WASHINGTON — While Donald Trump celebrates this week with a Thursday concert and inaugural balls Friday, alternative events will host people who don’t support the incoming administration.
The venues and related entertainment are diverse, happening everywhere from the Black Cat on 14th Street NW to the National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall.
But, the events share a theme.
“We can stay focused on the issues, focused on the opportunity to mobilize to speak out and to do our jobs as Americans,” said Maryland Sen. Cheryl Kagan, who is hosting Friday’s UnNaugural Concert in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Most of the events have reached capacity or are sold out, but Kagan hopes the spirit of their intentions will endure.
“Protest where appropriate, but stay engaged and advocate for the issues that concern us most,” Kagan said.
Kagan’s sold-out event will benefit Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, the League of Conservation Voters and the National LGBTQ Task Force.
“We’ve got folks from 19 states that’ve bought tickets,” Kagan said.
A concert Thursday evening at the 9:30 club in Northwest D.C. will feature rapper Common and indie rock band The National.
“Show Up! Is more than a concert — it’s a call to action for supporters of reproductive freedom to take action wherever they are,” Planned Parenthood said on its website.
It’s unclear whether tickets are available to the public, DCist reports organizations partnering for the event will be given tickets to distribute.
At last check there were still $15 tickets to the all-ages DISRUPT J20: A Benefit for Diverse City Fund concert being held at the Rock & Roll Hotel, on H Street Northeast, 8 p.m. Friday.
Many of the gatherings also will act as fundraisers “to raise money for causes that are most threatened by the incoming administration,” Kagan said of her UnNaugural Concert.
