Gala Auction Items Announced

The Shaw Main Streets gala is here!  As part of the amazing event on Wednesday, April 18, 2012,  the following eleven auction packages will be auctioned off by the hilarious and larger than life drag queen Lena Lett.  Don't miss out on the fun or the opportunity to win one of the fabulous packages; be sure to purchase tickets here and attend the extraordinary  event!


1. The Bitten Word Dinner Party for Six- The Bitten Word is an internationally known food blog written here in Washington, DC, by creators Zach Patton and Clay Dunn. The website chronicles the men's culinary adventures through beautiful photography and engaging tales from their kitchen. Saveur magazine named it a 2011 Best Food Blog, and in 2009 the London Times named it one of the World's Best 50 Food Blogs.

Zach and Clay will work with auction winner to curate a menu for six that they will cook – and potentially document on their blog – for the lucky winner and five other guests. The dinner will feature four seasonal courses (wine included) served at a to-be-decided location on a date that works for all parties.

Estimated value: $300

2. Dinner for Two at Corduroy - Tom Power’s highly acclaimed fine dining establishment Corduroy relocated to Shaw in 2008. The restaurant’s modern American menu is served in a tranquil elegant setting.

The winner of this package will receive a chef's surprise five-course tasting menu for two, available Monday through Thursday.

Estimated value: $130 value (excludes pairings, tax and gratuity)

3. Wagtime Services Package and Gift Basket – Wagtime is a star business in the Shaw neighborhood. Its adorably renovated and sparkling facility on 9th Street is always abuzz with activity by way of its retail store, grooming center, and daycare and boarding facilities.

This package includes a gift basket of dog toys and treats, as well as a gift certificate for $250 dollars in services at Wagtime. The certificate is not valid for holidays.

Estimated Value: $300

4. Seasonal Pantry Pasta Making Class for Six – Seasonal Pantry has been drawing foodies to Shaw since its opening in 2011. From its tiny storefront on 9th Street, Seasonal Pantry sells prepared foods, hosts gourmet dinners, and holds cooking classes. Seasonal Pantry won Shaw Main Streets’ best new business of 2011 award.

This package is a pasta making class class for six at Seasonal Pantry. Learn how to make pasta from acclaimed Chef Dan O’Brien in DC’s most unique, foodie market.

Estimated Value: $294

5. Dinner for Four at Ristorante Tosca – The award winning Italian eatery Ristorante Tosca in downtown D.C. is owned by Shaw resident Paolo Sacco. It has been consistently named by Washingtonian Magazine one of DC’s top 100 restaurants.

This package is for a dinner for four for up to $200 (food only) at Ristorante Tosca

Estimated Value: $200

6.  Beau Thai Dinner Party/Cooking Class for Six - Beau Thai began serving its authentic, made-from-scratch Thai cuisine in the Shaw neighborhood in August 2010. It has quickly garnered a loyal following and fantastic reviews – it has been named in City Paper’s Best Of DC Readers’ Poll for two years in a row.

This package is a hybrid dinner party and cooking class for six. The creative forces behind Beau Thai will host six people at a centrally located, beautiful Shaw row house for a meal that’s part cooking class and part dinner party. During this intimate evening, you will nosh on delicious Thai appetizers and sip signature cocktails and wine while the main meal is prepared for you in front of you. Enjoy dinner by candle-light and then take a few recipes home with you to make on your own later.

Estimated value: $360

7. Rogue 24 Journey Dinner for Four – Rogue 24 is an interactive culinary experience where the kitchen is at center stage and diners experience a progression of 24 courses created by James Beard Foundation award winning Chef RJ Cooper. Chef Cooper’s vision is to remove traditional barriers to dining and showcase seasonal flavors in novel textures and presentations served directly from the creator.

This package is a dinner for four Rogue 24. The diners will enjoy Rogue 24’s signature twenty-four-course “Journey Menu.”

Estimated value: $480 (excludes pairings, tax and gratuity)

8. DC Taste Cooking Class for Four – DC Taste is the amazing caterer of the Shaw in Bloom Gala. Chef/owner Jennifer Tye is formerly an assistant chef instructor at L'Academie de Cuisine, a two-year veteran cook at award-winning Michel Richard Citronelle as well as Central Michel Richard in Washington.

