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FYI....

Arlene Busch
312-498-9595 (m)
202-333-1880 (w)


Begin forwarded message:

From: Arlene Busch <abusch@contegocapital.com<mailto:abusch@contegocapital.com>>
Date: January 17, 2013 9:40:17 AM EST
To: Schwerin Eric <eschwerin@rosemontseneca.com<mailto:eschwerin@rosemontseneca.com>>
Subject: A few suggestions....


I would really like to try to attend;

#5 // #3 // #6 // #8 (obviously not every one but....)

Thanks bunches....(if humanly possible)

And it wasn’t because the first couple remain relatively detached from the social life of the nation’s capital.

Everyone knows that the bestinauguration<http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/p/presidents_and_presidency_us/inaugurations/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier> parties aren’t the government balls but the private fetes that fill museums and restaurants, tie up car services, throw caterers and celebrity wranglers into high gear, and turn Washington into something like Fashion Week or the Oscars for the style challenged.

Here’s a selective and highly curated list.

1. HOT LIST

The power brokers atop the invitation should be a tip off — Buffy and Bill Cafritz, Ann and Vernon Jordan, Vicki and Roger Sant — for one of the most coveted tickets in town. Their 2009 edition was so star-studded — Tim Geithner here, Tom Brokaw, Ben Bradlee and Eli Broad there — that the Clintons couldn’t make it 10 feet past the door. And at least one movie star, an organizer claimed, was turned away. It wasn’t Glenn Close. She was inside.

Dolley Madison Ballroom at the Madison, 1177 15th Street, NW; Sunday, 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Invitation only.

2. BIG TICKET

With tickets starting at $10,000 a pair, expect theCreative Coalition’s Inaugural Ball<http://thecreativecoalition.org/2013/01/02/goo-goo-dolls-headline-the-creative-coalitions-inaugural-ball/> to attract high-rollers and notable names, even if not quite like in 2009. The Goo Goo Dolls play this time for guests including Paula Abdul, Eric Stonestreet, John Leguizamo, Giancarlo Esposito and Johnny Galecki. Oh, and Tim Daly, too. He’s the president — of the Creative Coalition, that is.

Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F Street, NW; Monday from 9 p.m. Tickets from $10,000 a pair.

3. BOY BAND ALERT

Michelle Obama and Jill Biden headline the Kid’s Inaugural concert, hosted by the presidential inauguration committee and held in honor of military families. Expected guests include Alicia Keys, the cast of “Glee,” Katy Perry and Marc Anthony. Mindless Behavior (the boy band) is also on the roster. A prediction of the days to follow?

Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW; Saturday from TBD. Invitation only.

4. DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS

While there are only two official balls, there’s no shortage of state society balls.And veterans know that these state balls have more food, drink and chances to hobnob with members of Congress. The standout is theBlack Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball, sponsored by theTexas State Society<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/17/fashion/texasstatesociety.org> of Washington, which promises six stages with performers, and truckloads of Texan food and drink. Gowns for women and tuxedos and boots for men suggested. Cowboy hats optional.

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center (National Harbor, Maryland); Saturday, 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. $250 members; $275 for nonmembers (texasstatesociety.org<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/17/fashion/texasstatesociety.org>).

5. LADIES WHO BRUNCH?

Google is toning things down from its 2009 inaugural bash, which featured dancing, a game room and big names like Ben Affleck, John Cusack and Craig Newmark (of Craigslist). This time, the search engine (which has a big legislative agenda) is partnering with Elle and the Center for American Progress for aLeading Women in Washington brunch, toasting the record number of new congresswomen, many of whom are expected to attend. No binders full of women here, just the real thing.

National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F Streets, NW; Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.: Invitation only.

6. LATINO VOTES AND VOICES

Last fall, activists took the Kennedy Center to task for only including two Hispanics — Plácido Domingo and Chita Rivera — among its 186 honorees since 1978. Now a committee has been formed to address the issue. By happy coincidence (or is it?), Latinos take center stage for “ In Performance at the Kennedy Center<http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=RNXBQ>,” hosted by Eva Longoria and others. Lineup includes Antonio Banderas, Rosario Dawson, Raúl Esparza, José Feliciano, Melanie Griffith, George Lopez, Rita Moreno and Ms. Rivera. Picante!

Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F Street, NW; Sunday from 7 p.m. Tickets, $150 to $300.

7. LIBERAL LIST

At the 2009 Peace Ball<http://busboysandpoets.com/events/info/peace-ball-2013>, Joan Baez sang “Forever Young.” This time around, sentiments may not be as hopeful. Still the ball, which is organized by Busboys and Poets, a much-loved Washington community bookstore and cafe, offers this cynical and compromising town a progressive and idealistic vision of tomorrow. Guests include Angela Davis, Amy Goodman, Ralph Nader, Alice Walker, Marian Wright Edelman and Danny Glover. Moby spins, too.

Arena Stage at the Mead Center, 1101 6th Street, SW; Sunday, 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets, $135, sold out.

8. DEMS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

Nancy Pelosi, always gracious at parties, will be the main attraction at the 2013 Speaker’s Cabinet Inauguration Luncheon and Concert, hosted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. But Cyndi Lauper, in town to perform at the Human Rights Campaign LGBT celebration the following night as well, will be the entertainment (along with John Legend).

Italian Embassy, 3000 Whitehaven Street, NW; Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Invitation only

9. STRETCHY GOWNS ANYONE?

Even yogis are getting into the spirit of things with theYoga Ball<http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/315644>, sponsored by Off the Mat Into the World, and Yoga Votes, which promotes voting between oms and sun salutations. The evening includes asana yoga, a vegetarian dinner, music and meditation. Dress: spiritual.

St. Francis Hall, 1340 Quincy Street, NE; Sunday from 4 p.m.; $50 in advance, $60 at the door.

10. MAYOR ALERT

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be out and about, and no doubt at the Illinois Society State Ball on Saturday night. Mr. Emanuel is also hosting a Chicago-style after-party at the Hamilton (600 14th Street, NW). Co-hosts include Matthew Barzun (former United States ambassador to Sweden), Eva Longoria, Jim Messina and Julianna Smoot. Around the corner at the W hotel (515 15th Street NW), Electronic Arts is hosting an after party to promote an organization called Learn. Build.Create. It’s with Pharrell Williams, John Legend and Malin Akerman, along with Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles. Both are invitation only, with doors opening at 11 p.m – unimaginably late – by D.C. standards.


Arlene Busch
312-498-9595 (m)
202-333-1880 (w)