Music

11 Protest Parties You Can’t Miss This Inauguration Weekend, in D.C. and Beyond


While President-elect Donald Trump has trouble finding musicians and politicians who actually want to attend his Inauguration Ceremony, the Women’s March on Washington, scheduled to greet him Saturday, Janurary. 21 on the National Mall, expects more than 200,000 women and allies in the capital. Around the rest of the country, in states like New York, California, and Oregon, others will be taking to the streets to march in solidarity.

It’s been nearly 100 years since the Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced to Congress in 1923, and women still have no national legal claim to equal wages or paid maternity leave. The ERA almost passed in 1977, but fell short of its required 38 ratifications by just three states. Trump has done little to nothing to quell fears that he is ignorant to and uncaring toward the plight of American women, and the Women’s March on Washington formed in the wake of his election as a means to ensure the President-elect knows women won’t take his insults lying down. We strongly encourage everyone to read the March’s official mission statement, which outlines its goals and vision to encompass much more than just women’s liberation. It stands firmly with the struggles of the LGBTQ community as well as the ongoing fight for minorities of all genders and sexualities, a fight mirrored in the dance music world, which grew out of underrepresented communities and continues to stand for all people with positivity in their hearts.

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Like club-room floors across the world, all kinds are welcome to participate in the march, and when it’s is over, everyone will have to go somewhere. D.C.’s party promoters and event planners are on hand to answer the call with dance events, live music concerts, and a captivating spread of queer-friendly fanfare. There are even a couple events listed for those participating in sister marches in Portland and San Francisco. From vogue balls, to fund-raising live shows, and all-night underground warehouse bashes, below is our list of protest parties you can’t miss.

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1. Love Trumps Hate Rainbow Bash

When: Thursday, Jan. 19, 9 p.m.

Where: Town Danceboutique, 2009 8 St. NW, Washington, D.C.

Music by: DJ Keenan Orr and DJ Tim Jackson

What to expect: All $10 tickets, available at washingtonblade.com, and raffle proceeds benefit Anacostia Watershed Society, La Clinica Del Pueblo, and The Washington Blade Foundation.

2. G.A.G. Ball DC

When: Friday, Jan. 20, 11 p.m.

Where: Cobalt / 30degrees, 1639 R St. NW, Washington, D.C.

Music by: Uri Dalal aka SAMURI (NYC DJ Alliance)

What to expect: Gays Against Guns serves “anti-ball realness” on Inauguration Night. MC Kevin Aviance from House of Aviance will host. Cocktail special, entertainment, interactive art, and more will help celebrate the LGBTQ community while taking a stand against gun violence. Tickets $10 via residentadvisor.

3. Sequence.121_ Discwoman

When: Saturday, Jan 21., 11 p.m.

Where: Warehouse location TBA, Washington, D.C.

Music by: Volvox, Umfang, Juadina, Claire, Jett Chandon

What to expect: Discwoman celebrates unity with a March afterparty, with proceeds benefitting the Casa Ruby LGBT Community Center. The event is for partiers 21 and older with valid ID. Tickets are about $25 via Resident Advisor. RSVP for location information.

4. House Music on H Street

When: Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 p.m.

Where: Lore Lounge, 816 H Street NE, Washington, D.C.

Music by: DJ Baby, Rita Burns, Chosen, Arthur J

What to expect: “If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission,” reads the promotional flyer. This women-led afterparty wants to kick off the new year with a bang. Cover is free. Check out Resident Advisor for more information.

What to expect: San Fran’s progressive community unites for a cause after wrapping its official sister march. Two rooms of all-female DJs and producers will blast attendees with house and bass. Tickets are $10 to $30 via residentadvisor, and all proceeds benefit Bay Area Planned Parenthood Health Centers and the Women’s Community Clinic.

5. Brooklyn Mamas Women’s March After-Party

When: Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 p.m.

Where: Eighteenth Street Lounge, 1212 18 St NW, Washington, D.C.

Music by: Performers TBA

What to expect: Let your freedom flag fly on the dance floor to the sounds of old school hip-hop, R&B, live jazz, and more. Tickets cost $30 via eventbrite.com and reserve all guests VIP seating and two signature “Nasty Woman” cocktails. Must arrive between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. to avoid additional entrance fees. All profits benefit Planned Parenthood.

6. Women’s March After-Party

When: Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 p.m.

Where: Lost & Found, 1240 9 St NW, Washington, D.C.

Music by: Live performances from Rachel Levitin and Maryjo Mattea

What to expect: Chicago indie rocker Rachel Levitin will inspire you to “Get Back Up” in the face of adversity, alongside local rock and power-pop singer-songwriter Maryjo Matteo. Head over to Facebook for more details.

7. WE for SHE

When: Saturday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m.

Where: Songbyrd Music House and Record Cafre, 2477 18 St. NW, Washington, D.C.

Music by: Performers TBA

What to expect: This show is all about raising money for Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and the ALU. Plus, you get the chance to win raffle prizes. It’s fun for the whole family, but turns 21-and-up after 10 p.m. Tickets are a minimum donation of $20 via eventbrite.com.

8. All Women Silent Disco Dance Party

When: Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 p.m.

Where: The Embassy Row Hotel, 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Music by: DJs TBA – but they’ll be women.

9. Unity Ball 2017

When: Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 p.m.

Where: District Architecture Center, 421 7 St NW, Washington, D.C.

Music by: DJ Edward Daniels, and DJ Alexis Moran

What to expect: A multi-level, “multimedia-infused” event with DJs, live entertainment, photo booth, light bites, and two-hour open bar. It’s all focused around getting you over that sad Trump election hangover. LGBTQ friendly but welcome to all genders, sexualities, and ages. Tickets cost $45 to $105 at unityballdc.com.

10. NXT LVL – A dance party for women’s rights (Portland)

When: Saturday, Jan. 21, 9 p.m.

Where: Jade Club, 315 SW 3 Ave., Portland

Music by: Jen O, DJ Anjali, Casual Aztec, Kumari Suraj, The Jingle Kills

What to expect: Portland’s progressives celebrate a march well done and local victories with live performances and music spanning everything from reggae to italodisco, no wave, hip-hop, and Bollywood hits. You must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets cost $5 to $20 on a sliding scale, cash-only, at the door. Visit Facebook for more details.

What to expect: Three female DJs boom over three different channels, so you can choose your own dance adventure. Online registration ensures you’ll have a pair of headphones upon arrival. Event is for dancers 21 and older. Tickets cost $15 to $20 via eventbrite.com.

11. Let’s Do This! A Women’s March After-Party and Benefit (San Francisco)

When: Saturday, Jan. 21, 9 p.m.

Where: The Great Northern, 119 Utah St., San Francisco

Music by: Rache Torro, Elz, Kimba, Laura Lisbona, Haute Mess, Christina Leorosa, Charlotte the Baroness

Kat Bein is on Twitter