Dionne Warwick bringing Ludacris, Cedric the Entertainer and others to D.C. for two inaugural ball

Dionne Warwick knows the way to San Jose and she knows the way to bring some of the biggest names in hip-hop, R&B and funk to D.C. for Obama's inauguration. The Dionne Warwick & Friends Foundation is hosting two inaugural balls on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, right off the Woodley Park subway stop. Her duo of events falls under the umbrella of the American Music Inaugural Events.

The Urban Ball, which costs $350 a pop, will feature Ludacris, Monica, Bobby Valentino, Fantasia, Big Boi from Outkast, Cedric the Entertainer, and others. Information regarding this ball has just been released, so it is safe to assume that many more of the 106 and Park set, or the Kings of Comedy may be in attendance. Rumors are swirling that Oprah Winfrey will host her own ball, so she may steal celebs not only from this ball, but many others as well.

If listening to Luda rap about throwing some 'bow and maybe even "pros" in different areas codes is not your thing, then there is a ball for those with more mature musical tastes. The Ball of Legends, with a $450 price tag, boasts a lineup, among others, of Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan, George Clinton, Yolanda Adams, and Kirk Franklin (a personal favorite). Also in attendance will be Jason Taylor of the Washington Redskins and former NBA star Jalen Rose.

Chances are I won't be at either ball but they sure seem like a good time. I just wish the entertainers weren't split into two groups. A lineup with Ludacris and Kirk Franklin is certainly an interesting idea. Of course, if Parliament Funkadelic joined Clinton on stage, all bets would be off.

Those interested in buying tickets to either ball, while they last, should click here.

Special Report: Inauguration Day 2009

• The Obama Administration at a glance
• Examiner.com Inauguration Roundup
• Examiner Coverage: Inauguration Day 2009
• Elections 2008 Examiner Coverage