This Package is a cooking class for up to four people in your home with Chef Tye. The winning bidder can choose from a variety of cooking classes (like hors d’oeuvres, classic French dishes, breads, pasta, desserts, and knife skills classes).

Estimated Value: $500

9. Four In-Field Box Seat Nationals Tickets - This package is for four in-field box seat tickets to a 2012 season Nationals game. Tickets are based on availability on a mutually agreed date, excluding opening day, post-season, marques and prime games.

This package made possible by The Washington Nationals.

10.  Have a Drink Named for You at The Passenger – The Passenger, Shaw's nationally-recognized home of creative cocktails, will name a drink created with your preferences in mind (flavors and ingredients, like sweet, gin, cherry, vodka, etc.), which will be available at the bar for one week and promoted on Facebook andTwitter. You'll be able to go to The Passenger and ask for the "Joe Smith" (insert your name), and have your friends (and total strangers) do the same.

This prize has a suggested starting bid of $250.00.

11. Virginia Getaway for Two – Flint Hill, Virginia, is a peaceful retreat that feels worlds away but that is about an hour and a half from Washington. The historic community is nestled in beautiful Rappahanock County, Virginia, where wine tasting, antiquing, dining, and hiking are part of the way of life.

This package is a two night stay at the beautifully renovated Flint Hill Public House and Country Inn. Stay in one of the Inn’s luxury suite features, each of which feature a king-size bed and a private bathroom with an oversized shower, luxury linens, cable TV, free high-speed Internet, and much more.

Nearby Rappahanack Cellars has donated a Premium wine tasting, tour, and olive oil tasting for two.

Estimated Value: $300

Shaw in Bloom: Shaw Main Streets' 2012 Gala

Much of my time lately has been spent helping plan the Shaw Main Streets' 2012 Gala.  The catered event will take place on April 18 at Long View Gallery (1234 9th St., NW).

It's going to be a stellar night of fun -- we'll have live jazz from Laissez Foure, we're having a live auction of fantastic packages conducted by Lena Lett (drag queen MC at Town night club), we're serving a signature drink by Derek Brown of The Passenger along with wine, beer and catered food by DC Taste, and we'll have Shaw-centric flourishes throughout the night.

I've been chair of the board of Shaw Main Streets for the past year. As Chair, it's been my goal for Shaw Main Streets to become a more visible, value-adding organization to the businesses and residents alike.  From the tulips currently blooming along Ninth Street planted by volunteers the past three falls to our Clean and Safe team on the street most days of the week to the special events like Art All Night to storefront improvement projects in the works, I hope you find that we're making the Shaw neighborhood a better place.

By sponsoring or attending this gala, you can help Shaw Main Streets continue improving the Shaw neighborhood.

Purchase tickets in advance here!  Check out sponsor opportunities here.

Shaw in Bloom:  Shaw Main Streets' 2012 Gala
April 18, 2012, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Long View Gallery
1234 Ninth Street, NW

Howard Theatre Reopening in April

The reopening of the Howard Theatre in April will be a catalytic event for the Shaw neighborhood.  From the Press Release:

The Howard Theatre, the historic arts landmark that launched the careers of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes, announces their grand re-opening after a $29 million renovation with a star-studded opening gala and lineup of top-tier events. The Howard Theatre will re-open the week of April 9th with performances by Wale, The Roots, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def), Meshell Ndegeocello, Bad Brains, Chuck Brown and comedienne Wanda Sykes.

On April 12th, the new venue will host a Grand Opening Gala Fundraiser presenting performers from the Howard Theatre's past and future including Smokey Robinson, Al Jarreau, Madeleine Peyroux, Savion Glover and many more. The event will honor famed Motown Records founder and producer Berry Gordy, who will be in attendance. A full slate of wide-ranging performances in the 12,000 square foot, 650 seat (1,100-standing room) theatre will continue with a lineup that includes Chuck Berry, Chaka Khan, Esperanza Spalding, Jack Bruce, Boyz II Men and a weekly Sunday Brunch featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir. The scheduled lineup is listed at the end of this release.

