Sure, sure, this inauguration weekend isn't nearly as much of a "BFD" as President Obama's first, but there's still plenty of places to party and celebrities and musicians to look out for. Here's our list:
Who you'll see:
John Legend. This guy is literally everywhere. He'll be at a film screening Saturday, followed by a performance at OurTime.org's Inaugural Youth Ball. On Sunday, he's slated to attend the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball. Legend is also one of the musicians on tap for Saturday's Kids' Inaugural Concert and the two official inaugural balls at the Washington Convention Center Monday. And finally, he's expected to stop by the Electronic Arts inaugural after-party on the rooftop of the W hotel.
| COMPLETE 2013 INAUGURATION COVERAGE See all of The Washington Examiner's inauguration coverage at washingtonexaminer.com/inauguration. |
Who you won't see: Unless you snagged a ticket for the Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball Monday night, you most likely won't get to see the group's stars, according to U.S. News. That's because the arts advocacy group is keeping their celebrities under lock and key and not allowing them to attend other parties. Included on this list are Chelsea Handler, Kirsten Dunst, Ashley Greene, Johnny Galecki, Eric Stonestreet, Connie Britton and more.
What you'll hear: Hip-hop is dominating this year's inaugural performances, with Russell Simmons once again hosting a Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball on Sunday night at the Harman Center for the Arts. Additionally, Common is coming Saturday night to the Park at 14th and Lupe Fiasco is headlining a Sunday night party at the Hamilton Live. There's also a big pop presence, with Katy Perry on the roster of performers for the official inaugural balls and the Kids' Inaugural Concert. Beyonce is in town for the swearing-in ceremony, and Ke$ha will perform at the 9:30 Club Monday night for the Recording Industry Association of America. Piano pop star Ben Folds is performing at Saturday's National Day of Service. And an oldie, but goodie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, is headlining the 2013 Heroes Red, White & Blue Inaugural Concert Ball Sunday night.
What you'll taste: If you were lucky enough to snag an Inaugural Chefs Ball tickets you'll be treated to the tastes of celebrity chefs Art Smith and Mike Isabella at Smith's Art & Soul. If not, Churchkey's Inaugural Brewers Ball promises to have good food and great brews.
And if celebrities aren't your thing: There's a couple of under-the-radar parties going on too. For example, the Getaway in Columbia Heights is hosting parties Saturday and Sunday nights, starting at 10 p.m. "This party is for the rest of us who just want to let loose without the pretense," organizer Marshall Thompson told Yeas & Nays. Also, the Millennial Trains Project is hosting a couple days worth of events at M Central on H Street Northeast.
