matthew Murphy
National Theatre Presents
By Keith Loria ick Cartell remembers sitting in the lobby of an Arizona high school auditorium preparing to do his first-ever show – a kid’s theater production of Pinocchio – when his castmates started talking about this new Broadway show, Les Misérables. “I knew nothing about it, and they pulled out the soundtrack and started playing it, and I immediately fell in love with it,” he says, never dreaming that decades later he would be playing Jean Valjean onstage. Cartell is performing as the tragically heroic character in Cameron Mackintosh’s new touring production of Alain Boublil and ClaudeMichel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, which comes to the National Theatre from December 20 to January 7. For those unfamiliar with the sung-through musical, Les Misérables is based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name and is set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, presenting a story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. The score features Broadway treasures such as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home” and “One Day More.” “When you hear the initial downbeat and the first chord [of the first song], audiences start erupting in applause because it fills you with a sense of energy,” Cartell says. “There are characters that people connect with throughout their lives, and it changes as people get older and see the show at different points in their lives. That is why audiences continue to fall in love with this show.” This is the actor’s second go-around with Les Mis, having played Marius in a regional production about nine years ago. He’s excited about graduating to Valjean, although some may look at him and think he is too young for the role.
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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
“I do read younger than I am,” he says. “Valjean is on the older side when he does get out of prison, but what’s interesting is I still connect with so many different parts of who this character is throughout his entire life. As I do this tour, there’s new things I am finding out about the character every night I step on the stage.”
There are characters that people connect with throughout their lives, and it changes as people get older and see the show at different points in their lives. That is why audiences continue to fall in love with this show.
His attempt to try and make the world a better place is something I connect with, and I think audiences connect with, nightly. What Cartell loves about Valjean is the incredible emotional journey he takes starting with his very first scene. “He has to deal with so much. He really is broken at the beginning of our show. He’s spent 19 years in prison for a crime that should have been a slap on the wrist, and throughout his journey to get to where he is, he’s dealt with so much. His attempt to try and make the world a better place is something I connect with, and I think audiences connect with, nightly.” Die-hard fans of the original may notice some changes in the new touring version, such as there’s no turntable and some of the characters are a bit more fleshed out, but Cartell feels traditionalists will enjoy the show as much as Les Mis newbies. “Our production has a much more cinematic feel,” he says. “The designers went back to the drawing board and figured out that Victor Hugo was an incredible artist. They found some of his artwork and are using it as projections throughout the show, which brings so much color into the show and helps to establish the time and place.” Don’t miss this holiday production of Les Misérables, at National Theatre from December 20 to January 7. Tickets are $48-$98. Learn more at www.thenationaldc.org.
National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC 202-628-6161; www.thenationaldc.org www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2017 | ON TAP
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King of
Kits ch John Waters By Monica Alford
ohn Waters hates fruit baskets. “I can afford a pear for Christ’s sake,” the Baltimorebased cult icon tells me on a recent call. “Why would anybody send a pear? Send me cigarettes or porn.” And don’t get him started on gift cards. “That just means you think the person is stupid. You don’t have any interests and I can’t think of anything to give you, so here’s a gift card.” These are just a few of Waters’ Christmas pet peeves, and potential material for his upcoming “A John Waters Christmas” show at the Birchmere on December 21. The filmmaker (best known for cult classic Hairspray, and a slew of other deliciously campy movies like CryBaby, Serial Mom, Pecker and the epically controversial Pink Flamingos) has been venturing out on his annual Christmas tour for more than a decade, entertaining audiences with his thoughts on the holiday. And make no mistake: though Waters has an ongoing list of things that bug him about Christmas, the national tour was originally inspired by his essay “Why I Love Christmas.” “I’m not against Christmas,” he says. “Are you kidding? I’m like Johnny Mathis. I’m like a drag queen on Halloween. I work if it’s Christmas.” The famously nicknamed Pope of Trash, Prince of Puke, Duke of Dirt and Sultan of Sleaze (take your pick) describes himself as a vaudevillian, and says the Christmas shows help him stay in touch with his fans, “who always get their roots done before they come to see me.” When I ask him how he keeps his Christmas content fresh year after year, he tells me he’s a naturally curious news junkie who reads 100-plus magazines regularly. “I like human behavior, the quirks of it,” he says. “I’m interested. I eavesdrop on people. I’m always on an airplane, so I’m spying on people all the time.”
,, , It s like being a politician in , , a way. I ve even held babies. Waters says he’s used to public speaking, as he also performs in his spoken word show This Filthy World yearround, which highlights the successes of his self-made film career, his fascination with counterculture and the boundary-breaking, sometimes debaucherous, art he’s created over the years. “It’s just the way I have to tell stories,” he says of his shows. When he’s not performing, the prolific provocateur turns to his visual art (photography, sculpture, installations) and writing. Waters has authored a number of nonfiction stories, and earlier this year, a transcription of his 2015 commencement speech at the Rhode Island School of Design was published followed by the release of a 7-inch vinyl edition, released on Jack White’s label Third Man Records.
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On Tap | December 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
“I’m willing to work in all mediums,” Waters says about reading Make Trouble on vinyl. “If I could sing that speech, I’d be doing it.” In his rousing graduation speech, he encouraged the budding artists not to take “No” for an answer. “Aim for what you want. A hundred people can tell you, ‘No,’ but then one person will tell you, ‘Yes.’ And don’t think anybody is going to come knocking on your door to tell you, ‘Oh, you want to be a film director? We’ll help you.’ No, you’ve got to go find it.” Waters gave a particularly unique perspective as an artist who was expelled from college and “thrown out of every school.” He says schools are more accepting now than when the 71-year-old artist was coming of age.
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
,,
I like human behavior, , the quirks of it. I m interested. ,, I eavesdrop on people.
The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com
Photos: Mark Raker
“They let you stay longer if you have weird ideas. They encourage them instead of punish them.” We weave our conversation back to his 2017 Christmas tour, and how the Birchmere has become a mainstay venue for him. He says it’s a tradition to play there annually at this point, and teases that he might just come back one year and shock everyone by playing an entire set of Joan Baez songs. “I feel really at home there,” he says about the venue. “I see my friends and my sister, and people I know that live in Washington come every year, so it’s just become part of the tour – a part that I really, really like.” Waters’ affinity for the Birchmere extends to the DC area as a whole. He memorably had his first legal drink in the District at 18 years old, and also visited his first gay bar. “I thought, ‘God, I might be gay, but I don’t think I’m this,’” he laughs as he reminisces about the experience. “It was a very old school gay bar.” He now heads from Charm City to DC mostly to visit his sister and check out museums, but a little nostalgia bubbles to the surface as we speak about the nation’s capital. “I have good memories of book shops, punk rock clubs and old school sex bars when they had them.” Don’t miss Baltimore’s iconic bad boy at the Birchmere on December 21 for “A John Waters Christmas,” followed by a meet and greet and book signing. “That’s how I meet all my fans, so it’s great,” Water says. “It’s like being a politician in a way. I’ve even held babies.” Tickets are $55. Learn more about Waters at www.dreamlandnews.com and his upcoming show at www.birchmere.com.
Celebrating its twenty-third anniversary, Oyster Riot is one of the greatest parties of the year in DC. The Riot, held at the Old Ebbitt Grill, is the city’s preeminent food and wine event.
www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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A Day in the
Life
Shop Made in DC’s Michael Babin & Stacey Price
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Photos: Courtesy of Shop Made in DC
By Alex Thompson hop Made in DC is truly a one-of-a-kind place – every single product and delicacy sold at this new Dupont area gift store and café is designed, crafted and built right here in the District. You can grab an incredible cup of coffee while perusing boutique items including furniture, artwork, specialty
On Tap: You both have unique backgrounds: Stacey in building the Made in DC brand and Michael in developing successful restaurant concepts all over the District. How did the two of you come together for this project? Stacey Price: Somehow, I convinced Michael to be a board member of mine back in 2012 at Think Local First DC. I was really interested at that point in the Made in DC program, where we had just started a membership. We both had these ideas separately, but we would both keep saying, “Wouldn’t it be cool if there was a store attached to a café for all of these local makers?” We signed off on all of this on August 1, and we were open by October 20. It was a super-fast ramp up, but we had been talking about different versions of this concept for the last few years.
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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
foods and clothing, and even sample a local chef’s latest creation. And who better to create this multi-tenant Made in DC concept than Neighborhood Restaurant Group (NRG) Founder Michael Babin and People Make Place Founder Stacey Price? We caught up with these two to ask about the new space – and the copious amounts of coffee and charged cell phones they rely on to manage it all.
OT: The DC area has become a really supportive environment for food and retail startups, especially with the rise in food incubators around the District. How does Shop Made in DC fit into this picture? Michael Babin: Food incubators, like TasteLab and Mess Hall, are different parts of this industry being built in the city that are essential to people with a passion who want to turn that into a business. People who want to [start] these businesses need to have convenient, cost-efficient ways to make their products; that’s number one. Simultaneously, they need sales or they can’t make that happen. OT: What role do existing relationships across the local community of DC makers play in creating and sustaining a project like this? SP: Oh, it’s huge! I’ve spent my entire career
building this community, so without that network we wouldn’t have been able to pull this together. Golden Triangle called me and asked if I’d meet with a developer to see a space. Next, I called Michael and said, “Hey, remember this thing? You in?” If I didn’t know anything about this makers’ community, I couldn’t even imagine being able to pull together a project like this in a few months. MB: At NRG, our specific background in the food business has involved launching a lot of different brands and concepts, often times revolving around the vision of a team of chefs or a beverage director. At Shop Made in DC, we are working with entrepreneurs who have their own vision and we are trying to do justice to that in this multidimensional setting and nurture their experience. I think our experience in branding concepts plays well into that.
Stacey’s Work Must-Haves A playlist Cup of Small Planes Coffee Google Calendar and Asana project management software My locally-made, paper Appointed planner Apple trio (iPhone, iPad and MacBook Air)
OT: We are starting to see a lot more of this retail/food partnership. Why do you think that is and where do you see it headed in the District? SP: I think no matter where you are, it all comes down to real estate. It’s expensive and it’s hard, and this project specifically is about low entry to market opportunities. I think collaborative retail is the future […] and the consumer wants experiences. MB: I think these multi-tenant spaces are really creating a lot of energy in the food and retail scenes right now. Putting them together is sort of natural, and adds a different level to the experience. Being in these spaces, you can go for one reason and then end up doing something else.
Michael’s Work Must-Haves Lots of coffee Car and phone A notebook and pen My amazing team Unreasonable optimism
OT: What are the Shop Made in DC sellers and makers responsible for? SP: For retailers, we provide the marketing, point of sale and the space, and they are really just providing us the product and the guarantee of that product being in stock. For the food and beverage side, we aren’t just providing space, but also staffing and a full kitchen. We hold the ABC license and all the legalities of doing food and business in the space, so they really can just come in and within a day or so, be flowing into being a business. OT: What impact do you see Shop Made in DC having on local makers and the overall market for these small businesses? MB: I think the biggest thing that will be exciting over time is we are going to be able to introduce more brands, and I think the presence of the store and the sales we are generating for the makers in the city are going to start changing their business models. They are already getting direct and
immediate impact from consumers right now on which of their products move, so that will lead them to start evolving their businesses a lot faster. It will get pretty interesting and fun to see; it already is. OT: What does a project like this showcase about DC’s burgeoning food/drink and retail communities? MB: It’s hard for people to find some of the makers we are featuring. Some have been doing really great work for a really long time, and it’s been hard for them to find their customers and for customers to find them or even be aware of them. I think there is a lot more happening in the makers’ scene in DC, whether it’s food or retail goods, than most DC residents are aware of.
Stacey Can’t Live Without Art A bathtub Urban hikes Chocolate chip cookies My soul family (mindful, talented people that serve as daily inspiration and support)
OT: Any upcoming plans for the space during the holiday season? SP: We are launching Made in DC gift bags and boxes with five concepts, and I already see so much potential and opportunity in that. All my work has been on localism and circulating that local dollar, and I’m a nerd when it comes to putting the money back into the makers’ economy. It’s exciting for me when I have these big corporations and offices saying they want to shift their
corporate giving to local, and they see us as a conduit to that.
Michael Can’t Live Without Music Books Conversation My wife and kids Great food and drinks OT: Any plans to expand Shop Made in DC to other locations? SP: Michael is definitely working on what would it look like if we were in Union Station or the airport. In Dupont, we have this space that is amazing – a high-traffic area – but they weren’t already coming to this space. What are other spaces in the city that we can do pop-ups and get right in front of customers? I think you’ll see us experimenting outside of our brick and mortar space, and grow and scale up to support more makers that way. OT: What are you hoping patrons take away from visiting Shop Made in DC? MB: We can buy anything online at any time, but these things from local makers are created by hand and they are special because there is a great story behind them. And there is a huge economic virtuous cycle, because when people buy from these local makers, they are supporting their community. We just hope people start understanding that they can make that choice.
Shop Made in DC: 1330 19th St. NW, DC www.shopmadeindc.com www.ontaponline.com | december 2017 | On Tap
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Wizards Analyst Kara Lawson By Trent Johnson If you’ve tuned into a Wizards game this season on NBC Sports Washington, then you’ve already become acquainted with the voice of the team’s new color analyst, Kara Lawson. In the offseason, Lawson became the second woman to assume the role of primary television game analyst when she replaced the legendary Phil Chenier. Before stepping behind the microphone, or wearing one, Lawson was a little girl hurling a kickball toward a rim in Alexandria, Virginia. In her teens, she became a worthy opponent of the men at her local rec center, and eventually traveled south to play college ball at the University of Tennessee for the late all-time great coach Pat Summitt. During her days in the WNBA, Lawson moonlighted as a part time, in-studio analyst and sideline reporter for ESPN. Eventually the side gig turned into her primary career, making history along the way. At the quarter mark of the NBA season, we had a chance to chat with Lawson about the game of basketball and her life as a full-time hoop head. On Tap: What motivated you to start broadcasting during your playing career? Kara Lawson: I started broadcasting right after my rookie season in the WNBA, so this is my fifteenth year. It’s rare that I’m so young in life, but have so much experience. I was sort of ready-made because I started while I was playing. A lot of current players, they can’t do that because the calendar doesn’t work. When I first started, I just did a few games here and there, and once ESPN got more serious and the money went up, I knew it was becoming more of a focus for me. I initially looked at it as a side gig, but I realized this was something I could do as a standalone career. Midway through my WNBA career, ESPN gave me more security, and that pushed me toward full-time.
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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Wizards
OT: Who are some of the people in the industry that gave you memorable advice? KL: One of the first people who helped me was Annie Meyers. She was the lead analyst in women’s basketball, and she reached out to see if I had any questions. We’ve maintained correspondence through the years, and not even necessarily about basketball. I had dinner with Robin Roberts, and she had moved from Bristol to New York City for Good Morning America. Her presence was powerful, and for me being a female and a minority, especially 15 years ago, she gave me advice that was unique to me about what I would face in the industry. OT: In 2007, you became the first woman to be a color analyst on a nationally televised NBA game. What’s it like looking back on that? KL: A lot of times as a woman, it kind of takes something just happening before you get an opportunity. I was supposed to do a game as a sideline reporter, and the analyst couldn’t get into the city because of an ice storm. They called me during game day and told me I had to call the game. I wasn’t thinking about anything – I just knew I needed to start preparing. Maybe that helped me because I didn’t have time to process it and get nervous. Looking back, it’s really cool, and it’s awesome to be the first at something. Back then, it didn’t even really get brought up. Now, you look at all these women who do it nationally, and it’s very cool. OT: Do you think the stigma of women doing broadcast work for professional sports has been lifted? KL: Well, it’s certainly more open than in the past, but [is it] as open as it should be? Probably not yet. I’m fortunate to work for ESPN, who is the most open to putting women in positions like that. I hope other
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networks will continue – or start – to give women more opportunities in those places where it’s traditionally men, because if you look up and down [at] rosters for play by play and analysts, it’s predominantly men. I think local and conference networks are getting better and better. Look at NBC Washington giving me the opportunity; I think local television is starting to catch on even quicker.
