The official Presidential Inauguration kick-off event featuring Bono and Bruce Springsteen on Jan. 18 is one of dozens of Washington D.C. bashes celebrating President-elect Barack Obama's Jan. 20 swearing-in.
Aretha Franklin, the Grateful Dead, Beyonce, Death Cab For Cute and the Beastie Boys are among the diverse lineup of artists performing at the 10 official inaugural balls and a slew of other unofficial galas and concerts.
Below is an extensive schedule of inaugural events featuring music. All listings take place in Washington D.C. unless otherwise noted. Skip to Jan. 20 for official Inauguration Day events.
The Green Inaugural Ball: Maximum Celebration, Minimal Impact
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 8:00 pm.
Wyclef Jean is headlining this “green" tie event presented by Discovery's Planet Green. Tickets are available to the public. More
info: greeninauguralball.com
Finance Welcome Brunch
This official event features performer Yolanda Adams, Carole King, BeBe Winans and the Dartmouth Gospel Choir. More information:
www.pic2009.org
We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial, 2:30 pm.
This official inaugural event -- organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee -- is free, open to the public, and will be broadcast on HBO. Musical performers include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder. Queen Latifah, Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington and Martin Luther King III will do readings. More
information: www.pic2009.org
A New Birth of Citizenship Inauguration Event
Renaissance Hotel, 8:00 pm.
Hosted by youth voting non-profit Declare Yourself, this inauguration kick-off features Maroon 5, DJ Samantha Ronson, spoken word artists Steve Connell, Sekou (Tha Misfit), Nuttin' But Strings, Jessica Alba and “special guests."
More info: Declare Yourself
The Latino Inaugural Gala
Union Station, 7:30 pm
A coalition of Latino political groups including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Voto Latino have put together a black tie gala that features performances by Marc Anthony, Paulina Rubio, War, Alejandro Sanz, Cucu Diamantes & Yerba Buena, Michael Salgado, Elida Reyna, and Mariachi Los Camperos De Nati Cano. The show also features appearances by Jennifer Lopez, Rosario Dawson, George Lopez, Rosie Perez, Wilmer Valderrama and others.
More info: latinoinauguralgala2009.org
Dreams From My Father: American Scholars Inaugural Ball
Four Seasons Hotel, 8:00 pm
This event, co-sponsored by the Hip Hop Caucus, reportedly features Alicia Keys and Macy Gray.
More info: americanscholarsball.org
Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8:00 pm
Anita Baker, Keb Mo, John Cruz, Saint Tone and others will perform at this ball, produced by the American Experience Foundation. Procedes from the $350 will benefit the Smithsonian Art Museum and The American Experience Foundation.
More info: www.washington.org/lincolnball
The People's Inaugural Gospel Concert
Lincoln Theatre, 2:00 pm
Composer/arranger Richard Smallwood and Vision perform at this Sunday inaugural gospel show. More info: www.peoplesinauguralgala.com
THE PEOPLE'S INAUGRAL JAZZ CONCERT
Lincoln Theatre, 8:00 pm
George Duke and the Washington perform at this Sunday evening jazz show.
More info: www.peoplesinauguralgala.com
Live Earth 2009 Green Inaugural Ball
Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, 7:00 pm Chaired by Al Gore, this environment-focused ball will include performances by John Legend, Maroon 5, will.i.am, Michael Franti and Melissa Etheridge.
More info: liveearth.org
Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future
Verizon Center, 7:00 pm.
Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers are headlining this official concert. Hosted by first lady-to-be Michelle Obama, Jill Biden and their families, it will be broadcast on the Disney Channel.
More information: www.pic2009.org
Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball
Gaylord National Resort; National Harbor, MD, 7:00 pm
Organized by the Texas State Society of Washington D.C., this ball features performances by Jack Ingram, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Kevin Fowler, Asleep at the Wheel, Dale Watson, Kelly Willis, Bruce Robinson, Charlie Robinson, Neal McCoy, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Rick Trevino and more.
More info: www.texasstatesociety.org
A Celebration of America
Kennedy Center, Eisenhower Theater, 7:00 pm
Wynton Marsalis and Bela Fleck will perform at this event hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper and Soledad O'Brien and organized by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Rockefeller Foundation. It will also air live on CNN.
More Info: www.kennedy-center.org
The Big Shoulders Ball
Black Cat, 7:00 pm
Hosted by Chicago's Hideout and Interchange, Big Shoulders, which is already sold out, features Andrew Bird, Ted Leo, Tortoise, the Waco Brothers, Eleventh Dream Day, Jon Langford, Sally Timms and more.
More info: www.blackcatdc.com
Rock The Vote and Rolling Stone VIP Reception
Gibson Showroom, 2:00 pm
Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban and other guests will perform at this afternoon party celebrating the stars who helped Rock the Vote get out the youth vote in 2008's presidential election.
More info: www.rockthevote.com/inauguration
Rock The Vote Inaugural Gala
9:30 Club, 8:00 pm
Dubbed “Hey, America Feels Kinda' Cool Again," this inaugural show features the Beastie Boys, Sheryl Crow, Citizen Cope and “friends" e at the 9:30 Club.
More info: www.rockthevote.com/inauguration
Joe Biden Bi-Partisan Dinner
Union Station, 6:30 pm
This official event features Carole King.
More information: www.pic2009.org
Colin Powell Bi-Partisan Dinner
National Building Museum, 5:00 pm
This official event features Faith Hill.
More information: www.pic2009.org
John McCain Bi-Partisan Dinner
Hilton Washington, 5:00 pm
This official event features Patti LaBelle.
