Update on Dec. 2: Click here for an even fuller list of parties and balls, both official and unofficial.
Where are the hot parties to honor Barack Obama's inauguration? Figuring out the answer reminds me of covering parties at the political conventions. There are plenty of events to keep track of, and most are invitation-only and reserved for top political donors.
The presidential inauguration committee, which puts on the inauguration and related events, has limited individual donations to $50,000 and won't accept donations from corporations, political action committees, and lobbyists. But there will be plenty of non-official balls where those limits won't apply. For example, the Illinois State Society is holding a ball on Jan. 19, which is likely to be attended by Obama, and it has accepted donations from American Airlines and Exelon. (see Politico's story here)
So what are the top parties? Here is a list (as of Dec. 1) compiled by the DC Convention Center Authority of events scheduled between Jan. 18 and Jan. 21. And here's a few more compiled by National Journal. (Please send me tips, readers, as you discover more.)
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American Music Inaugural Ball, which is being put on by friends of singer Dionne Warwick, starts at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Wardman Hotel. Entertainment includes musicians Ludacris and The Temptations, depending upon the package you buy.
Hollywood's advocacy arm, the Creative Coalition, announced on Dec. 1 that singer Elvis Costello will be the featured musical guest at its inaugural ball at the Harman Center for the Arts. The ball starts at 9 p.m. A list of actors like Anne Hathaway and Matthew Modine say they will be attending, while another list of members of Congress say they will be co-hosting the party. A few weeks ago, we reported that the Creative Coalition was looking for corporate sponsors, so if you are a business looking for tickets to entertain clients, you may want to contact the group.
The Recording Industry Association of America is likely to partner with other entertainment groups, like the Motion Picture Association of America and a charity to host a party, but the group doesn't yet have a musician lined up to announce.
Lobbying power couple Tony and Heather Podesta (Tony owns the Podesta Group and Heather owns Heather Podesta + Partners) plan to host a few inaugural parties. One will be at Tosca, a restaurant in downtown D.C.
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey is also expected to host a party at an unknown location, while R. Donahue Peebles, Star Jones, and Chris Tucker are hosting a party at the Georgetown Club, according to the Associated Press.
Hawaii's state inaugural ball (the state where Obama was raised) will be on Jan. 20 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
If you don't have a lot of cash but still want to attend a ball, try the All America Ball, which will take place at the Westin hotel.
-- Bara Vaida
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