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On Tap | December 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
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OT: Have you received any negative feedback from Wizards fans because you’re a woman in your position? KL: There’s a subjectivity that we all carry; you might prefer one news anchor to another. I don’t think I’ve had many ignorant interactions or messages, but there are definitely people who say, “It’s not my cup of tea,” and that’s okay. That’s never bothered me. That’s not knocking my credibility. I’m from DC, people know me here, and know my story and background. I haven’t had people say much, because they know I’ve been around the hoops scene here for more than 20 years. OT: Have you accomplished all of your goals in broadcasting? KL: I was able to check off [becoming] an analyst for an NBA team and [being] immersed in the league. I had two big ones: to call the women’s Final Four, and I did that last spring, [and] in a matter of four or five months, I accomplished the other goal, which was to be an analyst for a team. It’s pretty interesting and I think it’s a good lesson, because it took me 14 years to achieve it. It’s a good lesson of being patient and continuing to work. At some point, you have to be able to take advantage of your opportunity. OT: When were you first introduced to the game of basketball? KL: My dad introduced me to sports in general. I can remember [being] as young as three or four years old. I was allowed to dribble the ball in the house, downstairs in our basement. We had a park in our neighborhood, and I’d go over and play by myself. I used a Wonder Woman kickball, because I wasn’t strong enough to shoot a regular basketball. OT: When did you first realize you wanted to play professional basketball? KL: In fifth grade, I got my first recruiting letter from the University of Virginia. That was my state school. It had a bunch of really good players, and they had been to the Final Four a bunch of times. I thought that would be something really cool – to go to college and play basketball on a scholarship. That’s when I set the goal that that was what I wanted to do. I wanted to play in the NBA; I figured I was better than all the boys now, so why not be better than all of them down the road? OT: Do you have a favorite moment on your basketball journey? KL: It’s hard to pick one because I’ve really enjoyed all of it – from playing in the DC rec centers to all the great friends I’ve kept up with from high school. Those were great times. Getting a chance to play for the legendary Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee was the best of the best; my relationship with her was so valuable. I don’t think I could have gone anywhere else to get [those] lessons from anyone. She was really the person who jump-started my career in television, and she thought it was important for me to be comfortable as a communicator. I [wouldn’t be] doing what I’m doing now if she [hadn’t] had me work on my communication skills when I was 18 years old.
Visit www.nba.com/wizards for more information on the Washington Wizards, and follow Kara Lawson on Twitter at @karalawson20.
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Photos: Mark Van Bergh
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman hosted his inaugural Night with the Starz at The Watergate Hotel to benefit his charitable foundation, Starz24.
www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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For Expected Success,
Washington Wizards Must Grit Through Slow Start Chosen by many to make the leap to superstardom, Bradley Beal leads the Wizards in scoring at 24.2 points per game.
Otto Porter Jr. continues to prove his worth. After signing a contract extension this summer, he leads the team in most advanced stats, including a team high net rating of +25.
Photos: Courtesy of Washington Wizards
By Trent Johnson The Washington Wizards haven’t quite enjoyed the storybook season some fans saw just around the corner after last season’s furiously exhilarating finish. Despite bowing out of the 2017 NBA playoffs in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Boston Celtics in a climactic seven-game series, there was plenty to be optimistic about looking toward the future. For fans and players alike, the future is still very much just that: a promise for a better tomorrow. The current iteration of the Wizards still seems to be stuck in the mud, as yet another promising season has started slow, including puzzling losses, injuries and plain old bad luck. The team with aspirations of reaching the third round (or even the NBA Finals for those true optimists) are sitting at a remarkably unspectacular 11-10.
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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
“I’m always confident in my team. I feel like we’re the best team in the East, but we still have to prove it.”
Some of this can be chalked up to uncontrollable factors, such as starting power forward Markieff Morris being injured in training camp or John Wall hurting his shoulder, which caused him to miss an elongated period of time. However, not all of it can be attributed to poor health. “Sometimes the issues are self-inflicted,” Wizards Color Analyst Kara Lawson says. “I think [where] they can improve the most is on the defensive side of the ball. They’re better than where they were a season ago. They’re still giving up too many points in the paint and in the defensive rebounds; those are areas that statistically stick out the most.” Bullets Forever Editor Jake Whitacre also pointed out problems the team has in the clutch. According to a recent article, the team has routinely struggled with close games since the inception of the team’s current core of John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr.
Though the Washington bench unit is often maligned, Kelly Oubre Jr. has continually improved, posting career highs in almost all statistical categories.
“It looked like the team finally turned the corner last season, when they outscored their opponents in the fourth quarter after three years of being on the other end,” Whitacre writes. “So far this season, they’ve gone to old habits in a bad way. Their net rating so far this season is -6.6. The only teams who have posted worse fourth quarter numbers this season are the Heat, Bucks, Bulls and Timberwolves.” Unlike fans, skeptics and the media, players on the Wizards are still confident. And for good reason, as much of the unit is unchanged from last season’s team, which shook off a near cataclysmic record of 3-9 to eventually win 49 games. “I’m always confident in my team,” Beal says. “I feel like we’re the best team in the East, but we still have to prove it. I think we have all the pieces, and we’re an experienced team. We’ve been there before, so we know what it takes to get over the hump now. Hopefully, we can put it together.” Despite their slow start, the Wizards have flashed basketball brilliance, dropping two close games to the NBA Finals contestants last season, falling 120-117 to the defending champion Golden State Warriors and nearly overcoming a tremendous performance by basketball savant – and likely half machine/half alien – LeBron James in a scintillating 130-122 contest against defending Eastern Conference champion the Cleveland Cavaliers. Though the team has given fans glimpses of what they can do against the league's best, they’ve also struggled against the cellar dwellers of the NBA as well, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns. If any team personified the term “feast or famine,” it’s the Wizards. Seemingly the only obstacle standing in Washington’s way is itself, as the team has clearly risen, and dropped, to the level of its competition. Consistency against bad and good alike is what’s required to help the team raise the bar. “I still think they’re the second best team when whole,” Lawson says. “You have to start with Cleveland in the East; it’s just so difficult to guard LeBron James. I still think that’s the team the conference goes through.” The Wizards are still arguably the first, second or third best team in the league, and offer three all-star caliber players in Wall, Beal and Porter Jr. when healthy. But in the standings, they sit at a disappointing seventh. There’s obviously still a tremendous amount of basketball left to be played, and it’s safe to assume the panic button has yet to be pressed in the nation’s capital. But at some point, the team will have to rebound from this start, and hopefully the players, coaches and fans can rally once more.
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Learn more about the Washington Wizards and the team’s 2017-2018 season at www.nba.com/wizards. www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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Join us for Nationals Winterfest, returning Dec. 16 and 17 to the Washington Convention Center. Activities include: • • • •
Player meet and greets Clinics with Nationals players and coaches Watch a Nationals mascot Home Run Derby Make a snow fort, participate in the steal home challenge and take batting practice • Feel like you’re tubing the slopes on The Slider
nationals.com/Winterfest
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Wunder Garten Winterfest Expanding on the tradition of annual Oktoberfest and Fruhlingsfest celebrations, Wunder Garten is excited to announce the premiere of Winterfest. Wunder Garten, in collaboration with the NoMa BID, will transform into a winter wonderland, festooned with decorations and decked in holiday lights. Winterfest will include a makers’ market, featuring Made in DC vendors, art installations and a Christmas tree lot. Each day will bring new features. Thursdays from 4-8 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12-8 p.m. Wunder Garten: 1101 First St. NE, DC; www.wundergartendc.com All Drink, Dine, Do event listings are provided by the venues hosting them.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
December 2017 The DC Firefighters Burn Foundation Tree Lot The fifth annual DC Firefighters Burn Foundation Tree Lot will return to Sixth Engine, with a second location added at The Salt Line this year. Guests can choose from Fraser and Douglas fir trees starting at $50, as well as tree stands, wreaths, garland and collectable DCFD ornaments. All proceeds are donated to the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation. The lots will be open Monday through Friday 4-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. All tree purchases will receive a special gift from Sixth Engine and The Salt Line. The Salt Line: 79 Potomac Ave. SE, DC; www.dcffburnfoundation. org and Sixth Engine: 438 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; www.sixthengine.com
Embassy of Georgia Dinner Reception Events BKE, with the cooperation of the Embassy of Georgia, cordially requests the pleasure of your company for an enchanting evening of Georgian culture, cuisine and wine at the Embassy of Georgia. Come to the Embassy on your own or with friends for a wonderful opportunity to discover Georgia. 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $65. Embassy of Georgia: 1824 R St. NW, DC; www.usa.mfa.gov.ge Painting and Prosecco with Claudia Ribigni Claudia Ribigni, a master ceramicist from the Geribi studio in Deruta, Italy will lead you through a painting class paired with prosecco. Besides having a great time, you’re guaranteed to learn a thing or two. Kick back and relax as you create your own masterpiece. 7:30-10 p.m. Tickets are $55. Via Umbria: 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 Amparo Preview Dinner at District Space Mexican Chef Christian Irabien has lived in the DMV area for 18 years and would like to introduce you to Amparo, his take on urban Mexican cuisine. Amparo, his mother’s name, also means shelter in Spanish. 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $65. District Space: 3522 12th St. NE, DC; www.eventbrite.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 Cicchetti at Urbana Cicchetti are small snacks or side dishes typically served in traditional osterie in Italy. Urbana is now offering “Cicchetti at Urbana,” where guests have a special frontrow seat watching Executive Chef Ethan McKee prepare an eight-course tasting menu at the restaurant’s hearth oven. With no set menu, “Cicchetti at Urbana” guests are welcoming Chef Ethan to surprise them with a continuously changing menu of modern Italian dishes each week. 7-9 p.m. Tickets start at $65. Urbana: 2121 P St. NW, DC; www.urbanadc.com
Holiday Wine Tasting Right on time for your holidays, the Stonefish Lounge will be hosting a Holiday Wine Tasting night. The night will feature six delicious holiday wines over the course of several hours. Get educated on the wines by the top-notch experts from the industry. On top of that, socialize and mingle with likeminded wine lovers throughout the evening. 5-9 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Stonefish Lounge: 1708 L St. NW, DC; www.dc.stonefishlounge.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Cena: An Ancient Roman Feast Celebrate an enchanting conjunction of past and present with Cena: An Ancient Roman Feast. Rediscover the flavors of antiquity with a cena, the main Roman meal of the day, and learn about the ancient roots of the Mediterranean diet and insights into medicine, health and longevity. 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $75. Aperto: 2013 I St. NW, DC; www.apertodc.com Holiday Cheese and Wine Tasting Lost & Found is honored to welcome the Cheesemonster, Alice Bergan Phillips, for the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season: wine and cheese. Throughout the evening, you’ll be taken on a tasting journey through Europe and the United States with four different cheeses complemented by wine pairings. From decadent and creamy to salty umami, this lineup will keep you eating, drinking and merrying. 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $45. Lost & Found DC: 1240 9th St. NW, DC; www.lostandfounddc.com Pop-Up Holiday Stocking The Pop-up Holiday Stocking is a hands-on, mini-sewing class (no sewing experience required). Participants will make and take a holiday stocking by way of a sewing machine. All supplies/materials will be on hand for the participants to be
www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 & FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 YPN Night: Twelfth Night at Shakespeare Theatre Stranded on the coast of Illyria, the quick-witted Viola assumes the disguise of a page boy for Duke Orsino and finds herself at the center of an explosive love triangle in which identity, passion and gender all threaten to come undone. Bursting with vitality and romance, Twelfth Night gives us one of Shakespeare’s most remarkable heroines matching wits with a host of captivating characters – from the love-struck Olivia to the puritanical Malvolio. Purchase a ticket to Young Prose Night (YPN), and you’ll be invited to a post-show reception with the cast including complimentary drinks courtesy of the event. Show at 8 p.m., YPN drinks after. Tickets $25. Shakespeare Theatre’s Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org as creative as they want to be and make an amazing, one-ofa-kind stocking. Refreshments will be served. Register at info@ studiotissue8.com. 6:30-9 p.m. $35-$40. Union Market: 1309 5th Market St. NE, DC; www.studiotissue8.com Prohibition Party: Battle of the Bartenders Come celebrate the end of Prohibition with a Battle of the Bartenders hosted by Falls Church Distillers. Prohibition ended on December 5, 1933 and Falls Church Distillers is ready to celebrate. Limited seating and closed to the general public, so buy your tickets now. Tickets include sit-down, Mexican-style plated dinner with a choice of
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chicken, beef or vegetarian, and six cocktails – two each from Falls Church Distillers, Charlottesville’s Vitae Spirits and Afton’s Silverback Distillery. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $65. Falls Church Distillers: 442 S Washington St. Falls Church, VA; www.fcdistillers.com
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Pints and Prints Combine the traditional art of relief printing with the timeless art of bar drinking and create uniquely designed greeting cards. The instructor will introduce the fundamentals of sculpting a printing block and provide tips on creating bold and expressive prints. Starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include all instruction and materials. MilkBoy ArtHouse will provide food and drink specials. MilkBoy ArtHouse: 7416 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD; www.milkboyarthouse.com Vintage Game Night The Woodrow Wilson House monthly game night is the perfect midweek happy hour for history, museum and board game enthusiasts. The museum will be decorated for the holidays and feature game tables and snacks spread throughout the house. Play vintage games from the 1920s, 30s and 40s inside the authentically furnished home of the twenty-eighth President. 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Woodrow Wilson House: 2340 S St. NW, DC; www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org Winternational: Sixth Annual Embassy Showcase Winternational is an exciting celebration showcasing the cultural and culinary traditions of Washington’s diplomatic community. This festival has the atmosphere of a bustling global marketplace with each embassy promoting their country through vibrant displays of visual art, food, handcrafts as well as travel and tourism exhibits. 11 a.m. - 2
On Tap | December 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
p.m. Free to attend. Atrium at Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.itcdc.com/winternational
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 Bûche de Noël & Vin Chaud Join the Alliance Française for a holiday happy hour à la Française. Practice your French, and eat, drink and be merry. Stop by and have a slice of French Yule log cake (la bûche de Noël) – a favorite French holiday tradition – and enjoy a glass of mulled wine (vin chaud). 5-6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $5. Alliance Française de Washington DC: 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW, DC; www.francedc.org Shops of Del Ray’s Ladies’ Night Out Join the Shops of Del Ray to shop local and enjoy special promotions while sipping Virginia wine. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free admission. Del Ray’s Ladies’ Night Out: Various locations on Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria, VA; www.visitdelray.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 & FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Drink the District Wine Festival Mistletoe, merlot and many other wines to enjoy will get just about anyone into the holiday spirit! Toast to the holidays and enjoy unlimited samples of more than 100 wines. Kick back with friends while you enjoy chill live tunes, demonstrations on the culinary stage, a local artisan market and more. Various sessions and times. Tickets are $59-$99 plus fees. The Park View: 3400 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.drinkthedistrictwinefestival.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 10th Annual Repeal Day Ball The DC Craft Bartenders Guild and founding members are holding the 10th Annual Repeal Day Ball, celebrating the 84th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. The over 900 expected attendees will enjoy cocktails crafted by DC’s and the nation’s best bartenders while dancing along to Prohibitionera tunes. 7:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. Tickets $90-$140. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium: 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, DC; www.facebook.com/dccraftbarguild Brunch and Bags Join for Brunch and Bags at the Femme Fatale DC pop-up. Enjoy food from Stoner Girl Treats and Eats followed by a workshop to upcycle your T-shirts or buttondowns into a bag, so bring your appetite and old shirts (the bigger the better). 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. $33. Femme Fatale DC Pop-up: 100 Florida Ave. NE, DC; www.femmefataledc.com Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl Take a break from the bustle of holiday preparations and enjoy specialty cocktails, beer and food specials at select Del Ray restaurants during a neighborhood bar crawl to benefit local nonprofits. Starts at 4 p.m. Free to attend. Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl: Various locations in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA; www.visitdelray.com Sparkling Wine Tasting Soirée Right on time for your holidays, the Stonefish Lounge is hosting a holiday wine tasting night featuring six types of delicious sparkling wines over the course of several hours. Get educated on the wines by the top-notch experts from the industry. On top of that, socialize and mingle with like-minded wine lovers throughout the evening. 5-9 p.m. Tickets are $35. Stonefish Lounge: 1708 L St. NW, DC; www.dc.stonefishlounge.com
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14
Small Business Holiday Party Pearl Street Warehouse is hosting a party so that small businesses will have the opportunity to get that office vibe, including holiday rock ‘n’ roll by local favorite Jonny Grave and the Tombstones, food, booze and decorations. Companies or individuals can reserve a spot by contacting the venue. 7:30-11 p.m. There are two options including $40 and $75 per person for an open bar. Pearl Street Warehouse: 33 Pearl St. SW, DC; www.pearlstreetwarehouse.com
Rosslyn Winter Holiday Concert Celebration Join for a fun holiday evening around the tree on Central Place Plaza. Enjoy live music from The Woodshedders and holiday carolers while sipping on a glass of wine or hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps. There will be fun holiday games to play, and don’t leave before you step inside the life-sized snow globe photo booth and bring home a unique holiday picture card. The snow globe opens at noon, and the festivities and DJ start at 4:30 p.m. The event is free and open to public. Central Place Plaza: 1800 Lynn St. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 DC Santa Crawl The DC Santa Crawl is a holiday season-themed bar crawl where thousands of participants will quench their thirst on exclusive drink deals as they explore DC and celebrate the holiday season one bar at a time. 2-10 p.m. Tickets are $30 online. Day of registration at The Front Page: 1333 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC and District Anchor: 1900 M St. NW, DC; www.dcsantacrawl.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Park Potomac Winterwilds Market Don’t miss this holiday gifthunting safari featuring independent and emerging brands, makers, live music and creative workshops. This delightful rumpus will enchant wild ones of all ages! From 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. RSVP encouraged, but free to attend. Park Potomac: 12435 Park Potomac Ave. Potomac, MD; www.winterwildsmarket.com
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Apothecary Museum Geek Tour Series Experience the magic of the holiday season by touring the Apothecary Museum the way Harry Potter would! The one-hour, potions-themed tour will explore the real medicinal plants used as potions ingredients in J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.
