At the start of each month the BYT staff compiles a list of things we’re particularly looking forward to seeing, reading, eating, touching, etc. Our goal is for you to have the best possible month. This may help.
August is a typically slow month in D.C. Take advantage of the quiet.
Summer Evenings @ Hirshhorn August 3 – 31
Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend @ Smithsonian Natural History Museum Opens Aug 3
Listen, it’s possible I thought narwhals were less a real thing and more an Arctic version of a unicorn that had a cool cameo in Elf. And that’s the great thing about this new exhibit at the Natural History Museum – either you’re ignorant like me and this is a fun surprise, or you’re savvy enough to realize what a cool opportunity it is to take a deep dive into narwhal behavior, Inuit culture and even the impact of climate change. There’s something for everyone. -Trisha Brown
SAAM Arcade August 5 and 6
Passion & Prose Romance Author Panel @ Politics & Prose August 4
I don’t know who wrote the website description for this Politics & Prose event, but I do know romance novels (in fact, I’ve reviewed two of these writers), and I’ve attended romance author events, so I can tell you what you will actually get at this event: this is a panel of four talented, creative people who write nuanced stories about empowered women who go after what they want – even when it’s sex or love or both. The writers are smart and funny, and this panel might covertly be the coolest thing P&P hosts all year. -Trisha Brown
America 51: A Probe into the Realities That Are Hiding Inside “The Greatest Country in the World” by Corey Taylor from Slipknot available August 8
If you were wondering what the main dude from Slipknot has been up to when not taking care of Slipknot business or spending time with his side project Stone Sour, he’s writing George Carlin type rantbooks about how modern life is stupid and kids today are snowflakes and cell phones and social media and God and the bible. The latest dispatch from the twizted mind of a man named Corey is America 51: A Probe into the Realities That Are Hiding Inside “The Greatest Country in the World.” That’s right folks, that last part of the title is in quotes, which means irony and maybe it’s time to think for yourself for once. Strap in for some Hard Truths. -Matt Byrne
Hail to the Chin: Further Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell available August 15
Bruce Campbell’s latest memoir, Hail to the Chin: Further Confessions of a B Movie Actor, is the follow up to his beloved If Chins Could Kill, which added fuel to his already fiery cult fan base when first released over 15 years ago. This one picks up where the last book left off, offering up wild anecdotes from his life as a wildly popular character actor and nerd culture icon. -Matt Byrne
National IPA Day @ Churchkey August 3
Did IPA, the undisputed champ of American craft brewing, need its own day? Probably not, but as someone who loves running up the score in any and all scenarios, I respect the move. And sometimes craft beer bars need a good excuse to tap the rare stuff.
That’s exactly what ChurchKey is doing on this year’s #IPAday, August 3. The line-up of breweries is a veritable murderers’ row of out-of-town heavies (LIC Beer Project, Singlecut, Kent Falls), local favorites (Ocelot, RAR, Burley Oak), and the Richmond industrial hop complex (The Veil, Triple Crossing, The Answer). To which I say: #whalezbro
ChurchKey will also have two new hoppy offering from Stillwater Artisanal: The Cloud (an IPA brewed with oats, lactose, and an absurd amount of new age German hops) and This Beer Will Self Destruct in 336 Hours (a “hazed-out juice-bomb #IPA,” per the beer company’s Instagram). I mentioned this because: 1) I am sure these beers will be delightful; and 2) I have been working on a Stillwater article for a month, and it’s running this week, and I’m going to need you to come back and read it, OK?
As per usual, this is a standard all-you-can-drink for all-you-can-pay ChurchKey event. -Phil Runco
UNION Craft 5th Anniversary Party August 5
I’ve run out of ways to praise UNION Craft. Head brewer Kevin Blodger’s traditional styles are flawless and his new school brews are innovative. The Baltimore operation mixes bulletproof flagships with a steady stream of fun one-offs better than anyone else does locally. Creative director Jon Zerivitz’s packaging is unflappably rad. And they’re good people. What else are you looking for in a brewery?
