Hello Good People!

Happy New Year to each of you. ThatKellieGirl apologizes for being MIA, but I’ve been in #weddingworld! 🙂 Ever since January 1st, I have been in overdrive planning for my upcoming nuptials. I’ve had some challenges with vendors, deleting names off the guest list, and thinking about how much we are going to spend! But deep inside, I feel like everything is falling into place, and that it will be a life-changing event. And to see family and close friends step up to show their love and support has meant so much to me. Words can’t express the love and endearment I have for each of these folks. I am totally excited about this next phase in my life. 🙂

So if you were like me, I was very disappointed about the Inauguration ticket snafu. I was ready to purchase my tickets on the designated release date. So I was dismayed that the tickets were released a day before. Even with an early release, I would purchased tickets if I wouldn’t have been on an airplane returning from Ohio!!! Then when I received an invitation to purchase parade tickets, originally sold for $25 now $250, that just added insult to injury. *smh* Even though ThatKellieGirl might not be at an official Inaugural Ball, there are still some great and affordable events in order to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama. So check out these events below.

And for those who want to dress-up, star gaze or ball out, check out these lists of Inaugural Balls here and here and here.

And remember, in honor of MLK Day, sign-up for the National Day of Service. There are service events all weekend.

Peace, Love & Blessings, ThatKellieGirl 🙂

An 11-year-old boy gets a crash course in what it means to be a man when he spends a day with the ex-convict uncle he idolizes. Starring Common, Michael Rainey Jr. and Dennis Haysbert

Opens January 18

AMC Hoffman

206 Swamp Fox Road Alexandria, VA

AMC Magic Johnson

800 Shoppers Way Largo, MD

Click here for times and tickets

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Majora Carter, president of the Majora Carter Group, who will be the featured speaker at the Anacostia Community Museum’s 28th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Program. The event includes a performance by Grammy-nominated progressive hip-hop artist, Christylez Bacon.

Friday, January 18

National Museum of Natural History

Baird Auditorium

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW

7PM

FREE

RSVP at acmrsvp@si.edu or call (202) 633-4875

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An integral part of the DC dance community for over 20 years, KanKouran presents their annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Diamono (Roots), which is an electrifying, athletic and family-friendly performance of traditional West African dance and drumming.

January 18-19

Dance Place

3225 8th Street, NE

8PM

22 bucks

Get tickets here

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Born to R&B/soul music royalty, most people know her simply as the daughter of late soul music legend, Donny Hathaway. But there is more to her than that. A trained pianist and vocalist, she is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and her career has spanned two decades. Twenty-one years after the release of her first LP, her career continues to thrive.

Friday, January 18

Howard Theater

620 T St NW

Doors open at 6PM; Show begins at 8PM

55 bucks in advance

60 bucks day of show

Click here for tickets

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Peter Rosenberg of Hot 97 and MTV 2 presents The DMV Ball bringing together the best in DC hip hop. Featuring Oddisee, Diamond District, Sean Born and more

Friday, January 18

Howard Theater

620 T St NW

Doors open at 11:30PM; Show starts at 11:59AM

15 bucks in advance

20 bucks at the door

Get tickets here

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Four days, six events, one city! A magical weekend of six unprecedented Inauguration events January 18-21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. This celebratory weekend will culminate as we dine, dance, and toast at our Black Tie Gala at O Mansion on January, 21, 2013 at 8PM. Fittingly, the gala is themed “Dream” to mark the President’s Inaugural swearing in on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Friday, January 18

Inauguration Kick Off & Cocktail Mixer

Hosted by: Mya

Live Performance by: R&B/Soul Artist Anthony David, JC, V. Rich, Vo Era, and M.A.R.S

Tabaq Bistro, 1336 U Street NW

7PM

Get tickets here

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Saturday, January 19

Young & Powerful Roundtable Political Forum

Howard University

1PM

Get tickets here

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Saturday, January 19

Young & Powerful Variety & Comedy Show

Hosted by Comedian Damon Williams, Homegrown Hilarity and Inside Jokes

Liv, 2001 11th Street NW

6PM

Get tickets here

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Sunday, January 20

Young & Powerful Presidential Brunch

Speakers: Roland Martin, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, and Dr. Ben Chavis

