2009, January 21: USA TODAY: Historic night of celebration takes Washington by storm
February 8, 2009
January 21, 2009 — Formal and informal parties and balls were happening all over Washington on Tuesday. Here's a rundown of some of the major parties in D.C.
Heroes Red, White & Blue Inaugural Ball
Where: Warner Theatre
Who: George Clinton & Parliament, Larry King, Nancy Pelosi and Isaiah Washington.
Why: To raise civilian awareness about the unique struggles facing military families. Wounded soldiers from Walter Reed hospital — some in wheelchairs, some using canes — snapped photos with celebs, got autographs and were thanked by famous folk for their contributions.
Seen & heard: "I played Chicken George (in TV's Roots), so I had to be here," Ben Vereen said on the carpet. "I had to be in the vortex of this amazing thing in this amazing country." Former NBA star Jalen Rose met Obama about three years ago. Although the two haven't gotten together on the court yet, they joked about being left-handed. "You hear 'nice guys finish last,' " Rose says. "But the election just destroys all of that. It makes me want to be a better man."
—Kelley L. Carter
Entire article:
Historic night of celebration takes Washington by storm
By Sharon Jayson, Mary Beth Marklein, Cindy Clark, Olivia Barker, Maria Puente, Kelly E. Carter, Arienne Thompson, Kelley L. Carter, Chris Gray, Geri Tucker, Korina Lopez, Rebecca Heslin and Donna Freydkin, USA TODAY
Formal and informal parties and balls were happening all over Washington on Tuesday. Here's a rundown of some of the major parties in D.C.
LIFELINE LIVE:Blow-by-blow ball accounts
DIARY: Tears of joy for Kerry Washington
BLOGS: Citizen journalists report from D.C.
Obama Home States Inaugural Ball
Where: Washington Convention Center
Why: A celebration of the president's home states of Hawaii and Illinois
Who: Hometown entertainers — Chicago hip-hop artist Common, Hawaiian singer/songwriter Jack Johnson, plus Chicago trumpeter Don Cagen and orchestra
Seen & heard: At 9:04, the band struck up Hail to the Chief. "Aloha," President Obama said. "What's going on? This is a special moment because it represents our roots. … Together you have given us so much. So many of you (are) old friends. … We love you, and God bless you." The Obamas took a spin on the dance floor, he with his hand around her waist and she with her arm on his shoulder. Spotted: Oprah Winfrey, comedian D.L. Hughley, singer Akon and actress Hayden Panettiere. David Meyer, 10, a Chicago fifth-grader, in black tux with parents Stacey and Douglas, noted it was not his first time in a tux, just his first inauguration. "Everyone's here for the same reason, Barack Obama, and everyone is so happy. It's kind of like an optimists club," David said. Another potential club member: Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe, for whom Obama was a research assistant, said he told people 10 years ago that Obama would be the first African-American president. "(He) has an extraordinary combination of brilliance, talent and charisma, (and an) amazing capacity to listen and understand." Another Tribe student, Chief Justice John Roberts, gave the oath of office.
— Sharon Jayson
Biden Home States Inaugural Ball
Where: Washington Convention Center
Who: Entertainment by Maroon 5, James Gerard Orchestra
Why: A celebration of the vice president's home states of Pennsylvania and Delaware
Seen & heard: The Bidens arrived about 10:10 p.m., danced to Van Morrison's Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, and left around 10:17; the Obamas showed up for their dance around 11:05. But many of the younger guests came to see Grammy winner Maroon 5 as well. Lead singer Adam Levine, dressed all in black, no tie, no jacket, said the "first picture" he had taken with then-senator Biden is "right in front of my front door in my house. And every single time I go in my house, I see it. I think it's pretty cool. Mr. Vice President, I would gladly geek out for you." And Delaware's other senator, Tom Carper, noted that Biden's oath of office "was the shortest speech I've ever heard Joe give."
— Mary Beth Marklein
Youth Inaugural Ball
Where: Washington Hilton's International Ballroom
Who: Performers included Kanye West, Fall Out Boy and Kid Rock. MTV, which ditched plans to hold its own ball, broadcast live from the event with guest correspondents Rosario Dawson and Usher.