The Howard Theatre will be operated by Blue Note Entertainment Group, the owners and operators of clubs and theaters around the world which include the Blue Note Jazz Club, B.B. King Blues Club and The Highline Ballroom in New York.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to be associated with the restoration of the legendary Howard Theatre," says Steven Bensusan, president of Blue Note Entertainment Group. "It’s an honor to be a part of this project and to help preserve the rich tradition of the Howard, while bringing forth a modern concept in both design and programming that we hope will revitalize the music-loving community. We've created a very flexible venue that can host an amazing array of events. Our booking policy will be eclectic, and we plan to feature the top names in all genres of music.”

The Most Historic of Theatres: A National Treasure

“The Howard Theatre will provide a true D.C. experience showcasing what Washington was and what it has become,” says Chip Ellis, CEO of Ellis Development and the leader behind the Howard Theatre Restoration (HRT) project. The Howard Theatre is located near the corner of 7th and T Streets Northwest in the Shaw Neighborhood of Washington, the area was once known as “Black Broadway” due to its burgeoning music scene. The theatre was built by architect J. Edward Storck for the National Amusement Company and opened on August 22, 1910 featuring vaudeville, live theatre, talent shows, and was home to two performing companies, the Lafayette Players and the Howard University Players. Like the nearby university, which is unaffiliated with the theatre, it is named after Union general Oliver Otis Howard.

After the stock market crash of 1929, the building was briefly converted into a church until Shep Allen, a theatre manager from Atlantic City, reopened it for its original purpose in 1931. Allen, who recruited native Washingtonian Duke Ellington to play the theatre’s first night, brought the theatre national attention by introducing Amateur Night Contests (whose early winners included Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Eckstine) and nationally-regarded performers including Pearl Bailey, Dinah Washington, Sammy Davis, Jr., Lena Horne, Lionel Hampton, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Dizzy Gillespie and The Supremes, who made their first stage appearance at the Howard. Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun got his musical start by watching jazz from inside the theatre’s storied walls. Speakers to grace the stage included Booker T. Washington and Sydney Poitier, as well as comedians including Redd Foxx and Moms Mabley. The theatre’s balls and galas attracted President and Mrs. Roosevelt, Abbott and Costello, Ceasar Romero and Danny Kaye. As the 1950’s ushered in a new musical era, the theatre became a leading venue for rock and blues artists as well as a home for jazz big bands.

When the nation was deeply divided by segregation, The Howard Theatre provided a place where color barriers blurred and music unified. The Washington Bee dubbed it the "Theatre for The People" for it was the place where dignitaries gathered with everyday folks to see both superstars and rising stars. The theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. While The Howard Theatre inspired change, it felt the impact of a nation in flux following the 1968 riots. Eventually, the degradation of the neighborhood forced the theatre to close in 1980.

In 2000, the Howard Theatre was designated an American Treasure under the “Save America’s Treasures” program by President Clinton, a designation for historic sites around the nation that are “so important to the history of the United States that they must be preserved and restored.” In 2006, a 501(c)3, Howard Theatre Restoration, was formed to raise funds for the restoration. After raising nearly $2 million through HTR, the city of Washington gave $12 million in grants via tax incremental financing, historic tax credits and new market tax credits, and Eagle Bank stepped in to finance the remainder, all paving the way for an overhaul of the theatre, which began in September of 2010.

An Old Theatre Steeped in New Design and Technology

The Howard Theatre features a regal windowed façade, originally incorporated into the structure in 1941, and combines elements of Beaux Arts, Italian Renaissance and neoclassical design.

The balconied interior is built with flexibility including supper club-style seating for approximately 650, which can be quickly removed through elevated hydraulic platforms to allow standing room for 1,100. The new configuration, with black walnut walls, oak floors and Brazilian granite bars on each level, features a $2 million state-of-the-art acoustic system, 10’ video screens and recording capabilities allowing The Howard to retain the intimate feel of its former 1,200-seat space, while appealing to both traditional and digital-age audiences, be it for a live performance, a private gala or a political fundraiser. A deeper stage, basement and additional wing space provides for enhanced set preparation, gourmet kitchen and administrative office space. A 600-square-foot museum and gift shop will showcase memorabilia, photos and videos of the astounding array of artists and guests who graced The Howard in years past. 100 dedicated parking spaces will be available at the neighboring mixed-use development, Progression Place.