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You’ll even make your own potion! Adults and children ages 8 and older welcome. 12-1 p.m. $15. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum: 105 S. Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA; www.alexandriava.gov/apothecary Brunch with Bubbly: Quiche + Crêpes Pop some bottles of prosecco in this class focused on hosting the best meal of the day: brunch! Learn to cook up and serve elegantly with Chef Jennifer Jones. Bring an apron, an appetite and a friend. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tickets are $59. Hill Center at The Old Naval Hospital: 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC; www.hillcenterdc.org How to Throw a Tico Fiesta: Hands-On, Chef-Led Cooking Classes Tico’s mission is to offer American fare with Latin flair, and so they are sharing their very own Chef Rodrigo Perez and his culinary team the second Sunday of every month for a hands-on cooking experience. 3-6 p.m. Tickets are $50. Tico DC: 1926 14th St. NW, DC; www.ticodc.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12 Myron Mixing Table Join Myron Mixon’s Tasting Table for an exclusive night of eating, drinking and meeting the legendary Myron Mixon. The evening will feature a four-course meal of Myron’s signature dishes along with specialty beer tastings. Myron will also be signing books,
ON TAP | DECEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
shirts, hats, etc., which will be able for purchase at the event. Tickets are $45. Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster Barbeque: 220 North Lee St. Alexandria, VA; www. myronmixonspitmasterbbq.com
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 Pasta Making Class: Gnocchi Gnocchi have been described as “little edible pillows of heaven,” and while they are one of the most delicious Italian pastas, they are also one of the hardest to master in the kitchen. Come watch, learn and, last but not least, eat these delectable pastas as Chef Liam leads you in a gnocchi-making class. 7:30-10 p.m. Tickets are $38.50. Via Umbria: 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.viaumbria.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 Embassy of Bulgaria Dinner Reception The Embassy of Bulgaria cordially requests the pleasure of your company for an enchanting evening of Bulgarian culture, wine and cuisine at the Embassy of Bulgaria. Discover Bulgaria and the culture of a civilization spanning a thousand years. Come by yourself or with friends for a wonderful opportunity to discover Bulgaria through all your senses. 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $65. Embassy of Bulgaria: 1621 22nd St. NW, DC; www.bulgaria-embassy.org
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 Central & Southern Italy Masterclass with Damien Lehoux Whether you are an entry-level wine drinker or a well-traveled wine connoisseur, be sure to check out this event. The wines sampled are carefully handselected by a premier wine buying team. Take a break from the routines of your normal day to sample some amazing wines while listening to an incredibly well-informed speaker about regions and varietals you may not yet have visited or tasted. 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $45. Cork & Fork DC: 1522 14th St. NW, DC; www.corkandfork.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 NogFest at The Wharf Enjoy a mug of your favorite seasonal drink or sample other tasty winter beverages at the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden. Ride the mechanical reindeer and try your hand at snowman bowling. There will be fun activities for all ages, and live music from White Ford Bronco at District Pier. 1-4 p.m. Free to attend. The Wharf: 700 Water St. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Holiday Tea & Mansion Tour Enjoy a traditional Victorian tea and see the historic house decked for the holidays. Begin in the Victorian Dower House with tea sandwiches, scones, delicious desserts and historic tea blends. Then “stroll into the past” on a guided tour through the festively decorated 1816 National Historic Landmark mansion. For adults and history buffs ages 16-plus. Starts at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $40. Tudor Place Historic House & Garden: 1644 31st St. NW, DC; www.tudorplace.org Jane Austen Tea Party Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775. Come celebrate her birthday with tea. This afternoon of tea and conversation will be hosted in the Lady Camellia Tea Room in Georgetown. In addition to a full afternoon tea, guests will also be given a takeaway box of fun Austen and tea
goodies. Dressing in the period is not expected, but is always fun. Starts at 1 p.m. Tickets are $55. Lady Camellia: 3261 Prospect St. NW, DC; www.ladycamellia.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Washington Nationals 2017 Winterfest Winterfest will again feature two days of fun! Activities include clinics with Nationals players and coaches, a Home Run Derby featuring the Nationals mascots, a baseball-themed story read by Nationals players, a kids’ press conference and more. 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets $29-$39. Walter E. Washington Convention Center: 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW, DC; www.mlb.com/nationals
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 The Nutcracker Tea At the elegant Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City ballroom, guests
will enjoy a delicious high tea followed by a mini-performance of The Nutcracker by BalletNova. Performances are at 10:30 a.m. and at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $45. The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City: 1250 S Hayes St. Arlington, VA; www.balletnova.org Yoga + Baby Goats Twin baby goats, visiting from the Little Goat Farm at the Lake, will hang out with everyone during this mellow, all-level, mostly seated yoga practice. The event will benefit the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. 12-1 p.m. Tickets are $35. Animal Welfare League of Arlington: 2650 S Arlington Mill Dr. Arlington, VA; www.awla.org
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 Christmas Around the World The Christmas season is celebrated in unique ways around the world, varying by country and region.
This class explores some traditional Christmas dishes from around the world. A few menu selections include Greek avgolemono (lemon chicken soup), Finnish porkkanalaatiko (carrot casserole) and French buche de Noel (chocolate Yule log). Starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65. Workhouse Arts Center: 9601 Ox Rd. Lorton, VA; www.workhousearts.org
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 Embassy of France’s Holiday Reception Patrons will meet and greet with professionals and diplomates at this holiday event. The reception also features “buffet campagnard,” or typical French-style finger foods, prepared by the Embassy’s chefs to go along with an open bar featuring French wines and other drinks. 6-9 p.m. Tickets $45-$75. Embassy of France in the United States: 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW, DC; www.franceintheus.org
AN OLD TOWN NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
FIRST NIGHT ALEXANDRIA DECEMBER 31, 2017
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NEW YEARʼS EVE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 Big Night DC Get ready for a night of excitement! Make your plans to ring in the New Year with over 9,000 people as the Gaylord National hosts Big Night DC. Experience the most exciting and hottest gala of the season. Tickets are on sale now and will go fast. The event features 15 themed party areas, five dance floors, an awesome band and DJ lineup, party favors, exquisite cuisine, and so much more. Various ticket options available. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: 201 Waterfront St. Oxon Hill, MD; www.bignightdc.com
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 A Cinematic New Year’s Eve Experience: Midnight in Paris You are cordially invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2017-2018 in true Parisian style at the gorgeous Malmaison ballroom. Spend the night and immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere of the past, all the while toasting to your bright future. Behind the decks will be the charismatic DJ Benny C., who will provide your favorite Top 40 tracks of past and present. Revel in a night of elegance and splendor at the Midnight in Paris New Year’s Eve soiree. 9 p.m. - 4 a.m. $45-$55. Malmaison: 3401 Water St. NW, DC; www.litonevents.com A Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Bash Experience a one-of-a-kind DC New Year’s Eve 2018 event at the famous Satellite Room, located in the heart of the nation’s capital. Transport yourself to the decadent and stylish era of the 1920s while staying right in DC as we produce the first annual Gatsby Room - A Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve affair.
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Doors open at 9 p.m. $50-$60. Satellite Room: 2047 9th St. NW, DC; www.satellitedc.com All You Can “DC Draft” The Bier Baron Tavern is going to do New Year’s Eve their own way with burlesque, DC beer and a ton of raffles and giveaways. With tap takeovers from DC Brau, 3 Stars, Right Proper, Atlas and Hellbender, and a burlesque show by Glit-ORama, this party will be different than most others offered in the city. 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. The Bier Baron Tavern: 1523 22nd St. NW, DC; www.thebierbaron.com Belvedere Ball Behold the Belvedere Ball at Station4 Ultra Lounge, a swanky bistro serving up “global cuisine” and boasting a 40-foot, gold-painted bar, columns and walls shimmering with black river stones, pushpin leather couches and teardrop-crystal chandeliers. All are welcome to attend this New Year’s Eve gathering at the Southwest Waterfront. $35. Station 4: 1101 4th St. SW, DC; www.facebook.com/Station4DC
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Black Tie New Year’s Eve Gala Attend on your own or with friends to celebrate New Year’s Eve with free-flowing champagne and an open bar, delectable dinner and desserts, midnight balloon drops, as well as five live bands including a jazz orchestra, Latin salsa band, Caribbean island band and an Irish band. Enjoy a nightclub experience with our DJ spinning the hottest international dance hits, karaoke, party favors, midnight champagne toast and more. Event starts at 7:30 p.m. $105-$249. Washington Marriott Wardman Park: 2660 Woodley Rd. NW, DC; www.internationalclubdc.com Bluejacket’s 2017 New Year’s Eve Bash Your ticket (food, beverage and gratuity) to the fourth annual New Year’s Eve Bash will give you access to an open bar with Bluejacket drafts and casks, select wines and spirits, as well as a midnight champagne toast. Executive Chef Marcelle Afram and her culinary team will have plenty of passed bites and snacks for everyone to enjoy. Plus, there will be live music and DJ sets throughout the evening. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets are $105$199. Bluejacket: 300 Tingey St. SE, DC; www.bluejacketdc.com Bresca New Year’s Eve Dash of Seduction Soiree On New Year’s Eve, Bresca will host a Black and Gold Formal Dash of Seduction New Year’s Eve party in partnership with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. The party promises to sweep guests away into a festive and whimsical world of bubbles and culinary delights featuring a
myriad of passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations. 9:30 p.m. 1:30 a.m. Tickets are $225 per person. Bresca: 1906 14th St. NW, DC; www.brescadc.com Captain Gregory’s Third Annual New Year’s Eve Captain Gregory’s Third Annual New Year’s Eve will include a full-course meal with cocktail pairings and a champagne toast. 10:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets will go on sale in early December on the Captain Gregory’s Facebook page: @capngregorys. Captain Gregory’s: 804 N Henry St. Alexandria, VA; www.captaingregorys.com Clarendon Ballroom New Year’s Eve Gala This ticketed event includes two levels of entertainment, dinner buffet, midnight champagne toast, midnight balloon drop, party favors and four drink tickets good for Red Bull, all beer, wine, champagne and liquor. There will also be a late-night hoagie station for those who get the munchies. 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets start at $70. Clarendon Ballroom: 3185 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.clarendonballroom.com First Night Alexandria First Night Alexandria is a celebration of the New Year through the performing arts. Retail stores, churches, museums and public buildings are turned into performance venues to showcase incredible local and regional talent. Recent performers at First Night Alexandria include a Grammy-nominated rock and roll guitarist, traditional jazz,
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country bands and a rising pop star, as well as clowns making balloon sculptures, face painters and magicians for children. Fireworks conclude at 12:15 a.m. Tickets $20$30. Old Town Alexandria: King Street in Alexandria, VA; www.firstnightalexandria.org Gatsby’s DC Fireworks New Year’s Eve Yacht Party 2017 This New Year’s Eve in DC, Gatsby will be throwing his usual blowout, but he is only inviting the bee’s knees to this amazing yachting experience aboard the luxurious Mount Vernon. What’s exciting about this nifty party is that it will be boarding in National Harbor near the brand new MGM Hotel, which will provide a much swankier cruise and puts guests into much closer range to the fireworks launching in Alexandria. Starts at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $219. Mount Vernon Yacht - Commercial Pier: 137 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD; www.eventbrite.com Inner Caucus & WHUR 96.3FM New Year’s Eve Party This event is great for singles and couples alike, and includes different rooms with varying music. This year’s rendition is hosted by WHUR’s Angela Stribling. 8:30 p.m. - 3 a.m. Tickets start at $75. Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel: 5000 Seminary Rd. Alexandria, VA; www.innercaucus.com International Spy Gala NYE The 16th annual International Spy Gala is an all-inclusive, upscale, black-tie optional party for all ages 21-plus. Since 2009, it has been held at the Washington Plaza Hotel where you are treated like a celebrity and receive superstar service from the moment you arrive until your mission ends. Dance all night long to the party band in USA Ballroom and DJs in Iceland, Istanbul, Caribbean Carnival and the VIP lounge. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Various ticket options and prices. Washington Plaza Hotel: 10 Thomas Cir. NW, DC; www.spydc.com
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Ivy City Ball Back after Ivy City Smokehouse’s first New Year’s event from 2016, the masquerade features an open bar and buffet. The party will feature a live performance from Black Alley. 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. $50. Ivy City Smokehouse: 1356 Okie St. NE, DC; www.ivycitysmokehouse.com The Legwarmers New Year’s Eve Party If you find yourself in Northern Virginia donning your most impressive 80s garb and looking for a place to go, look no further than the State Theatre. The Legwarmers will be there providing some throwback jams for you to dance your little 80s booty off to. Doors open at 7 p.m. $50. State Theatre: 222 N. Washington St. Falls Church, VA; www.thestatetheatre.com The Manor DC New Year’s Eve 2017 This New Year’s Eve at The Manor, come experience where imagination meets reality. The Manor is the place to be this NYE 2018. The venue features 2,800 square feet of space with a unique mezzanine overlooking the bar and dance floor. Enjoy the dazzling views of Connecticut Avenue behind the floor to ceiling windows. The Manor is located in the heart of Dupont Circle. Starts at 9 p.m. $35. The Manor DC: 1327 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.themanordc.com Metropolis Gala New Year’s Eve 2018 at Maté will be like no other party. Come and enjoy a complimentary, one-hour open bar for all guests followed by a memorable midnight champagne toast. Mix all that with amazing beats by your favorite DJ, some new crafted cocktails by awesome bartenders and your close friends surrounding you cheering Happy New Year! 9 p.m. - 4 a.m. Tickets start at $35. Maté Lounge: 3101 K St. NW, DC; www.litonevents.com
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve at Pearl Street Warehouse Charlottesville-based band Love Canon brings their bluegrass sound to the Pearl Street stage for an acoustic 80s dance party to ring in 2018. The event will also include a New Year’s Eve toast with champagne and hoppin’ John at midnight. Starts at 7 p.m. $40-$75. Pearl Street Warehouse: 33 Pearl St. SW, DC; www.pearlstreetwarehouse.com New Year’s Eve 2018 Out with the old and in with the brand new! Engage in proper revelry this New Year’s Eve at Proper 21. Start New Year’s Eve with something sparkling from the five-hour, premium open bar while savoring complimentary light party fare in the early evening. You’ll have everything you need to amplify the party mood so get ready to hit the dance floor as the live DJ spins top 40, hip-hop, house and mash-ups. 9 p.m. - 4 a.m. $15-$129. Proper 21: 1319 F St. NW, DC; www.joonbug.com New Year’s Eve at Duffy’s Irish Pub There’s no doubt you’ve been to NYE parties with open bars that were overcrowded and understaffed, making it impossible to get a drink when you want one. At Duffy’s NYE, we limit the attendees to 200 total and heavy up on the staff. Plenty of people to have a fun time, but also plenty of room to dance it up and get a drink when you need one. 9 p.m. 1:30 a.m. Tickets start at $52. Duffy’s Irish Pub: 2106 Vermont Ave. NW, DC; www.dcduffys.com New Year’s Eve Gala The Mellon Gala – DC’s premier black-tie gala – features a red carpet entrance, DC’s most luxurious venue, top-shelf open bar, free flowing champagne, three magnificent ballrooms, five separate party spaces, multiples DJs and genres of music, and passed desserts and hors d’oeuvres. There are also more bars, stations and
servers than ever before to ensure an unforgettable night of celebration. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets start at $100. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium: 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, DC; www.litonevents.com New Year’s Eve International Gala As you ring in 2018, you’re invited to take a journey around the world without ever leaving Washington’s royal and historic hotel! This night, you will circle the globe and visit many continents as you make your way from one huge grand ballroom to the next. Starts at 9 p.m. $104-$162. Omni Shoreham Hotel: 2500 Calvert St. NW, DC; www.omnihotels.com NYElectric 2017 The W Washington DC rooftop is at the heart of the nation’s capital with breathtaking views of the Treasury Building, the Washington Monument, Jefferson Monument from afar and the White House itself. Combine all of this with the world-renowned W Hotel swagger of setting the ultimate lifestyle and trends with top-notch DJs, ultra-premium alcohol and the biggest party night of the year. If you’re looking to create the ultimate DC champagne memory, make sure you partake in this one. Starts at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $175. W Washington DC - POV Lounge: 515 15th St. NW, DC; www.wwashingtondc.com
The Park New Year’s Eve 2017 You wouldn’t want to let your perfect evening fall short, so why would you celebrate at anything less than the perfect spot. The Park at 14th knows perfection. Details are what they do – the food, the drinks, the music and the people. It all has to be on point for the evening to be a success, and The Park has you covered. 8 p.m. - 4 a.m. $30-$80. The Park at Fourteenth: 920 14th St. NW, DC; www.park14.com Professionals in the City NYE Gala Professionals in the City invites you to their DC New Year’s gala. This New Year’s Eve extravaganza will provide an exciting mixture of themed party rooms reflecting a wide range of cultures, from Asia to Spain, America to Europe – there is something for everyone! 10:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets start at $100. Embassy Suites Hotel: 900 10th St. NW, DC; www.prosinthecity.com #RIVERBASH2018 Nick’s Riverside Grill and Tony and Joe’s have one of the biggest New Year’s parties in DC. They offer it all: live music, DJs, appetizers and eight top-shelf open bars. They even tent and heat the entire outdoor patio surrounding the restaurants to open up the outside bars. There is plenty of room for everyone. The best part is it’s all-inclusive and one of the lowest prices in the city. All you have to do is show up with your ticket. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $90. Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place: 3000 K St. NW, DC; www.tonyandjoes.com Seventh Annual New Year’s Eve Casino Don’t miss one of the most popular parties in the DMV, complete with numerous games, photo booths and live music. The party also features complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a premium bar.