More information: www.pic2009.org
The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball
Harman Center for the Arts, 9:00 pm
Presented by Russell Simmons, Valeisha Butterfield, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), this ball will feature performances by artists to be announced.
More info: www.hiphopinaugural.org
Pre-Inauguration Reception Honorin Obaba and the Congressional Black Caucus
Renaissance M Street Hotel, 9pm
This reception features special guests George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic.
First Inaugural Ball
The Carlyle Club, 8:00 pm
Features a performance by Martha Reeves.
More info: thecarlyleclub.com
The Swearing-In Ceremony
U.S. Capitol, West Front, 11:30 am.
Immediately before Obama takes the Oath of Office, Aretha Franklin will sing; the United States Marine Band, the San Francisco Boys Chorus, the San Francisco Girls Chorus will play, and John Williams will perform with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Gabriela Montero and Anthony McGill.
Info:www.pic2009.org
Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall D, 7:00pm
Tickets are required to attend this official ball, but it will also be broadcast on ABC beginning at 8:00pm ET/PT. The event will include performances by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder. Nick Cannon will DJ.
More info: www.pic2009.org
President Obama Home States Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall E, 7:00pm
Official Ball. Tickets Required. Performers include Common, Jack Johnson, and the Don Cagen Orchestra.
More info: www.pic2009.org
Commander-in-Chiefs Ball
National Building Museum, 7:00 pm
Official Ball. Tickets Required. Performers to be announced.
More info: www.pic2009.org
Vice President Biden Home States Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom, 8:00pm.
Official Ball. Tickets Required. Performers include Maroon 5 and the James Gerard Orchestra.
More info: www.pic2009.org
Mid-Atlantic Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall A, 8:00 pm.
Tickets are required to attend this official ball which will feature performances by the Grateful Dead and DJ Cassidy.
More info: www.pic2009.org
Midwestern Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall C, 8:00 pm.
Official Ball. Tickets Required. Performers include Sheryl Crow and Fabulous Motown Revue.
More info: www.pic2009.org
Western Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall B, 8:00 pm.
Official Ball. Tickets Required. Performers include Marc Anthony and Party on the Moon.
More info: www.pic2009.org
Youth Ball
Hilton Washington, 9:00 pm.
Official Ball. Tickets Required. Performers to be announced.
More info: www.pic2009.org
Eastern Ball
Union Station, 8:00 pm.
Official Ball. Tickets Required. Performers include James Taylor and Liquid Pleasure with Kenny Mann.
More info: www.pic2009.org
Southern Ball
DC Armory, 8:00 pm.
Official Ball. Tickets Required. Performers include The Derek Trucks Band with Susan Tedeschi and the Wil Gravatt Band.
More info: www.pic2009.org
Inaugural Peace Ball
Smithsonian Institution National Postal Museum, 7:00 pm
Hosted by Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Angelique Kidjo, Bernice Johnson Reagon & Toshi Reagon, Fertile Ground, Holly Near and Emma's Revolution, Ayanna Gregory, Sekou da Misfit and Steve Connell will perform. Nobel Price Laureate Jody Williams, author Alice Walker and playwright Eve Ensler are among the others who will appear.
More info: www.peaceball.org
Rock The Vote CK One Inauguration Party
9:30 Club, 8:00pm
Michael Franti (acoustic), Talib Kweli, The Dresden Dolls, Honey Brothers feat. Adrian Grennier, Burke, Ari Gold, Andrew Vladeck and others will perform.
More info: www.rockthevote.com/inauguration
Creative Coalition 2009 Inaugural Ball
Harman Center for the Arts, 8:00 pm
Sting, Elvis Costello and Sam Moore are reportedly playing at this party which will also be attended by celebrities including Spike Lee, Ron Howard, Ann Hathaway and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
More info: www.thecreativecoalition.org
American Music Legends Inaugural Ball
Wardman Park Marriott, 8:00 pm
Co-hosted Dionne Warwick and Yolanda Adams, the event includes two parties, a Legend's Ball and an Urban Ball. The Legend Ball will feature performances by George Clinton, Kirk Franklin, Chaka Khan, the Temptations, The OJays and others. The Urban ball will feature Outkast's Big Boi, T-Pain, David Banner, Monica, Fantasia, the Cheetah Girls, and others.
More info: www.americanmusicinauguralballs.com
Time For Hope Inaugural Jazz Gala
The Carlyle Club, Alexandria VA, 7:00 pm
Features performances by Darren Rahn, keyboardist Nate Harasim and the Phillip Martin Project.
More info: www.thecarlyleclub.com
The Inaugural Purple Ball
Fairmont Hotel, 7:00 pm
Features performances by Il Divo and Peter Cincotti.
More info: www.inauguralpurpleball.com
We the People Presidential Inaugural Gala and Ball
Hyatt Regency
Billed as featuring BeBe Winans and Tony Rich live, the event will also include “secret guests." More info: www.wethepeoplegala.com
Demand in DC: Applauding the Empowerment of People Thru Art, Film and Music
The Black Cat
Performers at this concert include by Anti-Flag, United Nations, The Akas, and Ruiner.
More info: www.anti-flag.com
Yes We Will: BET's Inauguration Celebration
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 8:00pm
Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean, Nick Cannon, Terrence Howard, Queen Latifah, Ne-Yo, Anita Baker, Jazmine Sullivan, and Joss Stone are among the many artists performing at the network's ball.
More info: BET
Out For Equality Ball
Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, 7:00 pm
The Human Rights Campaign hosts the Equality Ball, featuring performances by Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper, Rufus Wainwright, Thelma Houston, Dave Koz and others to be announced.
More info: www.hrc.org
The People's Inaugural Ball
More info: www.peoplesinauguralgala.com
For more information contact All About Jazz.
