The Inaugural Balls

Commander-In-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama share a dance with Air Force Staff Sgt Bria Nelson and Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Timothy Easterling during the Commander-In-Chief's inaugural ball at the Washington Convention Center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Commander-In-Chief's Ball Singer Alicia Keys performs during the Commander- In-Chief's Inaugural ball at the Washington Convention Center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Commander-in-Chief's Ball Brad Paisley performs at the Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball at the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Commander-in-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama holds first lady Michelle Obama as they dance at an Inaugural Ball, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, during the 57th Presidential Inauguration. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Commander-in-Chief's Ball Vice President Joe Biden dances with Army Staff Sgt. Keesha Dentino as Jill Biden dances with Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick Figueroa during the Commander-In-Chief inaugural ball at the Washington Convention Center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Commander-in-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama bows as he and first lady Michelle Obama, wearing a ruby colored chiffon and velvet Jason Wu gown, gets ready to dance as singer Jennifer Hudson, right, sings Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" at the Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

Commander-in-Chief's Ball Singer Stevie Wonder performs during the Inaugural Ball at the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Commander-in-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive to dance together at an Inaugural Ball, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, during the 57th Presidential Inauguration. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Commander-in-Chief's Ball Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden react to the crowd at The Inaugural Ball in the Washington convention center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Commander-in-Chief's Ball Jennifer Hudson sings as President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance together at an Inaugural Ball, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, during the 57th Presidential Inauguration. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Commander-in-Chief's Ball Vice President Joe Biden dances with Jill Biden during The Inaugural Ball in the Washington convention center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Commander-in-Chief's Ball Vice President Joe Biden talks to Jamie Foxx as Jill Biden watches during The Inaugural Ball at the Washington convention center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Commander-in-Chief's Ball First lady Michelle Obama wraps her arms around President Barack Obama while dancing during the Inaugural Ball at the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Commander-in-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance during The Inaugural Ball at the Washignton convention center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Commander-in-Chief's Ball First lady Michelle Obama arrives Commander-in- Chief's Inaugural Ball at the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Commander-in-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance together at the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball in Washington, at the Washington Convention Center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Commander-in-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama on the cheek during their dance together at the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball in Washington, at the Washington Convention Center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Commander-in-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance at Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball at the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Commander-in-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance together at the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball in Washington, at the Washington Convention Center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Commander-in-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama greets first lady Michelle Obama as she arrives on stage during the Commander-In-Chief inaugural ball at the Washington Convention Center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Commander-in-Chief's Ball President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama kiss as they dance during the Commander-In- Chief inaugural ball at the Washington Convention Center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball The Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts -- just above the Shakespeare Theatre Company -- hosted more than 800 guests Monday night. Among them were Paula Abdul, Wayne Knight and many other figures from the film, television and arts industries. (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)

WTOP/Natalie Plumb

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball From left: Headliners of the night and Grammy-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls' drummer Mike Malinin, guitarist and vocalist John Rzeznik and bassist and vocalist Robby Takac (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)

WTOP/Natalie Plumb

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball When comedian and actor Orlando Jones was asked at the Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball about First Lady Michelle Obama's dress, he said he didn't care about any outfit but his own. (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)

WTOP/Natalie Plumb

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball Evan Handler, known for his role in the television series "Californication," said he dressed according to the "black tie" dress code of the Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball, even though he wasn't wearing one. (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)

WTOP/Natalie Plumb

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball Richard Kind, actor in the 2009 dark comedy "A Serious Man," made an appearance at the Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball Monday, which started about an hour behind schedule due to traffic following the inaugural parade. (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)

WTOP/Natalie Plumb

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball 'Madame Secretary' star Tim Daly in a 2014 photo. (WTOP/Files)

WTOP/Files

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball Seinfeld's Wayne Knight and his wife Clare de Chenu walked the Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball's red carpet, where Knight said he digs Michelle Obama's bangs. (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)

WTOP/Natalie Plumb

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball Taraji P. Henson, actress in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," talks to Omar Epps, of "House." Henson says she aims for comfort first when deciding what to wear on the red carpet. (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)

WTOP/Natalie Plumb

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball Olympic gold medalist rower Esther Lofgren brought her prize to the Creative Coalition Ball. (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)

WTOP/Natalie Plumb

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball Marlon Wayans, of "Scary Movie," on his way up to the upper floor of the Shakespeare Theatre Company, where the Harman Center for the Arts hosted Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball. (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)

