Obama Inauguration Brings out Big Names in Music
Performances Include Bono, Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, and More
The industry's top music performers - from Beyonce to Sheryl Crow, Bruce Springteen to Mary J. Blige - are coming out in record numbers to perform live concerts in celebration of the inauguration of the 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama. It's going to be a big week - both for televised concert events, as well as several live offerings (tickets are still available for some events; see below) - as the nation, and the world, celebrates this historic event.
Monday, January 19th: Rock the Vote with Sheryl Crow, Celebrate Live Earth with Melissa Etheridge, and Kids Event with Miley Cyrus
The fun really kicks up a notch on Monday, when Rock the Vote begins their scheduled events at 2:00pm in the Gibson Showroom with performances by Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, and other special guests. Then, at 8:00pm, the party moves to the 9:30 Club to enjoy performances by the Beastie Boys, Citizen Cope, and others. Both invitation-only event have been organized to show support for the young voters who participated in record numbers in this election.
On that same night, Live Earth celebrates with their Green Inaugural Ball, featuring performances by Will.i.am, Melissa Etheridge, Maroon 5, and John Legend. The sold out event begins at 7:00pm at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture; for more information, call (202) 862-4372.
Young politicians in the making will love the Kids’ Inaugural: We Are the Future event, headlined by none other than Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. Beginning at 7:00pm, this event will also be broadcast on the Disney Channel (check your local listings).
Also at 7:00pm, CNN will be airing “A Celebration of America: Let Freedom Swing!” Hosted by Anderson Cooper and Soledad O’Brien, this special jazz event, to be held at the Kennedy Center, Eisenhower Theater, will feature performances by music legends Wynton Marsalis and Bela Fleck.
For the Big Day - Tuesday, January 20th - Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Faith Hill Headline ABC's Inaugural Ball
On the big day, music performers – as well as U.S. citizens – will be out in record numbers to show their support for President-elect Obama. For the Swearing-In Ceremony, which occurs at 11:30am, Aretha Franklin is slated to sing immediately before Obama takes his oath. Later, John Willams, Yo-Yo Ma, Gabriela Montero, and others are scheduled to perform.
Beginning at 7:00pm on ABC (check local listings), viewers at home can watch the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, which is being aired live from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Performances will include sets from Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Shakira, and Alicia Keys.
For those looking to celebrate in person, at 7:00pm, the Human Rights Campaign hosts the Equality Ball at the Mayflower Hotel, featuring performances by Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper, and Dave Koz. Tickets are $375 each; call (800) 494-8497.
Also, the American Music Legends Inaugural Ball begins at 8:00pm at the Wardman Park Marriott. Hosted by Dionne Warwick, the event features two parties: The Legend Ball, featuring performances by George Clinton and The Temptations; and the Urban Ball, with sets by T-Pain, Monica, the Cheetah Girls, and more. Will call tickets – which run from $350 to $675 – are available until the close of the party.
Visit www.pic2009.org for more information on these and other inaugural music happenings.
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