8 p.m. - 3 a.m. $60-$250. Hyatt Regency Hotel: 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Arlington, VA; www.eventbrite.com Sixth Annual Hilton New Year’s Eve 2017 This New Year’s Eve, the DC Hilton hosts an extravagant allout New Year’s party brimming with amenities that will have DC reveling in style. From food, drinks and entertainment to party favors and perks, guests will luxuriate in the myriad ways to celebrate at this spectacular NYE event in DC. The New Year’s party at the DC Hilton spoils guests with a five-hour, premium open bar serving up free-flowing bubbles, brews and cocktails to keep the party in high spirits. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. $89-$139. Washington Hilton: 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.joonbug.com Thirteenth Annual Masquerade Ball Each year, this is one of DC’s most in-demand events, with tickets and tables selling out in advance. Last year was a blast, but for 2018 New Year’s Eve, expect more bartenders, heavier appetizers, more lighting and music from Miami’s DJ Q. 9 p.m. - 3 a.m. $50-$70. MXDC Cocina Mexicana: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.dcnewyears.net The Werks with Litz on NYE Ring in the New Year with beloved Ohio jam rockers The Werks, who have solidified the strongest lineup in their decade of existence. Poignant songwriting and engaging improvisation come together on a record that showcases their maturation as a multidimensional group of uniquely creative musicians. A rare jewel of a record; Magic is muse put to tape, a direct download of the creative spark. Catch the band at Gypsy Sally’s on New Year’s Eve. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $45. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE Countdown Celebration HEAVY HORS D’OEUVRES BUFFET FREE CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT MIDNIGHT!
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WWW.BIGNIGHTDC.COM
THIS SPECTACULAR EVENT INCLUDES: • Tons of Full Open Bars • • • • • • • • • •
(beer, wine, liquor) FIFTEEN Themed Party Areas TEN Dance Floors The Hottest Party Bands & DJs! First-Class Cuisine Huge Midnight Celebration Party Favors, etc Discounted Hotel Rooms RiverView Ballroom (on the Potomac River) NEW! Six Ticket Options Much, much more!
TICKETS SELLING FAST!
WWW.BIGNIGHTDC.COM
FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY:
DECEMBER 31, 2017 9:00PM - 3:00AM THE GAYLORD NATIONAL HOTEL & RESORT Go Go Gadjet
Max Hodges (Host)
DJ Chris Styles
DJ Tova (Silent Disco)
District & Circle
DJ Bobby Hash
Phillip Parsons Band
Billy “T” Wilde (VIP)
Grooveline Live Karaoke
Sub Radio
Jump Off Band
DJ Big C (VIP)
DJ Piojo (El Zol 107.9 FM)
Caps Red Rockers!
Special Occasions Band
DJ Kwest
Sabeel Chohan
Jeff From Accounting
Britt Waters - 94.7 FM Host
DJ Flo (El Zol 107.9 FM)
DJ RI5E
WWW.BIGNIGHTDC.COM
By Michael Loria
1. DC holds the nation’s title as the state with the highest alcohol consumption per capita.
3. George Washington operated one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America out of his Mount Vernon home.
2. Ivy City’s Republic Restoratives is the largest crowdfunded distillery in the world, and 100 percent women-owned.
5. The stretch of speakeasies that lined what is now E and 14th Streets during Prohibition was known as Rum Row. Most of the booze that filled them came from Baltimore, but about 22,000 gallons were brought in weekly from Lee Highway and Columbia Pike in Arlington.
7. Temperance Fountain, located at 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, is a monument to teetotalism and all that remains of an attempt to replace liquor with clean drinking water.
10. Before Prohibition was enacted in 1920, Virginia enacted its own Prohibition in 1916, prompting hundreds of Arlington citizens to construct home distilleries for rye whiskey and bathtub gin.
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4. DC is home to two Ernest Hemingway-inspired bars: 14th Street’s Bar Pilar and the Cuban Embassy’s Hemingway-themed bar, though the latter is seldom open to the public.
6. George Cassiday, known as the Man in the Green Hat for his green fedora, was Capitol Hill’s “official bootlegger” during Prohibition, and today is part of the inspiration behind spots like Green Hat Gin.
8. Washingtonians once referred to Arlington as the Monte Carlo of Virginia for its slew of illegal bars at the turn of the 20th century.
9. Tenfoot Island, nestled between Loudoun and Montgomery counties in the middle of the Potomac, was home to the DMV’s own take on Appalachia’s moonshine stills.
Facts courtesy of the following articles: #1: www.imbibemagazine.com/washington-dc-cocktail-scene/ #2: www.republicrestoratives.com #3: www.mountvernon.org #4: www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-cuban-embassys-hemingway-bar #5, 8, 10: www.arlingtonmagazine.com/the-greatest-gang-of-criminals/ #6: http://history.house.gov/HistoricalHighlight/Detail/36386 #7: www.atlasobscura.com/places/temperance-fountain-of-washington-dc #9: www.loudounhistory.org/history/moonshiners.htm
Boozy Activit ies in the C ity
Photo: Courtesy of Watergate Hotel
By Travis Mitchell Finding unique entertainment during the winter months can be challenging, especially when the weather drives you to stay indoors. But DC is getting creative this season, with experiences like a rooftop ice rink and a pop-up bar decked out in Christmas lights and Hanukkah decorations. Here are six creative ways to spend the season with a drink in hand.
Photo: Courtesy of DarkSide Bar
The DarkSide Bar Mythology Restaurant on H Street is embracing the darkness of winter with an homage to Star Wars. The restaurant’s second floor has transformed into the DarkSide Bar, an interstellar hangout full of drinks, small plates, décor and entertainment that channels the evil power of the Star Wars universe. “We have a whole custom cocktail menu centered around the dark side of the Force,” says owner Todd Luongo. “I thought it would get accepted really warmly in DC.” The DarkSide Bar was developed in partnership with Zach Neil and joins locations in New York City and Los Angeles. Admission is $33 in advance and $40 at the door per person, and includes two signature cocktails. The bar is open Wednesday through Sunday nights, and will continue through mid-January. Costumes are encouraged, and Luongo says people have already showed up in Chewbacca and Jabba the Hutt outfits. Programming will vary nightly and is expected to include trivia nights, alien speed dating, burlesque and more.
Mythology Restaurant: 816 H St. NE, DC; www.thedarksidebar.com
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Miracle On 7th Street
Photo: Courtesy of Drink Company
The creative minds at Drink Company are back with the third annual Miracle on 7th Street pop-up bar. Highlights this year include an antique sleigh, a working train and an entire room dedicated to Hanukkah called “Chinese Food and a Movie.” Cocktails are inspired by Christmas movies such as Elf and A Christmas Story. Expect indulgent ingredients like cookie dough-infused vodka, maple syrup and more. “All of our cocktails are meant to be fun, and are sure to please even the biggest Grinch, but we also believe in making them excellent,” says senior bar manager Paul Taylor. Most drinks are priced at $14, and admission is free. Just be prepared to wait in what can be a long line. Miracle on 7th Street runs through December 31.
Miracle on 7th Street: 1841 7th St. NW, DC www.popupbardc.com
Photo: Courtesy of the Gaylord National
Photo: Courtesy of the Watergate Hotel
Mistletoe Mixology
Top of the Skate
This year, the Gaylord National Harbor is adding some adult beverage entertainment and education to go alongside its kid-friendly ICE! attraction and Christmas festivities. During the Mistletoe Mixology class, participants will learn to make three holiday-themed drinks, which will be paired with a selection of hors d’oeuvres. “We’re excited to be introducing this fun and interactive class to visitors during our Christmas on the Potomac celebration,” says Miguel Garcia Ferrer, director of beverages for the resort. Ferrer promises to share some of his favorite tips and tricks to make those holiday party cocktails a success. Tickets to the class are $29, and it runs from 1-2:30 p.m. every Saturday through December 30.
Experience winter imbibing with 360-degree views of Washington from the roof of the Watergate Hotel. The outdoor bar has been outfitted with a synthetic ice rink for the season, complete with snacks and boozy adult beverages. Sip on mulled wine or Kentucky apple cider while taking in the scenery or some time on skates. Rentals are $20 for an hour for adults, and $10 for children aged 12 and under. Proceeds help support Mel’s Rink, a charity that helps provide athletic training to mentally and physically challenged kids and adults. “We wanted to create fun yet upscale winter offerings you can’t find anywhere else in Washington, DC,” says Rakel Cohen, the Watergate Hotel’s co-owner and VP of design and development.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: 201 Waterfront St. Oxon Hill, MD; www.nationalharbor.com/gaylord-national
Photo: Courtesy of Post Shift Theatre
The Watergate Hotel: 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, DC www.thewatergatehotel.com/rooftop-skating
Photo: www.wundergartendc.com
Post Shift Theatre
Winterfest at Wunder Garten
Post Shift Theatre combines an immersive theatre performance with a side of craft cocktails. The company’s upcoming original play, Ruth and Ada at The Savoy, centers around two historic bartenders working at London’s Savoy Hotel. “The play follows Ruth and Ada during a night of service together after receiving news of radical changes in the workplace,” says co-founder Matt Meyers. Guests will be served two cocktail shooters during the show, and each will be made live by the performers. Drinks include the Hanky Panky, a gin-based cocktail, and the Fitzgerald, a variation of a gin sour. Shows will happen at Bistro Bistro in Dupont Circle. Dates are Sunday, December 3 and Sunday, December 10 at 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. An additional weekend may be added. General admission tickets are $24, while $30 buys you a premium seat at the bar itself.
Urban hangout Wunder Garten is partnering with the NoMa BID for its first winterfest celebration, which will feature plenty of decorations, local craft vendors, warm cocktails, a Christmas tree lot, food trucks and more. “Since we opened, we have had so much fun celebrating the Bavarian traditions of Oktoberfest in the fall and Fruhlingsfest in the spring, and we thought, ‘Why not celebrate winter too?,’” says Wunder Garten Co-owner Christopher Lynch. Winterfest starts on December 1 and runs through December 17, so it’s an ideal market and hangout for any Christmas preparations. Vendors will be on hand Thursdays through Sundays. While you shop, keep warm with mulled wine, winter beers and spiked hot chocolate along with food from Timber Pizza, Holy Crêpes and CaliBurger.
Wunder Garten: 1101 First St. NE, DC; www.wundergartendc.com Bistro Bistro: 1727 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC www.facebook.com/postshifttheatre/ www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2017 | ON TAP
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By Jean Schindler Advent calendars with chocolates are so yesterday. It’s time to take the calendar off the wall and drink your daily celebration of the season. What follows is admittedly an idiosyncratic Advent calendar crawl – this is not a “best of” or “most trendy” list, and very certainly not a “longest lines” list. This is just our favorite cross-section of the joys of DC holiday drinking: a kaleidoscope of neighborhoods, a riot of different liquors, and lots of allspice and cream and eggs – with a few champagne cocktails thrown in to keep the palate fresh.
Bourbon Steak Start your Advent calendar at Bourbon Steak, because nothing says “holiday” like eggnog (which has no calories during the month of December). Lead bartender Torrence Swain presents his reboot: Egg Grog 2.0, featuring heavy cream, brown sugar, cane syrup, organic eggs, rum, cognac and bourbon. It is served in a replica of the famous mooseshaped glass (with extra wide antlers!) used by Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s 1989 comedy Christmas Vacation.
Gin Joint Cut the eggnog richness with a G&T. Gin Joint’s official claim to fame is an epic collection of gins; the real reason to go is the selection of delightful housemade tonics. The rosemaryallspice tonic is redolent of the holidays, but pick your favorite and consult the bartender’s expertise for which gin will match best.