On August 5, you can raise a pint (or four) to all of this at the brewery’s fifth anniversary party. As usual, the annual bash will feature some new brew debuts, plus #rare and vintage goodies stored for the occasion… and a “full custom cask bar” if you’re trying to go full nerd. Not that you need those sparkly, #rare things, because UNION has kind of been killing it all summer between Skipjack Pilsner, the citrusy Vienna Lager called Tiny Elvis, their effervescent When I Say Charm, You Saison, the lupulin powder-loaded double IPA Cosmic Giggle, a mango farmhouse ale dubbed Genius Anyway, and the Old-Pro-on- botanicals Tee Time.
But, wait, there’s more than beer! Baltimore’s Big in Japan will be reuniting for the evening. Holy shit! Also, food will be on sale from Gypsy Queen, The Local Oyster, and Ekiben. Tickets cost $30 includes a commemorative glass and a can of new pale ale called 5. (If you can’t make the party, Roofers Union will be hosting its own shindig for the brewery on Wednesday, August 9.) -Phil Runco
3 Stars 5-Year Anniversary Monster Bash August 12
Oh snap, another baller fifth anniversary party? This is like seventh grade, when I straight crushed the McLean Middle School bar mitzvah circuit.
Anyway, our beloved 3 Stars is now a half-decade old! And if the last five years have proven anything, it’s that the DC brewery knows how to throw a party.
Let’s start with the beer, of course. Co-founders Dave Coleman and Mike McGarvey have a slew of special releases lined up for the occasion, including (but not limited to) collaborations with two hotshot NYC breweries (LIC Beer Project and Interboro), a new birthday double IPA, a sour ale, a grand cru, and another as-yet-unexplained-to-me anniversary beer. That’s a lot of beer! There’s also a chance its hotly anticipated collaboration with Graft Cider may be ready in time, but it’s too early to tell. I’ll be writing a Freshly Tapped profile on all these beers, so come back to BYT next Thursday for the full scoop.
OK, onto the other stuff. On the food front, the main attraction is the full pig that Chiko will be roasting, but Rappahannock River Oysters, Ice Cream Jubilee, and Jerkface Jerky will be in the house, as well. Live jams will be kicked out by School of Rock and DJs Keenan Orr and Smudge. And let it be noted that these vendors will be set up in 3 Stars’ newish auxiliary space, which is air-conditioned AF.
Oh, and did I mention that Other Half, J. Wakefield, 18th Street, LIC Beer Project, and Interboro will be slinging their beer, too? #casual. Tickets cost $20 and include a commemorative glass and your first beer. Solid deal! -Phil Runco
Does a Federal Paid Family Leave Policy Help or Hurt Families? @ Sixth & I August 7
If I thought snacking was allowed in the Sixth & I Synagogue, I might suggest you bring your popcorn to this discussion on family leave policy. Award-winning journalist John Donavan is moderating a conversation between Alieza Durana, senior policy analyst in the Better Life Lab at New America, and Karin Agness Lips, Founder and President of the Network of enlightened Women (NeW), a national organization for conservative university women. In a city with a lot of well-educated, career-oriented, liberal women – many of whom are also childless – this is a conversation that could be fascinating. -Trisha Brown
Wind River in theaters August 4
Wind River is Taylor Sheridan’s directorial debut, but his third gig as writer, having previously written the acclaimed western-flavored thrillers Sicario and Hell or High Water. This time, Sheridan’s cast his eye northwards, setting up a taut crime tale in the dead of winter on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. The film’s gotten a ton of good buzz at festivals and I’m excited to check it out. -Matt Byrne
Annabelle: Creation in theaters August 11
The Glass Castle in theaters August 11
I’m very interested to see how they treat this incredible book on screen. I read it years ago, but I immediately felt connected to it due to my own childhood, which was whimsical in a lot of ways, but also marred by my father’s alcoholism. If anyone can treat a leading role well it’s Brie Larson, and I trust Woody and Naomi will knock their roles out of the park, too. Only time will tell, but I’m willing to bet this one knocks it out of the park. -Megan Burns
Ingrid Goes West in theaters August 11