L’Enfant Plaza Hotel

420 L’Enfant Plaza SW

11AM

Get tickets here

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Sunday, January 20

Young & Powerful Semi-Formal

Ultra, 911 F. Street NW

8PM

Get tickets here

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Monday, January 21

Black Tie Gala & Rising Star Awards Ceremony

Featuring Special Guests: Crisette Michelle, Jeff Johnson, and many more…

O Street Mansion, 2020 O. Street NW

8PM

Get tickets here

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Wylie K’s & Friends presents Wylie K’s Winter Groove from January 18 to 19th

Friday January 18, 2013

Kickoff at Ultra Bar

911 F Street NW

10PM – 3AM

Hosted by: Taz ; Music by Dee Jay Casper, DJ Quicksilva

Open bar 10PM – 11PM

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Saturday January 19

Wylie K presents Vintage 1975 Opera

Ultra Lounge 1400 I Street NW

3PM-8PM

Hosted by: Lorenzo Ice Tea Thomas & LC Music by: Dee Jay Casper, DJ Phife, DJ Schemes

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Sunday January 20

Wylie K Presents “RETRO” the ultimate late night bowling experience aka “THE INAUGURAL BOWL”. Unlimited Bowling and Complimentary Bowling Shoe Rental

Marlow Heights AMF Bowling Center

4717 St Barnabas Rd Capital Heights, MD 20743

10PM – 2AM Music By Dee Jay Casper & DJ Deuce Juan

Click here for tickets to all these events

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STEP-OFF and BEGIN THE OFFICIAL 6th ANNUAL MLK PEACEWALK, proceed up MLK Ave. to (Shepard Park) at King and Malcolm X Aves.

Saturday, January 19

Anacostia Green Line

2500 MLK Ave SE

10AM

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5 years ago, in a small Eritrean restaurant on U St called Dahlak, Fatback was born. So, as we prepare to put the Fatback party to rest in next month’s grand finale, we thought it fitting to do one more jam, lean and funky, at the place where it all started. Looking for only the most dedicated, hand-clapping, foot-stomping, tambourine-shaking soul dancers who aren’t afraid to break a sweat and break it down. It’s a tight space and there won’t be any room for wall flowers. Quite literally.

Saturday, January 19

Dahlak

1771 U Street NW

10PM – 3AM

5 bucks

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Magic Sessions presents a special MLK/Inaugural weekend event with a live performance by Josh Milan (Formerly of Blaze) doing his hot newly released single, “Children Of The World” and more! Dance floor orchestrated by Tee Alford (Funky People), DJ Erv (Deep Down Productions), and Andrew Hogans (Motions).

Saturday, January 19

Work It Out Studio

1020 U St NW (On the corner of 11th & U st, enter on U st)

15 bucks in advance; Available until 3PM on 1/19

20 bucks at the door

10PM

Get tickets here

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The Wonder Years- Special Birthday Celebration for 9th Wonder

Sunday, January 20

Ozio’s

1813 M St NW

2-9PM

10 bucks

RSVP here

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Featuring actor, producer and director Charles S. Dutton, The Obama Effect focuses on a man who immerses himself in the Obama campaign after experiencing health and life challenge. Dutton will attend the screening.

Sunday, January 20

Anacostia Community Museum

1901 Fort Place, SE

5:30PM

FREE

RSVP at acmrsvp@si.edu or call (202) 633-4875

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The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University Present Let Freedom Ring! featuring Smokey Robinson and the Let Freedom Ring Choir in a Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sunday, January 20

Kennedy Center

Hall of Nations

2700 F Street NW

6PM

FREE

Tickets will be distributed two (2) per person in line at the Hall of Nations, beginning at 4 p.m.

