WASHINGTON, DC. (Top40 Charts/ Destination DC) - Just two days before the Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama, inauguration-goers can catch performances by Grammy-winning artists
Anita Baker and Keb' Mo', plus Hawaii's John Cruz and other talents, at the Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball. Staged at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the ball captures the Victorian essence of Lincoln's Second Inaugural Ball, which took place in the same building, while celebrating the modern spirit of possibility sparked by the 2008 election. The inaugural ball takes place Sun., Jan. 18, beginning at 8 PM.
In addition to festive food stations and a full-service open bar, guests will enjoy performances by eight-time Grammy Award winner Anita Baker, known for soulful romantic classics like "Sweet Love," "Giving You the Best That I Got" and "Just Because."
Ball-goers will also enjoy the sounds of singer-songwriter, guitarist and bluesman Keb' Mo', who earned Grammys for his contemporary blues albums, Just Like You ('96), Slow Down ('98) and Keep It Simple ('04). Adding a dose of inaugural trivia to the lineup, Keb' Mo' also performed in the series finale of The West Wing, singing "America the Beautiful" during the inauguration scene.
Paying tribute to Obama's Hawaiian roots, guests will be treated to a performance by John Cruz, whose solo album, Acoustic Soul, earned him multiple Hoku Awards, which celebrate the brightest stars on Hawaii's music scene.
Other performers include Saint Tone, a Tampa-based artist known for his high-energy mix of pop and acoustic rock, local crooner Eric Felten and the Susquehanna Travelers, whose period sounds lend a touch of Victorian spirit to the affair. Guests will also enjoy open access to the magnificent art collections of the museum, including the Lincoln Gallery and special exhibitions mounted in honor of the nationwide Lincoln bicentennial celebration.
Toasting Obama as "Lincoln 2.0" and kicking off DC's own four-month Lincoln bicentennial celebration, the inaugural ball is produced by The American Experience Foundation, in partnership with Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for the nation's capital. Tickets are priced at $375 for general admission or $500 for VIP tickets, which include access to a Victorian champagne reception in the museum's Great Hall and other special surprises. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Smithsonian Art Museum and The American Experience Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity and affiliate of Destination DC that develops national programs to educate the public about the arts, culture, American democracy and unique heritage of Washington, DC. Black-tie attire is encouraged, but Victorian attire is also welcome.
Destination DC also just introduced a new benefit for inaugural parade-goers looking for a place to warm up along Pennsylvania Avenue. Located in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, the "Inaugural Power Spot" is an exclusive hospitality suite where inaugural parade-goers can enjoy an extensive hot buffet, full open bar and live coverage of the swearing-in ceremony and parade (note: the parade route is not visible from the Power Spot suite). The Power Spot is open from 10 AM to 5 PM; tickets are $250 each.
To purchase tickets and for sponsorship information for the Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball, visit www.Washington.org/lincolnball or call (202) 237-0178. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Inaugural Power Spot, visit www.washington.org/e-invites/powerspot/index.html.