A Dining Destination Created by a Master

In addition to first-rate entertainment, the Howard Theatre will feature a full dining menu designed by consulting chef, Marcus Samuelsson, the youngest chef to ever receive two three-star ratings from The New York Times. In addition to designing the dinner and brunch menus, Marcus and his team from the Marcus Samuelsson Group will assist in the appointment of the Theatre's executive chef and develop the training program for the culinary staff.

Like its other award-winning supper club properties, the theatre will open its doors two hours prior to all seated shows, with first-come, first-serve basis seating. For standing room-only shows, a streamlined menu will be offered. “Bringing in a chef of Marcus’ caliber really separates us from the entertainment pack,” says Bensusan. “An avid supporter of the cultural arts, Chef Samuelsson is a natural fit to create a menu inspired by our Theatre’s cultural heritage, allowing our patrons to have a dining and performance experience that will be truly unparalleled.”

A Full Opening Schedule

The Howard Theatre will begin its opening with the Howard Theatre Community Day on April 9th, featuring live music performances, memorabilia displays and tours of the theatre. A memorabilia drive is currently underway, in which members of the community are donating tickets, posters, and souvenirs from the theatre’s past.

The Grand Opening Gala and Tribute Concert will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2012. A fundraiser for Howard Theatre Restoration, the 501c3 charged with preserving the building and history of the theatre, the event will feature a full line-up of legendary music, comedy and dance performances. “This will be a memorable night of entertainment that will officially raise the curtain of the Howard, celebrating the great history of entertainment at the theatre while looking toward its magnificent future,” says Ellis.

In addition to its opening evening performance lineup, the theatre will also host Sunday Gospel Brunch featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir, a completely seated, weekly gospel concert and brunch for $35 including a full Southern-style buffet brunch. Sunday Gospel Brunches will begin at 12:30 each Sunday starting April 15.

“Washington DC does not have a venue like the Howard which incorporates great food, state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video systems,” says Bensusan. “In addition to presenting great music, we plan to host many private events and corporate functions at the Howard. We are proud to bring the Howard Theatre back to Washington D.C. and look forward to adding a brand new chapter to its illustrious history."

A complete list of scheduled talent and ticket pricing can be found at the end of this release. Tickets for all scheduled events will be available for purchase beginning February 27th at http://www.thehowardtheatre.com/.

The Howard Theatre
630 T Street NW, 620 T Street NW,

Civilian Art Projects Presents Late Night Music and Dance

On February 17, 2012, Civilian Art Projects will present an "epic late night music and dance happening" at the Warehouse Theater.  Featured performance by Man Forever from Brooklyn (a drum explosion featuring Kid Millions of Oneida) Heavy Breathing from DC (Jeff, Amanda, Erick from Apes), Plasma Expander from Sardinia,  DJ Jim, and a special guest DJ.  The party will start at 10:30 pm and will take place at the Warehouse Theater (enter on New York Avenue) and entry is $10.  Check out the facebook event page here.

MAN FOREVER, HEAVY BREATHING, PLASMA EXPANDER - LATE NIGHT
Presented by Civilian Art Projects
February 17th, 10:30pm
Warehouse Theater (enter on New York Avenue side) Cost: $10

Shaw Art Walk: The Convention Center and Beyond

Mark your calendars: on Wednesday, February 8, six Shaw galleries will host open houses and the Convention Center will offer a rare evening guided tour of its extensive art collection!  View the press release here and RSVP/share on Facebook here.

Below are the details:

A night of arts including a tour of the Convention Center’s art collection and open houses at six galleries

(Washington, DC) Today, Shaw Main Streets, Events DC, and ANC2C04 Commissioner Rachelle Nigro announced they will host the inaugural “Shaw Art Walk,” a rare evening tour of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center’s extensive art collection and open houses at six notable galleries. This special event will take place on Wednesday, February 8th beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Ralph Brabham, President of the Board of Directors of Shaw Main Streets, noted “Shaw is the epicenter of arts in Washington, DC. Anchored by the Walter E. Washington Convention Center – which boasts the largest public art collection in D.C. – numerous galleries opened in the historic neighborhood in the past decade, all within walking distance of one another. This evening will be a celebration of our rich cultural resources.”

