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Updated Dec. 16, 2008
Many balls and celebrations are still in the planning stages, but here’s what we know about some planned galas. This is no means a complete list, and we’ll keep updating as time goes on. All locations are in Washington unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, Jan. 17
- H.O.P.E. Inaugural Youth Ball, 6 p.m., The Trinity Center at Trinity University. A family-friendly inauguration celebration.
- The 44/44 Grassroots Pre-Inaugural Ball, hosted by the Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia and the Virginia Association of Democratic Chairs, 6:30 p.m., Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, Va. Daphne Maxwell-Reid and Tim Reid will serve as masters of ceremony for the Ball.
- Pre-Inaugural Kick-Off, 8 p.m. Tuscana West. Hosted by the National Association of Minority Government Contractors.
- The "Audacity of Hope" Party and Celebration Ball, 8 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel Georgetown.
- Obamarama Pre-Inaugural Party, hosted by the DC Blues Society, 8 p.m., Surf Club Live in Hyattsville, Md. Blues-y jazz, R&B and soul music by local artist CW Harrington & Band.
- Change the Game GALA, 9 p.m., The Z Lounge @ The Sports Club/LA. Special guests include current and former professional athletes.
Sunday, Jan. 18
- Route 44 to The White House Inaugural Celebration Musical Brunch, 8 a.m., Four Seasons Hotel. The event will benefit the DC-based CB&JT Family Foundation which provides youth mentoring and senior assistance programs for underserved families.
- Young and Powerful Presidential Brunch, 11 a.m., City Club.
- California State Society’s Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show, 11:30 a.m., the Ritz-Carlton
- Power to Change: A Celebration of the 2008 Election hosted by EMILY’s List, noon, Hilton Washington. Will include elected officials that EMILY's List supported including newly elected Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Kay Hagan of North Carolina and Governor-elect Bev Perdue of North Carolina.
- Aloha Inaugural Ball, 7:30 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Organized by former Obama campaign workers, the ball will carry out a Hawaiian theme with island entertainers and hula dancers.
- Welcome to DC Inaugural Celebration, 8 p.m., Bohemian Caverns. An event celebrating the rich history of arts and culture in Washington.
- Ohio Celebration Gala. More details to come.
Monday, Jan. 19
- Land of Lincoln Inaugural Gala, 5:30 p.m., Renaissance Washington Hotel. Hosted by the Illinois State Society. Although there is no confirmation Barack Obama will attend this event, advance ticket sales have been brisk due to speculation that he’ll stop by the gala sponsored by his home state.
- Free Concert with Aretha Franklin, Nuttin' But Stringz & the Let Freedom Ring Choir, 6 p.m., John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millennium Stage. Tickets are required.
- Inaugural Gala hosted by the Indiana Society, 6 p.m., Omni-Shoreham Hotel.
- Kentucky Society Blue Grass Inaugural Ball, 6:30 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Invitation only.
- International Conservation Caucus Foundation Inauguration Gala, 6:30 p.m. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.
- Semi-Formal Inauguration Cocktail Reception hosted by the South Dakota State Society, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., James Monroe House.
– Sunshine and Stars 2009 Florida Inauguration Ball, 7 p.m. , Corcoran Gallery of Art. Featuring Republican Gov. Charlie Crist.
- "A Dream & A Change" Inaugural Ball, hosted by The Babyboomers Professionals, 7 p.m. , Sheraton Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, Va.
- Pearl Presidential Inaugural Gala, 7 p.m. at the Mandarin Oriental. Proceeds benefit of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program. Sold out.
- The Arab American 2009 Inaugural Celebration sponsored by the Arab American Institute and Foundation, 7 p.m., Fairmont Hotel Ballroom.
- Land of Enchantment Inaugural Ball hosted by the New Mexico State Society, 7 p.m., Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
- Young and Powerful Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony, 8 p.m., L'Enfant Plaza Hotel.
- Inaugural Gala hosted by the South Carolina State Society, 8 p.m., Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
- HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball, 8 p.m. Sequoia at Washington Harbor
http://www.hbcugala.com/
- Yes We Did! Celebration hosted by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Washington Plaza Hotel, 8 p.m. Will include
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, Sen. Bob Casey and members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation.
- Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, 8 p.m., Harman Center for the Arts. Hosted by Russell Simmons, LL Cool J and T.I. Proceeds go to the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to continue its nonprofit work in helping to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other empowerment programs for young adults throughout the United States.
- Inaugural Party for Razorbacks hosted by The Arkansas State Society, 8 p.m., National Press Club Main Ballroom.