Why: Obama wanted a ball where those ages 18 to 35 could celebrate "the role young Americans can play to serve their communities."
Seen & heard: When word spread that the Obamas had arrived, the crowd began chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!" and sang along as members of the U.S. Air Force Band played God Bless America. Obama spoke about the power of young people: "A new generation inspired previous generations, and that is how change happens in America. … The future will be in your hands if you are able to sustain the kind of energy and focus you showed on this campaign." He and Michelle danced to an instrumental version of At Last this time. Obama gave the crowd one last laugh by saying, "That's what's called old-school!" Before the couple arrived, West took to the stage amid cheers and applause. Arms went up, and hundreds of digital cameras started snapping away. He performed Stronger, Heartless and Love Lockdown and inserted Obama into many of the lyrics. Kid Rock kicked off the night with Sweet Home Alabama, transitioning into his own Alabama-inspired All Summer Long. Fall Out Boy performed Thanks for the Memories, and before the ball, singer Pete Wentz said the night would be special because "there's a good vibe in the air." His band had tickets to the swearing-in but changed plans: "We ended up walking from the hotel, climbing a tree and watching it on a Jumbotron." His wife, Ashlee Simpson, stayed home in L.A. with 2-month-old Bronx Mowgli. She "held the phone up to the TV, so we could hear the oath."
—Cindy Clark
Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball
Where: National Building Museum
Who: Military brass rubbed epaulets with Jon Bon Jovi, Jordin Sparks and Josh Groban, who quipped, "I know from looking out there that this is the safest damn party." Comedian George Lopez emceed.
Why: It's a tribute to members and families of the armed forces broadcast to U.S. troops around the world; George W. Bush threw the first one in 2005.
Seen & heard: Obama arrived just before 9:45 ET, and said: "I want to recognize some very special guests: 300 wounded warriors from Walter Reed (Army Medical Center). Thank you for your service, and I wish you quick and healthy recoveries." Ballgoers cheered. He acknowledged families of the fallen, and thanked enlisted men and women and junior officers. "It's wonderful to be surrounded by some of the very best and bravest Americans. … I will have no honor or greater responsibility than serving as your commander-in-chief." Members of the Illinois National Guard 33rd Infantry, on a giant screen, were connected via satellite from Afghanistan. Obama, a well-known White Sox fan, quizzed them about their sports allegiances. "This is terrible," he said, after the first four said they were Cubs fans. The fifth said, "Sox." And Obama grinned. Michelle Obama appeared to rapturous applause. They chatted while dancing, then split off and paired up with Marine Corps Sgt. Elidio Guillen and Army Sgt. Margaret Herrera. At one point, President Obama gushed: "Tonight I have the very special honor of being known as the guy who accompanied Michelle Obama to the ball." A bit earlier, Joe Biden bounded down the steps of the circular stage, grinning to wild applause. "What an honor to be here tonight," he said. "As a father with a son stationed in Iraq, I can tell you without reservation that is a greater honor (than being vice president)." The stage, raised waist-high above the carpeted floor, was emblazoned with the presidential seal and a sign reading "Renewing America's Promise."
— Olivia Barker
Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
Where: Washington Convention Center
Who: The all-star talent included will.i.am and Alicia Keys.
Why: The ball was the first stop of the night for the president and his wife, Michelle. More than 1,000 free tickets went to locals, and others were sold at an affordable price. It aired live on ABC.
Seen & heard: Beyoncé serenaded the Obamas during their traditional first dance with the Etta James classic At Last. "First of all, how good-looking is my wife?" Obama asked the cheering crowd. Beyoncé was so emotional she could barely keep her composure. Later, she choked up as she told ABC: "I'm so lucky to be part of this history — it's probably the most important day in my life. I'm so overwhelmed." Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Faith Hill and Mariah Carey sang along with Stevie Wonder to Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Leonardo DiCaprio introduced Vice President Biden and his wife, Jill. "The reason I want to keep talking is that I can't dance — but I sure like to hold her," Biden joked. Spotted during the night: Denzel Washington and Sting.