The galleries include Civilian Art Projects (1019 7th St., NW), Contemporary Wing (1250 9th St., NW), Lamont Bishop Gallery (1314 9th St., NW), Long View Gallery (1234 9th St., NW), Maruka Gallery and Boutique (1300 9th St., NW), and Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., NW). Galleries will remain open until 9 p.m. for the Shaw Art Walk. Maps and descriptions of the galleries’ shows will be available at each gallery and at the conclusion of the Convention Center tour.

The Convention Center tour will start from the Mount Vernon Square entrance to the Convention Center and will last approximately one hour. The tour will start promptly at 6:30 p.m., and participants are encouraged to arrive at the Convention Center at 6:15 p.m.

Following the event at 9 p.m., participants are encouraged to enjoy the art of the cocktail at The Passenger which is located at 1021 7th St., NW.

This will likely be the first of many Shaw Art Walk nights.

Shaw Art Walk: The Convention Center and Beyond

6:15 - Convention Center Art Collection Tour (Meet at the Mount Vernon Square Entrance to the Convention Center)

6 to 9 p.m. - Open House at Galleries

9:00 p.m. - After-Party at The Passenger

Facebook Event Page

From SMS: Fun with Festive Flowers at Convention Floral Saturday

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 17) from 12:30pm to 6:30pm, Convention Floral will host a "Fun with Festive Flowers" open house.  A Facebook event page has been set up here.

Shaw Main Streets forwarded details of the event:

Convention Floral is transforming the shop into a winter wonderland and they want to help you do the same in your home!

Sit with Nubia, the owner of Convention Floral, and learn to create your own beautiful centerpiece for a personal touch to your holiday decor.

They'll provide the flowers and supplies plus light refreshments—just bring yourself and some holiday cheer. This is a fun way to kick off the season and your finished arrangement will be even more special because you made it yourself. Plus, Nubia will share extra tidbits on easy but eye-catching ways to decorate every room of your home.

The cost to participate will be 40% off the store value of your arrangement. This covers the sitting fee, cost of supplies, and refreshments. You can have your arrangement delivered anywhere in DC for an additional $11.95, or you can simply take it home with you.

Session times are 12:30, 2, 4, and 5:30. Each session will last about an hour. SEATING IS LIMITED; they can only accomodate 10 participants per session. Please call 202-939-0510 if you have any questions.

Convention Floral
1920 Ninth Street, NW
202.939.0510

From SMS: Tasting at Chatman's on Sunday!

This Sunday (December 18) from 1pm to 4pm, Chatman's D'Vine Bakery and Cafe will host a "Holiday Treats Tasting."  Check out the Facebook event page here. 

From Shaw Main Streets comes word of this great seasonal gathering:

You are cordially invited to Chatman's Holiday Treats Tasting this Sunday, December 18th! The shop will be open especially for you to taste-test Chatman's biggest holiday sellers:

• Coconut-Pineapple Cake
• Banana Pudding Cake
• Egg Nog Pound Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• Apple-Gingerbread Crisp

The event is FREE and open to all. It's a great opportunity to chat with owner Debra Chatman and your neighbors, and try a few d'vine treats you may not have had before. There will be music, refreshments, and fellowship.

Chatman's D'Vine Bakery and Cafe
1239 Ninth Street, NW
202.290.3681

Go Caroling This Sunday

This Sunday (December 11), ANC 2C04 Commissioner Rachelle Nigro invites all ANC2C residents to join her for an evening of caroling!  Meet in front of Good Libations (1201 Fifth Street, NW, at the intersection of Fifth and M Streets) for an evening of caroling around the area.

Contact the Commissioner with questions at 202.670.1732, on Facebook at nigroanc2c@gmail.com, on facebook.com/votenigro, or on Twitter at @nigroanc2c.

From SMS: Holiday Party Monday!

From Shaw Main Streets comes a reminder about its annual holiday party, which will take place on Monday:

It's that time of year, once again. Shaw Main Streets and the businesses of central Shaw invite you to celebrate the season at the annual SMS Holiday Party, featuring food and beverages from neighborhood businesses.

This year's party will take place on Monday, December 5, 2011, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Old Dominion Brewhouse, 1219 9th Street, NW, in the private party room.

