Inaugural Ball Roundup

Barack Obama, Michelle Obama
The Inaugural Ball
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington D.C. 20001 When: Monday, Jan. 21 Tickets: Free for invited guests, $60 for the public. Note: Ticket requests are now closed. Dress Code: Black tie Website: www.2013pic.org/about/closed

The Inaugural Ball is one of two official balls President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will attend. This will be the lowest number of balls attended by a president since Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration in 1953. Officials say the intent was to minimize the burden on law enforcement and security officials as well as save costs.

Left: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance at the Western Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C. on Jan. 20, 2009. (AP)
Commander-In-Chief's Ball
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington D.C. 20001 When: Monday, Jan. 21 Tickets: Closed to members of the military. Dress Code: Black tie Website: www.2013pic.org/about/closed

The Commander-In-Chief's Ball is the second of two balls President Barack Obama First Lady Michelle Obama plan to attend. The night is specifically for the United States Military, including Medal of Honor recipients, wounded warriors and active service members. President George W. Bush began the tradition of hosting a ball to honor service members.

Left: President Barack Obama dances with Army Sgt. Margaret Herrera and First Lady Michelle Obama dances with Marine Sgt. Eliidio Guillen at the Commander-In-Chief's Inaugural Ball Jan. 20, 2009 in Washington, D.C. (John Moore/Getty Images)
Black Tie & Boots Texas State Society Inaugural Ball
Where: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md. 20745 When: Saturday, Jan. 19 from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets: $250 for members, $275 for non-members Dress Code: Black tie -- and don't forget the boots Website: www.Bl ackTieandBootsBall.com

The entertainment lineup includes nine-time Grammy winning Texas swing band "Asleep at the Wheel," blues singer Marcia Ball, country music artists Mark Chestnutt, Jack Ingram, Bonnie Bishop, Kevin Black and Texas' Josh Abbot Band.

The buffet will include Texas-inspired cuisine such as chicken fajitas, vegetable empanadas, pork carnitas, Texas sheet cake and banana bread pudding. There will also be a Texas fair marketplace where exhibitors will sell food and give free samples.

Left: U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney shows off his cowboy boots as U.S. President George W. Bush and Kay Granger of the Texas State Society watch during the Black Tie & Boots Ball on the eve of Bush's inauguration Jan. 19, 2005 in Washington, D.C. (Matt Campbell-Pool/Getty Images)
Blisspop's Inauguration Party
Where: U Street Music Hall 1115A U Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 When: Saturday, Jan. 19 at 10 p.m. Tickets: $40 Dress Code: None Website: http://www.ustreetmusichall.com/event/196285/

DJ Moby is returning to D.C. for a second Blisspop inaugural bash. Moby has sold more than 20,000 albums worldwide and has produced music with David Bowie, The Beastie Boys and Metallica. U Street Music Hall co-owner Will Eastman, a member of D.C. band Volta Bureau, will join the stage for the party. Limited edition Blisspop inauguration T-shirts will be available for purchase at the event, and all proceeds will go toward the U Street Music Foundation.

Left: A video of the 2009 Blisspop party
Inaugural Chef's Ball
Where:Art and Soul at The Liaison Capitol Hill 415 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20001 When: Saturday, Jan. 19 at 11 p.m. A VIP reception begins at 10:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 for general admission, $125 for VIP Dress Code: Come as you are Website: chefsball.eventbrite.com

Chefs Art Smith and Wes Morton are opening Art and Soul for ballgoers looking for a post-party celebration. Five other celebrity D.C. chefs, including Erik Bruner-Yang, Scott Drewno, Todd Gray, Rock Harper and Mike Isabella, will prepare "late-night bites" for event attendees. Proceeds from the event will go to charities that the chefs choose. Smith and Morton will donate their proceeds to Common Threads, a nonproft founded by Smith that promotes nutrition and fitness among low-income children. Entertainment for the night will be provided by the St. Charles String Quartet and Ben Taylor.

Left: Chefs Art Smith and Wes Morton (Courtesy Art and Soul)
Inaugural Millennial Ball
Where: M Central 700 H St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 When: Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $75 Dress Code: Black tie Website: www.mcentral.co

The Millennial Inaugural Ball is part of a weekend of inaugural events catered to 18 to 32 year olds. The events are sponsored by the D.C. non-profit Millennial Trains Project, No Kings Collective, a collective of D.C. artists, and the nonpartisan think tank New America Foundation.

"M Central's main events include the Millennial Ideas Forum and the Millennial Inaugural Ball," Millennial Trains Project spokeswoman Jessica Straus says. "Both will feature an amazing roster of thought leaders, White House aides, scholars, serial entrepreneurs and visual and performing artists."

