The first inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States, which was held on January 20, 2009, had several unofficial events tied to ceremonies. Unofficial pre-events In addition to the official events, an array of notable gatherings and celebrations were held throughout Washington, D.C. and the surrounding region in the days leading up to the inauguration, including: African-American Church Inaugural Ball, held on January 18, 2009 at the Grand Hyatt Washington. Aloha Inaugural Ball, held on January 18, 2009 by former Obama campaign workers at the Wardman Park Marriott Hotel. Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball, held on January 19, 2009 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, was sponsored by the Texas State Society. The Dreams of My Father American Scholars Inaugural Ball, held on January 18, 2009 at the Four Seasons, featured Alicia Keys, Macy Gray and LL Cool J as performers. The Green Inaugural Ball, held on January 19, 2009, was hosted by former Vice President Al Gore at the National Portrait Gallery. EMILY's List Inaugural Luncheon, held on January 18, 2009, with appearances by Cabinet appointees Hillary Clinton and Janet Napolitano, Senators Kay Hagan of North Carolina and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Governor Bev Perdue of North Carolina. Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball, held on January 19, 2009 at the Harman Center for the Arts, was hosted by the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, Russell Simmons and LL Cool J, among others. Huffington Post Preinaugural Ball, held on January 19, 2009 at the Newseum, was hosted by Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post. Performances at the event featured Sting and will.i.am, with appearances by Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Denzel Washington, Shakira, Jon Bon Jovi, Halle Berry and Ashton Kutcher. First Masonic Inauguration Ball, held on January 6, 2009 was hosted by the lodges of Freemasonry in Washington DC. The People's Inaugural Ball, also held on January 19, 2009, was hosted by Earl W. Stafford, a businessman from Fairfax County, Virginia. Stafford envisioned and created the ball as a celebration for economically and physically disadvantaged people from across the United States who would be otherwise unable to afford to attend the inaugural festivities. Stafford, through his family's Stafford Foundation, spent an estimated $1.6 million to bring to his guests to Washington, D.C., footing hotel expenses and throwing the actual ball. About 450 people were invited as guests for the gala, including 300