American life after the Civil War was defined by incorporation, melding what had been two separate countries - with separate lifestyles, industries and culture - into one entity. This idea of bringing everything together prompted the birth of American vaudeville, an organized and localized version of variety theater. Although the Civil War is long gone, vaudeville isn't dead. It's alive and well in Olympia, Washington. The Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia was built in 1924 as a combination movie palace/vaudeville theater and continues to host vaudeville shows, as well as other venues in Thurston County. It's a county rich with singers, stage performers and theater talent.

This year's 2013Best of Olympia will certainly include Oly's performing arts scene - not only revealing the best bands, clubs, theater groups, film and such, but also in the issue's overall design. We're going to rock it like it's 1924!

This marks the Weekly Volcano's third Best of Olympia issue. Much like you, we've spent the past 12 months dining, drinking, and shopping our way across Thurston County - and the 2013 Best of Olympia issue will immortalize the best of the best. Packed with picks from the Volcano's staff, and built on the extensive readers' poll that you'll find below, the Volcano's 2013 Best of Olympia issue - which hits streets Feb. 21 - promises to be the best "Best Of" issue ever produced.

A big special thanks to Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel for sponsoring the 2013 Best of Olympia issue!

One lucky voter will win a $200 gift card to Swing Wine Bar and a free night at the Phoenix Inn.

NOTE: The official Weekly Volcano's 2013 Best of Olympia Readers' Poll is not for wimps. It's 116 questions of pure awesomeness, designed to get to the root of exactly what makes Olympia so damn cool. Pace yourself. Take breaks. Complete it by section. The important thing to remember is the 2013 Best of Olympia Readers' Poll is your chance to give recognition to the people, places and things in Olympia and Thurston County that deserve it. It's a task not to be taken lightly, and you better believe we appreciate your participation.