Black GQ Entertainment: NYE in DC

Subject: Premium Open Bar - WKYS's Quicksilva & Angie Ange Station 9

NYE - The Resolution Purchase tickets here:


http://theresolution.eventbrite.com

Station 9 Restaurant & Lounge

Advanced Tickets Now Available

General Admission: $30
VIP Admission w/ Premium Open Bar, Hors D'oeuvres, Private Champagne Toast & Party Favors: $60

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Big Troy Presents New Years Eve Ball @ Pure Lounge Dec. 31, 2008Birng In The New Year In Pure Bliss & StyleBig Troy, Street Dreams Ent, & Dy'mond Diva EntDoors Open At 6pm Party Till 4 AmMidnight Champagne Toast & Party FavorsCome Watch The Ball Drop On 20 Flat ScreensDrink Specials All Night Long & Tables For 300Come See Amazing Light Show First 50 People Get In Free2 Levels 4 Bars 3djs@PURE LOUNGE1326 U ST. N.W.WASHINGTON D.C.FOR MORE INFO & TABLES;BIG TROYTEXT @ 202-459-8268 EMAIL: bigtroymiller@tmail.comAIM: bigtroybmiller

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Celebrate NYE 2009 – Christian Audigier Style Presented by Swank.Liton Events and Soulstice welcome the crème de la crème from Washington DC Metro Area at the swankiest boutique nightclub in the region, Muse. A Very Exclusive lifestyle party dedicated to only 125 close friends & Family at the 3rd floor VIP Level. Event Package includes Two hour open bar, Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres, Live Coverage of the Ball Drop, Party favors, Champagne Toast at Midnight and access to all three floors.Table Packages will include Bottle of Grey Goose, two bottles of champagne, Swank Goodie bag with Christian Audigier/ Ed Hardy brand items, Party Favors and sexy hosts. Liton Agency models will be on sight all night to ensure partygoers a great time & welcome the New Year with style, fashion, music and love.Party Details:Date: Wednesday, December 31,2008Venue: Muse LoungeAddress: 717 6th Street NW. WDCTime: 8:00 pm - 4:00 amSounds by:1st Floor: DJ Ravi & Geometrix [Hip Hop, Dance, House]2nd Floor: DJ Phil C. [House.Electro.Progressive.Minimal]3rd Floor: DJ Vicious [Mash Up. Rock. 80’s Blend. Top 40]Attire: Dress To Impress !Christian Audigier Attire Recommended but not mandatory. Parking: Valet. Street. GarageMetro: Verizon CenterCapacity: Private 3rd Floor only 125Total 600 for all 3 floors***********************************************Tickets: $35.00 Pre Sale . $60+ at Door !!!This includes: 2 hr open bar from 8pm to 10pmComplimentary Hors d’oeuvresComplimentary Party FavorLive broadcast of the ball drop and countdownTables:All Tables Sold Out !!! Package 1: $750 // Package 2: $1000 // Package 3: $2000 $250 refundable deposit is required to reserve. Prices are subject to change based on sales and availability. We recommend purchasing your tickets early for the Private Lifestyle Party on 3rd Floor.All ticket holders and table reservations will gain admittance via a guest list at the door on the night of the party. Please email litonevents@gmail.com if you purchase multiple tickets with the names of the guests in your party. If you transfer your ticket to another party or parties, please notify us of the change so we may update the guest list. Table reservations will be on a separate guest list for VIP entry.*************************************************************Purchase Limited All Access Pass Via Wantickets.com Onlyhttp://www.wantickets.com/EventDetail.aspx?e_id=49861Guests Must Purchase Tickets via Wantickets Only for All Access Pass to the VIP level. No Door Sales

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Art in Motion presents NYE 2009 @ The Luxurious Boutique Hotel Palomar in Arlington, Va/Georgetown
Hotel Palomar
1121 N. 19th streetWest Arlington, VA

Wed Dec. 31st 2008DJ Harry Hotter10p to 3amCocktail Attire* TICKETS ARE WILL CALL - WE WILL HAVE YOUR NAME AT THE DOOR.* A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT ON THE WEBSITE http://www.nyeonthewaterfront.eventbrite.com*TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE DOORhttp://www.hotelpalomar-arlington.com/

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Bring in 2009 with style, class and elegance @ Station 9 Lounge with DDM, The LGI Group & Talk of DC. Come enjoy PREMIUM OPEN BAR, Hours D'oerves, Champagne Toast @ Midnight, Live Broadcast Of Ball Drop @ 12. Music by The East Coast #1 DJ Quicksilver and Hosted by The Royal Hypeness Angie AngeLets say goodbye to 2008 and hello to 2009. On the eve of every New Year we create a new standard of living that most of us generally forget about in two weeks. These new found declarations that we vow to stay strict to can range from exercising more, healthier eating, etc….This year it's time a different approach. Instead of creating a false pretense that you know is never going to happen, on this day we vow to have you dancing and drinking into the most incredible experience you have had on any December 31st. This is our promise. This is your Resolution.New Year's Eve is the biggest party night of the year, with that in mind, The host committee decided to come together and assure DC that the celebration of a new year would be flawless. To ensure that the night would be perfect we went through a checklist of MUST HAVE's for New Years Eve. There will be many new years events, don't get stuck at the wrong one. Join us for the PREMIUM OPEN BAR and Hour's D'Oveurs and toast with us @ Midnight as the ball drops on the HD screens, partake in the complimentary Champagne Toast @ Midnight.Listen to the sounds of Dj Quicksilva and Dj Goldenboy with your Master of Ceremonies Angie Ange of 93.9 WKYSThese are the must haves:* Sexy Venue: Station 9 Lounge (The Home of Divine Saturday's)* Open Bar: PREMIUM OPEN BAR from 9-12* Champagne Toast: Come toast Veuve Cliqout & Demi-Sec with us for our 12 O'Clock Champagne Toast* Great music? Music by East Coast #1 Dj The Hotboy Quicksilva & Dj Goldenboy* Great People: Come party with 1200 of DC's Sexiest Socialites to bring in the new year with style.

