Time and again you've heard "art is an investment," but most of those in the younger set drivel their dollars away on drinks, dining and "do-dads" instead of choosing to display it on a wall in their home! That's why the Corcoran School of Art & Design's newest Contemporary Evening Soirees are remarkably refreshing.

The series highlights those in the age range of the 1869 Society who are artistic, edgy, innovative and fiercely devoted (to art) - such as designer Christopher Boutlier and his partner Eric. These young gentlemen opened their home and private art collection to to guests on Thursday evening to share their interest - and investment.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the pieces of a more youthful collection is that they range in style and temperament. A crime scene is displayed next to a historical portrait next to a fragile sculpture of "eggshell" brass knuckles. Christopher and Eric show that images on display can be moving, morbid, mysterious and marvelous - and prove that collection is not a dying art.

On the newest episode of K Street Kate's The District Dish, CEO of the WolfTrap National Park for the Performing Arts, Terre Jones joins us to dish about WolfTrap... the only National Park for the Performing Arts.

Maybe you've been there for one of the Wolf Trap season's many diverse concerts, or maybe to explore the land around the park, which was once a working farm. No matter what takes you just outside of the city limits, that's right - no passport required! - this is a national gem right in your backyard that you won't want to miss.

Find out more. www.thedistrictdish.com

What's this happy news we hear? D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee is ENGAGED to Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. The stealth couple had long denied a romance (sometimes you can believe everything you read!), but there was no denying the new rock on Rhee's finger when she spoke at an education event downtown on Wednesday night. It's a true Washington romance - the two met through Johnson's charter school and he later testified at her confirmation hearing - so perhaps a City Hall wedding officiated by Mayor Fenty? A gala reception at the Mellon Auditorium or a low-key bash over at the Wilson Building?

Alas, the bi-coastal power couple has set no date and Rhee says they plan on a long engagement.

Writer, Katie Kindelan contributed this post.

One of the city's most prestigious events, Fight Night (and the ladies' version, Knock Out Abuse) takes places tonight (Thursday). But as every fighter knows, it takes a lot of preparation to get up the nerve to step into the ring and best his opponent in a battle of brawn.

So while the men are gearing up their boxing gloves to combat children's cancer and the women glamming up to knock out domestic abuse, some special recognition of the individuals behind the big Fight Night event was required at a pre-party thrown by Joe Robert and Mark Barnes at The Park at 14th Wednesday night.

Among the VIPs in attendance? #1 on the Jazz Billboards (and Grammy nominee!) Ski Johnson and boxing legend Jake LaMotta, basketballer turned congressman turned businessman Tom McMillen and Reagan speechwriter Anthony Dolan. And we couldn't forget Joe Robert III who willingly steps up to alleviate some of the event stress from his Dad in this 20th year of fighting for the kids.

(Party attendees pictured.)

If you were worried there weren't enough online clothing sale websites out there, you can breathe easy. A new online fashion find has joined the ranks of Gilt, HauteLook, Billion Dollar Babes, Rue LaLa, Ideeli, and Regent's Secret. (That's a LOT of sample sale shopping, by the way - how is there any merchandise left for the full-price retail stores??)

Building your wardrobe while saving mega-bucks is terrific, even if some sites are better than others. And we've got to trust that the editors of this new site have looked high and low for clothes and accessories (worldwide) that we'll adore... because that's what Daily Candy does everyday anyway!

Yep, it's Daily Candy that's entered the off-the-rack race with their novel new Swirl.com. And they are giving away $100 swim gift cards to 100 early members. (Remember - "sample" doesn't mean in "season"!)

Swirl the idea in your head for a few secs - and then sign up! And since you're sample sale shopping... if you need an invitation for just about any other sample sale site out there, let us know.

We were thrilled to be included in The Traveling Talk Show's episode on the Three Hottest Bloggers in DC with Prince of Petworth, Dan Silverman, and Glamazon Fashionista, Makeda Saggau-Sackey.