Gin Joint: 2317 Calvert St. NW, DC www.newheightsrestaurant.com
Bourbon Steak: 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC www.bourbonsteakdc.com
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The Riggsby Walk through the glamorous, keyhole-shaped doorway to a bar bathed in emerald and leather and wood – it feels festive the moment you step in. Go during happy hour and order a champagne cocktail (champagne, sugar cube soaked in angostura), which is the embodiment of crisp holiday glamour.
The Riggsby: 1731 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; www.theriggsby.com
DECEMBER
Dirty Habit Take a stroll through the Downtown Holiday Market, then cross the street to Dirty Habit. Our cover drink is a Snake in the Grass (rum agricole blanc, pineapple gomme, amontillado, house orgeat, lemon and egg white, topped with a saffron sprig). Be careful: this smooth sipper packs a punch. If the bar is too crowded, remember that you can enjoy your drink in Hotel Monaco’s beautiful lobby.
Dirty Habit: 555 8th St. NW, DC www.dirtyhabitdc.com
Photo: Aubrie Pick
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Photo: www.facebook.com/TheRiggsby
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Photo: Magnus Jonasson
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Photo: Bourbon Steak
Photo: Rob Krupicka
Co Co. Sala Co Co. Sala is a classic, and the beautiful Co Cojito is the definition of holiday decadence: chocolate-infused vodka, fresh mint and limes, crowned with dark chocolate flakes. [Note: closed Mondays]
Crimson Whiskey Bar Chinatown is drowning in corporate fast-casual, so it was great to see the trendy new Pod Hotel welcome local restauranteurs to open the Crimson series of restaurants in the building. The ground floor diner is cheerful and bright, but head downstairs to the cozier whiskey bar and order a Hillbilly on Holiday (moonshine, falernum, allspice dram).
Co Co. Sala: 929 F St. NW, DC www.cocosala.com
DECEMBER
Espita Mezcalaria Scotch might seem like an obvious winter tipple, but mix things up and try the scotch of tequila: mezcal. And you’re a third of the way through Advent – celebrate with a Los Olvidados (Espadin, aged cachaça, plum wine, allspice dram, Corazón bitters).
Espita Mezcalaria: 1250 9th St. NW, DC; www.espitadc.com
Crimson Whiskey Bar: 627 H St. NW, DC www.crimson-dc.com/#whiskey-bar
Photo: www.petworthcitizen.com
Photo: Patra Siriratpiriya
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Photo: www.crimson-dc.com
Photo: Jean Schindler
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Petworth Citizen and Reading Room Chantal Tseng spends her weekends translating great literature into great beverages. Inspired by a chosen book or author, Tseng sets up in the Reading Room on Fridays and Saturdays and churns out cocktails full of tributes, humor and literary references. On December 7-8, she’ll celebrate DC’s first ever Aquavit Week. Jacob Grier, who founded the celebration, will collaborate on a menu inspired by Hans Christian Andersen.
Maxwell Park The featured wine list here changes every month, and December is all about the blends. Close your eyes and point to something on the menu (every wine is carefully chosen, so you can’t go wrong) – or go rogue in a wine bar and order a cocktail. The Samuelsson (salted peanutinfused rum, dill, lemon) will leave your taste buds wide awake. Sometimes, you need a break from sugar and spice to really appreciate it.
Nocturne The best cocktail bars these days are concealed in doughnut shops. You think that’s a service door? It’s not. Be sure to make a reservation so you can nab a seat (there are only 17), and once you’re there, start your three-drink tasting menu experience with a Waffle House Index (whiskey, pecan, vanilla, orange, maple, cream). After that, you’re on your own. [Note: closed Mondays]
Nocturne: 1932 9th St. NW, DC www.nocturnebar.com
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Service Bar Everyone focuses on how affordable Service Bar is – but it also has one of the most playful and creative menus in DC. Try to visit on the earlier side, as the small space gets packed. Your Advent treat: the rich, library-scented Leather-Aged Rare Breed (Wild Turkey Rare breed, Javanese long pepper, coffee beans, tobacco, vanilla, Drambuie, absinthe – aged in leather).
Photo: www.facebook.com/anxokennedy
Photo: www.facebook.com/servicebardc
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Photo: Rob Krupicka
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Photo: Jean Schindler
Petworth Citizen and Reading Room: 829 Upshur St. NW, DC; www.petworthcitizen.com
DECEMBER
ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar ANXO is ground zero of a cider revolution. In addition to becoming a global mecca for other producers to showcase their wares, ANXO can barely keep their own product in stock. Order the ANXO Flight and experience the bracing dryness of apples in all their alcoholic glory.
ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar: 300 Florida Ave. NW, DC www.anxodc.com
Service Bar: 926-928 U St. NW, DC; www.servicebardc.com
Maxwell Park: 1336 9th St. NW, DC; www.maxwelldcwine.com www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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Hank’s Cocktail Bar Star bartender Jess Weinstein is unveiling a new holiday cocktail every night December 1-24, and drinkers who get through 12 of them will get a special surprise (ask for the loyalist card on your first Advent visit). We are particularly excited about the Hanukkah shout-out It’s a Membership to the Jelly of the Month Club (plum preserves, allspice, gin, rum, cinnamon, walnut bitters).
Cotton & Reed Rum is such a quintessential holiday drink, possibly because it’s basically made from sugar (and goes so nice with spice). Visit DC’s first and favorite rum distillery, admire the fanciful metalwork on the bar and quaff the Two Step (spiced rum, allspice dram, Wild Turkey 101).
Wunder Garten For the first half of the month, Wunder Garten will morph into a Christmas festival, complete with a tree lot and holiday crafts. Get your mulled wine, borrow a blanket and settle in at the fire pit.
Cotton & Reed: 1330 5th St. NE, DC; www.cottonandreed.com
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Photo: Mindfulness Restaurants
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Photo: www.facebook.com/wundergartendc
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Photo: www.cottonandreed.com
Photo: Rey Lopez
DECEMBER
Acqua al 2 This is where, IMHO, you will find some of the strongest and consistently best drinks in the District. The pours are generous, the flavors are sophisticated – and a Zucca Freda (bourbon, cardamaro, house-made pumpkin milk) sounds marvelous after a stroll through Eastern Market.
Wunder Garten: 1101 First St. NE, DC www.wundergartendc.com
Acqua al 2: 212 7th St. SE, DC www.acquaal2.com
Harold Black Come back to Eastern Market, and go through the unmarked door next to Acqua al 2. Upstairs is an oasis of cocktail calm, where grownups can hear each other and the dim lights make everyone look beautiful. Step back from the holiday frenzy and reflect on the Tail Spin (scotch, bénédictine, spiced ginger syrup, lime, nutmeg, angostura bitters, egg white). [Note: closed Mondays]
Salt Line Bundle up and head to the waterfront, where you can order a thermos of hot toddy (TSL Woodford Reserve, chicory, rainwater madeira, lemon) or mulled cider (VSOP Brandy, mulling spices, organic apple cider), and sit outside at the new fire pit tables in Salt Line’s outdoor bar area.
Salt Line: 79 Potomac Ave. SE, DC; www.thesaltline.com
Harold Black: 212 7th St. SE, DC; www.haroldblackdc.com
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Whiskey Charlie For the best views at the new Wharf, go to the top floor of the Hilton Canopy, where you will find Whiskey Charlie, named for the Washington Channel’s call sign (and not for any preponderance of brown beverages). Take in the holiday lights of the harbor, and enjoy a classic “Lil Cole” Dirty Martini (vodka, dry vermouth, olives).
Whiskey Charlie at the Canopy: 975 7th St. SW, DC www.whiskeycharliewharf.com
DECEMBER
Photo: www.facebook.com/unionstreetpublichouse
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Photo: www.whiskeycharliewharf.com
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Photo: www.facebook.com/thesaltline
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Photo: Mindfulness Restaurants
Hank’s Cocktail Bar: 819 Upshur St. NW, DC www.hankscocktailbar.com
1986 (inside Union Street Public House) Stroll down King Street, and after you’ve taken in ye olde holiday atmosphere, go to the brand new whiskey emporium inside Union Street Public House – dubbed 1986, for the year the Public House opened – and order an Irish Brigade (vanillainfused Jameson, cold brewed chamomile tea, Luxardo).
1986 – The Whiskey Bar: 121 South Union St. Alexandria, VA www.unionstreetpublichouse.com
Captain Gregory’s Sugar Shack strikes again (see Nocturne above). Do your best to resist the siren scent of the best doughnuts around, and instead give the flag by the front door a tug – another door will slide open, revealing a gently lit, sea faring-themed bar. Hopefully, you have a reservation – the walk-in seats go early and fast. Once you’re in, order the MileHigh Milk Punch (Copper & Kings American brandy, green chartreuse, cocoa nib, nutmeg).
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Photo: Copperwood Tavern
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Photo: Rob Krupicka
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Copperwood Tavern The charming Copperwood Tavern loves the holidays. The choice was difficult, and we’re torn between the What’s the Point-Settia (Belle Isle Moonshine, Saint Germaine, house cranberry coulis, bubbles) and the Flippin’ Ghord-Geous (Bulleit Bourbon, spiced pumpkin puree, maple-orange syrup, whole egg). #Winning either way.
Copperwood Tavern: 4021 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA www.copperwoodtavern.com
Baba: 2901 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.baba.bar
Off the Record Hot drinks are such a holiday mainstay – as are historic hotel bars that are open on Christmas Eve. They don’t get much more historic (or quintessentially Washington) than Off the Record, and they’re waiting to hand you a hot Gingersnap (blended Scotch, house-made gingersnap syrup, ginger tea, mint, cinnamon stick). That is, unless you prefer to celebrate the evening with the bar’s legendary nine-ounce Manhattan before you stroll past the White House Christmas tree.
Off the Record: 800 16th St. NW, DC; www.hayadams.com/ dining/off-the-record
Photos: Mark Raker
Baba The Advent calendar is nearly done. Visit the adorable coffee and cocktail lounge under Ambar in Clarendon and order the CPR (chamomile-infused rakia, lemon juice, pear puree, ginger syrup, Ambar bitters) to get you through to the finish line.
DECEMBER
Photo: Hay Adams
DECEMBER
Photo: Tigran Andronikovich Markaryan
Captain Gregory’s: 804 N Henry St. Alexandria, VA www.captaingregorys.com
On Tap hosted a November beer sampling event at Gordon Biersch Chinatown. Guests enjoyed appetizers and a raffle for a gift card, and were able to purchase full pours of beer.
www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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BEHIND THE BAR
By Kayla Marsh
Ready to break tradition this holiday season and switch up your seasonal selection of libations? We sought out some of the most unique cocktail bars in and around the city to see what they’re concocting this winter. Whether you want to sip boozy ramen in a basement speakeasy below Sugar Shack Donuts, have your cocktails served to you through a vintage confessional or explore Balkan-inspired concoctions in a swanky cocktail lounge, these three spots are guaranteed to provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Chris Jakubowski
Photos: Kayla Marsh
Bar Manager, Nocturne
On Tap: What’s the advantage to having a small, intimate atmosphere at your bar? Chris Jakubowski: You have a lot of time to really get to know every guest and convince them to take chances they might not otherwise want to take. It allows us to make complex things and actually have the time to explain what we’re doing so people can fully appreciate what they’re drinking. OT: What are some off-the-beaten-path ingredients on your menu? CJ: Everything has something fun in it. The [Bubblegum Crisis] is a jackfruit cocktail with a Wrigley’s double mint gum flavor, and we add a bit of sake to it. The [Penny McIntosh] has pigeonwing tea, which is a color-changing ingredient. Everything has something fun and unique in it. The menu is just a way to explore different flavors in liquid form. OT: Why do you think locals are drawn to speakeasy-style spots like Nocturne? CJ: It’s the idea of discovery. It’s kind of cool to grab the key and find your way to the back of Sugar Shack and onto the elevator, then come down and you’re in this coffee-stained vintage place where we play classical music outside. You really get that vibe coming off of the elevator that it’s going to be a little bit more refined – a quiet, Parisian nighttime street scene. It’s all about that progression. You’re finally in Nocturne and you’ve had so much sensory overload at this point; it’s like you’ve finally arrived.
Church and State’s Chris Pearson
Chris Pearson, Bar Manager Ron Baker, Managing Partner
Church and State
On Tap: What’s popular on the menu this season? Chris Pearson: The Devilish Daquiri is one of the most popular ones. Old Fashions are the staple. [There’s] no muddling involved; we let the taste of the bourbon come through. OT: How would you describe Church and State’s atmosphere? Ron Baker: The vibe is mellow, and there’s a heavy focus on conversation and the quality cocktail that’s in front of you. What we’ll hear from patrons usually is, “This is classy.” It sets the tone right when you hit that doorway. We play jazz and eclectic world tunes. People will come with out-of-town friends and they’re like, “Look at this cool bar in my neighborhood.” They’re proud of it. OT: What makes Church and State’s cocktails unique? RB: One of the unique components of us is that we are all-American. We want to maintain our role in the evolution of craft cocktails in DC. We provide quality ingredients; our rail is top-shelf. OT: What do you love about bartending at Church and State? CP: My favorite part is creating cocktails and seeing if people will like [them]. There’s more of a creative challenge only using American products, so we don’t get any of those crazy liqueurs; [it’s] more of a grassroots way of making cocktails. We have to figure out how to make that ingredient and include it in the cocktail.
Chris J’s Pick
Rob Hates This Scotch Falernum Blue cheese Pear
Nocturne: 1932 9th St. NW, DC www.nocturnebar.com
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Chris P’s Pick
The Color of 45 American amari Calisaya liqueur Orange peel
Church and State: 1236 H St. NE, DC; www.dcchurchandstate.com
on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
Danilo Simic Beverage Director, Baba
On Tap: Why was Baba opened underneath Ambar? Danilo Simic: We wanted to bring a New York-style cocktail bar in[to] this setup; a cozy place where you can sit by the fireplace, be comfortable and enjoy. OT: Do the drinks have Balkan influences similar to the cuisine? DS: Upstairs is Balkan food that is followed by Balkan cocktails, and downstairs we wanted a focus on Balkan cocktails followed by Balkan cuisine. The idea of the Balkan cocktails revolves around housemade brandy, which is extremely popular and traditional. Thirty to 40 percent of cocktails are made with Balkan brandy, and 60 to 70 percent are made with whiskey, gin, tequila, etc. OT: What’s the funkiest drink on the menu right now? DS: If I had to pick, Malas Palabras (pineapple-infused mezcal, house amaro, orgeat syrup and lime juice). It’s tropical [and] smoky with citrus notes and a bittersweet finish. It’s the most complex drink on the list. OT: Any new winter drinks on the menu? DS: We’re adding three more cocktails. One will be an Irish coffee; we are also a coffee bar during the day, [and] lots of people ask for it in this neighborhood. It’s the simplest thing: Irish whiskey, brown sugar, black roasted coffee [and] heavy cream. Danilo’s Pick
Balkan Hot Toddy
Baba: 2901 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.baba.bar
Photos: On Tap staff
Slivovitz Rakia Scotch whiskey Lemon juice Star anise Lemon essence Hot water
We celebrated Día de los Muertos this fall with Modelo Especial at Senor Tequila, El Tio, El Rey, Cafe Citron, Don Juan, Urban BBQ and more.