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Nxlevel Entertainment, “Chris Parler” of Lorenzo Lauren Enterprises, and “Sam Martin” of Fillup Banks EntPresents(¯`•.The New Years Eve Masquerade @ The Luxurious Hyatt Regency Hotel.•´¯)We are pleased to bring you the premier New Years Event in the Washington DC area. In modern western practice, New Years Eve is celebrated with parties and social gatherings spanning the transition of the year at midnight. This year will be no exception and it will be bigger and better than ever. In consideration of the current economic climate, we are delighted to offer you an affordable yet classy and upscale event. I assure you, this not an event you want to miss. Come experience a beautiful event with beautiful people. Come experience a masterpiece. Experience the "Nxlevel" of entertainment.***TO PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS ONLINE***http://www.nyeindc.eventbrite.com/____________________________________________________________________________________________EVENT DETAILSø Champagne Toast at Midnightø Live Video Feed of “The Ball Drop at Midnight”ø Complimentary Masks Availableø Featured Live Body Paint Artist **Ayinde** ArtLifeStyleø Music by Goadometalk.com’s own DJ UNEEK!ø Limited $20 Tickets Available (Event Specially Priced with you in mind.)Your Finest Attire is RequiredNO Sneakers / NO Headgear / NO Boots / NO Baggy T-ShirtsCreativity in outfits is encouraged.We Have The Right To Be Selective!____________________________________________________________________________________________Wednesday December 31st... New Years EveWednesday December 31st... New Years EveWednesday December 31st... New Years EveVENUE DETAILSø The Luxurious Hyatt Regency Hotel (Located near Pentagon City Mall)ø 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, VA 22202ø Venue Website: http://www.crystalcity.hyatt.com******ROOM SPECIAL******ø Attendants receive Room Discount Rate of $99 for the Nightø Call 703-418-1234 & Mention “Positive Black Men Coalition” for Discount RoomReservations.____________________________________________________Doors Open from 10:00pm – 2:30am****Limited Presale Tickets & VIP Bottle Packages Available********Limited Presale Tickets & VIP Bottle Packages Available****To Purchase Tickets or Tables, Go To:http://www.nyeindc.eventbrite.comhttp://www.nyeindc.eventbrite.comOR CallSam Martin 240-216-7224...Chris Parler 202-215-8740...Newton Dennis 336-324-2276...Ryan Shaffer 919-949-0996...Hercules Conway 336-253-0328...McGlovin 202-487-5197...Boone 202-391-2100...**Presale Tickets are $20**VIP Tables are $300 for 5 Guests & 2 Bottles Rose' MOET Champagne

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This will be the New Years Eve Gala to top all others. Doors open at 7pm and there will be a Premium Open Bar from 8pm-11pm with Hors d'oeuvres served from 8pm-11pm. Limited Advance General Admission Tickets for $40 and Limited Advance VIP Tickets for $60. To purchase tickets: Ticketmaster.com or call 202-397-Seat(7328) to charge by phone. Tickets and tables also available at HYTME.com. For more info or to reserve tables: (202) 232-2229. (A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductable to benefit Peoples Involvement Corp. a 501(c)3 )

Black GQ Music: Albums of 2008

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Black GQ Fashion: Whyred Harvey Jacket

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Black GQ Politics: Time Person of the Year

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Black GQ Fashion: Tuxedos

You need a tuxedo. You have holiday parties, New Year's eve and let's not forget inauguration. When in doubt always follow Clooney.

GQ tips on how to buy a tuxedo

Black GQ Profiles: World Wide Wes

A Confidant to the Big and the Small, Woven Into All Levels

By PETE THAMEL

SAN ANTONIO — Under the moonlight here, the Riverwalk bustles with coaches, administrators and players in town for the men’s college basketball Final Four.
William Wesley strolls through this world — his world — with a confident gait, his head high and a nod for almost everyone he passes. It takes only a few steps to assess his influence.
Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim and St. Joseph’s Coach Phil Martelli offer him a seat at their dinner table. A few steps away, assistant coaches from the America East to the Southeastern Conference reverently shake his hand. Wesley rubs the belly of Leon Rose, the agent for LeBron James, and whispers in the ear of a prominent ticket peddler.

All the players here — those in the game and those who run it — know and love William Wesley. They call him Wes, or Uncle Wes, or World Wide Wes.
“There goes the most powerful man in all of basketball,” one coach said softly as Wesley walked by. One of his dinner mates responded, “Who?”
Wesley is known to the people in the know but remains a face in the crowd to most everyone else. And that is how he likes it.

In recent years, he has extended a puzzling and powerful reach throughout sports. A confidant of Michael Jordan, a close friend of James and a sideline presence from summer basketball games to the N.B.A. finals to the Super Bowl, Wesley has gained power through his connections. He has the ear of N.B.A. owners and junior high phenoms alike. He had strong enough ties in the music and sports worlds to introduce James and Jay-Z.