While I talk about all DC has to offer and the changing landscape of new media, Dan reminds us how hard it is to blog (amen!) and Makeda keeps us stylin'.

Watch the episode above.

Spot an entourage in Georgetown Wednesday night? Could have been none other than artist/rapper/entrepreneur 50 Cent who brought his new film, “Before I Self Destruct,” to the AMC Loews Georgetown last night as part of a ten-city promotional tour. The packed theater went wild when 50, real name Curtis Jackson, came out to introduce the film he wrote, directed and starred in. And the devoted crowd didn’t even seem to mind that he had no mic and couldn’t be heard! The rapper, sporting a Yankees ball cap, stayed for about 15 minutes but exited with his mile-long entourage once the theater went dark.

The film was inspired by his latest album of the same title, which drops November 16. Jackson plays an inner city youth who turns to a life of crime to support his younger brother after their mother is gunned down. The movie had its share of laughs and tears but, well, let’s just hope 50 sticks to music! Fans stuck around after the movie too but, alas, no signs of the rapper – must have been watching that Yankees win...

Writer, Katie Kindelan contributed this post.

Photophiles rejoice! FotoWeek DC comes to the District this weekend. Opening exhibits start November 7th and continue through the 14th. On this week's episode, FotoWeek DC Founder, Theo Adamstein shares how the festival got its start (now in only its 2nd year) and how it has come to be one of the largest photography displays in the world.

The 150+ photography events going on all over the city comprise professional, amateur and youth photographers from around the city and all over the world. Want to find out how to submit your work for next year? Or where you can go to peruse the prints?

www.thedistrictdish.com

Just when you thought REAL WORLD had packed up and left DC for good, along with your chances of making a cameo on the popular production... it's back! Casting agents will be holding an open casting call at Town Tavern in Adams Morgan on Saturday.

Good luck!

but I don't believe them. Besides, if it's haunted with the ghosts of brewmasters past, those ghosts have got to be giddy anyway!

Tonight (Tuesday) I enjoyed an unusual evening.

You know those old homes that you pass by everyday and you wonder if you'll ever see the inside? Like Evermay (yes!) or the Halcyon House (yes!) or the Huerich House (yes, today!)... Walking along Rhode Island Avenue (in the West End neighborhood) you've undoubtedly passed the "Brewmaster's Castle," but never walked in. Little did you know that the old family estate is now a museum and gem of local historical preservation.

According to his granddaughter, Jan Evans-House, Heurich was a 'German Man About Town.' That might have made it tough for the family during WWI, but in brighter times, they were the stein socialites, the pilsner philanthropists. In fact, the land that used to be the brewery was given to the government by the Heurich family to become what is now the Kennedy Center. Through a series of pass-throughs (the house belonged to the Columbia Historical Society for over 40 years), the Huerich House now rests with the Heurich Foundation, open for tours and special events throughout the year.

As I wandered through the bed and bathrooms and visited the ornate offices and other rooms (Jan tells me her favorite is the living room where they used to meet for dinner at 6 PM sharp!), I don't feel any otherworldly presence. But maybe that's because I hadn't yet tasted any beer. Christian Heurich wouldn't haunt a girl who hasn't had a glass!

*A huge thank you to Matt Lowe, Board Member of the Heurich House, who organized an intimate dinner and tour of the house, and to Design Cuisine for the outstanding catering. We'll be back!

Don't wait for the New Year to make the resolution to stay in shape - I mean, you have to look good in those holiday dresses, too! But, if you're like me, it's just hard to get enthused about running on a treadmill or lifting weights. I always prefer classes... that way I have both an instructor and a room full of co-conspirators to keep me in check!

So now your excuse is that classes are expensive and you don't want to pay for something you aren't sure you're gonna like. I get that, I really do.

