Shakespeare Theatre Co. Play, in a Dupont Tavern

National Theatre of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart. Photo by Drew Farrell.

This is pretty cool: the District's own Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) will be hosting a play set in a tavern, in a tavern. Yes, as in the play will be performed, for its entire run, inside of an actual tavern. 

The National Theatre of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart will be performed at Dupont's Bier Baron Tavern. If you don't recognize the venue, it was formerly named Brickskellar, known for its rather extensive beer list. 

The STC has its own stellar venues downtown; Lansburgh Theatre and Sidney Harman Hall. But, this venture into the city seems like a win-win: the alternative space will act as a challenge for the actors with the potential of drawing new theater fans through the venue.

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart will run at Bier Baron from November 13 - December 9, 2012. Bier Barron is located at 1523 22nd Street NW. This is a pub, so if you decide to purchase tickets, remember to carry your ID; everyone's carded upon entry. Under 21? Bring a parent or guardian. And yes, adults can enjoy an adult beverage during the show.

Sharrows on Mount Pleasant Street

Just noticed the new bicycle sharrows on Mount Pleasant Street NW last night. The sharrows (shared lane markings, featuring directional arrows) were requested from DDOT earlier this year. 

Bikers are allowed and encouraged to ride well into the lane away from parked cars and doors, especially when there is no formal bicycle lane available. The sharrows reinforce this lane availability to all users.

Mount Pleasant is home to three bike share stations and countless other individual bikers who travel up and down the main street each day. As one of those bikers, I'm happy to see the new markers on Mount Pleasant Street. Have a great weekend.

Countdown to Inauguration Begins

January 2009

Just over half of the District's 483,600 registered voters participated in the 2012 election. On the DC ballot were races for President of the United States, U.S. Congressional Delegate, Council of the District of Columbia, ANC, U.S. Shadow Representative and Senator, State Board of Education as well as three charter Amendments.

Mount Pleasant precincts (39 + 40) mirrored the District at large. Barack Obama received 91.8% of the Mount Pleasant vote (4,758 votes), Mitt Romney 4.9% (253), Jill Stein 2.2% (116) and Gary Johnson 0.8% (43). There were 14 write-ins in Mount Pleasant.

Now as the rest of the nation is relieved of Election Fever for at least two years, DC begins preparing for Inauguration. This will be my third Inauguration as a resident. I never leave town. I love it. Regardless of party, I enjoy the spectacle and hey, it's been been happening --with varying degrees of spectacle of course-- since 1789.

Inauguration is scheduled for January 21, a day later than usual. The Constitutionally-prescribed first day of the Presidency is January 20th, which is a Sunday. The President will officially be sworn into power on that date, but the public ceremony will wait until Monday. Viewing platforms are already being constructed at the Capitol Building. Other plans are being finalized by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Hundreds of thousands are expected to descend upon the District in two months. So weird this happens every four years, no matter what. Pretty cool, too.

Crafty Bastards is Saturday, in New Location

After this busy, busy week in DC, the weekend kicks off Saturday with an old festival on a new date, and at a new venue. After years of hosting Crafty Bastards at Adams Morgan's Marie Reed school, the Washington City Paper is moving the indie arts event to Union Market in Northeast DC.

Crafty Bastards will feature over 140 vendors with textiles, hand-bound books, jewelry, screened t-shirts, photography, clothing accessories, stationary and much more. Unlike previous years, there will be a $5 charge to shop and peruse the creative wares from crafters from all over the East Coast. The festival will be held outside, in the parking lot just across Neal Street NE from the Union Market building (between 5th and 6th Sts) . Haven't been to Union Market yet? Not to worry; there are several transit options. Even better, the weather is forecast to cooperate: a sunny high of 62 degrees.

Crafty Bastards opens at 10:00AM this Saturday and ends at 5:00PM. (2 for 1 admission if you purchase online by Friday.)

Oh yeah: Happy Election Day!!!!

Election Day: Your Voting Information

The common ballot item to all Americans, of course, is that of President of the United States. But, next Tuesday there is plenty more to vote for in the District and beyond. Depending on where you live in the country, you're liable to be voting for Congressional Representatives, Senators, City Council members, Mayors, school board members and more. 

As a public service the Voting Information Project has released an online tool, installed below. Learn your polling place as well as who is on your ballot. This tool is for anyone! District residents, yes; but also those from Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, West Virginia, any state in the Union.  Enter your address and then use the arrows to scroll through the ballot issues and races.

Have a great weekend and happy voting next Tuesday!

Greyhound Moves to Union Station

Greyhound Lines finally completed its move into Union Station. The site of the old Greyhound bus station at 1005 1st St NE was sold over one year ago, precipitating the move. The ubiquitous national bus company completes the relocation of several intercity bus carries into Union Station. 

Megabus, Washington Deluxe, DC2NY, Boltbus and Greyhound are now located on the H Street level of the parking garage on the north side of Union Station. Visitors can now find intercity buses, sightseeing  buses, Circulator buses, Metrobus, Metrorail, Amtrak, VRE, MARC, taxis, bike rental & share, and car rental & share all at Union Station as of today. Very cool.