Napa to Open Tomorrow @5pm

Napa 1015 Restaurant and Lounge (1015 H Street) will open tomorrow night at 5pm. Call 202-232-7816 to make a reservation.

CP: Antigone @Playhouse

The City Paper weighs in on Forum Theatre's production of Antigone that is currently running at the H Street Playhouse (1365 H Street).

WBJ: Fed Tax Incentive to Expire

The Business Journal discusses the federal New Markets Tax Credit, which is credited with helping DC commercial districts recover that is set to expire soon (paid subscribers can read the entire article & everyone else gets the preview).

NYT: H as in Humming

The Times talks up H Street again. Though this piece is fairly bare bones, I think it might to more to attract visitors who've never been than the last Times piece that we saw. If nothing else this drawing does more for me than the photo of the Autozone parking lot that accompanied the last story.

Post: Antigone @ the H Street Playhouse

The Post reviews Forum Theatre's production of Antigone at the H Street Playhouse (1365 H Street) though December 30th. Buy tickets through the Forum website, or call 800-494-TIXS.

Free Holiday Concert @Atlas

I received this notice in my in-box. I attended last year's concert with a sizable group carrying toddlers and for once it wasn't a big deal if one them started crying. It was great show and everyone seemed to have a good time. It does get packed, so make sure to get your tickets early.

LOOKING FORWARD TO CHRISTMAS --

AND BEYOND -- WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL CHORUS

In this holiday season we thank all of you who helped make our concerts of environmentally conscious music such a success right before Thanksgiving. After celebrating "The Beauty of the Earth," we are busy preparing for our second annual Community Carol Sing with the Capital City Symphony.

These free programs are set for December 16 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, and are open to all, advance reservations at the Atlas Box Office (202-399-7993) recommended. Children are encouraged to bring their parents to the 3:30 p.m. performance, when Santa will make a guest appearance. A second program for older folks will start at 7 p.m. The Atlas is collecting Safeway Gift Cards on behalf of the Capitol Hill Group Ministry which distributes cards to needy families in the neighborhood. Stick around after either event to have a cookie and chat with chorus members.

NTY: Lounge that Ate a Restaurant

The New York Times offers a review of Grayz, a NYC lounge, and discusses the recent growth in non-restaurants serving restaurant food. I thought this might be of interest to those who have visited Dr. Granville's, and paid a compliment on the new restaurant only to be thanked, but told it is a bar, not a restaurant. From the article:

"She said everything was business as usual, but she took pains to define Grayz as a cocktail lounge with some nibbles."

followed by an explanation of the food service offered and the author's appraisal:
"In my book that’s dinner. And Grayz’s reluctance to call it that — or to cast itself as a full-scale restaurant — opens a window into the befuddled and befuddling soul of the place."

NAPA 1015 to Open Week of 12/17

I just received a report (unconfirmed) that Napa 1015 (located at 1015 H Street), a new restaurant serving American food with a French twist, will open the week of December 17th.

**********************
UPDATE
**********************

We now have confirmation.

H Street Heritage Trail Meeting

I received the following announcement:

The H Street Heritage Trail Working Group is having another meeting, it's third, on Jan. 7th at 7:00 PM at the Atlas Theater. Sam Smith, a journalist at the time of the 1968 riots, will be there to share his experience and memories from that time.

Also, the group has set up a list-serve to keep everyone connected. Email gallo4343@hotmail.com if interested.

Art Show @ British Ink

What: “Our Photographs: When the Hypo-Check Turns Blue” Photos from eight American University teaching assistants. Exhibiting artists include: Jessica Bautista • Merquit Garcia • Josh Garvin • Charlotte Kesel • Sara Neufield • Carmen Machado • Tatiana Petrone • Katelyn Pepper

When: Friday, Dec. 7-Dec. 20. Reception starts at 7pm
Where: British Ink Tattoo Studio and Gallery 508 H Street

American Observer: H Street

The local publication (American University Journalism grad school) reports on H Street (the article appears to be largely based on the recent 6A ABL Committee meeting). I did have to laugh a bit at the sociology prof's quote regarding U Street:
“It’s being marketed. There’s active marketing going on about the U Street Corridor – that it’s the new, hip place for young, lefty folks to go and sort of be in harmony with the traditional civil rights slash African American culture there.”

First, I don't really think it's being marketed quite that way (probably a good number of those hip, young lefty people can't afford the area anyway), secondly, even if it is, isn't that a sort absurd notion?

Spunk @the Atlas

"How do I git to the git?
With some blues!" -Spunk

"…well worth watching"
"…solid"
-DC Theater Scene

"Magnetic"
-Washington Post

"...plenty to applaud"
-Washington Examiner

"..the show is a delight"
-Potomac Stages

Receive $15* tickets to this lively blues filled musical for performances through December 23!

Spunk
three tales by Zora Neale Hurston
adapted by George C. Wolfe
music by Chic Street Man
directed by KenYatta Rogers
music direction by William Hubbard
now playing through December 23, 2007


Three short stories from celebrated folklorist and author Zora Neale Hurston come alive in George C. Wolfe's spirited adaptation. Wolfe weaves the stories of love, survival and relationships together into a blues filled musical that evokes tears, laughter and recognition of our own frailties and capacity for forgiveness.