www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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Get in the
with
By Michael Loria
T
he first time I tried a Tröegenator, I immediately realized I’d been wasting my precious beer consumption on lesser ales. This holiday season, Tröegs Brewing Company is releasing even more high-caliber brews for beer lovers to savor at DMV locations, or straight from the brewery in downtown Hersey, Pennsylvania. Tröegs is well-known for its “winter warmers,” including two of the brewery’s most widely distributed beers: the aforementioned Tröegenator and Mad Elf. Inspired by trips to Germany, Tröegenator is the house double bock, known as a liquid bread-style beer. The Mad Elf is Tröegs’ main cherry brew, available only during the holiday season. The brewery also offers a seasonal 12-pack Anthology sampler, including the Tröegenator, plus the Perpetual IPA, Blizzard of Hops IPA and Scratch #307, a chocolate cherry stout from the Scratch series. This “R&D experimental” line of beers is meant to give the brewers room to experiment with new techniques and ingredients. The Mad Elf, however, can’t be found in the sampler. “The Mad Elf is such a powerful beer that it’s always stood on its own,” says co-owner Chris Trogner. The Mad Elf has also inspired a few other cherry-infused beers for Tröegs, including Mad Elf Grand Cru and Wild Elf, which are part of the experimental Splinter series. The wild yeast used to ferment the beer, and the barrels in which they are aged, are what makes each creation in the series so
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Photos: Courtesy of Tröegs
unique. The microbes living in the wood lend “new and unique flavors to each batch,” Trogner says. The beers in each series are almost entirely unavailable elsewhere, adding an air of exclusivity to them. Trogner, who owns the brewery with his brother John, has been developing the Splinter program for quite some time – even prior to the brewery’s move to Hershey in 2011. But Trogner says he still feels that he and John have a lot to learn. “The beers take a lot of time and there’s not a lot of them,” he says. “When they’re gone, they’re gone.” Back at the original brewery in Harrisburg, the brothers gave their Splinter beers simple color names, like Splinter Gold, and at the time they weren’t aware of the extent to which “craft beer enthusiasts love to visit breweries.” They kept this in mind when it came time to expand, and it’s what precipitated their move to Hershey, as well as the design of the new brewery. Trogner says that since moving to Hershey, they’ve had a lot more foot traffic. He’s proud to see a regular smattering of license plates from the border states out in the parking lot. Hershey is a little under three hours from DC, making it a great destination brewery for a daytrip. The brewery is specifically set up for visitors, Trogner says. You can see most of the
brewing process from the tasting room, and if you want a more in-depth explanation of the process, tasting tours are available. “It’s really suited for however you would like to experience the brewery – whether you just want to do it at your own pace, or if you’d like to have someone kind of guide you through it,” he says. Whether you’re looking for something to do on staycation around the holidays or itching for a weekend daytrip, head up to Tröegs for a winter warmer and a behindthe-scenes look at the successful brewery. And make sure to leave with a growler full of one of the Trogner brothers’ Splinter series beers. Visit www.troegs.com for more information on hours and tours.
Tröegs Brewing Company: 200 East Hershey Park Dr. Hershey, PA 717-534-1297; www.troegs.com
All What’s On Tap listings are provided by the venues hosting them.
By Natalia Kolenko
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 what’s coming up at a few of these fine establishments.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 The After Hours DC Beer Tour City Brew Tours DC is a tour company that offers daily behind-the-scenes access to DC and the surrounding area’s top breweries, brewpubs and beer bars. Their tours are allinclusive with beer-focused tastings for brew lovers visiting and living in the metropolitan area. Every brewery tour includes up to 15 different craft beer samples, a beer pairing dinner, VIP visits to four breweries and round-trip transportation from downtown DC. You drink, they drive! 5:30-10:30 p.m. $99. Meet at National Portrait Gallery: 801 F St. NW, DC; www.citybrewtours.com/dc
beer tasting lounge. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free entry. Brentwood Arts Exchange: 3901 Rhode Island Ave. Brentwood, MD; www.arts.pgparks.com
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Burpees + Beer Tough workouts reap instant rewards when you join Fitbit Local Ambassador Chris Perrin for an all-levels boot camp workout at DC Brau Brewing Company. We’re talking free tasty treats and free beer for the first 200 people who show! Be sure to bring ID. All fitness levels are welcome. Stick around for a chance to win a Fitbit tracker. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free. DC Brau: 3178 Bladensburg Rd. #B, NW, DC; www.dcbrau.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 Friday Night Beers & Bites Tour The Bluejacket Friday Night Tasting Tour is a special brewery tour that is offered weekly. Upon arrival, guests will be treated to one of their signature drafts, followed by a full tour of the brewery and operations with three tasters throughout the tour. At the conclusion, guests will head to the Bottle Shop & Tasting Room to enjoy a flight of three additional tasters, each expertly paired with a snack from the talented culinary team led by Chef de Cuisine Marcelle Afram. 7-10 p.m. $35. Bluejacket Brewery: 300 Tingey St. SE, DC; www.bluejacketdc.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 Craft Fair and Beer Tasting Lounge Don’t get stuck at crowded malls this season buying generic gift sets for your loved ones. Instead, come to the Brentwood Arts Exchange Holiday Craft Fair and Beer Tasting Lounge. Craft artisans from the DMV community will display their items for sale inside this warm and cozy gallery environs. A wide selection of unique craft items will be available, including pottery, jewelry, textiles, glass, ornaments and much more. While you finish your holiday shopping, stop by the
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every glass of Hope, a donation is made to NCMEC. Specialty pint glasses and NCMEC merchandise will also be available for purchase. 1-10 p.m. Free. Ocelot Brewing Company: 23600 Overland Dr. #180, Dulles, VA; www.missingkids.org/hopsforhope
Year of Beer Sampling Series: Winter Edition Join On Tap Magazine for a winter beer sampling at Crafthouse’s Fairfax Corner location. As always, there will be complimentary appetizers and a raffle for a Crafthouse gift card, plus full pours of the beer will be available for purchase. There will be holiday brews from Devils Backbone, Bold Rock, Tröegs, O’Connor and Starr Hill. This is a free event, but you must RSVP at http://tickets.ontaponline.com as the event fills up fast! Please bring valid ID. Must be 21+. 6-8 p.m. Free. Crafthouse: 11861 Palace Way, Fairfax, VA; http://tickets.ontaponline.com Hops for Hope Ocelot Brewing Company in Dulles, Virginia is hosting the second annual Hops for Hope to benefit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Ocelot Brewing Company, which is owned by a former NCMEC employee, will offer Hope beer from December 9 until it runs out. With
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 Mad Fox Holiday Beer Tasting Join Mad Fox for a holiday beer tasting where you can meet the brewers and brewery/brewpub owners from across the region and taste their wonderful winter selections. Each brewer/owner will discuss their beer and answer any questions that you have; they will be focusing on 12 local brewers and special, seasonal holiday beers. Doors open at 6 p.m. $55. Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 West Broad St. Suite I, Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 Noche Buena Fiesta: Mexican Beer Dinner at Tico Honoring the Latin American tradition of Nochebuena or Christmas Eve, Tico is hosting a special holiday dinner with a menu paired with Noche Buena beer! As beer lovers know, Noche Buena beer is only available for a limited time around the Christmas holiday each year. It’s a must-
have at holiday gatherings and fiestas in December. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $65. Tico DC: 1926 14th St. NW, DC; www.ticodc.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Ugly Sweaterasana: Holiday-Themed Yoga at the Brewery Join New District Brewing Company to get your ugly sweater season started! Flow through an all-levels vinyasa yoga class with a special soundtrack of the season, followed by drinks. The ticket price includes the class and your first pint of refreshing craft beer. BYO mat. Ugly holiday sweaters highly encouraged. The beer voucher is good for any beer, excluding limited release beers. Tickets for beer will be given day of the event. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. $15. New District Brewing Company: 2709 South Oakland St. Arlington, VA; www.newdistrictbrewing.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Sauf Haus Open Mic Night Sauf Haus Bier Hall and Garten hosts open mic night every Tuesday. Musicians, poets, comedians and other artists of all types are welcome, as long as they want to share their craft. 8-10 p.m. Free. Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten: 1216 18th St. NW, DC; www.saufhausdc.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 Holiday Beer Bar Takeover Come on out and enjoy some adult fun after the holidays are over and let the Imperial Court of Washington DC help you kick off your New Year’s weekend with Jell-O shots, beer, baked treats and raffle prizes! #ICWDC. Starts at 10 p.m. Free. DC Eagle: 3701 Benning Rd. NE, DC; www.dceagle.com
with
OT: How will Denizens celebrate the holiday season? JV: Anytime there’s holidays coming up, we do growler sales. We [also] open up ticket sales to join our annual regulars club membership. Then for New Year’s Eve, we do an open bar party.
California’s acclaimed Bruery is coming to DC just in time for the holidays. You may already be familiar with their award winning Belgian style and sour beers, but now you can experience a broader range of their brews and get expert insights at their new store at Union Market. You can get bottles and cans to go, and members of their Society can order online and pick up in person. Beat that Amazon! Need a gift for a homesick Californian or a beer nerd? They’ll have you covered. Opening is targeted for December 8, but be sure to check their website at www.thebruery. com or follow them at thebruerydc on social media to confirm.
Photo: Courtesy of Denizens Brewing Co.
Denizens Brewing Co.
On Tap: What beers do you consider to be classic winter brews? Julie Verratti: Ones that are going to keep you warm while you’re drinking. Obviously, a lot of higher alcohol ABVs tend to be winter beers. Darker beers for sure. Belgian-style beers tend to be pretty popular in winter as well – even if they’re light in color – because they tend to be a little bit boozier.
Coming Soon! The Bruery Store
OT: What beers are you releasing this season? JV: We’re going to be releasing our Russian imperial stout that we do every year, which is a pretty high alcohol, dark beer. We have a brett dubbel that we aged in rum barrels that’s going to be coming out as well, which is darker, but not super dark. We also have what we call [our] Ill Cru, which is kind of our version of grand cru, which is a very big Belgian quadrupel. OT: What’s your idea of the perfect beer to bring to a holiday party or give as a gift? JV: I think anything that you can buy from your local brewery is important. And then I think something that’s approachable to
Julie Verratti, Co-founder everyone on your guest list. Also, Belgian styles are perfect for the holiday season because they’re higher in alcohol, they tend to have a fruitiness character to them and they tend to be really approachable for people – even people who don’t drink beer that often. Pick up Denizens beer from their tap room or a number of bars and restaurants in the DMV including Republic in Takoma Park, BlackSalt in Palisades and Midlands Beer Garden in Park View, or grab a pack at either Glen’s Garden Market location in the city.
Denizens Brewing Co.: 1115 East West Hwy. Silver Spring, MD; 301-557-9818 www.denizensbrewingco.com www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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Photo: Rey Lopez
Del Mar
Photo: Greg Powers
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
Photo: Greg Powers
is dedicated to Maria, who has roots in Spain, and showcases the Trabocchi family’s culinary traditions from their home on the island of Mallorca. To kick off a meal, the raw bar produces stunning seafood towers, with shellfish and seafood nestled among the tentacles of a silver octopus platter. Of course, you’ll have to order a plate of the famed jamón Iberico accompanied by crispy pan de cristal, which is one of my favorite culinary combinations. Paella is a focus, and large pans of bomba rice are brought to the table adorned with jewels like Maine lobster or Mallorcan sobrasada. The entrées range from poached Spanish branzino to grilled Iberico pork with langousine tail. There’s also a selection of whole fish and familystyle dishes to share. The cocktail program puts an emphasis on gin and tonics, while the wine list features bottles from the major wine regions of Spain. Del Mar: 791 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.delmardc.com
Del Mar
Kith and Kin
Open: October 23 Location: The Wharf Lowdown: Fabio and Maria Trabocchi have expanded their Italian restaurant empire to include coastal Spanish fare at Del Mar at The Wharf. The luxurious waterfront restaurant
Open: October 19 Location: The Wharf Lowdown: Chef Kwame Onwuachi is DC’s very own comeback kid. After swallowing a bitter pill with the closure of Shaw Bijou, Onwuachi has returned with a new outlook
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and a fresh view — of the Potomac River — from his Afro-Caribbean restaurant inside the InterContinental at The Wharf. At Kith and Kin, Onwuachi is just doing what he loves: sharing his heritage by cooking authentic food. Standout dishes have already emerged, with diners raving about the goat roti and the Brussels suya, which had me ready to order seconds or even thirds. Other highlights include the stewed oxtail, the crispy chicken wings and the intriguing seafood plateau. Many of the dishes are infused with family stories, like the peel-andeat shrimp made with his mother’s spice blend. At the bar, lead bartender Zachary Hoffman riffs on rum with Caribbean recipes, while also incorporating spice blends and ingredients from the region to put a unique spin on classic cocktails. The surroundings are beyond elegant, with custom art pieces such as a wall of boat propellers and a large geometric mural showcasing quotes from chefs who Onwuachi admires. Kith and Kin: 801 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.kithandkindc.com
Photo: Clarissa Villondo
Laoban Dumplings Open: November 6 Location: Foggy Bottom Lowdown: After a series of successful pop-ups around the city, this roving dumpling shop has found a permanent home in a stall at the Shops at 2000 Penn. Patrick Coyne, a former consultant and venture capitalist, learned the art of dumpling-making while he was teaching English in China, and wanted to continue
the tradition once he moved back to the States. His concept focuses on classic Chinese flavors and ingredients with a modern spin. The shop will offer two dumplings at a time, with filling options like pork cilantro, ginger chicken, Xinjiang lamb and a mixture of bok choy, shiitake mushrooms and scallions called Livin’ on the Vedge. The dumplings can be dipped in two sauces: So So Sesame and Fiery Godmother, which I could splash on pretty much anything. On the side, try the cuke salad in a Chinese vinaigrette. There are a few seats in the stall where you can enjoy your dumplings while admiring the bright décor and vibrant greenery. Laoban Dumplings: 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.laobandumplings.com
Supra Open: November 7 Location: Logan Circle Lowdown: While DC has had some exposure to Georgian fare – think Photo: Andrew Propp khachapuri and kebabs – it had yet to see a restaurant dedicated solely to the culinary and cultural traditions of the country. Enter Supra, a Georgian restaurant from husband-and-wife team Jonathan and Laura Nelms. Though neither has roots in the Caucasus, Jonathan has a long-held fascination with Georgia that began when he made friends with a Georgian exchange student in high school. That led to a stint living in Moscow and a career focusing on anti-corruption law in the region. Now, Jonathan’s knowledge of Georgian wine, food and heritage is on display at Supra, along with the culinary talent of executive chef Malkhaz Maisashvili, who worked at a number of acclaimed restaurants in Georgia before coming to the U.S. to cook at the Embassy of Georgia. Since the name of the restaurant means celebratory feast, the menu is presented like a traditional supra, starting with cold and hot small plates meant for sharing, moving on to a variety of stuffed breads (khachapuri), and starring plenty of kebabs and whole fish and chicken dishes to serve a crowd. Guests can also experience khinkali: Georgian soup dumplings. The restaurant’s selection of Georgian wine leans heavily toward those made in a qvevri, an ancient winemaking, aging and storing vessel. To educate drinkers, there’s map of the country’s wine regions on display in the bar. Other design elements include a collage made of Georgian newspapers depicting an iconic portrait of horsemen and a wall of shepherd hats called papakhi, which I need in my winter wardrobe. Supra: 1205 11th St. NW, DC; www.supradc.com
NOTABLE Femme Fatale Pop-Up Shop Date: Through December 24 Location: NoMa Lowdown: Femme Fatale, a collective of female entrepreneurs and creatives, has opened a pop-up shop with goods from more than 50 women-owned businesses, including vintage apparel, jewelry, accessories, body scrubs, fragrances, pottery, candles, embroidery, hot sauces and spices. The space houses a vegan café, which showcases vegan vendors like Good as Green,
Moreland’s Tavern 5501 14th St. NW, DC www.morelandstavern.com
600t 600 T St. NW, DC 1986 at Union Street Public House 121 S. Union St. Alexandria, VA www.unionstreetpublichouse.com
MVP Sports Bar 1015 7th St. NW, DC www.facebook.com/MVPDCBAR/
&pizza Tysons 1961 Chain Bridge Rd. Tysons Corner, VA www.andpizza.com
Naf Naf Grill 1875 K St. Suite 100, NW, DC www.nafnafgrill.com
Bar Elena 414 H St. NE, DC www.barelenadc.com
Nando’s Peri Peri Reston 12120 Sunset Hills Rd. Reston, VA www.nandosperiperi.com
Bindaas 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC www.bindaasdc.com Boba & Bites 8191 Strawberry Ln. #2, Falls Church, VA www.bobaandbites.com
Oath Pizza 2920 District Ave. Suite 150, Fairfax, VA www.oathpizza.com One Scotch, One Burger, One Beer 7776 Norfolk Ave. Bethesda, MD
Cabana Grill 4128 Georgia Ave. NW, DC www.cabanagrilldc.com
Pandora Seafood House & Bar 36A Maryland Ave. Rockville, MD www.pandoraseafoodhouse.com
Canopy Central at Canopy by Hilton at The Wharf 975 7th St. SW, DC www.canopy3.hilton.com
Pho Viet 3713 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC Pitango Gelato & Café 1841 Columbia Rd. NW, DC www.pitangogelato.com
Cork Wine Bar & Tasting Room 1805 14th St. NW, DC www.corkdc.com
Pollo Campero 8662 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD www.campero.com
The G.O.A.T. 3028 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA www.thegoatva.com
Rare Steak & Seafood 1595 I St. NW, DC www.raresteakandseafooddc.com
Gregory’s Coffee 1000 Vermont Ave. NW, DC www.gregoryscoffee.com
Red Bandana Bakery 8218 Wisconsin Ave. Suite 101, Bethesda, MD www.theredbandanabakery.com
Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House 5001 Washington Blvd. Halethorpe, MD www.newguinnessbrewery.com
Seoulspice Tenleytown 4600 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC www.seoulspice.com
Hando Medo 1315 14th St. NW, DC www.handomedous.com
Shilla Bakery in Westfield Montgomery Mall 7101 Democracy Blvd. Bethesda, MD www.shillabakeryusa.com
Lucky Buns 2000 18th St. NW, DC www.luckybunsdc.com
The Stand 1601 Crystal Dr. Arlington, VA www.thestandva.com
Manna, Milk & Honey Café in Museum of the Bible 400 4th St. SW, DC www.museumofthebible.org/museum/dining
Sushi Hachi 735 8th St. SE, DC www.sushihachidc.com
Maydan 1346 Florida Ave. NW, DC www.maydandc.com
Whiskey Charlie 975 7th St. SW, DC www.whiskeycharliewharf.com www.ontaponline.com | DECember 2017 | On Tap
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on the scene
For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.
