Let’s get this out of the way: Whether you like it or not, Annie Leibovitz is an American Icon. Her intimate portrait photographs of the famous are so pervasive that even if you don’t know the name, you’re guaranteed to have seen her work, and lots of it. She began her career with Rolling Stone magazine when it was in its infancy, photographing the musically talented, and quickly became known for her deconstruction of human…

>> The Rock and Roll Hotel welcomes the country’s first deaf hip-hop group, locals Helix Boyz. Prince Darius and Sho Roc bring an energetic following from nearby Gallaudet University and fun beats that, as you might imagine, you can feel thumping in your body through the speakers. Doors at 8 p.m., $10. >> Daniel Levitin will be at Politics and Prose to discuss his latest book This is Your Brain on Music in conversation…

With the first half of the 2006 season in the books, it’s time to reach deep into the bag of sportswriting gimmickry and pull out some mid-season hardware for our own amusement. With the team on pace to lose 95 games, many sad moments have defined the season thus far, but there are a few bright spots in there. So without further ado, DCist proudly presents the Superfluous All-Star Break Awards of 2006: The FEMA…