But let me tell you about an offer at Studio Body Logic (Del Ray, 2417 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria), an authentic Pilates studio. They are offering FREE "Intro to Pilates" mat classes from 8:15 to 9:05 pm on Tuesday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 17. You'll learn beginner exercises from an authentically trained Pilates instructor of the highest caliber, and you'll be on your way to a strong core, longer, leaner muscle, and a new attitude. Class size limited to 12 so reserve your mat in advance! Wear comfy clothes, bring socks and tell them K Street Kate sent you!

We may not have even made it through Thanksgiving yet, but Christmas is already on our minds. It has to be if we want to get tickets!

The White Christmas Tree Lighting is one of the most special nights of the year - with thousands from around the country (and the world!) vying for tickets to share the night and the spirit. This year's lighting will be Thursday, December 3rd at 5 PM... but don't think you can wait that long to get your tix!

Ticket requests will be taken online from 12:01 AM on November 4 - 11:59 PM on November 6 here. This year, the 2,800 seated and (new!) 7,000 standing passes will be distributed by lottery, with tickets mailed to the lucky winners by November 15th. They are free, but required for every attendee - even children.

Some of our fave DC collaborators of cool, The Dunes, are known for putting on events that incorporate art, film, new media and new ideas. So we're excited about their newest project, "Rock as Ammunication" - a concert taking place at Eastern Market (North Hall) next Friday, November 6th.

Four area bands are supporting the positive impact music education can have on District youth. Proceeds from an evening of concerts given by Tennis System, Shapiro, Memphis 59 and Spring Tigers will benefit Guitars Not Guns and Girl Rock! DC (because girls really DO rock!).

Get tix for $20... a steal which includes food and four concerts. OR Win a set of tickets by being the first to answer this quirky musical question (e-mail answers to kate@kstreetkate.net):

Which famous band played their first concert in the United States at Washington Coliseum (which is now RFK Stadium)?

CONGRATULATIONS to KSK reader Amanda Sena who correctly wrote in that it was the BEATLES who played their first American concert in DC in 1964.

Thanks to all of our loyal fans and readers for your outstanding support! Because of YOU, we've been nominated for "Best Local Blog" by Metromix.

Now you can help us WIN! Click the tile above or in the righthand sidebar to vote (often!). Choose the category of "Best Local Blog" - and choose K Street Kate. Of course, while you are there, vote for any and all categories. We can't do it with out you. Thanks for your support each and every day.

Oh yeah, and if we win, we promise to throw a party :) PGP Group is backing us up on this one.

xo

You have a big occasion coming up. A wedding. A black tie. Girl's Night Out. You've looked in all of the stores and you just can't justify spending TOO much on something you'll wear.. probably twice (and that's only if you don't think too many people would notice that saw you the first time!).

What's a gal to do? Rent! Yep. Herve Leger, Proenza Schouler, Catherine Malandrino... and more are all waiting for you at Rent the Runway.

Dresses (sizes 0 -10) are available for rental (4 days or 8 days) from $50 - $200. Just choose your dress and the date you need it. It will come to you in two sizes - just in case! - and with a labeled bag for easy return. "Shop" by occasion, style, color, or designer. Love it - wear it - and then return it.

There are no commitments, no fees, and no buyer's remorse.

We thought this one was just for the foodies but apparently it's for everyone who likes to eat. Denise Medved started the Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show, not to be a TRADE SHOW, but to be a CONSUMER SHOW. This one has everything you could want for cooking, entertaining - or just eating and being entertained!

She claims she's not a phenomenal cook (neither are we!), but with the help of the vendors at this year's show, she could be winning some awards! And if some more tasteful inspiration is necessary, there will be five Food Network stars on hand to dish it out.... as well as many local stars, like Mie N Yu's Mike Hanratty, who made the plates we pounced on after this week's taping at Mie N Yu.

www.thedistrictdish.com

For the first time in the United States, the Granulosa Cell Tumor Foundation will be hosting a reception. This artful evening, in conjunction with the Embassy of New Zealand and the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, is taking place at the newly opened Long View Gallery on Saturday, November 7th from 7 - 9:30 PM.