“What Paris Hilton has done in Hollywood, Wes has done in the sports world,” said Michael Irvin, the former star receiver in the N.F.L. who now does a radio show for ESPN. “Whoever is winning a championship, Wes is there associated with them. He’s never played a down or shot a basket, but he’s a superstar anyway.”

Recently, Wesley’s profile in the world of elite college basketball recruiting has increased. He has been linked with the family of the Memphis star freshman Derrick Rose and to one of the country’s top high school players, Tyreke Evans.

What does Wesley do? How does he make his money? How did he become so influential? The questions are often greeted with more questions.

“Whether college, professional or youth basketball, shoe companies or media, U.S. or international, I would guess that Wes is as connected as any individual that I’ve observed,” said Jim Delany, the commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. “That said, I still don’t know much about him.”

Delany, who is considered one of the most powerful people in college sports, told Wesley he would love to have him help Big Ten programs recruit players if he knew for sure that what Wesley was doing was allowed.
“Is he or is he not subject to the rules that limit a representative of the school?” said Delany, a former N.C.A.A. investigator. “That’s a fundamental question. It’s a very difficult issue.”
LuAnn Humphrey of the National Collegiate Athletic Association enforcement staff has been asking college coaches and administrators about Wesley’s role in recruiting for months. Myles Brand, the N.C.A.A.’s president, said: “Am I concerned about people who have an influence on basketball that one might not consider healthy, leaving aside this one individual? You bet, all the time.”

Wesley is tough to read. His official job is as a mortgage broker with Greentree Mortgage, with athletes as his primary clients, but he has branched out far beyond housing. Wesley rarely does interviews. But he spoke by phone a dozen times and met in person with a New York Times reporter for about three hours in San Antonio this week. Most conversations began with, “Are we off the record?”

His reluctance to speak only causes the mystery to grow.

“If someone brought him in for show and tell, I’m not quite sure what Wes would present,” Connecticut Coach Jim Calhoun said. “It was easy to identify Sonny Vaccaro because of Nike and later Adidas. It was easy to identify David Falk because of the players he represented. It’s difficult to identify Wes, but in some ways he’s a power broker of the same scale.”

Wesley has close ties to the Memphis Tigers, one of the four teams here this weekend. Wesley has been friends with Memphis Coach John Calipari since the mid-1980s, when Calipari was recruiting in New Jersey, where Wesley grew up, for Kansas.

In February, a day before No. 1 Memphis played No. 2 Tennessee in the regular season, Wesley grabbed rebounds for one of the Tiger players shooting free throws. On game day, he mingled on the floor with the team, sat directly behind the bench, walked off the floor with the players at halftime and joined them in the postgame handshake line.
At the Nike-sponsored LeBron James Skills Academy last summer in Akron, Ohio, Wesley worked his connections.

Michael Gilchrist, a 6-foot-6 high school freshman who has already said he will play at Memphis, did not play in the camp. But he hung around there, mostly with Wesley and the Memphis star Chris Douglas-Roberts.

At one point, James told Wesley, “Hey, I’m going to grab some lunch.” Wesley responded, “Why don’t you bring Little Mike with you?”

It is vintage Wesley, using one relationship to build another.

During the camp, Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski waved Wesley over for a conversation. Wesley is an ally of USA Basketball, and Krzyzewski coaches the men’s team. Wesley has deep access to the program, thanks to his relationships with many of the team’s star players, and even stayed on the Queen Mary II with the team at the 2004 Olympics. He expects to be in China for the Beijing Games.

When Boeheim, an assistant on the 2004 team, was asked if he was surprised that Wesley was with the group in Athens, he laughed: “No. He’s everywhere.”

‘Part of the Crowd’

Growing up in a middle class family in Camden County, N.J., Wesley was so outgoing that he was voted Class Loudmouth at Pennsauken High in 1982.

He was not a standout athlete, but he was better at basketball than football. The Pennsauken football coach, Vince McAneney, recalled Wesley as a likable reserve best known for his gap-toothed smile before he had it fixed.

Brad Vespe, a childhood friend, said, “I wish I had that tooth — I’d put it on eBay.”
“He was friends with everybody,” McAneney said. “As long he was on the team and part of the crowd, he was happy. He was the kind of kid you need on a team.”

Wesley attended Brandywine College, now known as Widener, for a year.
He was better known in the area for his job at a local shoe store, Pro Shoes, where he sold the hottest sneakers to local athletes. He mingled with coaches, college players and professional athletes.

“It wasn’t just a sneaker store,” said Billy Thompson, who starred at Camden High and the University of Louisville, and later played in the N.B.A. “It was the sneaker store.”
As the local stars he met through high school and Pro Shoes went off to college, he would visit them. Two incubators of Wesley’s connections were the University of Miami football program and the Louisville basketball program.

Wesley met Jimmy Johnson, Miami’s coach at the time, when Johnson traveled to Pennsauken to recruit Greg Mark and Jason Hicks.

Johnson said Wesley tipped him off about Mark, who was the only white player on the floor during a basketball game. Mark played the game of his life, and Johnson said Wesley offered him help in recruiting Mark in exchange for some sideline passes. When Wesley would visit Miami, Johnson said, he brought Nike gear for the players.

“He is such a good person,” Johnson said. “He is extremely friendly, and you can trust him right away.”

