So do you know why Congress gets a recess in the Summer? Well, clearly, because they WANT one; though it can't get it's act together on things like, I dunno, health care, congress has never had a problem reaching consensus on issues that effect it's members' own well-being. But indeed, back in the day, it was hotter than a June bride in a feather bed in this town, without the respite of blessed climate control -- one can't blame them for getting the hell out of Dodge. So now, while the House and Senate carry on the fine traditions of their predecessors, the rest of us without the excuse of "public service" are left here to ponder our own ass sweat. Yay Democracy!

But of course, we find a way to carry on in the worst of circumstances. The kids, they have their pools and their Slip n' Slides and their X-Boxes, so they'll be fine. As for us adults? Well, in the fine tradition of making questionable decisions with the faintest of pretenses, we drink! Well, damn, it's hot out there, and hydrating with water is no fun; now give me back my Foam-Dome!

A couple weeks ago, you may remember my post about Rickey Month, a celebration of DC's Summer drinkin' heritage. Hot on its heals, DC's beer community has announced DC Beer Week 2009 for August 16th - 21st.

Having realized that the craftbrew sensation had finally hit the DC area, last year several area restaurants and bars held special events in celebration of American Craft Beer Week in mid-May. Apparently this sparked a certain amount of interest, as a good number of the folks involved banded together to found DC Beer Week 2009, an independently organized celebration of beer and culture. Twelve breweries and more than two dozen beer bars will be participating in a series of events emphasizing the diversity, potential, and fun of beer.

Festivities kick off with a day-long concert at the Rock and Roll Hotel in the Atlas District, a hotbed of local beer activity. Come by between 2 and 8 to catch some hot local acts, representing the wide range of local styles, from Folk to Metal to Funk. Various craft beers will be available for purchase throughout the afternoon; show up early, and for $20 (first come, first serve) get a VIP ticket that gets you 10 samples of rare, limited edition craft beers.

The group's website is a little light on info at the moment, but the group's Facebook page has a full event list. For those of you don't dig the social networking, I have taken the liberty of transcribing the schedule below:

DC Beer Week “Unity Jam” at the Rock & Roll Hotel
Rock & Roll Hotel
1353 H St NE
2 pm - 8 pm

The first annual DC Beer Week will kick-off in style celebrating two life’s greatest pleasures- music and beer! This indoor day-long event will emphasize the diversity of the DC music scene with bands displaying musical flavors such as Reggae, Dub, Funk, Folk, Rock, Blues, and Metal.
The confirmed line-up will be:
See-I
The Blackjacks
Laura Tsagaris Band
The Jeff Wells Band
There will also be a limited amount of fist come/ first serve “VIP” beer tasting tickets available for $20. Tasting tickets will consist of 10 -4 oz. pours of hard-to-find Craft Beers.
http://www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

The Pug has gained a reputation as a place “where the locals go”. Always playing great tunes on their sound system, free cheese puffs, fooseball, and an extensive selection of craft beers in cans- The Pug is sure to be a good time. Proprietor Tony T. and crew open their arms to the good beer-drinking loyalists of Washington, DC. 
      
Monday, August 17

Allagash Beer Dinner with Rob Tod at Granville Moore’s
Granville Moore’s
1238 H St NE
7 pm

Come meet-and-greet with Rob Tod, President and Brewmaster of Allagash Brewing Co. at Granville Moore’s. A so-called “Gastropub with a Belgian Fetish” Granville’s Chef Teddy Folkman will be preparing 5 courses paired with 6 great beers from Allagash Brewing Co.
http://www.granvillemoores.com

"Sausage, Cheese, and Beerliciousness” at the Big Hunt
The Big Hunt
1345 Connecticut Ave NW
Dupont Circle
7 pm

Come experience regional breweries paired with their regional cheeses and sausages. Big Hunt Beer Director Dave Coleman will be offering great beers on-tap from such world class breweries as Allagash, Bells, Brooklyn, Dogfish Head, Troegs, and Victory. Brewery representatives will be on-hand to discuss the beers and share great stories of the Craft Brewing movement.
http://www.thebighunt.net

Dogfish Head Happy Hour at Brasserie Beck
Brasserie Beck
1101 K St NW
5-7 pm

Come to one of DC finest restaurants to sample a selection of great beers from Delaware’s world-renowned Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Dogfish Head brand rep Devin Arloski will be on hand with glassware and other goodies.
http://www.beckdc.com 
      
Chimay Vintage Beer and Cheese Tasting at Birreria Paradiso
Pizzeria Paradiso
3282 M St NW
Georgetown
5 pm

