Inaugural entertainment
Festivities continue through Sunday
As President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the Oval Office concludes with the inauguration on Friday, so does the committee’s bumpy and public search for talent to entertain at the weekend’s events.
Here’s everything you need to know about who will be performing at the weekend’s events.
Which inaugural events include performances?
Official inaugural festivities will take place through Sunday in Washington, but not all will include entertainment. According to the inauguration website, these are all the official events for the weekend: Friday
Inaugural swearing-in ceremony Inaugural parade Inaugural balls Saturday
National Prayer Service Performances are scheduled for the swearing-in ceremony and the official inaugural balls.
Who is performing at the swearing-in?
Jackie Evancho, a 16-yearold classical/pop singer, will sing the national anthem at the ceremony. Evancho came in second on “America’s Got Talent” in 2010 and has also sung for President Barack Obama. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Missouri State University Chorale and the United States Marine Band will also perform.
The swearing-in ceremony has occasionally featured the reading of a poem, but no poem is listed on the official program. Several religious leaders will be “offering readings,” according to the official site. What about the balls? While there are many official and unofficial balls and parties during the weekend, Trump will only attend the “Liberty and Freedom: The Official Presidential Inaugural Balls” and the “Salute to Our Armed Services Ball.”
Tim Rushlow confirmed to USA TODAY that he and his Big Band will perform for Trump and wife Melania’s first dance at the Liberty and Freedom balls. An eclectic collection of performers including singer Sam Moore, Silhouettes, The Rockettes, Pelican 212, The Piano Guys, Circus 1903, Cache Olson, Lexi Walker and Erin Boheme are all set to appear at the Liberty and Freedom balls, according to the Inaugural Committee.
The committee also announced that Tony Orlando and Josh Weathers will perform at the Armed Services ball.
Are there entertainers at the unofficial balls?
Yes. The list of balls and unofficial events over the weekend is extensive, and a few big-name celebrities have confirmed their performances. Solange and Esperanza Spalding will perform at the Peace Ball, organized by D.C. restaurateur Andy Shallaland and hosted at the National Museum for African American History and Culture. Blues Traveler will perform at the Creative Coalition for the Arts Inaugural Ball.