As the years went on, Wesley’s involvement with the Hurricanes increased. Irvin recalled how Wesley traveled with the team and stayed up all night gambling and playing cards. Irvin said he once won the Nikes off Wesley’s feet the night before a game

.
Wesley also became close to the Louisville basketball program. He is as much a part of the Cardinals’ famed Camden Connection as Milt Wagner and Thompson, two close friends.
Wesley’s emergence in the recruiting world coincided with the recruitment of Dajuan Wagner, Milt’s son and Wesley’s godson, by Louisville’s rival Memphis in 2001.

When Louisville made the 1986 Final Four in Dallas, Wesley and Vespe, who was still in high school, celebrated the Cardinals’ title on the floor. Vespe even ended up behind Coach Denny Crum in a Sports Illustrated picture. “Everyone knew Wes, because he was with us,” Thompson said. “He was part of the team, man.”

So how did a college dropout in his 20s from New Jersey end up allied with two of the most powerful college sports programs in the country in the 1980s?

“If you have the gift of gab, the gift of likability, it can take you a long way if people trust you,” Hicks said. “In his business, it’s all about trust.”

A Glamorous Life

An important move for Wesley came in the early 1990s, when the N.B.A. star Rick Mahorn hired him as a doorman at his club in Cherry Hill, N.J. Wesley worked his way up at the club, Mahorn’s, becoming the manager and a magnet for important clientele.

At Mahorn’s, Wesley developed connections that helped change his nickname from Fresh Wes to World Wide Wes.

One night when the club was packed, the teenage rap act Kriss Kross, the kids known for wearing their pants backward, serenaded Wesley on stage. “Daddy Wes will make you jump, jump,” they sang, leaping around Wesley.
His music connections blossomed, and two of his closest friends today are Jay-Z and Beyoncé. The club also sent limos to Philadelphia, to the hotels where visiting teams stayed.

“Everything that Wes has done for me is wonderful,” Mahorn said. “It’s not only that he works hard. It’s his aura.”

Wesley moved to Chicago when one of Mahorn’s business partners took him there in the mid-90s to open another nightclub. Wesley used his time in Chicago to strengthen his relationship with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and others during the Bulls' championship era. Wesley still owns a condo in Chicago and a house in suburban Detroit, property records show. He splits time between the cities but prefers a hectic travel schedule.

In one of the numerous “Where’s Waldo?” moments for Wesley, Mahorn said he saw Wesley on television on the sideline after a Cowboys Super Bowl victory. He was photographed breaking up the brawl between the Pistons and the Pacers in 2004. And he was on the floor in Houston last week, crying tears of joy when Memphis clinched its Final Four berth.

Will he be on the floor Monday if the Tigers win the national title? Do not bet against him.
“I don’t have any clue what he does or how financially he benefits from this,” Boeheim said. “I don’t know. But he’s just there. He’s around. He knows all the pro guys, their agents, the sneaker people, the coaches, general managers, media people. There’s no one he doesn’t know.”

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Black GQ Entertainment: Hip Hop Inaugural Ball

Hip-Hop Ball

Who: Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, hosted by Russell Simmons, Ll Cool J and T.I.

When: Jan. 19, 8 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Where: Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Tickets: $1,000 general admission; $2,500 VIP; proceeds going to the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to continue its nonprofit work in helping to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other empowerment programs for young adults throughout the United States.

Why You Want to Attend: From the press release: "The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball Host Committee is a select group of hip-hop leaders and artists who have expressed their endorsement and support including T-Pain, Akon, Bryan-Michael Cox, Big Jon Platt, Fat Joe, MC Lyte, Terrence J, Devyne Stephens, Mario, Ginuwine, DJ Don Cannon, and others to be announced."

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Esquire The Handbook of Style

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Black GQ Fashion: Gucci Rubber Band Digital Watch

Gucci Extra Large Rubber Band Digital Watch

$1345.00

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Black GQ Fashion: Billionaire Boys Club Hat

For you New Yawk

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Black GQ Fashion: J. Crew Duck Boots and L.L. Bean

Good looks on the boots Osboog... I owe you!

J. Crew Duck Boots

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L.L. Bean Boots

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Black GQ Entertainment: Layover Monday's @ Fly

Black GQ Fashion: Tom Ford Glasses

I have to get a pair of these frames. Osboog - you got a NYC hook up?
Good look on the duck boots.

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Tom Ford's website

Black GQ: Matchbox on Capitol Hill

One of my favorite restaurants opens a new location on the Hill. Anyone who eats at the Chinatown location knows the line are down the block. The place will be PACKED for inauguration.

Black GQ Fashion: Outlier Wool Lotus Cap

Outlier Wool Lotus Cap

$75

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Black GQ: Barack on Ebony

Black GQ Fashion: Ermenegildo Zegna Lace Up Shoes

Full disclosure I'm sure if these are the same shoes but I still want them in my closet.

Leonardo Lace-Up

$950.00

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Black GQ Entertainment: North Carolina/Michigan State Watch Party

Tonight come watch two of the best teams in college basketball battle (and support a good cause):

The #1 North Carolina Tar Heels versus the #12 Michigan State Spartans (the event starts at 7pm, the game starts at 9pm)

70,000 people will watch the game live at Ford Field (Detroit, MI).

We will watch the game in HD at The Ugly Mug (Eastern Market, DC).

A portion of all food and beverage sales will be donated to a great non-profit called the Institute for Responsible Citizenship.**

UPDATE -
The Raffle will include prizes from:
-Modern Day Spa
-The Washington Wizards (tickets)
-Grey Goose
-Apple iTunes
-and more!
[Raffle tickets are $5 each, but you can buy five for $20]

UNC alumna Ashley Vaughan will be guest bartending!
MSU alumnus Christien Oliver will be trash talking, and buying drinks for his favorite Spartan fans!

