Meredith Munoz of Pash
@ Fort Reno
Q:What's your song for summer?
A:"'Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before' by the Smiths, hands down."
SUNDAY: Still tired from Fourth of July festivities? There is no better way to cure your patriotic hangover than the sultry sound of Gladys Knight. Though she will be sans Pips, expect a full range of Gladys Knight classics, from her 60s hits up to her more current solo career.
The Motown star, also known as the Empress of Soul, has seen much success in her post-Pip career. From music to philanthropy and even owning a small chain of Chicken and Waffle shops, Mrs. Knight is still as much of a soul figure now as she was during her Motown years.
» Wolf Trap National Park; 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna; Sun., July 5, 8 p.m., $25-$45; 703-255-1868.
Written by Express' Brian Austin
Photo courtesy Wolf Trap
FRIDAY: Sheryl Crow strolled into our lives back in the '90s, achieving mainstream success with her sultry voice and bluesy guitar.
With hits like "My Favorite Mistake" and "The First Cut is the Deepest," this nine-time Grammy award-winner seems to be staying on top. She arrives at Wolf Trap Friday with fellow singer-songwriter Ari Hest.
» Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA; Fri., July 3, 8 p.m., $48; $30 lawn; 703-255-1900.
Written by Express' Nicole Ocran
Photo courtesy Universal Music Group
WHAT DOES A chef do when he's left a restaurant and cooks so much that he fills his house with sauces and jams? For Stefano Frigerio, who used to be in the kitchen at Mio and the now-closed Maestro, the answer was to start the Copper Pot Food Company and sell his products at area farmers markets.
"Basically, after I left Mio, I was at home with my kids with nothing to do," he says. "We would go to farmers markets to buy food and keep myself busy, and my sons loved it."
As a result of those visits to the market, Frigerio acquired lots of fruits and vegetables and started using them in sauces and jams.
"I use local farms, mostly from farmers markets," he says. "There's a stand in Dupont Circle where we go for our shopping, and because we developed a relationship with them, they know we use their stuff and they call when fruits and vegetables are ready, and we come pick them up."
Continue Reading "Condiments to the Chef: Copper Pot Food Company" »
PETER MURPHY'S GRAVELY resonant voice and gauntly androgynous appearance made him an iconic presence in the influential goth bands Bauhaus and Love & Rockets, earning him the nickname the Godfather of Goth.
In recent years, however, he seemed intent on overturning any expectations raised by his gloomy reputation. While he rarely tours America as a headliner, he has launched the Secret Cover Tour, playing more intimate venues and highlighting material from his upcoming solo album.
In between new songs, he runs through old hits like "Cuts You Up" and the evergreen "Bela Lugosi's Dead," fan favorites like "Marlene Dietrich's Favourite Poem" and "Deep Ocean, Vast Sea."
Continue Reading "Vibrant Godfather of Goth: Peter Murphy" »
IF ROAMING PACKS of teenagers aren't your kind of wildlife, and hunting down deals aren't your kind of expeditions, head straight over to Tysons Corner. Yep, you read that right. The mega-mall's L.L. Bean store (1916 Chain Bridge Road, McLean; 703-288-4466) is an unlikely gateway to a Walk-On Adventure (Llbean.com/ods), the outdoor outfitter's impromptu way of sending shoppers away from civilization.
Every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 11, there are several departures for kayaking and fly-casting excursions. Just pay $15, and the staff will handle all of the details — they'll shuttle you to and from experienced instructors, provide all necessary equipment and even make sure you're hydrated and slathered in sunscreen. Worried you're not dressed for the occasion? You can borrow a pair of water shoes or a hat.
Continue Reading "A-Kayaking We Will Go: Find a Water Adventure in Unexpected Territory" »
TUESDAY: From Celeste Starchild's name, you might be expecting hippie folk, fueled by patchouli and a love of all animals, even the gross ones.
Instead, you'll get an eclectic rock-blues-folk mix backed by a synthesizer. The electronic element is a bit jarring at first, but Starchild's music is intriguing and soulful. You'll get caught up in the rhythms before you catch the lyrics, but those are skillful too.
» Iota, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; Tues., June 30, 8:30 p.m., $10; 703-522-8340, Iotaclubandcafe.com. (Clarendon)
Photo by Shelly Ha
THIS WEEKEND: The Rockettes have their kicks. Michael Jackson has his moonwalk. Riverdance, they have their stomping feet. The Irish step dancing troupe Riverdance has been wowing audiences since the early '90s with their infamous lighting-fast leg movement, military uniformity and completely stoic upper bodies. Think Richard Simmons but with his hands in his pockets.
Sure they may not be able to throw it down like American step teams, but the Riverdance troupe still bewilders and amazes its audience with its spot-on precision and sheer speed. Their international success has made the thunderous foot stompers as synonymous with Ireland as four leaf clovers and pints of Guinness.
» Wolf Trap National Park; 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA; Fri., June 26, 8 p.m., Sat., June 27 and Sun., June 28, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; $20-$70; 703-255-1900. wolf-trap.org.
Written by Express' Brian Austin
Photo by Jack Hartin
SATURDAY & SUNDAY: Let's be honest, is there anything better than a day of beer and live music? Well, yeah. Two days of beer and live music.
Northern Virginia Brewfest returns to Morven Park with their "celebration of American beer." Here you'll find ice-cold beers from more than 50 of America's breweries, good food and good music from The BlackJacks (winners of the 2008 DC101 Chili Cookoff Last Band Standing), Lloyd Dobler Effect and more.
So drop by, grab a cold one and even replace your old standby brew. You'll need a little refreshment in this hazy, hot and humid month.
» Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg, Va.; Sat. June 27, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., $20 advance, $25 on-site; 703-923-0800.
Written by Express' Nicole Ocran
Photo courtesy Northern Virginia Brewfest
THURSDAY: It's been almost forty years since the Doobie Brothers burst onto the national radar with soulful rock mega-hits like 1976's "Takin' it to the Streets." Now well into their third decade of touring, the legendary California-based outfit has probably taken it to every street in America that has stadium seating. Their next stop: the green lawn of Wolf Trap for a Thursday night performance.
Though the line-up of the group has changed a few times and they may not be the exact set of Doobies that were responsible for the easy going hits of yesteryear, you can still hear founding members, Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, in the mix. Along with them is a supporting ensemble of musicians who have generally been playing as Doobies since the late 80s. You don't even need a doobie anymore, guys. Just listen to the music and flash back to the golden years of orange-tinted aviators, leather jackets, and super bushy mustaches.
» Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, Va.; Thu., June 25, 8 p.m., $25-45; 703-255-1900.
Written by Express' Topher Forhecz
Photo courtesy Doobie Brothers
WHEN IT COMES to the Fourth of July, two things are guaranteed: fireworks and barbecues. But fun in the sun doesn't have to mean the same old dogs. Local eateries offer high-end, to go bites perfect for the Glorious Fourth.
» For a treat that scores a bit higher than the average Oscar Mayer, pick up some Red Apron hot dogs. The dogs will be sold in packages of five for $10 per pack. Place an order for this cookout must-have by June 30 by e-mailing cparker@neighborhoodrestaurantgroup.com. A limited supply can also be found at Planet Wine (2004 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-3444) throughout the week.
» Butcher's Block (1600 King St., Alexandria; 703-894-5253) will offer its gourmet sandwiches, wine, beer and snacks in a portable picnic basket. The meal-to-go is a perfect companion for relaxing by the waterfront and watching sparks fly.
Continue Reading "Patriotism on a Plate: Foods for the Fourth" »
Addison Road