Come enjoy food, wine and beer from new businesses and old favorites, meet neighbors, business owners, developers, and others who are helping to transform Shaw, and dance the Electric Slide, Shaw's official party dance.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. No reservations are required.

Shaw Main Streets Holiday Party 2011
Monday, December 5
7PM to 9PM
Old Dominion Brew House
1219 Ninth Street, NW

Buh Bye, Old Giant, Welcome, CityMarket!

I attended this morning's Construction Kickoff celebration for CityMarket at O. Several dignitaries spoke under a tent next to the historic market . . .

. . . and then the fun really started:  the commencement of the tearing down of the old Giant supermarket.  Each speaker got a turn inside the excavator to take a whack at the grocery store.  Mayor Gray took the first swipe.  I think Councilmembers Brown and Evans were neck and neck for most impressive/forceful attacks at the 1970's era structure.

Exciting right?!

Official Construction Kickoff for CityMarket at O Friday

Don't miss the fun this Friday morning (November 18) at 10 a.m. as we celebrate the official construction kickoff of CityMarket at O!   See the flyer below for the exciting details.

Saturday Night by Civilian Art Projects

This Saturday (October 22), Civilian Art Projects is hosting hosting an artists' talk for the closing of its shows Pan's Pipes and Site Schema at its gallery (free) and is then throwing a party at the Warehouse Theater with bands, djs, and and projections ($8 cover). Here's the schedule for the night:

Free at Civilian Art Projects (1019 Seventh Street, NW, Second Floor):
8pm - Artist talk with Nikki Painter for Site/Schema, her beautifully ambitious solo exhibition in the project space and The Entrance;

8:40pm - Artist talk with Ryan Hill, Erick Jackson, George Jenne for the wonderfully illicit Pan's Pipes exhibition.

$8 at the Warehouse Theater (Enter from New York Avenue, just around the corner from the gallery)
10pm - $8 - Experience the sights and sounds of Heavy Breathing (former Apes), Hidden Twin (Phil from Modey Lemon in from Pittsburgh), DJ Jim AND projections by Ryan Hill and other surprise guests.

Civilian Art Projects
1019 Seventh Street NW, Second Floor
202.607.3804

Through Beau Thai's Summer Cocktail List, Vegetate Lives on in Spirits

If you are a relative newcomer to this blog, you might not know how obsessed I was with the restaurant Vegetate, which formerly occupied 1414 Ninth Street and closed in late 2009. I loved everything about it: from its vegetarian masterpieces (man, I miss those risotto croquettes) to its cool vibe and atmosphere. I especially loved interacting with the owners, Jennifer and Dominic Redd, who were always such gracious hosts who poured their hearts into every element of the restaurant and yet always made time to talk with the neighborhood locals like me. My most fond memories are of the everyday experiences of just walking down after work for one of their awesome, original cocktails.

So fast forward, I’m now an owner of the restaurant Beau Thai at New Jersey and R (which, by the way, gets a fantastic review by Tom Sietsema in the upcoming Sunday Washington Post!) and am also one of the many Washingtonians who have longed for the return of Jennifer and Dominic to the restaurant scene.

When we embarked on creating a specialty cocktail list for Beau Thai, tapping Jennifer and Dominic for help was a logical choice: we wanted our list to be unique, to incorporate fresh ingredients like our food, and to feature a delicious concoctions, just like Vegetate’s cocktails. Fortunately for us, they were up for the challenge and more. They designed a summer drink list for us, which will officially unveil this Saturday night (with Jennifer and Dominic working the bar for us!).

All of the featured drinks are really fantastic. Ingredients found in the recipes include house-infused Thai chili vodka, homemade limoncello, ginger-lime puree, and house-grown kaffir lime leaves.  One drink that graced Vegetate’s menu and that is reincarnated is Beau Thai’s Thai Basil Gimlet. The bright green cocktail is made from muddled, house-grown Thai basil, fresh squeezed lime juice, brown sugar, and small batch vodka. The homemade ginger beer is refreshing, tasty and light.

Be sure to stop by Saturday night to say hello to old friends Jennifer and Dominic and anytime thereafter to taste the amazing summer cocktails they designed for Beau Thai!

