Correction appended

More details are being unveiled about this year’s Taste of the South soiree, the annual charity gala that’s a favorite celebration among Capitol Hill staffers.

TOTS spokeswoman Shawna Blair tells HOH that organizers have picked a theme, “City Lights, Southern Nights.” They’ve also hired the Virginia Beach-based cover band 10 Spot to perform, Blair says, noting the group plays an eclectic mix of hits ranging from Marvin Gaye to the Black Eyed Peas.

Organizers are also preparing to launch the first TOTS Facebook page.

This year’s featured state will be Arkansas, and dishes from chef Jeremy Pittman at Palette in Little Rock will be available, Blair says. Proceeds will go to the Children’s Safety Center, a advocacy center for abused children in Springdale, Ark.

Late last year, organizers revealed they’re moving the formal to April 16, up from its usual summertime date.

It’s also going to move from the D.C. Armory to DAR Constitution Hall, a venue that comes with air conditioning — good news, considering in past years overheated attendees have sweated through their tuxedo jackets and ball gowns.

TOTS originally launched in 1982 as a way to bring “Southern hospitality” to D.C. while also raising money for charity.

Correction: Jan. 18, 2011

The article misstated the location of the Children’s Safety Center. The charity is based in Springdale, Ark.