Inaugural Events

I’m compiling a list of affordable (at least relative to some others) events surrounding the inauguration. Let me know of any others that sound interesting.

Wednesday, January 14

• DC for Democracy Meetup, 7–9pm, Harriet’s Family Restaurant (not Harry’s), 432 11th Street NW (Metro Center). Our friends at the local grassroots group DC4D will be taking a closer look at two issues they’re considering for their 2009 Progressive Agenda: marriage equality and the housing crisis. Special guests will be Michael Crawford, founder of the campaign DC for Marriage, and Eric Sheptock, leader of Until We’re Home (formerly the Committee to Save Franklin Shelter).

Thursday, January 15

• DC Drinking Liberally Says “Goodbye, George!”, 6:30–9pm, Timberlake’s (back room), 1726 Connecticut Ave NW (Dupont Circle). Our usual Thursday get-together has special significance because it’s the last time we’ll be meeting during George W. Bush’s presidency. Join us and get the Bush out of your system so you’re ready to say “Hello, Barack!” next week.

Friday, January 16

• The People’s Inaugural Premier, 8pm–1am, Historical Society of DC, 801 K St NW. Various grassroots groups are sponsoring three nights of events. The first is “Celebrating a New Generation of Grassroots Activists”. Music by Doug E. Fresh, Kurtis Blow, DJ Kool Herc, DJ Harvey Nunez, Joe L. Da Vessel and Melodic, and Lin Que. $75.
• Inaugural Tree Hugger Happy Hour, 5pm, The Reef, 2446 18th St NW. The environmental happy hour moves from its usual third Thursday this month. For those who can get away early, the rooftop deck is where the party will begin (they have heat lamps and it is covered) until it fills up and then spill out onto the 2nd floor.

Saturday, January 17

• The People’s Inaugural Ball, 8pm–mid, Historical Society of DC, 801 K St NW. Various grassroots groups are sponsoring three nights of events. The second is the ball. Entertainment by Lotus, WMD, and the Obama Girls of Comedy; emceed by Scott Blakeman. $125.
• Cool Inaugural Ball, 8pm–mid, Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St NW (Columbia Heights). Celebrate as Cool Capital Challenge and the Washington DC Chapter of the Sierra Club join forces to help stop the climate crisis right here in the nation’s capital. Rock out with us as we groove to Northeast Corridor, the band that helped put this president into office with their “Sing for Obama: Karaoke We Can Believe In” Fundraisers. And with an extra donation you can take a turn as lead singer of the band! $75.

Sunday, January 18

• The People’s Inaugural LGBT Gayla, 8pm–2am, Historical Society of DC, 801 K St NW. Various grassroots groups are sponsoring three nights of events. The third is “Honoring AFL-CIO’s Pride at Work and Congressman Barney Frank”. Music by the Annie Minogue Band, DJ Gavin Holland of Nouveau Riche, Joe L. Da Vessel and Melodic, and Shi-Queeta-Lee. $100.
• Blue Catapult Pre-Inaugural Shenanigans, 8:30pm–closing, Stars Bistro and Bar (formerly Mimi’s American Bistro), 2120 P St NW (Dupont Circle). LAUGH at political comic Lee Camp. LOOK at the spectacle of modern belly dancing. LISTEN to the music from DC DJs John Bowen, Campbell Tyler and more. And help Blue Catapult keep Congress blue. $20 until January 15, $25 thereafter.
• Red Goes Blue Inaugural Bash, 10pm–1am, Old Ebbitt Grill, 75 15th St NW. Hosted by Young Lawyers for Obama. Featuring two great live bands (Jackie Greene; Grace Potter and the Nocturnals), open bar, and appetizers. $100.

Monday, January 19

• Netroots Nation “Yes We Can” Party, Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington (Clarendon). An evening of celebrating, carousing, eating and drinking with the progressive community, with live music by Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band! Or make your own music by joining us in the Wired for Change Guitar Hero Lounge. Co-hosted by AmericaBlog, Blue Commonwealth, Congress Matters, Crooks & Liars, Democratic GAIN, Firedoglake, Fivethirtyeight.com, Frameshop, The Great Schelp, Jack & Jill Politics, Living Liberally, myDD, New Organizing Institute, and Not Larry Sabato. $90 includes live music, hors d’oeuvres, and four drink tickets.

Tuesday, January 20

• DC for Obama’s Inauguration Night Celebration, 9pm–4am, Station 9, 1438 U St NW. Join DC for Obama in celebration of our 44th President-elect Barack Obama! We are hosting a special party to honor our volunteers for all of their hard work and dedication throughout the campaign! This celebration is especially for everyone who has worked hard for months, but may not have the money or stamina for DC’s formal Inauguration Balls. Out of town volunteers, staff or excited Obama supporters are extremely welcomed and we’d love to have you join us in our celebration of the grassroots movement for Obama. $30.
• The Art of Change, 8pm, Warehouse Theatre, 1021 7th St NW. Hosted by Artomatic and Playa del Fuego. Occupying three separate venues on the 1000 block of 7th St NW, the Art of Change will feature visual and performing arts, multiple dance floors, fire dancing and live music. DJs from across the mid-Atlantic region will be spinning an eclectic mix of musical styles on two dance floors, and in The Art of Change Galleries, displaying artworks created for this celebration. The Variety Stage will showcase performances all night long, including live music, comedy, belly dancing and spoken word poetry. And outside, attendees will enjoy fire-dance performances while dancing to up-and-coming DJs in the heated White Tent. $50.
• 51st State Ball, Wilson Building. Word is that Chuck Brown, the Godfather of Go-Go, will be playing and tickets can be purchased in person, cash only, for $51 at the Lincoln Theater.

Thursday, January 22

• Mike Lux at DC Drinking Liberally, 6:30–9pm, Timberlake’s (back room), 1726 Connecticut Ave NW (Dupont Circle). Our guest speaker next week will be Mike Lux, progressive liaison for the Obama transition team. Mark your calendars. Details to come.