—Maria Puente and Kelly E. Carter
BET Inaugural Ball
Where: Mandarin Oriental hotel
Who: Queen Latifah, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Terrence Howard, Tyler Perry, Ne-Yo, Jessye Norman, Magic Johnson, Angela Bassett, Courtney Vance, Samuel L. Jackson, Star Jones and Anita Baker were expected to attend.
Why: The network's first inaugural ball is part of a four-day celebration that included Saturday's BET Honors.
Seen & heard: "D.C. is beautiful right now," said Jay-Z. "I'm excited about a president that inspires hope." "Barack is the door, we have to walk through it," said rapper David Banner. "It's time for me to step it up as a man. It's more than just a plan, it's a lifestyle." "It's a great night for all people of color," said gospel star Kirk Franklin, also celebrating his 13th wedding anniversary with wife Tammy on Tuesday. His advice to the new president: "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven." Debbie Allen described her inaugural journey Tuesday morning: "I walked a couple of miles along with everyone else. We warmed each other like penguins on National Geographic. When he took that stage, we had bonded." Said Mary J. Blige: "I'm just very inspired."
—Arienne Thompson
Heroes Red, White & Blue Inaugural Ball
Where: Warner Theatre
Who: George Clinton & Parliament, Larry King, Nancy Pelosi and Isaiah Washington.
Why: To raise civilian awareness about the unique struggles facing military families. Wounded soldiers from Walter Reed hospital — some in wheelchairs, some using canes — snapped photos with celebs, got autographs and were thanked by famous folk for their contributions.
Seen & heard: "I played Chicken George (in TV's Roots), so I had to be here," Ben Vereen said on the carpet. "I had to be in the vortex of this amazing thing in this amazing country." Former NBA star Jalen Rose met Obama about three years ago. Although the two haven't gotten together on the court yet, they joked about being left-handed. "You hear 'nice guys finish last,' " Rose says. "But the election just destroys all of that. It makes me want to be a better man."
—Kelley L. Carter
Hawaii State Society of Washington D.C.
Where: Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Who: Honorary chairs include Hawaii Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka. American Samoa and Fiji also are represented. The society invited 1,000 people, including members of Obama's 1979 graduating class at the private Punahou School.
Why: The society's first Inaugural Ball celebrates native son Barack Obama. Planning started in April.
Seen & heard: Donna Strasburg of Fort Washington, Md., grew up in Oahu and used to live near the Baskin-Robbins where Obama worked as a teen. "I feel like he is one of us," she said. She wore a Haku flower lei on her head. Society president Sarah Ulis, wearing a Chinese-influenced sheath and a jasmine lei, said Obama's presidency "will build a bridge between the mainland and the islands. It's making a statement that we are here." The tables were graced with flowers from all the Hawaiian islands, and the foods, including sushi, shrimp wontons, Thai garden rolls and roasted pig, represented the many cultures that live there. Bridget Albert of Southern Wine and Spirits in Chicago prepared two special drinks: The American Dream (poma black cherry rum, fresh cherry juice, fresh lemon juice) and Air Force One (Hpnotiq, citrus vodka, lemon juice, Sprite). "To have my cocktails be part of history — I'm tickled," Albert said.
— Chris Gray
The People's Inaugural Ball
Where: J.W. Marriott Hotel
Who: Entertainers expected to perform included jazz singer Jean Carne.
Why: The non-profit Stafford Foundation is giving people who would ordinarily be excluded — such as the homeless, the abused, the unemployed and wounded veterans — a chance to go to the ball. Other guests with more advantages were invited in an attempt to bring together disparate lives.
Seen & heard: Approximately 1,000 people attended the ball. The foundation provided gowns and tuxedos for its disadvantaged guests. Charles Hynes, 64, of Memphis is a Hurricane Katrina evacuee who is trying to rebuild his life. An artist who used to work with silver, he traveled to Washington with 47 other Katrina evacuees. While he appreciates the Stafford Foundation's generosity, he said, "This is nice, but I'm really here for Obama." As an African American, "I never thought I would see this in my lifetime."
