Obama Inauguration Music Guide: Katy Perry to Q-Tip
Just as Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration drew stars from Beyonce to Aretha Franklin, the president's re-election has led to another can't-miss week for music fans. Some musicians, such as John Legend and Alicia Keys, will be all over Washington D.C. in the coming days, while others will offer single performances -- or show up for a night of DJing. We've hiked through Capital Hill's extensive inauguration schedule to bring you a list of the week's biggest balls.
Kids' Inaugural BallWhen and Where: Saturday, Jan. 19, Washington Convention CenterKids will be having all the fun. this weekend, with the "Some Nights" rockers joining Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Brad Paisley, Marc Anthony, Mindless Behavior, Nick Cannon and the cast of "Glee" at the weekend event. The audience will include first lady Michelle Obama and first family daughters Sasha and Malia.
Inaugural Millenial BallWhen and Where: Saturday, Jan. 19, M CentralBallers on a budget should head to this event, held in a red carpet-free warehouse with a $75 open bar. Funk Ark and Oddisee will perform, with Mayer Hawthorne throwing down a DJ set.
Learn.Build.CreateWhen and Where: Saturday, Jan. 19, W HotelThe relatively late-night event -- it starts at 11 p.m., past Sasha and Malia's bedtime -- will include Pharrell Williams and John Legend.
General Now PartyWhen and Where: Saturday, Jan. 19, Kogod Courtyard at the Reynolds CenterWill.i.am will co-host the OurTime.org event, which will also feature music from John Legend, T-Pain and Common.
Peace Bal! lWhen and Where: Sunday, Jan. 20, Arena Stage at the Mead CenterDistrict bookstore Busboys and Poets will organize the sold-out, liberal-minded ball, which will include a DJ set from Moby.
Speaker's Cabinet Inauguration Luncheon and ConcertWhen and Where: Sunday, Jan. 20, Italian EmbassyCyndi Lauper and John Legend will serenade Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic Party figures at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee event.
Hip-Hop Inaugural BallWhen and Where: Sunday, Jan. 20, Harman Center for the ArtsLa La will host Russell Simmons' black tie charity gala, with John Legend, 2 Chainz, Brandy, Pharrell, Jadakiss, Swizz Beats and many more set to attend. Performances will feature Wayne Brady, Meek Mill and a number of hip-hop legends, with Doug E. Fresh and DJ D-Nice to take the stage.
Plan to Rock!When and Where: Sunday, Jan. 20, 9:30 ClubDelta Rae will live up to the party's title at the club, with the vibes balanced by a Q-Tip DJ set and celeb appearances from Tatyana Ali, Aisha Tyler and Kate Walsh. DJ Lil'e will spin at the afterparty.
2013 Inaugural BallWhen and Where: Monday, Jan. 21, Washington Convention CenterThis is the place to be on Monday -- the official celebration of President Obama's re-election. This week's numerous events will include only two official events, with the Commander-in-Chief's Ball also happening Monday. Not that ball-goers will need another night out after this one: Katy Perry, Usher, Mana, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Soundgarden and Brad Paisley will be among the many acts soundtracking the big bash. At the inauguration itself, look for Kelly Clarkson to perform "My Country 'Tis of Thee," with James Taylor singing "America the Beautiful" and Beyonce singing the national anthem.
Commander in Chief's BallWhen and Where: Monday, Jan. 21, Wash! ington Co! nvention CenterThe evening's other official event will be held for military members and families, with Alicia Keys, Chris Cornell, Brad Paisley, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx slated to appear.
Creative Coalition's Inaugural BallWhen and Where: Monday, Jan. 21, Harman Center for the ArtsThe star-studded event will include both musicians and comedians, with the Goo Goo Dolls set to play and Paula Abdul joining actors Eric Stonestreet, John Leguizamo, Giancarlo Esposito and Johnny Galecki in attendance. You can be there, too, if $10,000 for a pair of tickets won't start a personal recession.
BYT's Inauguration Spectacular 2013When and Where: Monday, Jan. 21, Bohemian CavernsThe 9 a.m.-2 a.m. bash will bring Brooklyn to D.C., with performances from Computer Magic and Rewards, a Chairlift side-project.
Ambassador's Inaugural BallWhen and Where: Monday, Jan. 21, Carnegie LibraryBiz Markie, Mi Casa and LIRA will hit the stage at the VIP event, which will draw ambassadors from Morocco to Malawi.
Hill Country BarbecueWhen: Monday, Jan. 21For those looking to make their own music this week, the bar will host Rock 'n Twang Live Band Karaoke night, which goes from 8:30 until the house band runs out of Willie Nelson. Stop by that morning for breakfast tacos, coffee and hot chocolate.