For tickets, call 202-399-7993 or purchase online at www.atlasarts.org .
Mention promotion code: thanks
*Includes all applicable fees


Tickets can also be purchase at the Atlas box office
1333 H Street, NE, Washington, DC

Valet parking is available for $10 for all performances.

New Metro Cars

I've seen some photos of these guys taken by individuals who rode in the test cars, and they mostly seem to make sense (apparently there are some odd quirks not mentioned in the Post article). Check out the Post's panoramas of the new seating and new flooring (did we really need a picture of one without carpeting?). Any thoughts on these new cars?

First (Real) Snow

PRESS RELEASE:


Thursday, December 20th - Ward 5 Holiday Open House
– Please join Councilmember Thomas for a Holiday Celebration with

a Taste of Ward 5 and Entertainment at the John A. Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, From 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.



Friday, December 21st - Caroling through Ward 5 with Old Town Trolley
Please join Councilmember Thomas with an Old Town Trolley Ride through Ward 5. Beginning at Backus Middle School 5171 South Dakota Ave NE, Parking Lot 5, Meeting time 6:00 p.m.



Saturday, December 22nd – Breakfast with Santa

Please join Councilmember Thomas (Santa) for this great holiday event. For ages 13 and under at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center 1100 Michigan Ave N.E. From 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.



*Please R.S.V.P for all events by December 17, 2007 *

For additional Information please contact the Ward 5 Council Office (202)724-8028

Liveable, Walkable Community Awards

Press Release:

Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells
Contact: Charles Allen
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Room 408 (202)724-8072
Washington, D.C. 20004 www.TommyWells.org

Councilmember Wells Hosts 1st Annual Livable, Walkable Community Awards Celebration

(Washington, DC) – On Wednesday, December 5th, Councilmember Tommy Wells will host the 1st Annual Livable, Walkable Community Awards Celebration.

“To create a truly livable, walkable community, it takes leadership and vision -- not just from those elected to office, but also from our neighbors, city employees, civic organizations, and local businesses,” said Mr. Wells. “To honor their initiative and hard work, I've created this annual award to recognize outstanding efforts for community members in each of these four categories.”

In late October, Councilmember Wells made a call for nominations to residents of the District. “What does livable, walkable mean to you and who best represents what it takes to make it a reality?” he asked in an email announcement. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony Wednesday night.

“Coming on the heels of the Brookings Institution report that DC is the most “walkable” city in the country, even beating out New York City, its time to honor and recognize the individuals and organizations that help make this a reality,” added Mr. Wells.

There will be food, drink, cash bar, live entertainment and an awards ceremony to honor the recipients.

What: 1st Annual Livable, Walkable Community Awards

When: Wednesday, December 5th, 6:00 – 9:00 pm (Awards ceremony to begin at approximately 7:30 pm)

Where: East Hall of Eastern Market, 225 7th Street, SE (Taking Metro? Use Eastern Market station, cross Pennsylvania Ave to 7th Street, walk one block north)

RCA Meeting Tonight

The Rosedale Citizens Alliance (RCA) will have its regular meeting tonight at 7:30PM. This month, they'll be meeting at the new coffee shop/wine bar, SOVA, located 1359 H ST NE (2nd floor).

Highlights on the agenda include

-- presentation by Hiram Bruton, Ward 6 Outreach and Community
Services Specialist, Office of the Mayor

(Mr. Bruton will be discussing the Mayor's recent community walks in Rosedale and how the community can assist in addressing problems that were identified. RCA will have copies of the report issued by the Mayor's office on actions taken by the DC government in response to the walks.)

-- update on the planning process for the future Rosedale Recreation/Community Center (including upcoming meetings with the Department of Parks and Recreation, recent neighborhood focus groups, and efforts to secure funding for an adjoining library.)

-- discussion on potential school closings

For more information on RCA, please see our website at
www.rosedalecitizen.blogspot.com
or email us at rosedalecitizensalliance@gmail.com.

Seeing the Light

As previously mentioned the Salvation Army in the 1300 block of H Street has finally installed dressing rooms. So now you can actually try on that cool shirt/jacket/pair of jeans instead of just guessing about the fit. I'm not sure what it is (could be the light from the dressing rooms behind the two Jesus pictures that hang over the wine rack and torch light), but I find this shot oddly appealing.

WP: Go-Go Offers Music, HIV Tests

the Post reports on a recent go-go concert held at the Market Lounge, located directly above the DC Farmers Market in the Florida Market. The Concert, which was not restricted to a teenage audience, was sponsored by Metro TeenAIDS. Attendees could pay the $10 entry fee, or they could get in for free if they submitted to an oral swab HIV test.

NYT: Signs of Recovery

The New York Times reports on H Street's revitalization and how it was a long time coming.

WP: H Street Singing a New Tune

The Post covers the Atlas' new Indigo cabaret series. Indigo is on Friday and Saturday nights. The Atlas is located at 1333 H Street.