— Geri Tucker
Human Rights Campaign/Out for Equality Ball
Where: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
Who: Emcee Ross Mathews from The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Ian McKellen, New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson; performances by Rufus Wainwright and Cyndi Lauper.
Why: The Human Rights Campaign is the USA's largest civil rights organization. Other co-sponsors included Parents, Friends and Family of Gays and Lesbians, and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
Seen & heard: Melissa Etheridge, who was to perform late Tuesday, brought kids Bailey Jean, 11, and Beckett, 10, for the inauguration. "Rick Warren (who gave the invocation) is a polarizing figure for the gay community. If we are asking (evangelicals) to open up to us, we have to open up to them." Said Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop: "I believe President Obama will come through for us, but if not, we will be there to remind him." On the menu: Mini Pad Thai, sushi, crab cakes, duck crepes, cheesecake, chocolate truffle lollipops, fruit tarts.
— Korina Lopez
The Creative Coalition Ball
Where: The Harman Center for the Arts
Why: To raise money for the Creative Coalition, a non-profit advocacy group for arts and entertainment.
Who: Anne Hathaway, Kerry Washington, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Marisa Tomei, Alfre Woodard, Alan Cumming and Spike Lee. Sting and Elvis Costello performed.
Seen & heard: Kim Raver, kicking off her night at the Creative Coalition dinner at restaurant Cha: "We did a lot of walking today but somehow did not feel the cold. Tonight, I'm just hanging with the Creative Coalition group. It's been an amazing day. I'm just going with the flow." Said Lee: "I was so happy to see George Bush leave in that helicopter. High jinks and festivities tonight, but tomorrow, America gets back to work." Woodard hugged Lee, while Cumming complimented Lee's top hat. Comedian Jeffrey Ross, on his favorite D.C. tourist attraction: "George Bush's helicopter fly-off into the sunset." Fashion stylist Phillip Bloch on the look of Vice President Biden's wife, Jill: "She looked like a sexy schoolteacher in those (black leather) boots."
—Rebecca Heslin and Donna Freydkin
The Inaugural Purple Ball
Where: The Fairmont Hotel
Who: Amy Brenneman, Ed Harris, Ashley Judd, Amy Madigan, Brad Silberling, David Alan Grier, Dionne Warwick. Opera quartet Il Divo performed.
Why: To benefit the United Negro College Fund
Seen & heard: Harris and wife Madigan, both dressed in tuxedos (she in Dolce & Gabbana). Madigan about Michelle Obama: "I think she's really hot. She can wear Gap and she can wear designers." Harris on his favorite moment of the day: "Just walking down here and seeing the people all over the place. It's freezing cold, and everybody's (out) for a reason." Brenneman on her favorite moment of the day: "I loved how quiet it got during Obama's speech. I have this image of the whole world getting quiet." Warwick said she watched the inauguration from her hotel room bed. She met Obama several months ago. "He actually sang (her hit) Walk on By to me. He did a pretty good job." After braving the cold and the crowds, Grier reflected on his most memorable moment: "When they delivered that glass of wine to me back at my hotel."
— Ann Oldenburg
Feeding America/RIAA Inauguration Ball
Where: Ibiza, a hot D.C. nightclub
Who: The recording industry charity bash featured a performance by Rihanna and was hosted by Courteney Cox and David Arquette. In the crowd: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Brandon Routh, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Shakira, Russell Simmons and Rosanna Arquette.
Why: In support of Obama's pledge to end child hunger by 2015, proceeds went to the nation's top hunger-relief group.
Seen & heard: By midnight, Groban — who had been awake since 6 a.m. ("First time I got up at the first buzz of the alarm") — joked he was "operating on gummy bears and Diet Coke." T.I. had tickets to the swearing-in but couldn't get across the bridge from his hotel in Maryland. But he wasn't disappointed: "I was able to witness history. It doesn't matter where my vantage point was." "There was nothing but joy in the air — the very cold air," Hancock said. "I still have my thermal underwear on." —Kelly E. Carter, special for USA TODAY
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