NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE – JANUARY 19: One day before being inaugurated as the 46th president of the … [+] United States, President-elect Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Major Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center January 19, 2021 in New Castle, Delaware. The reserve center is named for Beau Biden, Joe Bidens oldest child and who served as attorney general of Delaware and a major in the states National Guard before dying of brain cancer at the age of 46 in 2015. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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In some ways, the upcoming inauguration will be the least exciting, while in other fashions, it may be the tensest in recent memory. Joe Biden will be sworn in as the forty-sixth Commander-in-Chief tomorrow afternoon, and while millions of Americans disagree that he was rightfully elected, the facts are indisputable and his rise to the highest office in the land has been certified, so its time for what will very hopefully be another peaceful transfer of power.
Music has always played a big role during modern inaugurations, but this years lineup isnt what it might normally be, as coronavirus is limiting what parties, balls, and concerts can take place. Much of the entertainment has moved online, so there are still plenty of well-known musical figures who are signing on to perform and celebrate democracy.
Here is a rundown of the musicians performing at any point during Bidens inauguration day.
During The Inauguration
Many musicians dream of singing the National Anthem one day at either the Super Bowl or a presidential inauguration, and quite a few names surely vie for that honor. This time around, Lady Gaga has been selected to perform the sacred song, which isnt shocking, given how hard the pop star campaigned for the President-elect.
Also, during the actual inauguration, both Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks are slated to perform, though what the chart-toppers plan on singing or playing hasnt yet been made public.
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Typically, after the swearing-in, the new President and First Lady ceremoniously walk to their new home at the White House, waving to the thousands who line the streets of Washington, D.C. Sadly, the coronavirus makes such a public event impossible (to those following the advice of medical professionals), so its all going to be digital this time around.
During the Parade Across America, a wide array of musicians and groups are slated to lend their talents to celebrate the countrys new leader, with acts like Andra Day, DJ Cassidys Pass the Mic, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kathy Sledge (known primarily for her work with the band Sister Sledge), Nile Rodgers, and, notably, The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles will all sing and play joyously. Also, 90s alternative band the New Radicals are reuniting for the first time in more than two decades to delight those tuning in with their biggest hit, “You Get What You Give.”
Celebrating America
Just as there cant be a proper parade, there also wont be any celebratory inaugural balls, which are typically the focus of the evening. Instead, a televised special titled Celebrating America will air on all three of the major networks.
During the hour-and-a-half-long event, viewers will be treated to performances by the likes of Ant Clemons, Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Jon Bon Jovi and Justin Timberlake.
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Several days ago, the Biden team hosted what it called the We The People Concert, a special event the campaign described as a celebration of the inauguration in honor of the countless grassroots supporters who have pitched in to restore the soul of our nation and usher in the Biden-Harris Administration. The party, which was, of course, online, saw big-name musicians like AJR, Michael Bivins, DJ Cassidy, Cher, Fall Out Boy, Ben Harper, Carole King, James Taylor and will.i.am lend their voices and star power to the incoming leader.
On Monday, January 18, the Biden-Harris campaign also remembered the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an event called United We Serve A Celebration of the National MLK Day of Service. During that showing, musicians Aloe Blacc, Chesca, Andra Day, Yo-Yo Ma, Diane Warren, Lynn Whitfield, Bebe Winans and others turned up to pay their respects and keep his memory alive.
Less than one full day before the inauguration, the campaign will also host the AAPI Inaugural Ball: Breaking Barriers event, which celebrates the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and the multitude of contributions they make to our nation. Musicians who identify as part of that community, such as Japanese Breakfast, Ari Afsar, Raja Kumari are slated to perform.
Just one hour later, on the evening of January 19, the team will appear at the We Are One celebration, which will focus specifically on all within the Black Community and African Diaspora. Musicians Tobe Nwigwe, DJ D-Nice, The OJays, Rapsody, Step Afrika, the String Queens, as well as several marching bands, are all going to sing and play and dance.
Keeping the night of honoring and highlighting different diverse groups going, the Latino Inaugural 2021: Inheritance, Resilience, and Promise comes next, with stars like Gilberto Santa Rosa, Gaby Moreno featuring David Garza, and All-Star Tejanos United Stefani Montiel, Jose Posada, Shelly Lares, DJ Kane, and Mariachi Nuevo Santander from Roma High School in Roma, Texas all performing, as well as the Wailers, featuring Skip Marley, Farruko, Shaggy and Cedella Marley performing One World, One Prayer, produced by Emilio Estefan.
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Here Are All The Musicians Performing At Joe Biden’s Inauguration