- Inaugural Ball hosted by the North Carolina State Society, 8 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
- Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball hosted by the Texas State Society, Gaylord Hotel.
- The Virginia Inaugural Ball - A Celebration of Turning Virginia Blue, time to be determined, Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, Va.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
- Pre-Inaugural Parade Brunch hosted by the New York State Society, 11 a.m., Willard Intercontinental Hotel along the parade route.
- We the People Presidential Inaugural Gala & Ball, 6:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.
- American Music Inaugural Events, 7 p.m., Washington Marriott Wardman Park. Two Inaugural Balls under the American Music umbrella.The Inaugural Ball of Legends is hosted by Dionne Warwick and features guests Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, George Clinton and even Washington Redskin Jason Taylor. Ludicras will host the Urban Inaugural Ball featuring Fantasia, Big Boi from Outkast, Cedric the Entertainer, Monica and others.
- Inaugural Ball hosted by the Hawaii State Society, 7 p.m., Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Sold out.
- A Night of Stars Inaugural Gala hosted by the Pennsylvania State Society, 7 p.m., Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Sold out.
- Bytes & Books Inaugural Ball, presented by The National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training, 7 p.m. , Folger Shakespeare Library.
- Change Has Come Inaugural Gala, sponsored by The Babyboomer Professionals, 7 p.m., Hilton Washington Embassy Row.
- The Sikh Inaugural Ball, sponsored by the Sikh Cultural Center, 7 p.m, I- The Indian Experience/Ascot Restaurant,
- Inaugural Peace Ball, hosted by Busboys and Poets, the Smithsonian Postal Museum and special guest host Harry Belafonte, 7:30 p.m., Smithsonian Postal Museum. Billed as the largest gathering of peace activists in Washington on Inauguration Day without a protest.
- Garden State Inaugural Gala hosted by the New Jersey State Society, 7:30 p.m., Washington Court Hotel. Featuring the B-Street Band, a Springsteen tribute band. Sold out.
- Demand in DC: Applauding the Empowerment of People Thru Art, Film, and Music, 7:30 p.m., Black Cat.
- The President's Ball, organized by the Maryland Inaugural Special Committee, 7:30 p.m., The Washington Times Building.
- Inaugural Ball hosted by the State Society of Arizona, 8 p.m., Historical Society of Washington.
- The George Washington University Inaugural Ball, 8 p.m., Omni Shoreham Hotel
- Unity in Service Inaugural Ball, 8 p.m., the top of the ART Great Room/Starlit Terrace and WSV Art Gallery in downtown Washington.
- The Inaugural Purple Ball hosted by Louis Gossett Jr., 8 p.m., Fairmont Hotel. Proceeds go to the Eracism Foundation. Il Divo performing.
- Georgetown Harbour Inaugural Gala, sponsored by Tony & Joe's Seafood Place, 8 p.m., Washington Harbour in Georgetown.
- Baltimore Washington Black McDonald's Operators Association Inauguration Ball, 8 p.m., City Club at Franklin Square. All proceeds from the event will fund BMOA initiatives, including Develop Young Minds, an organization that provides financial support to children with limited resources in the communities that the BMOA operators serve.
- Gala Inaugural Ball hosted by The Creative Coalition, 9 p.m., the Harman Center of the Arts. Musical guests include Sam Moore, Elvis Costello and Sting. Confirmed actors in attendance include Tim Daly and Tony Goldwyn, Anne Hathaway, Ron Howard, Kate Walsh, Spike Lee, Tim Robbins, Marcia Cross, Kerry Washington, Susan Sarandon, Seal, Jane Krakowski, Adrian Grenier, Ashley Judd, Bradley Cooper, Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood, Barry Levinson, Dana Delany, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Wendie Malick, Josh Lucas, Matthew Modine, Rachael Leigh Cook, Alan Cumming, Connie Britton, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Richard Schiff, Ellen Burstyn, Giancarlo Esposito, Gloria Reuben, Phillip Bloch, Tom Cavanagh, Lynn Whitfield, Tamara Tunie, Hill Harper, Tom Fontana, Sue Kramer, Kim Raver, Maura Tierney and more.
- MTV's Be the Change Inaugural Ball, Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center. The ball will be televised live on MTV and will feature several leading artists, celebrities and government officials, alongside hundreds of young people who've been chosen to attend based on their demonstrated volunteerism
- 11th American Indian Inaugural Ball, hosted by American Indian Society of Washington, Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, Va. Time to be determined.
- All American Ball, Westin Washington DC City Center Hotel. Time to be determined.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
- Inaugural Event hosted by the Nebraska Society.