WTOP/Natalie Plumb

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball Robert Knepper, left and Benjamin Knepper, right, stars of Fox network's drama series "Prison Break," spoke to reporters at the Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball Monday. (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)

WTOP/Natalie Plumb

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball The first Ambassador Ball was held at the Carnegie Library in the Historical Society of Washington D.C. Ambassadors from countries ranging from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Republic of Botswana attended to promote a message of peace and unity. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball Miss USA Nana Meriwether -- the first Miss USA from Africa -- attended the Ambassadors Ball and told reporters that "it's an honor to have Obama as president again." Meriwether started the non-profit Meriwether Foundation, which aims to improve health and empower communities in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball Miss Teen USA Logan West attended the Ambassadors Ball. West, 18, started a program called "United Against Bullies," which has reached more than 20,000 students in Connecticut. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball Rumia Ambrose-Burbank, of Troy, Mich., organized the afterglow party for the ball. Burbank said she flew to New York to buy her gown made by designer Tarik Ediz. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball Ann Etoke flew 14 hours from Cameroon, where she is a nurse, to see the president sworn-in. "I was so excited to support President Obama and what he's doing for immigrants and making sure they have a better life," she said. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball Lauren Allah (third from the right) competed on Season 3 of NBC's "The Voice" and was asked to sing the national anthem at a campaign event for President Obama at Bowling Green University in September. The 20 year old from Troy, Mich. received an invitation to sing the national anthem at the Ambassador's Ball. Her mother Lorie (far right) attended the ball as well as her aunt and her fiancee (on left). (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball Thandi Sibisi of Johannesburg, South Africa, is the first black woman to open an art gallery in South Africa. Every month, she showcases South African artists and has clients from all over the world. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball Tebelelo Seretse, ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the United States and Canada, gave the opening remarks at the Ambassadors Ball. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball Lauren Allah performs the national anthem, which she also sang in front of President Barack Obama in September. Asked if she was nervous to sing in front of the president, she emphatically shook her head no. "My mom always taught me to never be nervous and to just sing your heart out," she says. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball Award-winning singer Lira, of Johannesburg, South Africa, performed at the Ambassadors Ball. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Ambassadors Inaugural Ball Miss Celebrity USA, of New Jersey, made an appearance at the Ambassadors Ball. She wore a crown titled "Celebrity Queen" and had red, white and blue sparkling stars pinned on a white ball gown, attached with the titles "miss liberty" and "celebrity woman of the year." (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Starry Night Ball
The Washingtonian's Starry Night Inaugural Ball was held at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. More than 850 guests attended the ball. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

WTOP/Megan Cloherty

Starry Night Ball The event served hors d'oeuvres, Chesapeake Bay crab cakes and roasted beef tenderloin. There were also several food stations including a panini station and a risotto station. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

WTOP/Megan Cloherty

Starry Night Ball The local 10-piece band Kaleidoscope performed their signature high-energy dance tunes at the inaugural ball. The D.C.-based band is composed of a three-piece horn section, rhythm section and three lead vocalists. .(WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

WTOP/Megan Cloherty

Starry Night Ball At a photo station at the ball, guests could have their picture pasted on the cover of Washingtonian Magazine. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

WTOP/Megan Cloherty

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball The Maryland Democratic Party held its inaugural ball Jan. 20 at the Gaylord National Hotel in National Harbor. The event was 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. (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball Dishes served at the inaugural ball included steak, crab cakes and lamb chops. (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball This custom inaugural cake was made by Charm City Cakes, a Baltimore-based business which has appeared on the Food Network show "Ace of Cakes." (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball Desserts included fruit cakes, cheesecakes and chocolate truffles in addition to the special inaugural ball cake commissioned by Charm City Cakes. (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball
Jeff Joubret, aka "DJ Thunder" entertained guests with throwbacks like Earth Wind & Fire's classic "Dancing in September." He described his setlist of the night as "take it to the old school R&B and hip-hop. If I play newer stuff I try to make it relatable to everyone."

(WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball Irish tenor Anthony Kearns kicked off the ceremony with a soulful rendition of "God Bless America." (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis introduced the political guests and performers at the ball. (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley led the crowd in a chant of "Not backward, forward!" before giving a speech about the Maryland DNC's hope for Obama's second term. "The work ahead is challenging and the road is very steep, but we are very blessed to have a man like Barack Obama leading the way," O'Malley said. (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball Lawmakers at the ball included Sen. Barbara Mikulksi, Sen. Ben Cardin, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Rep. Elijah Cummings, Rep. John Delaney, Rep. Donna Edwards, Rep. John Sarbanes, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker. (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball The Spinners, an R&B group that has been around since the 1960s, performed both their own hits and classic Motown songs at the ball. They were received with enthusiasm from both the older and younger crowd. The members include Henry Fambrough, Marvin Taylor, Jessie Robert Peck and Charlton Washington. (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball Charleton Washington belts out a tune. (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball Marvin Taylor takes the lead on a song. (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Maryland Democratic Party Inaugural Ball Enthusiastic audience members and longtime fans of The Spinners record their performance from the dance floor. (WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui)

WTOP/Hoai-Tran Bui

Virginia Inaugural Ball The ballroom at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Ballston, Va., was decorated with blue lights, star patterns on the walls and candles. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball The band's drummer added a decoration to his drum set on the bandstand. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball The ball was organized by the Democratic Party of Virginia. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball With a full bar and lots of food options, the room was set for a good night. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

Virginia Inaugural Ball Candles on the tables added ambiance and a little light in an otherwise dark ballroom (WTOP/Heather Brady)

Virginia Inaugural Ball Ingrid and John Jamison of Arlington, Va., spent most of the night on the dance floor. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Couples young and old busted a move using a variety of dance styles, including swing and basic ballroom steps. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Couples young and old busted a move using a variety of dance styles, including swing and basic ballroom steps. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Ping Palmer and Tom Duggin from Purcellville, Va., took advantage of other couples' initial reluctance and used lots of open space on the dance floor. Later, the floor was packed. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball The foyer outside of the ballroom quickly filled with people eating, drinking and socializing. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Boyd Reese of Harrisonburg, Va., Nancy Pierce of Kennebunkport, Maine, Laurie Sherman of Washington, D.C., and Audrey Winter of Arlington, Va., sat at a table outside of the ballroom to eat and talk. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball The band Gonzo's Nose appealed to the wide age range in the room by playing both modern hits and older classics. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball The band Gonzo's Nose appealed to the wide age range in the room by playing both modern hits and older classics. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball The band Gonzo's Nose appealed to the wide age range in the room by playing both modern hits and older classics. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball There were two buffet tables in addition to smaller bites passed around by servers. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball (From left to right) Mine Sasaguri and David Boling of Arlington, Va., and Tom Duggin and Ping Palmer of Purcellville, Va., snag a seat to chat with each other and eat outside of the ballroom. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Tom Roussey of WTOP's sister TV station, ABC7, interviews attendees in the ballroom. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Gail Hubbard of Centreville, Va., was in college when she attended her first inauguration: John F. Kennedy in 1961. "I waded through all that snow and I was standing there when he said 'Ask what you can do for your country,'" she says. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Some of Virginia's political figures used the ball as a chance to rally the state's Democrats for the upcoming 2013 election. Here, Sen. Mark Warner addresses the crowd on the bandstand. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Some of Virginia's political figures used the ball as a chance to rally the state's Democrats for the upcoming 2013 election. Here, Rep. Bobby Scott addresses the crowd on the bandstand. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Some of Virginia's political figures used the ball as a chance to rally the state's Democrats for the upcoming 2013 election. Here, recently elected Sen. Tim Kaine addresses the crowd on the bandstand. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball The ball's attendees alternated between cheering wildly and listening carefully to the speeches that the political figures in attendance made. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Some of Virginia's political figures used the ball as a chance to rally the state's Democrats for the upcoming 2013 election. Here, Rep. Jim Moran addresses the crowd on the bandstand. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Virginia Inaugural Ball Some of Virginia's political figures used the ball as a chance to rally the state's Democrats for the upcoming 2013 election. Here, Terry McAuliffe, a Democratic gubernatorial hopeful, addresses the crowd on the bandstand. (WTOP/Heather Brady)

WTOP/Heather Brady

Green Ball The National Wildlife Federation sponsored the Green Ball at the Newseum Jan. 20 in support of environmental advocacy. The event was attended by stars including, will.i.am, actor Tate Donovan, percussionist Sheila E., soul singer Mayer Hawthorne, "The Voice's" Nicholas David and green-minded athletes of the Washington Redskins and Capitals. Decorations included repurposed furniture, and the bars were topped with reclaimed wood. The food was sourced from less than 300 miles away to reduce the environmental footprint. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty and Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Megan Cloherty and Stephanie Steinberg

