Inauguration Calendar of Events
Gay community events, Free public concerts, Balls, and Services: Friday-Wednesday, January 16-21, 2009
Friday, January 16
Celebrate Change Prepare for Tomorrow — A cocktail reception in honor of the president and vice president, and a fundraiser in support of the Stonewall Democrats’ efforts to ”elect pro-equality Democrats in 2009 state and local races and in the 2010 mid-term elections.” From 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Halo Lounge, 1435 P St. NW, 202-797-9730. Tickets are $50. Visit www.stonewalldemocrats.org/inaugurationevents.
The People’s Inaugural Premier — ”Celebrating a New Generation of Grassroots Activists,” from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., at the Historical Society of Washington, 801 K St. NW. Tickets are $75, $250 for Host Committee VIP Pass. Visit www.thepeoplesinaugural.com/tickets/premier.
Saturday, January 17
The People’s Inaugural Ball — ”Celebrating Grassroots on the Ground Electing a President,” from 8 p.m. to midnight, at the Historical Society of Washington, 801 K St. NW. Tickets are $125, $250 for Host Committee VIP Pass. Visit www.thepeoplesinaugural.com/tickets/ball.
Sunday, January 18
We Are One — The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial is free and open to the general public. The presentation begins at 2 p.m., featuring performances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington in addition to a long list of superstars including Bono, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow and Bruce Springsteen. Rev. Gene Robinson, openly gay bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church in the diocese of New Hampshire, is scheduled to deliver the invocation for this event. Those attending should arrive at 23rd Street NW and West Potomac Park. For more information call 202-651-2009, or visit www.pic2009.org.
The People’s Inaugural LGBT Gayla — ”Celebrating Pride at Work,” from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., at the Historical Society of Washington, 801 K St. NW. Tickets are $100, $250 for Host Committee VIP Pass. Visit www.thepeoplesinaugural.com/tickets/gayla.
The White Attire Affair Donor Inaugural Reception — An HIV/AIDS fundraiser co-sponsored by Al Sura Inc. and SWERVE Magazine, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Onyx, 1100 First St. SE. Donation of $50 is requested. Visit www.al-sura.org.
Monday, January 19
Be: GLAAD — A Special Inaugural Reception benefiting GLAAD and featuring DJ Shane Wooten. From 5 to 9 p.m. Be Bar, 1318 9th St. NW. Visit www.bebardc.com.
The People’s Inaugural Lesbian Gayla — Two DJs on two floors at the Gallery Lounge, 1115 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Md. Starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $25 for singles and $40 for couples. For details call 202-413-4788 or visit www.lgbtinaugural.com/lesbian.html.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service — ”Renew America Together.” To find or host volunteering efforts, visit www.usaservice.org/content/home.
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED – Yesterday’s Dream to Today’s Change — Ebony Pyramid Entertainment’s Pre-Inaugural Gala dinner. Social hour/open bar from 7 to 8 p.m., dinner and dance from 8 p.m. to midnight, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Va. Admission is $125, and a portion of proceeds to benefit Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care, D.C. Black Pride, National Black Justice Coalition and the Just As I Am Foundation. Tickets sales scheduled to end Jan. 16, with no tickets at the door. Visit www.ebonypyramidonline.com.
Tuesday, January 20
Inauguration Day — The National Mall will be open for those wishing to see the swearing-in ceremonies for President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden. Festivities, which include a parade, kick off at 10 a.m. on the west end of the U.S. Capitol, and include performances by Aretha Franklin and others. Invocation is at 11:30 a.m. Obama is scheduled to be sworn in at noon. Parade runs down Pennsylvania Ave. from the Capitol to the White House, stepping off at 2 p.m. Tickets to the swearing-in and parade are sold out. Visit www.pic2009.org.
Obama 44 Inaugural Gala — From 7 p.m. to midnight. The Camden/Roosevelt, 2101 16th St. NW. Black tie optional. Buffet, open bar, DJ. Tickets are $100.
Out for Equality — ”The LGBT Community Commemoration of Barack Obama & Joe Biden’s Inauguration,” from 7 p.m. to midnight, at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW. Scheduled to appear: Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper, Rufus Wainwright, Thelma Houston, Dave Koz, Catie Curtis, Ross Mathews and Potomac Fever. Hosted bar and more. Festive or formal dress. Hosted Bar. Tickets are $375. Visit www.boxofficetickets.com/outforequality.
Dance for Equality — The GLBT inaugural coalition’s follow-up to Out for Equality, at Town Danceboutique, 2009 Eighth St. NW, from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., featuring entertainment and appearances by DJ Manny Lehman, Cyndi Lauper and Ross Mathews, aka ”Ross the Intern” from Jay Leno’s Tonight Show. Tickets are $50. Must be 21 and over to attend. Visit www.boxofficetickets.com/outforequality.
Wednesday, January 21
National Prayer Service — The newly inaugurated President and Vice President will participate in a service at the National Cathedral. The Presidential Inauguration Committee will release details about this event on www.pic2009.org.
Inclusion of an event in these listings does not guarantee ticket availability. For additional events at local bars and clubs, please see our Nightlife Section.
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