-- Compiled by Amy Dominello
Many balls and celebrations are still in the planning stages, but here’s what we know about some planned galas. This is no means a complete list, and we’ll keep updating as time goes on. All locations are in Washington unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, Jan. 17
- H.O.P.E. Inaugural Youth Ball, 6 p.m., The Trinity Center at Trinity University. A family-friendly inauguration celebration.
- The 44/44 Grassroots Pre-Inaugural Ball, hosted by the Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia and the Virginia Association of Democratic Chairs, 6:30 p.m., Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, Va. Daphne Maxwell-Reid and Tim Reid will serve as masters of ceremony for the Ball.
- Pre-Inaugural Kick-Off, 8 p.m. Tuscana West. Hosted by the National Association of Minority Government Contractors.
- The "Audacity of Hope" Party and Celebration Ball, 8 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel Georgetown.
- Obamarama Pre-Inaugural Party, hosted by the DC Blues Society, 8 p.m., Surf Club Live in Hyattsville, Md. Blues-y jazz, R&B and soul music by local artist CW Harrington & Band.
- Change the Game GALA, 9 p.m., The Z Lounge @ The Sports Club/LA. Special guests include current and former professional athletes.
Sunday, Jan. 18
- Route 44 to The White House Inaugural Celebration Musical Brunch, 8 a.m., Four Seasons Hotel. The event will benefit the DC-based CB&JT Family Foundation which provides youth mentoring and senior assistance programs for underserved families.
- Young and Powerful Presidential Brunch, 11 a.m., City Club.
- California State Society’s Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show, 11:30 a.m., the Ritz-Carlton
- Power to Change: A Celebration of the 2008 Election hosted by EMILY’s List, noon, Hilton Washington. Will include elected officials that EMILY's List supported including newly elected Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Kay Hagan of North Carolina and Governor-elect Bev Perdue of North Carolina.
- Aloha Inaugural Ball, 7:30 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Organized by former Obama campaign workers, the ball will carry out a Hawaiian theme with island entertainers and hula dancers.
- Welcome to DC Inaugural Celebration, 8 p.m., Bohemian Caverns. An event celebrating the rich history of arts and culture in Washington.
- Ohio Celebration Gala. More details to come.
Monday, Jan. 19
- Land of Lincoln Inaugural Gala, 5:30 p.m., Renaissance Washington Hotel. Hosted by the Illinois State Society. Although there is no confirmation Barack Obama will attend this event, advance ticket sales have been brisk due to speculation that he’ll stop by the gala sponsored by his home state.
- Free Concert with Aretha Franklin, Nuttin' But Stringz & the Let Freedom Ring Choir, 6 p.m., John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millennium Stage. Tickets are required.
- Inaugural Gala hosted by the Indiana Society, 6 p.m., Omni-Shoreham Hotel.
- Kentucky Society Blue Grass Inaugural Ball, 6:30 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Invitation only.
- International Conservation Caucus Foundation Inauguration Gala, 6:30 p.m. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.
- Semi-Formal Inauguration Cocktail Reception hosted by the South Dakota State Society, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., James Monroe House.
– Sunshine and Stars 2009 Florida Inauguration Ball, 7 p.m. , Corcoran Gallery of Art. Featuring Republican Gov. Charlie Crist.
- "A Dream & A Change" Inaugural Ball, hosted by The Babyboomers Professionals, 7 p.m. , Sheraton Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, Va.
- Pearl Presidential Inaugural Gala, 7 p.m. at the Mandarin Oriental. Proceeds benefit of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program. Sold out.
- The Arab American 2009 Inaugural Celebration sponsored by the Arab American Institute and Foundation, 7 p.m., Fairmont Hotel Ballroom.
- Land of Enchantment Inaugural Ball hosted by the New Mexico State Society, 7 p.m., Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
- Young and Powerful Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony, 8 p.m., L'Enfant Plaza Hotel.
- Inaugural Gala hosted by the South Carolina State Society, 8 p.m., Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
- HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball, 8 p.m. Sequoia at Washington Harbor
http://www.hbcugala.com/
- Yes We Did! Celebration hosted by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Washington Plaza Hotel, 8 p.m. Will include
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, Sen. Bob Casey and members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation.
- Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, 8 p.m., Harman Center for the Arts. Hosted by Russell Simmons, LL Cool J and T.I. Proceeds go to the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to continue its nonprofit work in helping to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other empowerment programs for young adults throughout the United States.
- Inaugural Party for Razorbacks hosted by The Arkansas State Society, 8 p.m., National Press Club Main Ballroom.