The dress code for the ball is "creative black tie," according to Straus. D.C. food trucks will provide the food.
North Carolina Society of Washington D.C. Ball
Where: Stars and Stripes Club at Washington Nationals Ballpark 1500 South Capitol St., Washington D.C. 20003 When: Sunday, Jan. 20 from 8 p.m. to midnight Tickets: $150 Dress Code: Black tie Website:Register here

A ball for individuals 21 and up. Southern-based band Liquid Pleasure will perform. The band performed at the inaugural balls of former President Bill Clinton and former Democratic North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley. Following a baseball theme, the menu will include hot dogs, chicken fingers, nachos, popcorn, and Cracker Jacks. North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan are expected to attend.

Left: A member of Liquid Pleasure performs at the 2009 North Carolina Society inaugural ball. (Courtesy of North Carolina Society)
Indiaspora Inaugural Ball
Where:Mandarin Oriental 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024 When: Saturday, Jan. 19 from 8 p.m. to midnight Tickets: $300 Dress Code: Black tie or Indian formal attire Website: http://www.indiaspora.org/inauguration

Leaders in the Indian and American community will gather to celebrate the inauguration. Entertainment will include Bollywood dancing led by the Mona Khan Company, classical Indian music from Shankar Tucker and the eight-member Indian band Red Baraat. Celebrity chef and Food Network Star Maneet Chauhan will be catering the evening.
Kentucky Society of Washington Bluegrass Ball
Where: Wardman Park Marriott 2660 Woodley Rd. NW, Washington D.C. 20008 When: Saturday, Jan. 19 Tickets: $250 for members Dress Code: Black tie
Website: www.kentuckysociety.org/bluegrassball.htm

Edward Lee, a season 9 Top Chef contestant and chef at 610 Magnolia in Louisville, Ky., will cater the Bluegrass Ball. Entertainment will be provided by Morehead State University music faculty band and the Letcher Central High School marching band, which is also performing in the inaugural parade.

Famous boxer Muhammad Ali and his wife attended the 2009 ball, where Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Kentuckian actress Ashley Judd gave Ali a portrait of himself and President Barack Obama as a gift for his 67th birthday.

Left: Muhammad Ali attends the 2009 Bluegrass Ball. (Courtesy of Reflections Photography, Inc.)
Peace Ball
Where: Arena Stage at the Mead Center 1101 6th St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024 When: Sunday, Jan. 20 from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets: $135 Dress Code:"Black tie, cultural traditional or whatever makes you feel great and want to celebrate," the event website states. Website: www.busboysandpoets.com

A ball for social justice activists sponsed by Busboys and Poets and Code Pink. "This event will pay tribute to the continuing struggle for peace and justice here in the United States and throughout the world," the event website states.

In 2009, more than 1,300 people attened the sold-out ball that had performances by poet and musician Michael Franti and Joan Baez, a singer and activist. This year's performance include DJ Moby, African-American a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock, activist musicians Emma's Revolution violinist Chelsey Green.

Actor Danny Glover will co-host the event. Among the confirmed guests are, author Alice Walker, Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman, political activists Ralph Nader and Angela Davis. President Barack Obama has also been invited.
Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball
Where: Harman Center for the Arts 610 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 When: Sunday, Jan. 20 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets: $500 for general admission, which includes food tasting, an open bar and performances. $1,000 for VIP admission, which includes the above plus celebrity access and a pre-reception. Dress Code: Black tie Website: www.eventfarm.com/HIB2013

The event is chaired by music mogel Russell Simmons and PHILANTHROPIK founder Zac McDaniels. La La Anthony and Terrence J will host the night. In 2009, LL Cool J, T.I. and Nick Cannon attended the ball. Proceeds from the tickets will go toward Philanthropik, a non-profit effort to "help join those who want to give with those that need it," according to its website.

Left: Young Jeezy, and T.I. arrive at the Hip Hop Summit Action Network Inaugural Ball on Jan. 19, 2009 in Washington, D.C. (Nancy Ostertag/Getty Images)
Hawaiʻi State Society of Washington, D.C. Inaugural Ball
Where: Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel 2800 South Potomac Ave., Arlington, Va. 22202 When: Sunday, Jan. 20 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets: $200 for members, $225 for non-members Dress Code: Black tie or formal Hawaiian attire Website: www.hawaiistatesociety.org/

In 2009, the Hawaiʻi State Society ball was sold out with 1,000 guests. This year, performers include Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom, Hawaii's top-selling female vocalist and five-time Grammy nominee, East Coast trio The Aloha Boys and ukulele and guitar master Mel Amina. Ballgoers will have the opportunity to dance the hula.