What? You don't even like basketball/Spartans/Tar Heels/having fun?

Come out and have dinner/drinks with some cool people anyway – it's for a good cause!

Guests are welcome
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Location: The Ugly Mug
723 8th Street SE
Washington, DC(Eastern Market Metro Station - Blue/Orange Line)
Time: 7pm - 12am (the game starts at 9:15)

Black GQ Lifestyle: Inaugural Balls

JANUARY 18
California State Society’s Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show
11:30 AM
The Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC 1150 22nd St. NW Information:
www.cssdc.org/events.html

Aloha Inaugural Ball
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Rd. NW
Tickets: $250 Information: alohainauguralb...@gmail.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Organized by former Obama campaign workers, the ball will carry out a Hawaii theme with island entertainers and hula dancers, reminiscent of the president-elect’s years in Hawai’i.

JANUARY 19

Arkansas State Society Inaugural Party for Razorbacks
The Washington Court Hotel
525 New Jersey Avenue NW
www.arkansas-state-society.org
Information: 202-329-6711

Sunshine and Stars (Florida State Society)
Corcoran Gallery of Art
500 17th Street NW
Information: 202-298-7710
www.2009floridainauguralball.com

Land of Lincoln Inaugural Gala (Illinois State Society)
Reception and dinner at 5:30 PM, gala follows from 8:30 PM-1:30 AM
Renaissance Washington DC Hotel
999 9th St. NW
Tickets: $400, $200 for gala only Information: 703-451-1747 http://72.4.132.167/Gala2009.htm
Themed “Illinois Heroes,” the State Society’s inaugural gala highlights the many magnificent cities, towns, riverfronts, and historical sites of Illinois.

Indiana Inaugural Ball
6 PM
Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street NW
Tickets: $295 before Dec. 19, $350 after Dec. 19; reserved tables $7500 before Dec. 19, $9000 after Dec. 19
Information: www.indianasociety.org/events/Save_Date.pdf
202-463-4262
Featured talent includes the Singing Hoosiers from Indiana University and the Donati Orchestra.
Bluegrass Ball (Kentucky State Society)
6:30 PM
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Rd. NW
Members: $175
Information: 202-399-2032
www.kentuckysociety.org
Chef Michael Paley from Louisville’s acclaimed Proof of Main restaurant will serve as executive chef for the inaugural gala.

Land of Enchantment Inaugural Ball (New Mexico State Society)
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
4th St. & Independence Ave. SW I
nformation: 505-463-3908 www.nmstatesociety.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=35181&orgId=nmsswd

North Carolina Society Inaugural Ball
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Rd. NW
Information: www.northcarolinasociety.org/index.cfm

Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball (Texas State Society)
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD 20745
Information: 301-809-8989
http://www.texasstatesociety.org/

History in the Making: “A Dream & A Change”
Inaugural Ball
The Babyboomer Professionals
Hyatt Regency Washington
400 New Jersey Ave. NW
Tickets: $175 before Dec. 5, $199 after Dec. 5
Information: boomerprofession...@yahoo.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball Historically Black Colleges and Universities
8 PM-1 AM
Sequoia at Washington Harbor
3000 K St. NW
Information: http://www.hbcugala.com/

Heroes Red, White, and Blue Inaugural Ball
Information: www.heroball.org
International Conservation Caucus Foundation
Inauguration Gala ICC Foundation
6:30 for VIP and general receptions, 7:30 dinner
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
Tickets: $2,500
Information: 202-471-4222
www.iccfoundation.us/2008Gala/

Pearl Gala Asian Americans for Obama
7 PM-midnight
Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC Hotel
1330 Maryland Ave. SW
Tickets: $250
Information: www.pearlgala.com
Guests are also invited to attend a morning conference about voting results, the political appointment process and the legislative issues for the next Congress.

JANUARY 20

Inaugural Parade Brunch (New York State Society)
11 AM-4 PM
Willard Intercontinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Ave.
Tickets: Member $155, Non-members: $180
Information: 301-330-6197
http://nyss-washdc.org/events.html

State Society of Arizona Inaugural Ball
8 pm-midnight
The Historical Society of Washington, DC
801 K St. NW
Tickets: Single:$175, Couple: $300, Family of 4: $650
Information: 202-777-2612
www.azstatesociety.org

Garden State Inaugural Gala
7:30-11:30 PM
Washington Court Hotel
525 New Jersey Ave. NW
Tickets: $100 single, $175 per couple; Non-members: $125 single, $200 per couple
Information: 202-333-5750 www.njss.org/events/detail.php?id=5
The gala features a performance by Bruce Springsteen tribute band, B Street Band.

A Night of Stars (Pennsylvania State Society)
Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC
22nd and M Sts. NW
Tickets: $150 before Jan. 1, $200 on or after Jan. 1
Information: 703-415-0344
http://pastatesociety.com/events-pennsylvania-state-society.htm
Fox News’ Tony Perkins will emcee the event, which features performing artists from Mark Rivera Entertainment.

The George Washington University Inaugural Ball
8 PM-midnight
Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert St. NW
Information: 202-994-1600
http://gwired.gwu.edu/inauguralball
The gala celebration features live bands, talent from the GW performance community, and televised Inauguration Day coverage.