- Inaugural Ball hosted by the North Carolina State Society, 8 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
- Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball hosted by the Texas State Society, Gaylord Hotel.
- The Virginia Inaugural Ball - A Celebration of Turning Virginia Blue, time to be determined, Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, Va.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
- Pre-Inaugural Parade Brunch hosted by the New York State Society, 11 a.m., Willard Intercontinental Hotel along the parade route.
- We the People Presidential Inaugural Gala & Ball, 6:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.
- American Music Inaugural Events, 7 p.m., Washington Marriott Wardman Park. Two Inaugural Balls under the American Music umbrella.The Inaugural Ball of Legends is hosted by Dionne Warwick and features guests Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, George Clinton and even Washington Redskin Jason Taylor. Ludicras will host the Urban Inaugural Ball featuring Fantasia, Big Boi from Outkast, Cedric the Entertainer, Monica and others.
- Inaugural Ball hosted by the Hawaii State Society, 7 p.m., Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Sold out.
- A Night of Stars Inaugural Gala hosted by the Pennsylvania State Society, 7 p.m., Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Sold out.
- Bytes & Books Inaugural Ball, presented by The National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training, 7 p.m. , Folger Shakespeare Library.
- Change Has Come Inaugural Gala, sponsored by The Babyboomer Professionals, 7 p.m., Hilton Washington Embassy Row.
- The Sikh Inaugural Ball, sponsored by the Sikh Cultural Center, 7 p.m, I- The Indian Experience/Ascot Restaurant,
- Inaugural Peace Ball, hosted by Busboys and Poets, the Smithsonian Postal Museum and special guest host Harry Belafonte, 7:30 p.m., Smithsonian Postal Museum. Billed as the largest gathering of peace activists in Washington on Inauguration Day without a protest.
- Garden State Inaugural Gala hosted by the New Jersey State Society, 7:30 p.m., Washington Court Hotel. Featuring the B-Street Band, a Springsteen tribute band. Sold out.
- Demand in DC: Applauding the Empowerment of People Thru Art, Film, and Music, 7:30 p.m., Black Cat.
- The President's Ball, organized by the Maryland Inaugural Special Committee, 7:30 p.m., The Washington Times Building.
- Inaugural Ball hosted by the State Society of Arizona, 8 p.m., Historical Society of Washington.
- The George Washington University Inaugural Ball, 8 p.m., Omni Shoreham Hotel
- Unity in Service Inaugural Ball, 8 p.m., the top of the ART Great Room/Starlit Terrace and WSV Art Gallery in downtown Washington.
- The Inaugural Purple Ball hosted by Louis Gossett Jr., 8 p.m., Fairmont Hotel. Proceeds go to the Eracism Foundation. Il Divo performing.
- Georgetown Harbour Inaugural Gala, sponsored by Tony & Joe's Seafood Place, 8 p.m., Washington Harbour in Georgetown.
- Baltimore Washington Black McDonald's Operators Association Inauguration Ball, 8 p.m., City Club at Franklin Square. All proceeds from the event will fund BMOA initiatives, including Develop Young Minds, an organization that provides financial support to children with limited resources in the communities that the BMOA operators serve.
- Gala Inaugural Ball hosted by The Creative Coalition, 9 p.m., the Harman Center of the Arts. Musical guests include Sam Moore, Elvis Costello and Sting. Confirmed actors in attendance include Tim Daly and Tony Goldwyn, Anne Hathaway, Ron Howard, Kate Walsh, Spike Lee, Tim Robbins, Marcia Cross, Kerry Washington, Susan Sarandon, Seal, Jane Krakowski, Adrian Grenier, Ashley Judd, Bradley Cooper, Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood, Barry Levinson, Dana Delany, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Wendie Malick, Josh Lucas, Matthew Modine, Rachael Leigh Cook, Alan Cumming, Connie Britton, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Richard Schiff, Ellen Burstyn, Giancarlo Esposito, Gloria Reuben, Phillip Bloch, Tom Cavanagh, Lynn Whitfield, Tamara Tunie, Hill Harper, Tom Fontana, Sue Kramer, Kim Raver, Maura Tierney and more.
- MTV's Be the Change Inaugural Ball, Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center. The ball will be televised live on MTV and will feature several leading artists, celebrities and government officials, alongside hundreds of young people who've been chosen to attend based on their demonstrated volunteerism
- 11th American Indian Inaugural Ball, hosted by American Indian Society of Washington, Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, Va. Time to be determined.
- All American Ball, Westin Washington DC City Center Hotel. Time to be determined.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
- Inaugural Event hosted by the Nebraska Society.
-- Compiled by Amy Dominello