Ever since we first launched in Sept. 2004, we've gotten plenty of questions about exactly how DCist works. What started as a volunteer staff of half a dozen writers has, over the last 2 and a half years, ballooned into a collective of over 30 dedicated bloggers who do what they can in their spare time to discuss important local issues and highlight the best cultural offerings of our fine city. At one point last... more ›

Yesterday several thousand hearty Washingtonians, DCist included, went to the Hill to demand equal voting rights. While the shortened rally was in and of itself a success, good times were also to be had at a post-march reception hosted by Sen. Joe Lieberman at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. There, a few intrepid DCists even got to chat with Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (pictured above with, from left to right, Sommer Mathis, Martin Austermuhle... more ›

FRIDAY: >>Do you like Hall and Oates and Haddaway? Who doesn't? The Black Cat is hosting Crap, a dance night of bad music on purpose. We advise loosening your Macarena muscles and preparing your ears for "singers" like Don Johnson, Eddie Murphy, and Bruce Willis. 10 pm, free. SATURDAY: >>There are more art openings than we can shake a sculpture at today, so check out our Arts Agenda for a rundown. >>Anything called "Underwear Party"... more ›

It was all the way back in November that we brought news — via The Upstate Life — that Sufjan Stevens would be playing a free show at the Kennedy Center. Unfortunately, that teaser was all we had to offer; ticket details weren't available, and the concert wasn't until February 5. Well, it's finally time. If you're keen to see Sufjan — or the NSO, or the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater — get yourself over to the Kennedy Center this Saturday, January 27. This is a rare chance to see Stevens, who relies heavily on an eclectic collection of instruments in his studio recordings, accompanied by the entire Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. The Opera House seats 2,300, so there should be plenty of opportunity for those interested to grab a ticket. We'll be there asking Stevens to consider adding the District to his 50 states project, in which he hopes to produce an album about every state. (We're a little sceptical of his timeline after two consecutive records regarding the Land of Lincoln.) Tickets are first come, first served, and you can only pick up two per person. After noon on Saturday, remaining tickets for all four shows will be available at the Box Office. Here's where and when to go:

9–10 a.m.: SUFJAN STEVENS (Hall of Nations, line forms to left of entrance)
10–11 a.m.: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (River Terrace, follow signs)
11 a.m.–12 noon: ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER (Hall of States, line forms to right of entrance)

Written by DCist contributor Lindsay Gibson. more ›

Written by DCist contributor Lindsay Gibson. more ›

It's shaping up to be a beautiful day here in Washington, with a high around 70 degrees and mostly sunny skies. Here's hoping the great weather can brighten the days of Montgomery County election officials, who are reporting that they won't have a final count of all provisional ballots in the county until sometime next week, thanks to mistakes which forced many early morning voters to cast the paper ballots. We know the idea that... more ›

Written by DCist contributor Lindsay Gibson. more ›

This post was written by DCist contributor Lindsay Gibson. Post to Employees: Meh. After the Fenty fever of this week, we were certain that our non-ironic viewing of The Today Show would at last not be interrupted by political smear campaigns. But lo, it was not to be. The Communications Workers of America are stepping up their attacks claiming The Washington Post has denied them raises for over 4 years and that they have been... more ›