Herbie Hancock @ Kennedy Center August 8
When I first saw this concert pop up on the Kennedy Center website, I thought it must be a mistake. I didn’t think there could be any way that Herbie Hancock, who is a one of the most iconic musicians alive today, could be doing a random Tuesday night concert at the Kennedy Center. But it’s not a mistake, and Hancock, who was a 2013 Kennedy Center Honoree, is stopping by on an international tour. You might want to grab a ticket and spend a weeknight seeing a living legend. -Trisha Brown
Homeshake @ Songbyrd August 8
More outstanding programming at Songbyrd, with a return show for my favorite Canadian bedroom pop producer. Homeshake is making intimate tunes that soothe the introvert’s soul, and I’m excited to see him play one of DC’s best small venues. Check out our interview with him last year, and expect another one soon. -Jose Lopez-Sanchez
Little Dragon @ 9:30 Club August 8 and 9
Kesha Rainbow available August 11
Kesha has been through a whole fucking lot, and I am so pumped for her to make a triumphant return following all the drama. The LP already (to me) seems strong, and if you’re even remotely a fan of her work, please give it a listen. -Megan Burns
Oneohtrix Point Never Good Time OST available August 11
I was going through a weird time in my life when I first heard “Chrome Country” by mistake 2-3 years ago and was completely smitten, and I’ve remained a huge supporter since then, so this LP has 100% got me hook line and sinker well before it drops on August 11. -Megan Burns
Fresh & Onlys Wolf Lie Down available August 25
Fresh & Onlys hit me hard in the feels with “Waterfalls” back in 2010, and I’ve remained a faithful fan since. I’m really excited for Wolf Lie Down, out August 25, and as an added bonus they’ve got a sick limited edition run of clear vinyl happening, so get on that pre-order game! -Megan Burns
Summer Snow Globe @ National Harbor – August 18 – September 3
Maryland Renaissance Festival August 26 – October 22
Return of the English Premier League August 11-13
US Open August 28 through September 10
Hey, it’s me, ya gurl talking about tennis again! This tournament hits literally close to home because it’s taking place here in NYC, and I plan to watch as much of it as I can (as usual). As far as excitement goes, if given a wild card, Maria Sharapova could shake things up on the women’s side, but for the most part I’m stoked to see our usual suspects. Will Muguruza win two consecutive grand slam tournaments in a row? Hard to say, but again, I’ll be watching. -Megan Burns
Baroness von Sketch Show premieres on IFC August 2
Canadian sketch comedy series Baroness Von Sketch Show was very popular among comedy fans North of the border, and thankfully our friends at IFC has picked it up so us here in the states have a chance to check out this lady-driven sketch series that brings a slightly absurdist approach to observational sketch comedy. -Matt Byrne
The Chris Gethard Show returns to TruTV August 3
The Chris Gethard Show‘s journey from New York City public access to TruTV was a long, years-long process, with a few seasons spent at Fusion, and a steadily growing base of misfits, weirdos, and fans of sensitive, smart comedy snowballing into what looks to be the show’s strongest form yet. Gethard’s a hugely talented entertainer, with a knack for creating a welcoming space for anyone who feels uncomfortable in their skin. -Matt Byrne
Read our interview with Chris Gethard
Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later premieres on Netflix August 4
Shakespeare Free For All: Othello @ STC Opens August 15
The very first week I ever lived in DC, I went to Shakespeare Free For All. But that was way back when they used to do it outside in Rock Creek Park. It was August, so it was hot and humid as hell, the mosquitoes were everywhere, and we sat on the ground for three hours watching Love’s Labour’s Lost. Oh, you don’t know Love’ Labour’s Lost? Yeah, that’s because no one fucking knows Love’s Labour’s Lost. Luckily, within a couple of years, people decided that air conditioning and chairs were invented for a reason, and now you have the opportunity to see one of the most well-known plays in the western world performed by one of the most well-respected Shakespeare theater companies in the country. For zero dollars. Go get it. -Trisha Brown