Chef David Creamer will serve traditional Hawaiian cuisine. "Guests will be able to sip a favorite cocktail and delectable, ono (delicious) butler-passed hors d'oeuvres such as lomi lomi salmon tart, tuna poke or shrimp tempura while enjoying island tunes and warm, friendly conversation with friends," ball organizer Kuʻulei Stockman said in a press release.

Left: A dancer at the 2009 Hawaiʻi State Society of Washington, D.C. Inaugural Ball (Courtesy of Hawaiʻi State Society of Washington, D.C.)
Washingtonian Starry Night Inaugural Ball
Where:Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum 601 Independence Avenue SW, Washington D.C. 20560 When: Sunday, Jan. 20 from 8 p.m. to midnight Tickets: $350 Dress Code:Black-tie optional Website:www.washingtonian.com/packages/special-events/washingtonian-starry-night-inaugural-ball/index.php

More than 500 guests are expected to attend The Washingtonian's ball that includes dancing, an open bar and unlimited access to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The food selection includes roasted beef tenderloin, Chesapeake Bay crab cakes, a panini station and risotto station. A band called Kaleidoscope will provide the entertainment.
Green Inaugural Ball
Where: Newseum 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 When: Sunday, Jan. 20. Opens at 7 p.m. for VIP and 8 p.m. for general admission Tickets: $400 for general admission, $1,950 for VIP Dress Code: Black tie Website: http://www.nwf.org/2013-Green-Inaugural-Ball.aspx

Guests will have access to Newseum exhibits. Some of the top leaders in environmental, renewable energy and conservation circles are expected to attend the ball. In 2009, guests included former Vice President Al Gore, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, actor John Crusack as well as musical artists will.i.am, Maroon 5, John Legend and Melissa Etheridge.

"Just as in 2009, we expect this year's ball to feature marquis talent from among those who are leaders and innovators in this space," Shelley Cohen, chair of the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball Greening Committee, said in a statement. "We anticipate hosting a sold-out crowd at this important juncture for the environmental, clean tech and conservation community to come together in celebration and begin to move forward on our initiatives over the next four years."

Left: Al Gore, Will.i.am and apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas at the 2009 Green Ball. (Courtesy of Freed Photography, Inc.)
Virginia Inaugural Ball
Where: Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel 801 N. Glebe Rd. Arlington, Va. 22203 When: Sunday, Jan. 20. from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets: $250 for general admission, $500 for VIP Dress Code: Black-tie preferred Website: www.vademocrats.org

The Virginia Inaugural Ball is hosted by the Democratic Party of Virginia and the Arlington County Democratic Committee. A VIP reception with Democrats senator-elect Tim Kane and Sen. Mark Warner will be held for sponsors and guests with VIP tickets. Admission includes hor' d'oeuvres, drinks and a live band for entertainment.

Left: U.S. Senator-elect Tim Kaine speaks to supporters at the Downtown Richmond Marriot after winning the Virginia U.S. Senate seat on Nov. 6, 2012 in Richmond, Va. Kaine defeated former U.S. Sen. George Allen in a tight race. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Maryland Inaugural Ball
Where:Gaylord National Hotel Maryland Room 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md. 20745 When: Sunday, Jan. 20. from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets: $225 for general admission, $1,000 for VIP Dress Code:Black tie preferred Website: www.mddems.org/inaugural

Longtime R&B group The Spinners will perform. The event is sponsored by IBEW Local 26, Machinists, The UA, UFCW Local 400, Alexander & Cleaver, Comcast, MGM Resorts, Sheet Metal Workers Local 100, Synergics, AFGE, MSEA, PEPCO and the United Therapeutic Corporation.

Left: Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and his wife Katie O'Malley arrive for a State Dinner at the White House on March 14, 2012 in Washington, D.C. (Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)
Ambassadors Inaugural Ball
Where: The Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square 801 K St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001 When: Monday, Jan. 21. from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets: $250 for general admission, $750 for heads of state VIP reception Dress Code: Black tie Website: www.ambassadors-ball.eventbrite.com/

Representatives from 200 nations will gather for the Ambassadors Inaugural Ball. Proceeds from tickets will go toward domestic and international non-profit organizations. Entertainment includes American hip hop artist DJ Biz Markie, South African singer Lira and South African band Mi Casa. The theme of the night is "promoting international peace, unity and diplomacy."

"With the world's attention focused squarely on Washington, D.C. and the inaugural activities, we hope to use the occasion to bring much needed attention to the pressing issues plaguing our world, including poverty, human trafficking, AIDS, global warming, lack of medical care and food security," Neil Parsan, ball co-chair and ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, said in a statement.
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