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iBlack present the West Wing Inaugural Ball. iBlack is the leading lifestyle portal for black professionals in the DC area. We host up to 30 unique theme oriented events each month for black professionals.

Sunday, January 20

L’Enfant Plaza Hotel

480 L’Enfant Plaza SW

8PM

40 bucks

Get tickets here

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Pre-Inaugural Soul Concert features Choklate, Yahzarah and Snugie Stocks

Saturday, January 20

The Carlyle

411 John Carlyle Street

Alexandria, VA

Doors open at 7PM: Show starts at 8PM

25 bucks in advance

30 bucks at door

Get tickets here

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A night of revelry to celebrate the re-election of President Obama. This special Creatives twist will feature food, djs, live performances and inauguration-inspired cocktails. Plus, everyone is encouraged to come dressed in your best 1960′s mod-inspired evening look.

Sunday, January 21

Montserrat House

2016 9th St NW

8PM

44 bucks

Get tickets here

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The Inauguration Sound Presents Familiar Faces, Suttle Thoughts, Black Alley, Secret Society

Sunday, January 20

Cafe Asia

1720 I Street NW

8PM

Get tickets here

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An inauguration celebration with The Sol Power All-Stars. NO COVER, NO WORK MONDAY. Let’s ring in the next four years with style and the best dance grooves from around the world. Come sweat to the rhythms of Cuba, Brazil, Puerto Rico & West Africa. Samba Whistles, Shekeres & Cowbells welcome!

Sunday, January 20

Tropicalia

2001 14th St NW

9PM-2AM

FREE

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Four years ago, inauguration was the biggest party on the planet and it ONLY happened in DC. We’re back on the cusp again and we’ve got one of the most successful parties from four years ago returning to DC. It is All Stevie Wonder All Night Long…Obama’s favorite during inauguration….and yes Stevie is most definitely invited. And as of four years ago….the Obama’s are eternally on the guestlist. Get your tickets early. This one sold out last time and tix were going for $200 on craigslist.

Sunday, January 20

Liv

2001 11th St NW

9PM

Get tickets here
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Featuring DJs Sam “The Man” Burns, Chris Styles and special guest Chicago DJ Terry Hunter

Sunday, January 21

ESL

1212 18th St NW

9PM-4AM

Free before 10PM

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Come join us uptown for a drink with friends in honor of the re-election of the 44th POTUS — Barack Hussein Obama. We’ll be taking over Chez Billy on Sunday 1.20 to host you and your friends for this once in a lifetime occasion. This is an event you will regret missing! Hope to see you there!

Sunday, January 20

Chez Billy

3815 Georgia Ave NW

10PM

Get tickets here

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The Gathering- Chicago’s Base for House during the Inauguration

Sunday, January 20

House of Secrets

507 T St. NW

10PM-4AM

30 bucks

Open bar and light buffet will be served

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Fort Knox Recordings & DC Brau present The Funk 4 Peace Ball. Celebrating both MLK Jr. Day & the Second Inauguration of Barack Obama!!! DJ sets from Fort Knox artists Fort Knox Five, All Good Funk Alliance, Empresarios, Nappy Riddem and QDup Foundation.

Sunday January 20

U Street Music Hall

1115 U St NW

10PM

10 bcuks

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Dredd’s classic dance party returns just in time for MLK/Inauguration Weekend!

Sunday, January 20

Black Cat

1811 14th St NW

10PM

10 bucks

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Inauguration Day!! Click here for the program

Monday, January 21

US Capitol

11:30AM

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Inauguration Day Celebration with Raheem DeVaughn and special guests

Monday, January 21

Howard Theater

620 T St NW

Doors open at 6PM; Show starts at 8PM

20 bucks

Click here for tickets

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We had Brooklyn’s finest, DJ Spinna with us at the Main Ingredient last year and it was so nice we had to run it back again – this time in celebration of the 2nd inauguration of Barack Obama. We are touching all the bases on this night, so bring your dancing shoes.

Monday, January 21

Marvin

2007 14th St NW

8PM

FREE