Part of the Gynecological Cancer Foundation’s Awareness Movement Weekend, the reception is held in honor of GCTF’s Founder, Sladjana M. Crosley, who succumbed to GCT in April 2009 after a 13 year battle with the disease.

There is nothing cheerful about cancer, but we can have high hopes to eradicate it. And on the brighter side, the night will will include:

• hors d’eourves from the world famous Anchor Bar,
• cocktails,
  
• a beer, wine and cheese tasting provided by some of New Zealand’s finest vineyards and creameries,
  
• a silent auction with items from DC’s best dining and shopping destinations,
• music by The Latin Jazz Project
  
• along with a viewing of Long View Gallery’s current collection of works.
  

This event is open to the public but advance RSVP is required. Tickets available here. Or click the sponsor tile at right!

You read it right... Artist 50 Cent will be in DC as part of a ten city tour to promote his new film, "Before I Self Destruct," (written and directed by Curtis Jackson) which follows the story of an inner city youth who resorts to a life of crime to support his little bro after their mother dies in a shooting. Want to meet him and see the movie? We'll tell you how!

Movietickets.com is giving away free passes to the DC screening. Download exclusive tickets (while supplies last) here. Then join us on Wednesday, November 4th at 8:30 PM at the AMC Loews Georgetown 14 (3111 K Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007).

Free flick - and 50 Cent. That's a great giveaway!

Ok, so you've gorged on the Halloween goodies and *think* you'll cringe if you see another candybar... don't just store that sugar around your house - or try to hide it from yourself/your S.O./your kids - reuse it!

We've got to give Equinox Restaurant credit for the idea of recycling and repurposing Halloween candy at their Repurposed Candy Happy Hour.

From M-F, 5-7 PM this entire week after Halloween, Equinox's bar will offer cocktail specials like the Jolly Rancher Martini (made with various flavors of Jolly Rancher candies) and the Lemondrop Limoncello (made crushed real Lemondrops). And those Atomic Fireballs that burned off our taste buds? At Equinox’s Repurposed Candy Happy Hour, Pastry Chef Thomas Wellings will mix them with melted chocolate and milk to create an awesome Atomic Fireball Hot Chocolate.

Now those candy cocktails sound twice as nice.

This super Saturday special edition was brought to you by K Street Kate's spectacular sponsors.

Please remember to when you visit or give your business to Ferrari & Maserati of Washington, Current Lounge, PGP Group, Z Burger, The Reserve, and PR @ Partners to tell them that K Street Kate sent you!

Happy Halloween!

An eerie evening. Imagine a place where the animals are caged during the day... but at night the monsters bask in the moonlight. Fire eaters play, talking bats screech about, mind-boggling illusionists s.t.r.e.t.c.h. your imagine, and your fortune is read in a crystal ball. The National Zoo has turned zombie and you are inside!

The lions, gorillas, snakes and spiders stay behind locked gates... for now. This new adult-only event, Night of the Living Zoo, sold out weeks in advance with guests gone ghoul who relished an enchanted evening among the animals. Last night they were tricked and treated while they explored the zoo as it is rarely seen... in darkness.

Gives new meaning to those haunting words, "It's ALIVE!"

(Watch the video to see the illusionist shrink you!)

Friday night's Hallo-SCREEN party and fundraiser at the National Press Club had some shocking drop-ins. Scarlet O'Hara, Edward Libby... the Lucky Charms' Leprechaun! And two other super special surprise guests stopped in for a serenade.

The Washington National Opera's group of young professionals, Generation O, is on a mission to bring its music to the masses - and excite audiences with unanticipated performance.

It's called Opera by Accident, and it certainly took those at Hallo-SCREEN by surprise. Gen-O's hope is that a surprise performance at the party will encourage attendees to seek out opera inside the operahouse.

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