offering creative plant-based takes on comfort foods; Stoner Girl Treats and Eats, with baked goods and fried “chick-un;” Ovieya Cuisine, serving Nigerian specialties; and the Pie Bitch, a Photo: Clarissa Villondo local pie company. There’s also a full bar, plus teas and kombucha in the lounge in the back. Femme Fatale Pop-Up Shop: 100 Florida Ave. NE, DC; www.femmefataledc.com
MetroCooking DC Date: December 9-10 Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center Lowdown: This massive culinary showcase will feature an all-star lineup of chefs, with headliners Guy Fieri Photo: Courtesy of Metro Cooking and José Andrés and local favorites like Erik Bruner-Yang, Vikram Sunderam and Amy Brandwein showing off their skills on the James Beard Foundation cooking stage. Over two days, gourmands and connoisseurs can shop for specialty items and holiday gifts from 200 vendors, watch live cooking demos, take part in hands-on workshops, sample libations at the beer, wine and spirits garden, learn from pitmasters at the BBQ Bash hosted by Marjorie Meek-Bradley, and taste bites from more than 50 restaurants at the Grand Tasting Pavilion. General admission tickets are $21.50, which includes admission to the James Beard cooking stage and the exhibitor marketplace. The additional events are ticketed separately. MetroCooking DC: 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW, DC; www.metrocookingdc.com
Ampersand in Smoke & Barrel 2471 18th St. NW, DC www.smokeandbarreldc.com
Miracle on 7th Street 1839 7th. St. NW, DC www.popupbardc.com
Photos: Devin Overbey
The DarkSide Bar 816 H St. second floor, NE, DC www.thedarksidebar.com
Guests of Nat Geo Nights: Silk Road traveled the ancient network of trade routes with archaeologist Michael Frachetti, travel journalist Emma Thomson and wildlife biologist Mimi Kessler.
NO LONGER 1905 in Shaw
Chester’s Billiards in Arlington
Amici Miei Relocating from Potomac to Rockville
Eatsa in Farragut North
BurgerFi in Old Town Alexandria Chase the Submarine in Vienna
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On Tap | DECEmber 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Fuddruckers in Chinatown Villa Mozart in Fairfax City
By Natalia Kolenko first played Foreign Air’s latest single “Lying” for a friend as we drove around DC late one night after a concert. The setting seemed right. One half of the duo, Jacob Michael, grew up a few Metro stops outside of the city where he discovered the DC music scene as a kid, and the November night and heavy fog rolling into the city bolstered her comment: “This sounds like it could be in a movie.” With a little bit of funk and a touch of hip-hop built on a solid foundation of rock, this indie electronic band definitely sounds like they could be in a movie soundtrack, or at least their vivid tonal imagery backed by thumping bass and Jesse Clasen’s layered vocals makes you feel like you’re listening to one. That sound has translated well to the big arenas they’ve played, opening for the likes of Bishop Briggs, Phantogram, Bleachers, The Strumbellas and AURORA, but the guys are excited to trade the bigger venues for more intimate settings on their first headlining tour alongside DC-based band SHAED. Founded in 2015 by longtime friends Clasen and Michael, Foreign Air has since released an EP and several singles, and watched “Lying” make its way onto Alt Nation. Now, they’re embarking on a six-show tour starting in Chicago on November 30 and ending back in DC on December 8 at Rock & Roll Hotel. Clasen says concertgoers should “expect the unexpected.” While known as a duo, on the road they play with a full band and try to make the live show as big a production as possible, Clasen says. As firsttime headliners, the pair is excited to have more control over the details of this tour and create a vibe that suits their music. Self-described as alternative, Michael says they pull from a lot of different genres for their sound, but try to put their own personal spin on things. Clasen adds that they are deeply based in future technology, but still love organic sounds. Michael’s current playlist includes Radiohead and Bad Sounds, while Clasen says he’s always enjoyed female vocalists – which he says you can notice in the tone of his voice at times – as well as Pink Floyd, Brian Eno, Talking Heads, jazz improvisation and even film scores.
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On Tap | December 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Photos: Courtesy of Foreign Air
The musicians share a desire to experiment with different sounds and instruments, and this experimentation has been its own project in figuring out how to bring that sound onstage. Clasen says part of it has to do with who will be onstage with them at the time and picking out which elements will bring the most energy while others are not as emphasized, but technology has opened up a lot of possibilities for what they can do. Mainly, they just want it to be fun for the individual who is playing the part. Another element that impacts their live sound is where they play, and Michael says the best places to perform at are the ones that care about the sound. “I think we’re really lucky in DC,” Michael says. “We have 9:30 Club and Rock & Roll Hotel and different venues that spend a lot of time making sure the rooms sound a certain way.” “It’s all about that bass,” Clasen adds, making Michael laugh. Not too long ago, however, who would play what instruments and how they would perform weren’t even on their minds; they were just two friends in different bands. “I shared a bill with Jesse down in Charlotte [North Carolina] many years ago, and I thought he was a great vocalist,” Michael says. “Then he started sending me music, and sent me a song from this hip-hop project he was working on, and I loved it. I showed that song to my friends all summer long. I think we bonded over the fact that we were in these rock bands, but we also enjoyed soul music and hip-hop and a lot of different genres. We stayed in touch over the years, slept on each other’s couches and floors while we were touring, and just became really good friends.”
Eventually, they started writing together based on a mutual desire to try something new and experiment with instruments. They dropped their first song around November 2015, and since then, they’ve released an EP, For the Light, three singles and have spent time just trying to figure out who Foreign Air is. While it might seem like living in different states would have hindered this process, their friendship and musical connection has outweighed the distance. When asked how they were able to make music with Clasen down in Charlotte and Michael in DC, Michael laughs and tells me: “Dropbox.” Hailing from different cities has allowed them to each bring something unique to the table. Clasen is very connected to the Charlotte music scene, but his personality also played into what influenced him. “I’m a little bit more of a homebody than Jacob is, so for me the music experience really burst out of when I was young. As I got into high school, the Internet just changed it all – being at home on the computer, finding all sorts of music and watching documentaries on YouTube. I think that really changed my life.” Michael, on the other hand, was strongly influenced by DC’s electronic scene. “DC is such an interesting city because it’s very diverse, so you get a lot of new music,” he says. “Electronic music is really big in DC – probably bigger in DC than in most cities – and so I think over the years, it’s trickled into the stuff I listen to and want to experiment with.” The pair continues to meld their musical styles and experiences together, and shows no signs of stopping soon. Their next single was released on November 29, and will also be on their first LP, set to release early next year. Michael says the songs blend 80s analog with hip-hop oriented drum production, and hopes the album’s unique sound will continue to evolve. In the meantime, they plan on touring more and look forward to connecting with people. So why should you go see Foreign Air? “Come hear a band with local roots,” Clasen says. “Meet people, have a drink, move around, hear some pretty falsettos. I think you’ll enjoy it. And we’ll be there to give you a hug.” Check out Foreign Air’s latest single “Lying” and learn more about the duo at www.foreignair.net, and catch them at Rock & Roll Hotel on December 8. Tickets are $15.
Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; 202-388-7625 www.rockandrollhoteldc.com www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2017 | ON TAP
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Photos: Scott Suchman
Mozart in the District
Noseda Leads the NSO By Michael Loria
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On Tap | December 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
It’s not so much what Gianandrea Noseda says so much as how he says it. The Italian-born conductor speaks with a drawl that makes you want to listen closer and, even over the phone, you can tell which topics he finds blasé and which cause his eyes to light up. At the mention of Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle, Noseda demurs and says he’s seen little of the show. But it’s hard not to see some resemblances between him and the charismatic conductor in the series, played by Gael García Bernal. Noseda may not share the character’s penchant for drama, but he speaks about music and the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) with a similar passion. He’s also very enthusiastic about bringing the orchestra outside of the Kennedy Center’s symphony hall and into the community. Noseda began his tenure as the music director for the NSO this fall, and has already conducted the NSO at a mid-November performance at The Anthem, one of The Wharf’s new music venues. The sold-out performance on November 15 featured works from composers Ottorino Respighi, Jules Massenet, Manuel de Falla and George Gershwin. He described the program as a musical buffet. “Someone who wants sweetness or tenderness can find it in some spots of Respighi or Chausson,” he says. “Someone who wants something very rhythmical will find it in Gershwin or Falla.” Noseda was particularly excited for the Massenet piece from the opera Thaïs as it features a solo for violin, performed at The Anthem by NSO Concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef. The concertmaster is young, but has been with the NSO for some time. Bar-Josef is the first chair violinist, and Noseda describes the position as the sort of right-hand man of the conductor.
“We are not from Mars. We are normal people and want to present the music we love to everybody.” “[As a conductor], if you have a good concertmaster, as well as other principals, let’s say 70 percent of your job is guaranteed.” This prompts me to ask him what exactly it is that a conductor does. Noseda laughs at the question. “People have the impression that the conductor just waves his hands.” His job is to first and foremost motivate the musicians, to get them to commit to a performance. In practical terms, that entails not only keeping time, but knowing the parts of all the instruments and how to balance them in a live performance. “You have to know the music of all the instruments and how to balance the sound, because if you have the trombones play loud, and you ask the violins to play loud, the loudness of the trombones is five times the loudness of the violins,” he says. “So how to combine these things, how to balance – it’s like a dish. If you put too much salt, at the end of the day, you don’t have the taste of the meat, fish or vegetable that you are eating, because it’s salty. Salt is necessary sometimes, but in limited quantity.” Noseda is hopeful that his orchestra’s recent performance at The Anthem will attract listeners to upcoming performances at the Kennedy Center. For him, the live performance is at the core of what they do. “[Rather than] explain why music is so important in our society, just come and listen,” he says. “We are not from Mars. We are normal people and want to present the music we love to everybody.” Nosedo will conduct the NSO in “The Artist Abroad: Yuja Wang plays Prokofiev/Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances” on Thursday, November 30 through Saturday, December 2, and then returns to the Kennedy Center next spring. Check www.kennedy-center.org for more details about upcoming performances, including free NSO in Your Neighborhood concerts; the first in the series will be held at Union Station next April.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; 202-467-4600; www.kennedy-center.org www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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Dance
Th i s Mes s
A ro u n d
T h e B - 5 2 ’s
C i n d y Wi l so n
By Monica Alford here are certain moments in life that you can always return to, palpable memories that never leave you. For me, one of those moments was standing in the front row at a sold-out B-52’s show with my dad at the brand new House of Blues in Boston the night of my college graduation. As I watched this legendary dance rock/art pop/new wave/insert quirky genre band that I grew up listening to perform just feet away, swooning at Kate and Cindy’s perfectly intact pipes and Fred’s signature deadpan vocals as they kicked it onstage like they were still 25, I thought to myself, “This is once in a lifetime.” On a call with Cindy Wilson a few weeks ago, I shared this memory with the singer-songwriter and cofounding member of the band, and asked her if she had a comparable moment. It wasn’t easy for her to pick just one, but she landed on the time she snuck into an Ike and Tina Turner show. “It was just awesome,” she says. “I’d never seen such live emotion and electric dancing. It blew my mind, totally.” Wilson, who still performs regularly with the B-52’s, is now on tour promoting her new full-length solo album CHANGE, out on December 1. I jumped at the opportunity to catch up with her before her band’s stop at the Black Cat on December 4. She traded in her iconic beehive and funky outfits for a Twiggyesque haircut and more alt-rock look, and hit the road last month with bandmates Suny Lyons, Ryan Monahan, Lemuel Hayes and Marie Davon. Wilson describes Lyons and Monahan as her partners and songwriters; the two musicians wrote the majority of the songs on CHANGE.
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ON TAP | DECEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
ct e f f a o t “ I l i ke th o b d n a people, t. i o d y l l a b a n d s re lly a e r s ’ t i So u l .” f r e d n o w
ic, t s a t n a f “ I ’ ve g o t ans i c i s u m f i r s t - ra t e ta s u j e r ’ y and the h .” t i w y a l op d re a m t
GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC ALL YEAR LONG
GIFT CERTIFICATES AND MEMBERSHIPS MAKE THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT “I’m working with some incredible musicians,” she says. “It was really fun for me to be in [studio], and [it] just really came together so well.” CHANGE is the culmination of nearly four years’ and two EPs’ worth of collaboration with Monahan and other musicians, working to define their sound and hit their groove as a band. “It took us about three-and-a-half years to get it together, and it just turned out really wonderfully,” she says. Wilson’s solo sound seems to span genres, just as the B-52’s always have. She says her music combines a lot of different elements – psychedelia, pop and electronic among them – but if CHANGE had to fit into a category, it’d simply be alternative music. “I think it surprises people and it’s a beautiful album, really.” When I ask how her musical influences have shifted with her new work, she tells me she’s recently become obsessed with Tame Impala. But generally speaking, her musical taste is very eclectic – from 60s/70s garage bands to bossa nova to bluegrass to world music. Wilson’s also influenced by her B-52’s bandmates, sharing her latest releases with them and welcoming their feedback. “I’ve played them things all along,” she says. “They’ve heard everything. They didn’t know how I was going to do the B-52’s and the solo shows, but it’s worked out fine. It’s been great.” Wilson has been balancing the B-52’s fortieth anniversary with her own album release, and says she’s definitely very busy. “But it’s fun. They’re both different and it’s been a grand adventure. I like to affect people, and both bands really do it. So it’s really wonderful.” On the B-52’s front, Wilson says she’s encouraging the band to put out one more song. As for her solo career, she’s already written a few new songs for her next release and is gearing up for a European tour in February. In the meantime, she says her current tour offers a show “that’s kind of unto itself,” flowing from beginning to end without stops between songs, full of beautiful melodies set against an artistic multimedia backdrop. “I’ve got fantastic, first-rate musicians and they’re just a dream to play with,” she says. “I think [audiences] will enjoy it.” Catch this rock icon and her talented band at the Black Cat on December 4. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more about Wilson at www.cindywilsonb52s.com.
