Inaugural Opening Concert at the Lincoln Memorial
Tuesday January 13, 2009
The 2009 Inaugural celebration begins with a star-studded concert at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, January 18 at 2:30 p.m. The event will be free and open to the public, kicking off the most open and accessible Inauguration in history. It will be presented exclusively by HBO 7:00-9:00 p.m. ET on an open signal so that Americans across the country with access to cable, telcos or satellite television will be able to join in the Opening Celebration for free.
The event will include an incredible lineup of celebrities. Musical performers scheduled for the event include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder. Among those reading historical passages will be Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington. The Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson will give the invocation. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed.
Public gates open at 8:00 a.m. EST at the following locations:
-Public Entry A: Constitution Avenue at 19th Street
-Public Entry B: Constitution Avenue at Virginia Avenue
-Public Entry C: 17th Street at North Elm Walk
-Public Entry D: 17th Street at South Elm Walk
-Public Entry E: Independence Avenue at the DC War Memorial
Security
Restricted items for the Lincoln Memorial grounds for the Inaugural Opening Ceremonies include firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons of any kind, aerosols, supports for signs, packages, coolers, thermal or glass containers, backpacks, bags and signs exceeding the size restrictions of 6"X4"X8", laser pointers, animals other than helper/guide dogs, structures, bicycles, and any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard.
