Beyonce goes to Washington — on the train

Courtney Hazlett The Scoop

WASHINGTON - Beyonce, like many of us, chose to take the Amtrak from New York to Washington to attend the Inauguration celebrations. The singer wasn't taking interviews on the train Friday, unfortunately, but her presence was an apropos kick-off to the most star-studded weekend D.C. has ever seen.

Beyonce, aka Sasha Fierce, will sing “At Last” for the Obama's first dance at the Neighborhood ball on Inauguration night. Mariah Carey will also perform at that ball. The Jonas Brothers are here (and at my hotel, no less) as is Gabrielle Union, who is singing at the BET Honors Concert Saturday night.

Also spotted Friday: former Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn. Stopped by his Capitol Hill burger restaurant, Good Stuff Eatery, which is playing host to Tuesday night's Burger Ball, natch. If you can't make it there Tuesday night, he assured me his Obamaburger will remain on the menu post-inauguration.

Friday-night party circuit
It was a low-key evening as everyone seems to be pacing for a long week. There were a few events to be had, though.

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BET CEO Debra Lee held a cocktail event at her house. Grey Goose pitched in for the drinks, and Magic Johnson, Gabrielle Union, Samuel L. Jackson, Monica and Star Jones were all there. After the BET party, Star headed over to the ever-fabulous Café Milano in Georgetown. Good timing on Star's part: Bo Derek, the other big Hollywood type at the event, got there about an hour before, leaving Star to work the red carpet largely on her own.

Saturday is a night of party hopping. One of the great things about getting here early is having the chance to swing by some of the very unofficial events that attract an eclectic collection of politicos and Hollywood-types alike. Check in for updates!

Courtney Hazlett will deliver the Scoop throughout Inauguration weekend.

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