Green Ball will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas performed at the Green Ball and sang "I Gotta Feeling." (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Green Ball Nicholas David, a finalist on season three of "The Voice," sang at the Green Ball at the Newseum Jan. 20. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Green Ball Nicholas David reaches out to shake the hand of a ballgoer at the Green Ball. David performed fan favorites like "Stand By Me." (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Green Ball Percussionist and singer Sheila Escovedo, better known as Sheila E., was one of the performers at the Green Ball. Sheila E. has collaborated with Prince, Ringo Starr, Cyndi Lauper, among other artists. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Green Ball Vice President Joe Biden took the stage at the Green Ball just before 10 p.m. Jan. 20 and thanked the attendees for their continued support of the Obama administration's efforts to pass legislation to protect the environment. Biden asked guests to "keep the faith" when it comes to political progress on policy regarding global warming. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

WTOP/Megan Cloherty

Green Ball Redskins' Kedric Golston and his wife Christal Golston sit on a repurposed bench at the National Wildlife Federation's Green Ball. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

WTOP/Megan Cloherty

Hawaii State Society Ball Hawaii State Society of Washington D.C. President Kohono Mossman speaks with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Ken Shinseki. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball Members of the Punahou JROTC color guard presented the United States and Hawaii state flag as the Kamehameha Schools Warrior Marching Band played the national anthem. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball Dancers from Hui O Ka Pua 'Ilima in Vienna, Va. performed the Hula during the opening ceremony at the Hawaii Ball. The group performs for Asian American cultural events in the D.C. area. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball Sean Na'auao, an award-winning musical artist and composer, performs traditional Hawaiian music with band members.(WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball About 100 band members of Kamehameha High School, where President Barack Obama attended school in Honolulu, Hawaii, performed at the Hawaii Ball. The band will also perform songs such as "Kamahameha March" and "Alohoa 'Oe" in the inaugural parade. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball Kamehameha Schools Warrior Marching Band member Michael Cardoca, a 16 year old from Kailua, Hawaii, says the timing of the inaugural weekend is significant. "It coincides with the anniversary of the Hawaii monarchy being overthrown, and our school's 125th anniversary," he says. He added that it's an honor to represent Obama's high school. "We get to share for the world a little bit of what Obama experienced on the islands," he says. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball Servers at the Hawaii Ball offered pork belly lettuce wraps as appetizers to guests. Other hors d'oeuvres included shrimp and sushi. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball Hawaii State Society members John and Ann Ishikawa, of Arlington, Va. sample Hawaiian foods like manapua -- a bun with filling such as pork, beef or vegetables. The Ishikawas were born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and moved to Virginia in 2007. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball Pig is a common Hawaiian dish served at luaus and meals. Dishes at the Hawaii Ball included noodles with pork and mushrooms and pork belly wrapped in lettuce. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball District resident Jacqueline Rose, originally from Kailua, Hawaii, and Eldridge Short of Waldorf, Md. sample sushi and dumplings offered at the Hawaii Ball. Rose says teriyaki beef and dumplings are traditional Hawaiian fare. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball JROTC member Kapri Lisehora, 16, of Honolulu, Hawaii says welcoming the guests with a salute is a tradition at the Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball. "It's a sign of honor to recognize them," she says. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Hawaii State Society Ball The JROTC from Punahou High School in Honolulu, Hawaii greets guests as they enter the ball on Jan. 20. The 16 members from the JROTC will also participate in the inaugural parade. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Chef's Ball Hell's Kitchen 3 winner Rock Harper donated proceeds to D.C. Central Kitchen, an organization he directs. He says the chef's ball is a "phenomenal celebration in honor of President Obama" and is a meaningful event that helps chefs give back to the community. Harper made crab salad on a honey cornbread cracker. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Chef's Ball Equinox chef Todd Gray made 400 samples of brisket with a dice of winter vegetables and hazelnut crust. Gray donated proceeds to the Washington D.C. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Chef's Ball A string quartet plays for the guests at the chef's ball. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Chef's Ball Ballgoers start to head to the dance floor. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Chef's Ball A band performed a song called "Hungry" to match the theme of the night. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Chef's Ball From left: Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Justin Mikita, Ferguson's fiancee and co-creator of Tie the Knot, were among the VIP guests at the Chef's Ball. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Chef's Ball Art and Soul chef Art Smith, host of the Chef's Ball, greets guests in the VIP area. Smith sold 600 tickets to the event, in which all the proceeds are donated to charities of the chefs' choice. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Chef's Ball Chef Mike Isabella donated proceeds from the event to the James Beard Foundation. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Chef's Ball A ballgoer tries one of chef Mike Isabella's roasted lamb gyros with yogurt and pickled onions. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Chef's Ball A DJ sets up for the Chef's Ball at Art and Soul. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Members of the Waltrip High School marching band from Houston, Tex. played as guests entered down a read carpet. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball The Kilgore Rangerettes stood as ballgoers entered the foyer. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Ballgoers gather near the entrance of the ball. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Jamie Foxx, originally from Terrell, Tex., pumps up the crowd by pointing to people and asking their hometown. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball District resident Leah Riesner, originally from Dallas, received several compliments on her outfit. "I get stopped like ever two minutes people telling me like 'I love your skirt. I love your hat. Love your boots,' " she says. Riesner bought her skirt and top for $10 each from a Goodwill store. She bought her boots from an Eastern Market stall for about $80. "These are custom-made, but I'm on the lookout for a red pair," she says. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Texan Jamie Foxx takes the stage. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Wounded warrior Ryan Kelly is presented with a key to a new home in Texas. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Justin Lange sings the National Anthem. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball The Kilgore Rangerettes performed a routine similare to the Rockettes. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Special edition inaugural guitars were up for bids at a silent auction. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Black was a popular color worn among men and women at the ball. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Leah Nichols, originally from Austin, Tex., and Julian Yab, originally from Houstin, Tex. are both attorneys in D.C. Yab browses the boot selection in search of a pair of ostrich boots. He wore aligator boots to the ball, and owns three other pairs of boots, but doesn't have an ostrich print. The ostrich boots had a price tag of $800. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Rick Schuetz of Arlington, Va. has been a Texas State Society member the past 20 years. He's attends the Black Tie & Boots ball every year. "It's always such a great production," he says. "They know how to celebrate and have a good time." (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Dances at the Black Tie and Boots ball include waltzes, square dances, do-si-dos and fox trots. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Jackie Jeffers from D.C. is attending her first Black Tie & Boots ball. She browses the inauguration themed pins and T-shirts available for purchase. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball From Left: Debra McKeown, Nell McKeown and Hannah Mary show off their gowns and boots. Nell, 18, and Mary, 19, flew in from the University of Texas, Austin to attend the ball. Debra McKeown has been a member of the Texas State Society since 1987 and has been to every inauguration since. She says the Texas Black Tie & Boots ball started to become more elaborate during President George W. Bush's inaugurations. "It wasn't anything like it is now," she says. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball The John Slaughter Band performed as ballgoers entered. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Students try out to be part of the Wildcat Wranglers, which is a school-sponsored organization. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball A mariachi band performed as VIP guests entered the ball. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Miss Texas enters down the red carpet. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball Boots, ball gowns and cowboy hats were the attire at the Texas Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball. (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)

WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg

Millennial Ball Held in an empty warehouse on Jan. 19, the Inaugural Millennial Ball drew a crowd of young Washingtonians and offered live music and food from Taylor Gourmet Deli. (WTOP/Alex Beall)

WTOP/Alex Beall

Millennial Ball Victoria Webb, 26, and Kelsey Davenport, 27, were among the Millennial Ball attendees. "It's important to get our generation involved in politics," says Davenport, who lives in D.C. (WTOP/Alex Beall)

WTOP/Alex Beall

Millennial Ball Brass Connection, one of the featured artists, performs for the audience at 700 H St. in D.C. (WTOP/Alex Beall)

WTOP/Alex Beall

Millennial Ball Guests could interact with this media piece by Max Kazemzadeh, an artist and professor at Gallaudet University. (WTOP/Alex Beall)

WTOP/Alex Beall

Millennial Ball The venue housed murals, paintings and other pieces of installation art work in a gallery set up by No Kings Collective. (WTOP/Alex Beall)

WTOP/Alex Beall

Millennial Ball Tariq Tucker, creator of these pieces based on railroad crossing signs, helps No Kings Collective find open spaces to install civically-inspired artwork. It's a way to "control your own destiny in terms of art," Tucker says. Finding his own spaces eliminates the need for curators and allows the artists to choose their own community. (WTOP/Alex Beall)

WTOP/Alex Beall

Millennial Ball Wearing creative black tie attire, guests enjoyed two floors of artwork, music and drinks. Colin Crowell, head of global public policy at Twitter, attended to celebrate with his wife. (WTOP/Alex Beall)

WTOP/Alex Beall