Inaugural Ball Watch

[DCBob]

Inaugural Ball Watch
A flurry of new inaugural ball announcements came across our desk.

MTV and ServiceNation's "Be the Change" Inaugural Ball
Date: Jan. 20
Place: The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Other Details: TBA

The President's Ball
Date: January 20
Time: 7:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Place: The Washington Times Building, 3600 New York Avenue NE
Price: $200 before 12/31/08; $250 after 12/31/08
Attire: Black Tie Optional
Notes: Organized by the Maryland Inaugural Special Committee. Entertainment includes pianist Charles Covington, and musical groups The Softones and The Rollex Band.
Visit: http://www.presidentsball.com for tickets and for more information

The Historic Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19
Time: 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Place: Historic Society of Washington D.C., 801 K St. NW
Price: $250
Attire: Black Tie
Notes: Sponsored by Changeworks, LLC, this gala celebrates the inauguration of Barack Obama and the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Visit: http://www.changeworks-dc.org for tickets and for more information.

All American Ball
Date: January 20
Time: 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Place: Westin Washington DC City Center Hotel, 1400 M Street NW
Price: $175
Attire: Creative Black Tie (see site for details)
Notes: Tickets for the general public go on sale November 25
Visit: http://www.allamericanball.com for tickets and for more information.

HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball
Date: January 19
Time: 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Place: Sequoia at Washington Harbor, 3000 K Street NW
Price: $200
Attire: Black Tie
Notes: This Black Tie Gala is to show support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). A portion of the proceeds will go towards charities that give scholarships to students currently attending HBCU's.
If you are interested in purchasing tickets for this Gala please send an
e-mail to [e-mail] or visit http://www.hbcugala.com/

Corcoran Gallery of Art Inaugural Gala
Date: January 20
Time: TBA
Place: Corcoran Gallery of Art
Price: $1000 per person; $600 per non-profit organization (prices subject to change)
Attire: Black tie
Visit: http://www.linkamericas.org/gala2009.htm/index.htm for more information.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/inauguration-watch/
=======

Almost all the balls announced earlier have sold out. Seems there are new ones like these being organized now to accomodate the massive demand. Not sure if we are going to go to any of these. We may just organize our own among local friends and colleagues.

[rasputin1952]

1. While I am not into such "high profile" stuff, I can tell you I shall be

sitting back after the inauguration, energy depleted after the long sigh of relief I let out for finally seeing the disaster known as bush out of office and a ray of light dawning for this nation...:D

[sufrommich]

2. "The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center"

:puke:

[MyNameGoesHere]

3. Yeah !! While the Titanic sank the band played on.

I have always thought inauguration galas were expensive and a bit reminiscent of a monarchy. America is a strange place sometimes.

[fed_up_mother]

7. I think the balls are fun - I like the Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball

Although since Texas didn't go for Obama, I suspect he and Michelle will not be visiting that ball! :)

Imo, the balls remind me more of Mardi Gras than monarchy. :)

[MyNameGoesHere]

8. Been to em and still think it is a waste of money.

Don't know if ever they have been suspended but well. Historic or not, in these times it is wretched excess

[Hippo_Tron]

10. Maybe I'm just bitter that I never got invited to any Mardi Gras balls

But I can't stand that aspect of my hometown. Not that I have a problem with Mardi Gras, it's just the society shit that accompanies it that I can't deal with.

At least with the inaugural balls your money is good no matter what your last name is.

[MaineDem]

4. There will be many low priced events

Many states are planning free or low-cost events. The official balls have not been announced yet and I'm told there will be at least one of them that will be affordable for most people.

The site, pic2009.org, will have all the official announcements.

Edited to correct the URL for the PIC.

[DCBob]

5. Free or low-cost sounds good. I think we will wait and see what comes up.

Thanks!

[Bluenorthwest]

6. At which Ball

will Nero be fiddling?

[Cash_thatswhatiwant]

9. I want to go to the MTV ball...its probably sold out.