Dynamic, lively, stunning, soaring. These are the words used by Smithsonian officials and architect Spencer de Grey to describe the new Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, home to both the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. With a blend of modern aesthetics and historic sensibilities, the new courtyard is a gorgeous space that the Smithsonian plans to use to hold public…

Last week, we told you about the Washington National Opera production of Gershwin’s classic opera Porgy and Bess. This DCist will see it this Wednesday (November 2, 7:30 p.m.), when there is a performance at the Kennedy Center Opera House. This week, you can also buy a ticket for a performance on Saturday (November 5, 7 p.m.). Although Sunday’s performance (November 6, 2 p.m.) is sold out at the Kennedy Center, all DCists should be…

>> The National Gallery opened two new exhibits this past weekend — that makes six new shows in one month! The latest round includes an exhibit of manuscript paintings from the Italian Renaissance period, on loan from the J. Paul Getty Museum in L.A., and a show featuring John James Audubon’s bird-obsessed paintings from his well-known publication, “The Birds of America.” >> Also new on the Mall this week is “Virtue and Entertainment: Chinese Music…

Swimming pools. Cookouts. Cocktails al fresco. All great signs of summer. But linen pants? While there are a myriad of summer delights to which we aren’t quite ready to bid adieu, DCist compiled a list of some warm weather looks we hope get filed away with the tiki torches… 5. Madras Pants: For reasons unknown, something about patchwork plaid fabric guarantees that the wearer will be “that guy” at the party. Madras pants might be…

The first rule of the NBA offseason? Resign your own free agents. Dealing a major blow to the team’s playoff aspirations for 2006, today Jeff Wechsler, agent for Wizards guard Larry Hughes, told ESPN.com that Hughes will not return to Washington next season, opting to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers instead. Hughes, a free agent, was expected to return to Washington to build upon the team’s first appearance in the 2nd round of the playoffs…

The new look New Jersey Nets traveled to the nation’s capitol last night and came away with their collective tail tucked between their legs as the home team dropped a team record 14 three pointers and rode the hot hand of Larry Hughes to a 112-88. The win, the Wiz’s third over the Nets this year, moves their record to 17-13, good enough for second in the Southeast Division. Despite Hughes gaudy numbers, 33 points…