Human Rights Campaign Equality Ball Renaissance
Mayflower Hotel
1143 New Hampshire Ave.
Information: http://www.hrc.org
Guests to include Melissa Etheridge, Rufus Wainwright and Cyndi Lauper

Bytes & Books Inaugural Ball
National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training
Folger Shakespeare
Library 201 East Capitol St. SE
Information: http://www.nctet.org/

11th American Indian Inaugural Ball American Indian Society (AIS) of Washington, D.C.
Hyatt Regency Crystal City
2799 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA
Information: www.aiibdc.org/index.htm

Unity in Service Inaugural Ball
Unity in Service Trinity University
125 Michigan Ave. NE
Tickets: $90 standard, $120 preferred before Dec. 20, $110 and $150 after Dec. 20
Information: www.unityinservice.com/index_files/Page352.htm

Inaugural Purple Ball Eracism Foundation
8 PM
The Fairmont Washington, DC Hotel
2401 M St. NW
Information: tick...@inauguralpurpleball.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Guests will enjoy fine champagne and cuisine served in a purple velvet- draped ballroom; the host committee includes notable names like Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd , Brad Silberling, Josh Lucas, Kate Walsh and Patricia Arquette.

Change Has Come Inaugural Gala
The Babyboomer Professionals Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel
1001 14th St. NW
Tickets: $125 before Dec. 5, $150 after Dec. 5
Information: boomerprofession...@yahoo.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Demand in DC: Applauding the Empowerment of People Thru Art, Film, and Music Black Cat 1811 14th St. NW
Tickets: $10
Information: 202-667-7960 http://www.blackcatdc.com/

The Creative Coalition Gala Inaugural Ball
9 PM
Harman Center for the Arts
610 F St. NW
Tickets: Bronze package (2 tickets): $10,000
Information: http://www.thecreativecoalition.org/

Young and Powerful Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony
L'Enfant Plaza Hotel
400 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
Tickets: $125, includes open bar from 8pm - 9pm, heavy Hors D'oeuvres and live music Information: www.yp4obama.com
Dine, dance and toast President-elect Obama's victory with young professionals from across the nation.

American Music Inaugural Ball

Urban Ball
Ludacris
Monica
Bobby Valentino
Fantasia
Big Boi (Outkast)
Athena Cage
Jimi
James
Cedric the Entertainer

Legends Ball
Dionne Warwick
Temptations (Dennis Edwards)
Chaka Kahn
George Clinton
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
Yolanda Adams
Marvin Sapp
Kirk Franklin
Jason Taylor
Jalen Rose
HB Barnum 30 piece orchestra

The American Music Inaugural Events presents the2009 Presidential Inaugural Celebration Tuesday, the twentieth of January, Two Thousand Nine 7 0'clock in the evening

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel2660 Woodley Road NWWashington, DC

http://www.friendsofdionne.org/

JANUARY 21
Nebraska Society Inaugural Brunch

Black GQ Profile: Jarvis Stewart

From Details Magazine:

You can't miss the wine locker. You're not supposed to. It's right at eye level when you walk through the front doors of the Capital Grille, the imperial steak house on Pennsylvania Avenue where many of the top lobbyists in Washington gather to sup and smoke and drink. The restaurant has a row of private stash boxes that are tucked into the wall, and in each of these wine lockers the most loyal customers keep a little stockpile of Bordeaux or Cohibas or whatever other extras might be desired in the course of a meal. Each locker has a nameplate, but a sense of discretion (or comedy) compels most of the owners of these nameplates to opt for goofy pseudonyms: Chitimacha. Artemis. A.A. The Natty G. The nameplate on Jarvis C. Stewart's box says this: jarvis c. stewart. Stewart eats here whenever he can, and he's not much interested in keeping that a secret. "A lot of people used to say, 'Jarvis, why you hanging out at the Capital Grille where all those Republicans and white boys hang out?' My dad always told me, 'Go where you can stand out.'"

Stewart the elder could not have predicted just how far that piece of counsel would take his youngest son. At 37, Jarvis Stewart is one of the most visible and connected young lobbyists in the K Street corridor. He runs his own boutique firm, Stewart Partners, which covers Capitol Hill for such huge corporate clients as Verizon, Toyota, FedEx, and Wal-Mart, and he stands out not just because he is black and a Democrat and has a shaved head, but because he prefers to steer clear of what he considers an outmoded method of black Democratic advancement in Washington. If the old rallying cry was "Fight the power," Stewart wants to sit down with the power for a platter of crab legs and a glass of bourbon on the rocks. "I like Maker's Mark," he says. "It's the only thing I drink. Their old lobbyist was a friend of mine, so I got cases of it."

To make your mark as a lobbyist, you've got to be very good at a couple of things: knowing and being known. Understanding the intricacies of legislative combat—that's the tangible expertise for which a corporate client might pay you, say, $25,000 a month. But the intangibles are just as crucial: A lobbyist should have an infinite network of friends and a Tourettic habit of dropping their names. Stewart excels at this. "It's not that I know everything," he says. "It's that a lot of people know Jarvis." Stewart's tight with Congressman Harold Ford Jr. and the consultant Morris Reid. He's married to Stacey Stewart, president of the Fannie Mae Foundation. He used to be business partners with Amy Mehlman, who's married to lobbyist Bruce Mehlman, who's the brother of Ken Mehlman, the chairman of the Republican National Committee. He is part of the group of investors that recently bought the Washington Nationals baseball team. At the Capital Grille Stewart chats with a guy from Toyota, one of his corporate employers, and it turns out that Mr. Toyota is having lunch with Matt Schlapp, the former Bush White House political director, who's now a lobbyist. Around and around it goes.