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com
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www.ontaponline.com | DECEMBER 2017 | ON TAP
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By Natalia Kolenko and Michael Loria
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
Busty and the Bass This nine-piece band from Montreal is on the road for their newest album Uncommon Good. Busty and the Bass captivates audiences with their unique blend of hip-hop vocals, rap and plenty of brass and bass, a.k.a. music that is impossible not to shake and move to. Doors open at 7 p.m. $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com
Kweku Collins Kweku Collins is one of the brightest young stars of indie hip-hop. From the Chicago group Closed Sessions, Collins’ debut EP Say It Here While It’s Safe landed him on Pigeons and Planes “20 Rappers Under 20” list. His follow-up LP, Nat Love, garnered an 8.0 Pitchfork review. Though Collins hails
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from Chicago, his music stands well outside of other area hip-hop artists like Chance the Rapper or Vic Mensa; Collins is simply himself. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2476 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
Foreign Air & SHAED Foreign Air, comprised of duo Jacob Michael and Jesse Clasen, features two longtime friends originally from different rockoriented bands. A combination of funk, hip-hop and rock, this indie-electronic pair has been compared to the likes of Glass Animals and Alt-j. SHAED is a DC band fronted by Chelsea Lee and accompanied by brothers Max and Spencer Ernest. They have been compared to Florence + the Machine, Sia and Sylvan Esso with their pop-electronic beats and Lee’s soulful vocals. Doors open at 7 p.m. $15. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
ON TAP | DECEMBER 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
hyperbolic imagery. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com
The Interrupters Hailing from L.A., ska-punk band the Interrupters are keeping punk alive with their highenergy and upbeat rhythm. Lyrics about social issues and empowerment are backed by roaring guitars and heavymelody that will make you head bang all night long. Doors open at 8 p.m. $16. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
Rico Nasty DMV-raised rapper and producer Rico Nasty releases her music on her own label, Sugar Trap, which is also how she describes her sound and style. She draws comparison to Lil Yachty, but her sugar trap is distinct from Yachty’s bubblegum trap. It’s sonically playful, but more informed by a taste for colorful cartoons and
Roman Flügel Frankfurt-based producer Roman Flügel makes music from a range of influences. His 2014 record Happiness Is Happening showcases a taste for ambient EDM as well as for techno and house. His effortless mix of these influences has earned him a reputation as a left-field DJ. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $8. Flash: 645 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.flashdc.com
The Score L.A.-based duo Eddie Anthony and Edan Dover are the talented musicians behind The Score. First gaining traction for one of their songs that ended up in a commercial, they turned down offers that involved going the pop route and stuck to their
rock roots. They have since released an EP, Myths & Legends, that has catchy lyrics and hooks of pop but with the heavy, loud rock that they love. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
Ball. Performances are at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets start at $55. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
Matt Pond PA Indie rocker Matt Pond is all about life’s crazy experiences, and that’s exactly what he writes and sings about. Their latest album, Still Summer, is their twelfth and final as a band. Following Winter Lives as the second album on Pond’s independent label, the album explores all the vibes of summer-like road tripping in a beat-up car and features the likes of Laura Stevenson, Laura Burhenn, Caroline Reese and Anya Marina. Doors open at 9 p.m. $15. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
NPR’s Piano Christmas Celebrate the season with a stylish twist on your favorite holiday classics. The Kennedy Center and NPR present A Jazz Piano Christmas, the annual holiday tradition featuring four celebrated jazz pianists performing their favorite seasonal music. The evening will feature winner of the Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition Helen Sung, and 2018 NEA Jazz Master Joanne Brackeen returns to the Terrace Theater, along with Brazilian virtuoso Abelita Mateus and Cajun blues master Marcia
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Seven Lions Santa Barbara native Seven Lions is one of the many EDM artists to grace the stage at the popular DC rave venue Echostage. On tour for his latest album, Where I Won’t Be Found, this dubstep/trance mashup artist has featured the likes of Tove Lo and Ellie Goulding on his music, to name a few. Show at 9 p.m. $30. Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, DC; www.echostage.com
Sister Hazel Maybe you don’t recognize this band’s name right away, but if you hear their song “All for You,” you’ll be sure to recall it and be transported back to the late 90s alternative music scene. Named “one of the top 100 most influential independent performers of the last 15 years” by Performing Songwriter Magazine, these country altrockers are back on tour but this time for a cause: to support local military communities. Doors open at 7:30. $40. The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com
On Tap | December 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
Andrea Bocelli World-renowned and legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli returns to the U.S. for a seven-concert date tour. Each performance will feature a unique repertoire from Bocelli’s Grammynominated album, Cinema, special selections from the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking release Romanza, along with his beloved traditional selection of arias, love songs and crossover hits. Andrea Bocelli will be joined on stage by Eugene Kohn, soprano Larisa Martinez, and special guest artist and Broadway sensation Heather Headley at each stop on the tour. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $80. Write-up provided by venue. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena. monumentalsportsnetwork.com
Jake Bugg English singer Jake Bugg made big waves back in 2012 with the release of his self-titled album. Now on his fourth full-length LP, Bugg says he wants to make a complete record as opposed to a collection of songs like his last album. Bugg’s sound is a combination of his idols: the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and Oasis’ Gallagher brothers. Expect plenty of blues and romantic melodies. Doors open at 7 p.m. $30. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue: 600 I St. NW, DC; www.sixthandi.org
Michl Not much is known about Michl, as he has worked hard to keep his identity private. In 2016, he launched his self-titled EP, a haunting collection of songs that use sparse electronics backing his soulful vocals. He could easily be compared to Sam Smith and James Blake. Doors open at 8 p.m. $12. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
Mogwai In 20 years of making music, Scottish post-rock band Mogwai has covered a tremendous amount of ground. However, their latest release and ninth LP, Every Country’s Sun, has the deftness of touch they brought to their scoring of the BBC’s Atomic and their widely received 2011 LP Hardcore Will Never Die But You Will. The latest record shows a balance between studied practice and experimentation with new instruments that makes for a downtempo sound that’s chilly in its electronics but also nakedly melodic. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12
Cinema Hearts Pageant queen Caroline Weinroth fronts this dreamy, doo wop/pop-rock band from
Virginia, backed by brother Erich Weinroth on bass and James Adelsberger on drums. On tour for their second album Burned and Burnished, the band has moved away from the existential questions of forever on their last album to exploring breakups and rejection with Weinroth’s 50s sounding, bluesy voice, pronounced drums and wailing guitars. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $10. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13
Bad Moves Formed in 2015 in DC, punk band Bad Moves are on tour for their self-titled EP. Drawing from their experiences living in the area, the band plays my personal favorite kind of music: sad lyrics that are at times humorous, backed by a fun beat easy to dance to. A little bit of pop, a little bit of new wave and a little bit of garage, these guys stick to a punk foundation while expanding on said genre’s classic sound. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $10. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
Com Truise American electronic producer Com Truise released his first studio album since 2012’s In Decay this summer. 2017’s Iteration follows up on the sci-fi story of his previous albums, that of synthetic astronaut Com Truise. But Iteration is also influenced tonally by the artist’s personal life, namely his move from New York to L.A., and the displacement felt in that move.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
Iteration continues in Com Truise’s synthwave style, and still hearkens back to the synthheavy music of the 80s. Doors are at 10 p.m. Tickets are $17. Flash: 645 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.flashdc.com
Okey Dokey Okey Dokey is the product of its members’ previous bands breaking up. Consisting of frontman and visual artist Aaron Martin and The Weeks’ guitarist Johny Fischer, their first full-length album Love You, Mean It is inspired by their love of Mowtown and incorporates their psychedelic storytelling roots. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $12. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14
Angel Olsen Last month, Angel Olsen released Phases, a collection of demos, B-sides and other unreleased materials. Phases hearkens back to the stripped back sound of her first records, when her sound consisted of just vocals and guitar. And her voice carries the exact haunting power that brought her the acclaim she enjoys today. Not all of the tracks are completely stripped down though, and her Americana sensibilities remain constant throughout. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com
On Tap | December 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Trans-Siberian Orchestra For their winter 2017 tour, the TSO presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, their 1999 record which includes many of their best-known hits like “Christmas Canon [Rock]” and “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24.” Since that 1999 release, TSO have become touring juggernauts whose arena rock performances have been likened to The Who and Pink Floyd. Their touring style comes from their composer and lyricist, Paul O’Neill. The TSO means for this tour to be a celebration of O’Neill’s life and work. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $46. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.capitalonearena. monumentalsportsnetwork.com/
Lil Uzi Vert In 2017, Lil Uzi Vert released his highly anticipated debut studio album, Luv is Rage 2. Uzi Vert is an intriguing rapper, as his flow is much in the vein of other contemporaries, with vocal processing reminiscent of Young Thug and at times Migos’ triplet; but stylistically, he says he draws from rock music, namely Marilyn Manson. Luv is Rage 2 puts into words and beats his belief that one can wear skinny jeans and still be hard. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17
National Symphony Orchestra Performs Handel’s Messiah Join the NSO, gifted singers and a heavenly chorus for this holiday tradition. This year, conductor Jeannette Sorrell brings fresh perspective to Handel’s cherished Messiah with gifted soloists Sophie Daneman, Ann McMahon Quintero, Karim Sulayman and Christian Immler, along with the University of Maryland Concert Choir. Experience all of the hope, redemption and grace of Handel’s cherished Messiah in the festively decorated Concert Hall. Multiple dates. Tickets start at $15. Write-up provided by venue. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org
Shamir Las Vegas-born vocalist and producer Shamir released his debut album Ratchet in 2015, and the project is pure art pop. The record features catchy electronic beats and slinky funk-leaning bass lines, and underpinning it all are Shamir’s soulful high vocals and witty yet blunt lyrics. Since then, his music has taken a turn away from the pure pop of Ratchet, but still features those same lyrical and vocal stylings, though in an admittedly heavier context. His latest release, 2017’s Revelations, received mixed reviews, but Shamir certainly remains a voice to watch and a singular performer. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets $18. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com
OPEN MIC EVERY TUESDAY IN OUR VINYL LOUNGE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
ELECTRIC LOVE MACHINE, MANTRAS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
UPTON BLUES BAND, CACTUS LIQUORS WENESDAY, DECEMBER 6
THE SUITCASE JUNKET THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
RUMPKE MOUNTAIN BOYS, BROKEDOWN HUSTLERS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
NEW POTATO CABOOSE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
FEELFREE, SHACKBAND WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13
CRANFORD HOLLOW, THE MIGHTY PINES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 ALL GOOD PRESENTS
DOPAPOD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
CHATHAM COUNTY LINE ELECTRIC HOLIDAY SHOW SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
BOX OF RAIN (DEAD TRIBUTE), MACHINE FUNK (WIDESPREAD PANIC TRIBUTE) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20
SAMANTHA FISH
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
CRIS JACOBS’ VERY JERRY CHRISTMAS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
THE NEW STEW PERFORMING THE ROLLING STONES’ GET YER YA-YA’S OUT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
TRONGONE BAND, SWIFT TECHNIQUE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28
AZTEC SUN 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, THE RON HOLLOWAY BAND FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29
EVERYONE ORCHESTRA FT. STEVE KIMOCK, HOLLY BOWLING, TOM HAMILTON (JRAD), JENNIFER HARTSWICK, VINNIE AMICO (MOE.), JEFF MOSIER & CHRIS CHEW SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30
KENDALL STREET COMPANY, DANGERMUFFIN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31
NYE! THE WERKS W/ LITZ Photos: Shantel Mitchell Breen, Krystina Gabrielle Photography & Mark Raker
Last month, we rocked out to Bleachers at 9:30 Club, The Front Bottoms at Fillmore Silver Spring, and Dead & Company at Capital One Arena.
www.ontaponline.com | December 2017 | On Tap
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20
Write-up provided by venue. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
audience interaction. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Tickets $33. Write-up provided by the venue. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 O.A.R. Twenty years into their careers, O.A.R. has become an alternative pop classic. Managing to fill theaters over the course of their existence, O.A.R. has played easy to enjoy mainstream music while remaining in the background of the pop culture zeitgeist. Back on tour for their latest album XX, these guys have delivered another album that uses the sound they’ve come to be known for and that has won over the hearts of their devoted fans over and over. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45.50. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com
Trophy Eyes Trophy Eyes are a five-piece band from Newcastle, Australia who have combined pop-punk with melodic hardcore – the kind of band that you listened to as a moody teen before catching their act at Warped Tour. Compared to bands like Touche Amore, Title Fight, Crime in Stereo and the Amity Affliction, the punk-pop rockers are on tour for their latest album Chemical Miracle. Doors open at 5 p.m. $15. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com
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Samantha Fish with Louie Fontaine and the Starlight Searchers While she’s well-known as a purveyor of blues, having been lauded by such legends as Buddy Guy, the Royal Southern Brotherhood and Luther Dickinson, Samantha Fish’s real love is simply raw, scrappy rock ‘n’ roll. It’s little wonder then that when it came time to record her new album, Chills & Fever, Fish ventured off in another direction, one she was exploring for the first time in her career. “I don’t think I ever enjoyed making a record quite as much as I enjoyed making this one,” Fish insists. “I love the sound of the brass and the edgier intensity. One thing’s for sure. Nothing ever felt so authentic.” Write-up provided by venue. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $25. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
Action Bronson Chef-turned-rapper-turned television personality Action Bronson’s music is just one of the things he’s become known for. Bronson has become an infectious personality on his Viceland show, F**K That’s Delicious, but the artist continues to write music, which first put him on the map. Bronson’s extra appetite, along with his swagger, bursts from his music. On his 2017 record, Blue Chips 7000, he continues to tell stories of a tremendous appetite for all manners of pleasure, and in terms of production, he continues to feature rich array of samples – from deep cuts to instant classics. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29
The B Street Band From the heart of the Jersey shore, Bruce Springsteen cover band the Backstreets was the first group in the world to do a unique tribute to a live performer. There are now an estimated 14,000 tribute bands following their lead and performing all over the world. Nearly 5,500 performances and 34 years later, the B Street Band is still the hardest working tribute band on the circuit, with almost 200 shows per year throughout the country honoring The Boss. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20-$25.
On Tap | December 2017 | www.ontaponline.com
Everyone Orchestra The Everyone Orchestra’s conductor, Matt Butler, has been leading a rotating cast of accredited musicians through full-length shows that are entirely improvised since 2001. The Everyone Orchestra balances the challenges of live group improvisation with triumphant tension and release conduits of music that head deep into the soul. This unique collaborative of performance deeply encourages and requires
Ex Hex Female power trio Mary Timothy, Betsy Wright and Laura Harris are Ex Hex. Another DC band, these ladies play loud rock ‘n’ roll with plenty of attitude. Brace yourself for a show that’s sure to leave your ears ringing and feet tired from jumping all night. Doors open at 8 p.m. $18. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31
Bonerama and New Orleans Suspects As their sound evolves and changes, it’s still the best way to describe this 15-year-old powerhouse trombone touring band from New Orleans. In addition to changing the way people think about the trombone, the sound of Bonerama has become an influence and contribution to the sound of New Orleans music today. With newer acts such as Trombone Shorty and Big Sam’s Funky Nation joining them on the national music scene, it’s the Crescent City that has benefited with a newfound reputation as being a bonafide “Trombone Town.” Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Tickets $43.50-$58.50. Write-up provided by venue. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com