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There are all kinds of inaugural events going on over the next 5 days. Here are some with music from the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and South America.
Fri. 1-16
Tribute to Obama, Caribbean Style, with reggae singer Cocoa Tea who will surely sing “Barack Obama” at Zanzibar on the Waterfront.
Sat. 1-17
Tribute to Obama, African Style, at Zanzibar
Afrofunk Inaugural Ball with DC’s own Chopteeth and Elikeh at the Rock n Roll Hotel
Sun. 1-18
Inaugural Victory Celebration Party with Nu Look from Haiti, 9:00pm –11:30pm at the Cococabana Bar and Grill, 2031-A University Blvd, Hyattsville, MD; 301-404-3417. *proper attire required
“Obama Socarama” with King David Rudder, Queen of Soca Alison Hinds, The Sweet Soca Man Baron, former junior Calypso Monarch of Trinidad & Tobago Kerwin Du Bois, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines former Road March King Jamesy P, and two young artists Dolla and Jeremy. New York’s Sunshine Band will be backing many of the performers. The show takes place at the former Chevrolet building at 5929 Georgia Ave NW from 9:00 p.m. — 5:00 a.m. and promoters expect a crowd of 3,000.
Mambo for Obama at Zanzibar (on one level of the club) with Mariachi Los Amigos plus two dance bands, and DJ Bruno “El Unico.” All Africa for Obama will be on another level at Zanzibar and proceeds from this event will go toward purchasing two Oil Palm Trusts for Africare. There will be live performances by Lebo M, Francis Jocky and “surprise guests.”
Salsa Mania Pre-Inauguration Salsa Celebration with the SalsaLey Orchestra and six DJs from 9:00pm–6:00am at the Chevy Chase Ballroom, 5207 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
The Ethiopian and Ghana Embassies will host the “Foreign Diplomats Inaugural Ball” from 5:30-11 p.m. at the James Monroe Mansion, 2017 I St., NW. Obama and Biden have been invited to the event. The Ball will feature cuisine from Ethiopia and other African nations and live performances by Ethiopian-born artist Wayna and master Ghanaian drummer Asante Okyerema
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Tues. 1-20
DesiPartyAnimal presents the Desi Inaugural Ball honoring Indian and Asian Americans at the Ascot India Restaurant, 1708 L St., NW
The Samba Obamba Inauguration Ball at Rumberos, 3345 14th St. NW, will have a performance by the DC-based ChoraBrazil Band , a DJ and proceeds going to Brazilian and DC good causes.