Tim Bracken, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – The inaugural weekend includes several events that showcase local bands and music venues.
In the District’s H Street corridor, a new pop-up gallery space is hosting “M Central,” which will include art exhibits, panel discussions and live music.
Scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19, the “M Central Inaugural Millennial Ball” is being advertised as a replacement for the official “Youth Ball,” which wasn’t scheduled for this year.
The $75 per ticket event includes open bar, and performances from rapper Oddisee and local band The Funk Ark.
On Sunday, Jan. 20, “Inauguration Eve at M Central” will feature local indie bands Shark Week and U.S. Royalty.
Also on H Street, the “Artist’s Inaugural Ball” will be held at two separate venues on Sunday, Jan. 20. Several local arts collectives collaborated to bring this event to the Rock & Roll Hotel and Gallery O on H.
The $70 ticket will ensure access to both venues, which will feature live music, art presentations, roving performers, and an all-night dance party.
The U Street corridor’s big event will be held Sunday, Jan. 20 at the 9:30 Club.
“Plan to Rock” will feature the North Carolina roots rock combo Delta Rae, and a DJ set from legendary rapper Q Tip.
Performances begin at 6 p.m.
The $75 ticket will include open bar until 9 p.m. as well as access to “DJ Lil’e’s Inaugural Eve Dance Party,” which will close out the night.
On Sunday, Jan. 20, the “Funk 4 Peace Ball” at the U Street Music Hall is one of the more affordable inauguration/Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations taking place over the weekend.
The event will feature several bands and a DJ set from DJ Nu-Mark of Jurassic 5.
Last but not least, The Kennedy Center is hosting a free concert in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 20.
The concert will feature Smokey Robinson and the Let Freedom Ring Choir.
Tickets will be given out to anyone in line at the Hall of Nations starting at 4 p.m., and the performance begins at 6 p.m.
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