Beau Thai
1700 New Jersey Avenue, NW
202.536.5636

Annual Lower Ninth Street Open House Next Thursday

Next Thursday (June 16, 2011) from 6 to 8 PM, businesses on the 1100 through 1500 blocks of Ninth Street, NW, will open their doors and offer free samples of their food and beverages, and non-food businesses will offer refreshments, as they all celebrate the revitalization of the Shaw neighborhood's historic commercial corridors.

Pick up a free event passport at any participating business and collect six stamps from businesses in order to be entered in a drawing for prizes donated by the businesses.

A few highlights:

Don't miss newly opened Seasonal Pantry at 1314-1/2 Ninth Street, NW, where you can sample some of their deletectable local gourmet food items, including products available nowhere else.

Stop by Chatman's D'Vine Bakery and Cafe at 1239 Ninth Street, NW, for samples of their renowned sweet potato pie and award-winning cupcakes.

And visit outdoor garden center Old City Green at 902 N Street, NW, for some refreshing rosemary lemonade. The event takes place rain or shine. Sponsored by Shaw Main Streets.

For more information, call 202-265-SHAW or email shawmainstreetsinc@gmail.com.  Check out the event website here 

Shaw Main Streets Open House on Lower Ninth
Thursday, June 16, 2011
6 to 8 PM

Civilian Art Projects Presents Dan Tague and Billy Friebele

This Friday (June 10, 2011) from 7 to 9 p.m., Civlian Art Projects will host an opening reception for its two new solo exhibitions, "The Kids Are Alright" by New Orleans-based Dan Tague and "New Loops" by Washington, DC-based artist Billy Friebele. The shows will be on view until July 23.

From the press releases:

"The Kids are Alright "
Dan Tague

New Orleanian Dan Tague is an artist and social justice advocate. Using a variety of media, techniques, and wordplay, Tague's work points to inadequacies in government policy toward education, environmental health, and financial reform. He incorporates dollar bills, screen prints, paintings, video, restored furniture, and propaganda poster art to create visual riddles and biting -- yet funny, and sometimes sad -- social commentary.

Installing artwork in a layout reminiscent of a classroom, Tague presents discrete works and editions including posters of U.S. Presidents distilled to facial hair; a Mobil oil sign screen-printed using oil from the Deep Water Horizon oil spill; deconstructed movie posters including the word "American"; and folded dollar bill pieces, some folded 100 times to create statements like "The Kids are Alright" (specially made for his show at Civilian) and "Lest we forget."

"New Loops"
Billy Friebele

For his first solo exhibition at Civilian, Billy Friebele will present three interrelated video projects; "Walking as Drawing," "Target Loop," and "Commute Loop" in the project space and The Entrance.

Exploring the spatial experience of contemporary culture, Friebele's works re-contextualize common notions of everyday public spaces and mundane routines. For "Commute Loop," the artist videotaped his lengthy daily commute to and from work for one year. Sections of the trek are sequenced into a time-lapse, looped, and mirrored on the wall, creating an endless journey of an all too familiar landscape. For "Target Loop," he attached a video camera and GPS unit to a shopping cart and traversed the aisles looking for a birthday present. For "Walking as Drawing," an on-going project the artist creates in varying locations, he invites participants to take a dérive walk within a contained space, and tracks their movements. He then color-codes and animates their paths to make a time-based collaborative drawing.

Civilian Art Projects
1019 7th Street NW
202.607.3804
Hours: Wed-Thur-Sat 1-6pm

Artist Talk at Civilian Art Projects Friday

Tomorrow (May 27) from 6:30 to 8:30, Civilian Art Projects will host an artist talk with Patrick McDonough. From the press release:

Join us for a talk with Patrick McDonough about "Opening Act," his exhibition in "The Entrance" at Civilian Art Projects.

Patrick launched our new project space with four discrete, interrelated projects on the topic of fan behavior. The pieces include: an accent wall painted to match the digital color hex hue corresponding to two Soundgarden's song titles from the "Ultramega OK" album; a handmade birdhouse based on the Smart Stud...ios building (in the artist's hometown) where sound engineer Butch Vig mixed albums by Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, and many others; a sound piece reversing the audio from an episode of Bob Ross' Joy of Painting, embodying the back-masking purportedly used by bands to subliminally influence listeners; and, a tattoo piece featuring lyrics from the band The Hold Steady tattooed on the artist back.