"Hey, Matt, I didn't know you were slumming," Stewart says. "That guy pays me every month."
"He might not anymore," Schlapp jokes.

If you still happen to read newspapers, you might be under the impression that these are gloomy days for lobbyists and that the icky influence-peddling scandals attached to names like Jack Abramoff and Duke Cunningham would be enough to shame the average fixer into settling for a turkey sandwich and a Snapple at his desk, at least for a week or so. To think that way would be to misjudge both the character of lobbyists (who are immune to the crippling effects of shame) and the economic mojo of the District of Columbia.

Take lobbying reform: One idea floating around is a $20 cap on the gifts, including meals, with which a lobbyist could treat a member of Congress. Stewart thinks that proposal's likely to get stomped out faster than Ralph Nader at a Toby Keith concert. "The Capital Grille would fuckin' cave in," he says. "That won't happen. Twenty bucks? You can't get a blow job for $20. Not that I've ever paid for it."

You can learn a lot from spending a day with Jarvis Stewart in Washington—instant lessons about the dominance of money, the futility of political protest, and the eternal enchantments of fun. Because there's no getting around it—Stewart is a fun guy. He's cocky, blustery, frequently raunchy, and winningly gluttonous. He gives the impression of knowing every waiter and concierge in every major city in America, and a mere mention of the Peninsula hotel in Beverly Hills can transport him into a state of delirium. "At the Peninsula they have monogrammed pillowcases," he says. "j.c.s. It's beautiful! That's what I refer to as a panty-dropper. The first time I saw that, I took it. That's some ghetto shit to do."

Today Stewart, the grandson of a Texas pig farmer and a product of a rough precinct of Houston, is wearing a dark Hugo Boss suit and a pink Hermès tie. At the office in the morning Stewart is joined by his right-hand man, Tyrone Bland. Keeping tabs on a lobbyist's assortment of friends and foes is like watching a vast 3-D game of musical chairs directed by the Wachowski brothers. "You know Bill Thomas is retiring?" Bland says. Thomas presides over the omnipotent House Ways and Means Committee. Now comes a rumor that Roy Ashburn, a staunchly right-wing state senator from California, might run for his seat.

"I know Ashburn," Bland tells Stewart. "He would repulse you. He would make you ill."
"Tyrone, we're lobbyists," Stewart says, unfazed. "Even our friends make us ill."

You know what I like about Republicans?" Stewart says. He's steering his black Mercedes CL 500 through the narrow side streets on Capitol Hill, looking for a parking space. "They like to win. They understand the world of power and influence. And if you're in politics and you aren't interested in power and influence, then you need to get out." Even though he remains a registered Democrat, Stewart seems to reserve his spiciest criticism for Democratic kingpin Howard Dean ("His shit with black people is just fucked up right now," Stewart tells a friend over the phone) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, whose last name Stewart manages to pronounce as if it were a skin disease. In conversation, at least, Stewart's ideology seems to boil down to: There's a big game going on, so why are the Democrats standing on the sidelines?

Stewart can't find a parking spot, but he spies a friend who specializes in raising money for candidates. The fund-raiser is chatting on the sidewalk with a lobbyist from Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company. Stewart rolls down the window. "Gouge him," Stewart tells the fund-raiser. "He's got a ton of money. Take him for everything he's worth."

The joshing pas de deux between lobbyists and lawmakers is such an accepted and pervasive part of Washington life that it makes even the slightest squeak of populist outrage seem laughably naive. The lobbyists are everywhere; there are said to be about 12,000 of them. A guy like Jarvis Stewart, whose stated goal is to stand out, needs to be creative, which is why Stewart Partners just opened a West Coast office in Century City. Stewart's plan is to become the inside-the-Beltway liaison for celebrities—actors, record producers, rappers—who want to get their voices heard in the Capitol. He's seen plenty of these stars swagger into Washington to make one point or another, and naturally nothing ever comes of it, other than a couple of snapshots that some senator's kid can show off at St. Albans the next day. As Bono has figured out, getting anyone to listen to a pop star takes intensive work over the course of years.

Ron Gillyard, a record executive who's held top posts at Interscope, J Records, and Bad Boy, says that a lot of show-business folks have influence and money to burn but no practical sense of how to apply them. "The same thing Jarvis does for Verizon he can do for Jay-Z," Gillyard says. "Jarvis can teach them how to play on the political stage."

Kanye West is said to have an interest in keeping kids from dropping out of high school, but the way Stewart sees it, the rapper's not likely to make any real progress with the "George Bush doesn't care about black people" approach. Stewart imagines bringing Kanye West to Washington and sitting him down with a conservative senator. "How about Trent Lott?" he says. "Wouldn't that be fantastic? I'd be a fuckin' rock star. I'd have everybody licking my ass if I got Kanye West to meet with Trent Lott. We could call Trent Lott 'T.L. Smooth.'"

Stewart likes passing along these quickie tutorials in diplomacy. He remembers one night when he and Tyrone Bland met a congressman for dinner in Beverly Hills and the maître d' told Bland that they would need to wait 45 minutes for a table: "I said, 'Tyrone, one of the reasons I am such a big swinging dick in Washington is that I get what I want. Here's a hundred-dollar bill. I want to be seated within seconds of your giving him that hundred-dollar bill.' You've got to have that kind of swagger."

