Obamapalooza, Obamastock, call it whatever you want, the fact is the Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama will be an event of epic proportions. With an estimated 4 million people expected to crowd into Washington, D.C. to witness one of the most historical moments in our nation’s history, the three-day weekend (in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday) that coincides with the big day on January 20 makes the whole weekend one-big party that is sure to rock the world.
From the regal balls you probably can’t get into to the parties with purpose, the inauguration of the nation’s first black President has created a weekend atmosphere unlike no other. Forget the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Weekend, Mardi Gras, and every HBCU Homecoming you’ve ever witnessed or heard about. Inauguration Weekend 2009 will go down in history for not only the obvious reason, but also for the festivities surrounding it.
Here’s just a small sample of some of the highlights you might be able to get into.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
EVENT: Jay-Z’s Inaugural Gala
Location: LOVE Nightclub
1350 Okie Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Costs: $75 (General) $150 (VIP)
Doors Open: 8 p.m.
Why You Want To Be There: This will be the biggest party in D.C. on Friday night. Already one of the country’s most-well known clubs, LOVE is sure to turn into a place even the city’s regulars won’t recognize on this night.
Will Barack Show Up: Just be happy with Jay-Z.
More Info: http://www.talkofdc.com/v2/
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
EVENT:A Dream Fulfilled – The BET Honors After Party
Location: Station 9 Restaurant and Lounge
1438 U St. NW, Washington, DC 2009
Cost: $50
Doors Open: 10 p.m.
Why You Want To Be There: Hosted by actor Lance Gross and singer Trey Songz, this party is low on glitz, but high on glamour. And with tickets still being sold for $50, it’s a bargain compared to the cost of other parties. It’s also two blocks away from D.C.’s infamous Ben’s Chili Bowl, a place you must try if you haven’t.
Will Barack Show Up: It’s not that type of party, but he’s more than welcome. He might stop by Ben’s though as evidenced by the video of his recent visit there.
More Info:http://www.talkofdc.com/v2/
EVENT: Icon: Mary J. Blige and Common
Location: Ibiza Nightclub
1222 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Costs: $40 (Advanced) $100 (Advance VIP)
Doors Open: 8 p.m.
Why You Want To Be There: This is one of the weekend’s unique lineups. Bringing together the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, with one of the game’s most respected MCs is a good look for anybody who’s trying to party hard while preserving their sexy.
Will Barack show up: Prez-Elect Obama represents Common’s hometown, but don’t expect he and the Mrs. to be two stepping to "Come Close."
More Info: http://www.hiphopcaucus.org/inauguration
SUNDAY JANUARY 18
EVENT: We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
Location: Lincoln Memorial
Between Constitution Ave. NW and Independence Ave. SW on 23rd St.
Costs: FREE
Doors Open: People can start gathering as early as 8:30 a.m.
Why You Want To Be There: Biggest. Concert. Ever.
Will Barack Show Up: Yep and ready to dance (maybe)?
More Info: http://www.pic2009.org
EVENT: Obama That One Party
Location: Newseum
555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Costs: $500 (General Admission)
Doors Open: 9 p.m.
Why You Want To Be There: DJ Beverly Bond knows how to rock a party with the best of them, and the Newsuem is one of the hottest and unique venues to hold a party. This is sure to be one of the classier occasions in D.C.
Will Barack Show Up: Just because the night’s honoree, actor Hill Harper, attended Harvard Law School with the President-elect does not mean Obama is coming through.
More Info:http://obamathatone.com/
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
EVENT: Renew America Together: A Call to Service
Location: Your ‘hood
Costs: Free
Doors Open: During the morning and afternoon
Why You Want To Be There: In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, do something good for your community. The President-elect and Vice President-elect will be doing this, and they’re way busier than you, so there’s really no excuse.
Will Barack Show Up: The whole family of both he and the Vice President-elect will be participating.
More Info: http://usaservice.org/
EVENT: Kids’ Inaugural: We Are The Future
Location: Verizon Center
601 F Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20004
Costs: FREE – Tickets will be distributed to members of the general public through a number of local organizations working with the Presidential Inauguration Committee.
Why You Want To Be There: If you’re coming with children, this is the event for them. Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers,Bow Wow, and Usher are headlining what is sure to be a parent’s worst nightmare, and a kid’s dream come true.
Will Barack Show Up: No, but Michelle and the two girls, Sasha and Malia, will definitely be in the house.
More Info:http://www.pic2009.org
EVENT: Celebrating A Journey
Location: DC Galleria at Lafayette Center
1155 21st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Costs: $200
Doors Open: 8:00 p.m.
Why You Want To Be There: Actor Idris Elba will
be the host for what is sure to be one of the weekend’s more upscale
events – another great alternative for those who want to go to a lavish
affair without the hassle of paparazzi and celebrity overage.
Will Barack Show Up: Just keep doing that “hope” thing he’s always talking about.
More Info: http://www.celebratingajourney.com/
EVENT: An Evening With Jay-Z
Location: Warner Theatre
513 13th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004
Costs: $500 (The less expensive tickets sold out in less than five minutes)
Doors: 8:00 p.m.
Why You Want To Be There: If you haven’t seen Jay-Z in concert yet, you’re missing an experience. And with the backdrop of the Inauguration, the show is sure to be one of his most memorable.
Will Barack Show Up: Jay-Z once brought Michael Jackson out to Summer Jam of all places. With that kind of pull, it wouldn’t surprise us.
More Info:http://www.warnertheatre.com/
EVENT: Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball
Location: The Harman Center
610 F. Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004
Costs: $500 (Limited), $1,000 (General), $2500 (VIP)
Doors Open: 9 p.m.
Why You Want To Be There: Obama’s victory was a proud moment for the hip hop generation, so you know Russell Simmons and the Hip Hop Summit Action Network had to come with it. T.I., Young Jeezy, LL Cool J, along with Simmons will be hosting this black-tie bash and a who’s who of celebrities will also be in attendance. It’s going to be the people’s party and one that’s surely not to be missed if you’re looking for a reason to put on for Obama.
Will Barack Show Up: Obama’s relationship with hip hop has always been a delicate dance, so probably not, but
More Info:http://www.hiphopinaugural.org/index.html
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
EVENT: The Swearing-In Ceremony
Location: United States Capitol, West Front
Cost: Priceless
Kickoff: 11:30 a.m.
Why You Want To Be There: It’s the reason why you’re going to D.C. in the first place.
Wil Barack Show Up: For some reason, we think this is the one event he won’t miss.
More Info:http://www.pic2009.org
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