The exhibition closes on May 28th.

Civilian Art Projects
1019 7th Street NW
202.607.3804
Hours: Wed-Thur-Sat 1-6pm

Tenth Street Park Grand Opening Celebration Sunday

Back in 2009 I first wrote about an effort by a group of neighbors to turn an underutilized city parcel into a community park (the process actually began in 2008).  With the help of Mayor Fenty, Councilman Evans and countless others, their vision is now a reality, and a gorgeous green space is ready to be enjoyed. 

To celebrate the park's grand opening, the Friends of the Tenth Street Park are hosting an event this Sunday, April 17th.*  The grand opening event will start at noon and will feature an egg hunt, egg roll, light refreshments and a visit by a special bunny guest! 

For more information, check out the Friends of Tenth Street Park website.

Grand Opening Celebration of the Tenth Street Park
Sunday, April 17, 2011
12:00 – 2:00 PM
Tenth Street Community Park
10th Street, NW
(between L and M Streets)


*NOTE -- this was previously scheduled for tomorrow but has been pushed back a day because of tomorrow's forecast.

Civilian Art Projects Hosts Artist Talk Saturday

Civilian Art Projects will host a talk with Baltimore-based artist Seth Adelsberger this Saturday (April 9) at 4pm. Adelsberger will discuss his exhibition, "Bordering on Painting" currently on view at the gallery.

Artist talks are the best way to dialogue one on one with the artist and learn more about technique, ideas, and opinions on art and artmaking.

Civilian Art Projects
1019 Seventh Street NW, Second Floor
202.607.3804

CityMarket at O Groundbreaking September 1

CityMarket at O, which is probably the most anticipated project in Shaw, will celebrate its groundbreaking on September 1, 2010 from 3 to 5 p.m.  The  CCCA blog has an image of the beautiful invitation for the event.

Launch Party for ReadySetDC at Long View Tonight

ReadySetDC will hold a launch party tonight (Thursday, December 10) at Long View Gallery from 7 p.m. until midnight. From the press release:

ReadysetDC, the “Creative Urban Enterprise” will hold its official launch party on December 10th, 2009 at the newly reopened Long View Gallery at 1234 9th Street NW. The theme and title “For the Love of DC” reflects the website’s mission to promote and spotlight the urban renaissance that’s happening here in the nation’s capital and coincides with ReadysetDC’s new site redesign. “For the Love of DC” also marks the beginning of the ReadysetDC creative agency; offering branding, web design, photography, video, writing, marketing and new
media services.

“For the Love of DC” is an RSVP only affair and will feature several artist exhibitions as well as three live performances. There will be four photography exhibitions; Tracy Clayton, Lillian Cho, Paul Frederiksen and Vincent Gallegos, all DC-based photographers and contributers to ReadysetDC. Also included, will be the nationally recognized artists of “No Kings” Collective who will provide an original art installation coinciding with the event’s theme. “For the Love of DC” will feature DC music acts; DJ Tittsworth, Bullfight Academy featuring hip hop artist duo Henry Mills & DJ Fleg (AWR) and a special surprise rock band. The event will begin at 7pm with viewing of the art installation and photography. Performances will start at 7:30pm and run until midnight. Light fare and drinks will be available.

“For the Love of DC” will be an interactive experience, working with our sponsors, HP, Intel and Best Buy, to facilitate live testing of the HP ENVY. Event goers will have a chance to win a new Envy 15 Beats Limited Edition, which will be raffled off by DJ Tittsworth. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the event for $5 each. A majority of the proceeds will benefit Arts for the Aging, Inc. (AFTA) a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides visual, performing, literary and intergenerational arts outreach programs specially designed to improve the health and enhance the lives of seniors throughout the metro D.C. area. Marvin, Modern Liquors and Fathom Creative are also sponsors.

RSVP: http://www.readysetdc.com/rsvp
Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199699428473

Sounds neat!

For the Love of DC
Launch Party for ReadySetDC
Thursday, December 10 7 p.m. to Midnight
Long View Gallery
1234 Ninth Street, Northwest