Long recognized as one of the world’s greatest brewers, Chimay Trappist Ales are full of complex flavors. Come out to historic Georgetown and try the rare Chimay Triple draught and vintage Chimay Grande Reserve paired with the rich Chimay cheese. There will also be an extremely rare surprise treat from our friends at Chimay.
http://www.eatyourpizza.com

Tuesday, August 18

Rogue Oregon Oyster and Ale Festival at the Reef
The Reef
2446 18th St NW
Adams Morgan
5 pm-10 pm

Come chill and relax at the Reef and experience a taste of Oregon. Fresh, Yequina Bay Oysters from Newport, OR will be flown-in for this special event. The Reef’s Chef Connor will be preparing other delicious dishes paired with the complex, tasty beers from Newport’s Rogue Ales.
http://www.thereefdc.com

Brooklyn Brewery Beer and Cheese Tasting with Cowgirl Creamery at Café Saint-Ex
Café  Saint-Ex
1847 14th St NW
U St Corridor
7 pm

Come join in on the fun and experience the ultimate pairing to great cheese- craft beer. The folks from NY’s Brooklyn Brewery will be teaming up with one of city’s finest fromaggiers- Cowgirl Creamery to present a vast array of flavorful beers and individualistic cheeses.
http://www.saint-ex.com

Abita Beer Crawfish Boil at the Argonaut
The Argonaut
1433 H St NE
6 pm

Come experience a true Southern tradition- a crawfish boil. Abita Brewing Co. is the south’s most established craft brewery and a drink synonymous with the city of New Orleans. Chef Matthew Anderson of the Argonaut is known for his coastal cuisine and will be unleashing this customary communal dining experience for lucky attendees.
http://www.argonaut.typepad.com

Wednesday, August 19

“Hitting for the Cycle” at Restaurant Marvin
Restaurant Marvin
2007 14th St NW
U St Corridor
6 pm

Join the folks at Restaurant Marvin as Beer Director Chris Surrusco will assemble an opportunity to “Hit for the Cycle” of Belgian and Belgian-Style beers. Taste “Single”, “Double”, “Triple” and “Quadrupel” beers paired with delicious cuisine from Marvin’s Chef James Claudio. Attendees will have an opportunity to win two tickets to the Friday, Aug 21 Nationals vs. Brewer game.
http://www.marvindc.com

"Belgian Beer Invades the Capitol”
Capitol Lounge
231 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Capitol Hill
5 pm

Mr. Belgium comes to Washington and he brought with him some potent, complex beers from the Mecca of brewing culture- Belgium. Come and join in on the action at one of Capitol Hill’s legendary taverns.
http://www.capitolloungedc.com

Coney Island Freak Show at Palace Of Wonders
Palace of Wonders
1210 H St NE
8 pm

There’s always a freak show going on at the Palace of Wonders. Join founders Jeremy and Matt from Shmaltz Brewing Co. as they present there delicious beers- Coney Island Lagers and Hebrew Ales. Rumored is a surprise performance by an authentic Coney Island Freak Show legend.
http://www.palaceofwonders.com
      
“Meet the Brewer” Happy Hour at District Chophouse
District Chophouse
509 7th St NW
Chinatown
3-7 pm

The best way to appreciate something is to see how it’s made, come out to the District Chophouse and meet one of DC’s best brewers- Barrett Lauer. Brewery tours will be conducted and to celebrate DC Beer Week all of the Chophouse’s brews will be half-price from 3-7 pm.
http://www.chophouse.com

Thursday, August 20

DC Beer Week “BATZ” After-Party at Club Asylum
Club Asylum Downstairs Lounge
2471 18th St NW
Adams Morgan
9:30 pm

Come join brewers, beer lovers, and some of DC liveliest nightlife at the legendary Rock & Roll lounge- Club Asylum.
http://www.asylumdc.com

Troegs Pint Night at the Red & the Black
The Red & The Black
1212 H St NE
7 pm

Come join Pete from Troegs Brewing Co of Harrisburg, PA and taste their award-winning beers. Authentic Troegs pint glasses will be given away throughout the duration of the evening.
http://www.redandblackbar.com

Friday, August 21

Washington Nationals “DC Beer Week Brewers Game”
Nationals Park
1500 South Capitol St SE
7:05 pm

Come kick-off the end of DC Beer week with America’s National pastime- Baseball. DC Beer Week attendees will receive discounted tickets in selected areas of the ballpark. Suitably the Washington Nationals will be taking on the Milwaukee Brewers..
Mezzanine seats for only $23 (regularly $30) and LF/RF Reserved for only $16 (regularly $24). 
Call Mike Benko at 202-640-7648 and mention “Beer Week” to purchase your discounted Nationals tickets!
http://www.nationals.com