Apparently the swagger method worked that evening in Beverly Hills, and it worked tonight, too: Somehow Stewart has landed a prime booth at a packed and rocking F Street restaurant called the Oceanaire, even though he didn't have a reservation. He's got a glass of Maker's Mark in his hand and a towering platter of seafood on the table—clams casino, oysters, shrimp, calamari, crab cakes of almost unimaginable creaminess—and he's got majordomo corporate lobbyists like Rick Rodgers and Cliff Madison dropping by the table for a little backslappy fun. "Cliff is one of these guys who understands the policy on a whole different level," Stewart says admiringly. "When the policy is being written, that's when you want to be in play." As an example of the Great Achievements in Lobbying that Stewart holds in the highest esteem, he mentions the surge in defense spending after 9/11: "The guys who made $600 million were the guys who were in the room when the deal was being cut."

Midway through the meal Matt Schlapp reappears. He gestures toward Stewart and says, "This is a good guy. He'll get you into the finest restaurants in town." Then Schlapp hands Stewart his business card and says, "We should talk."

"There you go," Stewart says, giving the card a satisfied glance. "It's in play."

Black GQ Music: Nike Boots - Wale

D.C. Stand up!

Black GQ Lifestyle: 10 Great Wines under $20

This is dedicated to my favorite wine connoisseur and inspiration. It's also a tip to my ballers on a budget who have to bring a bottle to a holiday party.

Courtesy of Fine Living:

1. NV Barefoot Bubbly California Chardonnay, $11

We wait all winter to hit the beach and go barefoot. This baby-blue-labeled bottle of bubbles is the perfect pick to kick off the season. It’s light and lovely, more like the body of a Prosecco than a traditional California sparkler. One sip and your mouth will be bursting with the flavor and aroma of crisp green apple. It says Chardonnay right on the label, a trend you’ll see more and more, keeping with the footloose and fancy-free spirit of summer. Share this yummy sip with friends at a picnic in the park.

2. Bennett Family Chardonnay, 2006, $18

If you think Chardonnay is not your grape, you must give this wine a whirl. Forget oaky, butter bombs and think of sultry, luscious fruit with a clean finish. This is a perfect example of how a little bit of oak makes Chard shine. Imagine a taste of summer’s first peach pie right in the bottle and that’s what the Bennett Family is pouring with this pick.

3. 7 Daughters White, $14

While I usually reach for Sauvignon Blanc at the first ray of summer’s sunshine, this season I’m seeking distinctive whites with a little sass to suit my adventurous palate. This is a fabulous blend of seven grapes overflowing with honeysuckle and juicy tangerine. It’s got a super, sexy body with a flirty touch of sweetness. Choose this white for cocktail hour or sip with a warm, tangy goat cheese salad for a lovely summer lunch.

4. Sokol Blosser Evolution, $14

This is no blasé white. From the label's first impression to the wine's finish this work of art is more Warhol than Renoir. The label states it’s an American white wine, so you’re right on if you assume it’s off dry. The tropical fruit flavors are anything but syrupy sweet. This white is interesting alone, but it dazzles at the table. Its eclectic offerings work with everything from simple salads to spicy fish tacos.

5. Salneval Albariño, 2006, $9

There is no better time than now to make friends with Albariño, a little white grape that thrives in Spain and Portugal. This wine is from the Rias Baixas region of Spain. Served nice and chilly, it's simply ideal on hot summer days. It’s young and should be enjoyed right now. If you’re looking for an easygoing white with equal fresh fruit and minerality, with a nice pop of acidity to boot, this wine’s for you.

6. Fazi-Battaglia Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, 2006, $9

Make a statement at your next summer soirée with this elegantly elongated olive-green bottle. This white Italian wine is light-bodied and uncomplicated with fresh citrus notes and lively acid. It pairs pleasantly with simple canapés or a crisp salad with creamy dressing. The sharpness of its clean citrus elements also makes a great match for an elegant cheese platter or delicate Parmesan tuiles.

7. E. Guigal, Tavel, 2005, $14

Warm weather means you should have rosé chilled and ready at all times. This one is particularly gorgeous in shades of orangey ballerina pink, and one swirl envelops you in its delicate, floral perfume. This full-bodied rosé will fill your mouth with strawberry flavors and finish with a little dab of spice. It’s got balanced acidity, and it is an affordable example of the phenomenal flavors pouring from Tavel.

8. Acacia Pinot Noir, 2005, $19

If you’re not quite ready to abandon your reds for cool whites this season, a glass of this Pinot is certainly suitable. A glass of Acacia is jammed with black cherry and plums. It’s not too heavy, so this red still works with the likes of simply prepared fish, like tuna and salmon, as well as veggies from the grill.

9. Renwood Sierra Foothills Zinfandel, 2005, $12

This Zin is much lighter than some of the uber-high alcohol, jammy Zinfandels. It still has flair with juicy, red berries and some spice to boot but just not as heavy-handed with the tannins. This wine wants barbecue. It’s a perfect pair with sauce-slathered ribs and brisket for those of you who like to raise the heat a notch.

10. Big Red Monster, $10

The label portrays images of an old-school fright fest, complete with alienlike beast and damsel in distress, making one wonder if they actually want to drink this California red. This wine doesn’t take itself too seriously and lets us mere mortals get in the ring with the beast for a mere pittance. It’s red, it’s fun and it can take a big, fatty steak right off the grill to another dimension. Do as they recommend and let the beast breathe before indulging.



I'm mad they don't have my favorite screwtop on the list. Relax Riesling, $10.50 (lol)

Black GQ Lifestyle: Urban Eclipse Ski Weekend

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Black GQ Lifestyle: SomeEcards

Hilarious. I'm late but I will start sending these out to people I know.

SomeEcards